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Before Tartan Army march, Miami Beach police trained in Scotland

Officers learned Scottish traditions and de-escalation tactics before the World Cup.

Public Safety

A festive crowd gathered on South Beach last month, holding beers and playing music. Some even <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climbed onto" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/OfficialJoelF/status/2069496421825351827/video/1" data-vars-content-id="c1a4bd7a-f3c6-40de-9846-a14c73574232" data-vars-headline="Before Tartan Army march, Miami Beach police trained in Scotland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/OfficialJoelF/status/2069496421825351827/video/1" target="_blank">climbed onto</a> a fire rescue ATV.The big picture: This wasn&#x27;t spring break; it was a World Cup parade led by Scottish football fans known as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Tartan Army" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/25/scotland-world-cup-tartan-army-miami" data-vars-content-id="c1a4bd7a-f3c6-40de-9846-a14c73574232" data-vars-headline="Before Tartan Army march, Miami Beach police trained in Scotland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/25/scotland-world-cup-tartan-army-miami" target="_self">the Tartan Army</a>.<ul><li>While Miami Beach has historically <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="imposed strict rules" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article228090319.html" data-vars-content-id="c1a4bd7a-f3c6-40de-9846-a14c73574232" data-vars-headline="Before Tartan Army march, Miami Beach police trained in Scotland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article228090319.html" target="_blank">imposed strict rules</a> on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spring break party crowds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/04/miami-beach-spring-break-restrictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="c1a4bd7a-f3c6-40de-9846-a14c73574232" data-vars-headline="Before Tartan Army march, Miami Beach police trained in Scotland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/04/miami-beach-spring-break-restrictions-2026" target="_self">spring break party crowds</a> — due to years of fatal shootings and rowdy behavior — city leaders marched alongside the Scottish supporters.</li></ul>

Why Miami is the perfect final act for LeBron James

Miami is where James won his first NBA championship.

Sports

Sixteen years after &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Decision" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afpgnb_9bA4" data-vars-content-id="857dbdb6-ead6-429b-9f2b-a20a8263f1bb" data-vars-headline="Why Miami is the perfect final act for LeBron James" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afpgnb_9bA4" target="_blank">The Decision</a>&quot; brought <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LeBron James" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/30/lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers" data-vars-content-id="857dbdb6-ead6-429b-9f2b-a20a8263f1bb" data-vars-headline="Why Miami is the perfect final act for LeBron James" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/30/lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers" target="_self">LeBron James</a> to Miami, the world is again waiting to learn where he&#x27;ll take his talents next.State of play: The 41-year-old NBA legend has been linked to a handful of teams as possible destinations, including Golden State, Minnesota, Philadelphia and Miami.

Things to do: World Cup, Super Con and more

Things to Do

We&#x27;re back with another roundup of weekend events! Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s going on around town. <ul><li>Reminder: The World Cup is ongoing, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="watch parties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/04/your-guide-to-world-cup-watch-parties-drink-specials-in-miami" data-vars-content-id="58ae6111-d5fd-4de4-8c32-892d905cb851" data-vars-headline="Things to do: World Cup, Super Con and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/04/your-guide-to-world-cup-watch-parties-drink-specials-in-miami" target="_self">watch parties</a> around town. </li></ul>

Norway fans will row through South Beach ahead of England match

This is your chance to join the Norwegian Viking row.

News

Norway fans will bring their famous <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Viking row" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncu50EBP-6I" data-vars-content-id="5514e7e4-3a43-4011-ab06-88919944e360" data-vars-headline="Norway fans will row through South Beach ahead of England match" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncu50EBP-6I" target="_blank">Viking row</a> to Miami ahead of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/07/09/world-cup-miami-gardens-parking-residents" data-vars-content-id="5514e7e4-3a43-4011-ab06-88919944e360" data-vars-headline="Norway fans will row through South Beach ahead of England match" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/07/09/world-cup-miami-gardens-parking-residents" target="_self">World Cup</a> clash with England this weekend.Why it matters: From the Scots to the Argentinians, some of the world&#x27;s best soccer fans have taken over South Florida following their teams.<ul><li>Norway and England are next.</li></ul>

World Cup side hustle: Miami Gardens residents park cars for extra cash

Locals are capitalizing on the World Cup to make some extra income.

Business

Living next door to Hard Rock Stadium during the World Cup has its disadvantages, like bumper-to-bumper traffic, road closures and noisy crowds.<ul><li>But for Miami Gardens residents like Nick Rice, it also presents a business opportunity.</li></ul>Why it matters: It&#x27;s a Miami tradition for locals to sell parking at their houses for sporting events like Marlins games in Little Havana and Dolphins games at Hard Rock.

World Cup's economic boost varies among Miami businesses

Some local business owners say they've yet to see sales skyrocket.

Nearly two weeks into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/16/miami-first-world-cup-match" data-vars-content-id="bb0a9ebd-1d43-4f62-9c42-2cf60c1d76f6" data-vars-headline="World Cup&#x27;s economic boost varies among Miami businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/16/miami-first-world-cup-match" target="_self">World Cup</a>, some local business owners say they&#x27;ve yet to see sales skyrocket despite a massive influx of visiting fans.Why it matters: South Florida governments <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shelled out about $53 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/31/world-cup-economic-impact-miami" data-vars-content-id="bb0a9ebd-1d43-4f62-9c42-2cf60c1d76f6" data-vars-headline="World Cup&#x27;s economic boost varies among Miami businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/31/world-cup-economic-impact-miami" target="_self">shelled out about $53 million</a> to land and organize Miami&#x27;s World Cup matches, expecting the local economy would see a major return on that investment via tourism and job creation.

From Flanigan's to Zey Zey, Miami brands sell unique World Cup merch

Get your hands on a piece of Miami subculture.

Beloved Miami brands are getting in the World Cup spirit with 305-themed soccer merchandise.Why it matters: South Florida businesses are smartly capitalizing on Miami&#x27;s role as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a World Cup host city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/16/miami-first-world-cup-match" data-vars-content-id="2fdd9cdf-4674-42f1-aa10-e20988697776" data-vars-headline="From Flanigan&#x27;s to Zey Zey, Miami brands sell unique World Cup merch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/16/miami-first-world-cup-match" target="_self">a World Cup host city</a> by tempting locals with limited-edition shirts.

How Florida cities are using AI to streamline building permits

Cities from Miami to Jacksonville are using AI to speed up the building permit process.

Development

As Florida keeps growing, companies like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Swiftbuild.ai" data-vars-click-url="http://swiftbuild.ai/" data-vars-content-id="0d8d51b1-4470-45af-9eab-90fad494aa56" data-vars-headline="How Florida cities are using AI to streamline building permits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://swiftbuild.ai/" target="_blank">Swiftbuild.ai</a> say their AI software can help local governments handle the influx of construction permits.

Miami World Cup matches fuel surge in short-term rental demand

Miami World Cup rental demand is spiking ahead of kickoff

Short-term rental demand in Miami for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" data-vars-content-id="b7715e29-c34a-45fe-a0ee-f983c99a7602" data-vars-headline="Miami World Cup matches fuel surge in short-term rental demand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" target="_self">World Cup</a> is booming.Why it matters: Miami is about a month away from the start of the tournament and the potential <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic impact" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/15/miami-world-cup-taxpayer-costs-public-funding" data-vars-content-id="b7715e29-c34a-45fe-a0ee-f983c99a7602" data-vars-headline="Miami World Cup matches fuel surge in short-term rental demand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/15/miami-world-cup-taxpayer-costs-public-funding" target="_self">economic impact</a> is slowly coming into view.

Zumba started in Miami 25 years ago. How it became a global dance workout movement

Before Zumba became a global dance fitness sensation, it was gaining steam in 2001 as a &quot;rhumba-cise&quot; class in Aventura that the women in Alberto Perlman&#x27;s family could not stop talking about.<ul><li>Perlman — who eventually became Zumba&#x27;s CEO — knew that instructor Alberto &quot;Beto&quot; Perez&#x27;s Latin-inspired aerobics class could go global.</li><li>&quot;When I met him, there were lines out the door, it was almost like he was giving away iPhones or something. It was insanity,&quot; Perlman tells Axios.</li></ul>

City, business leaders agree: Spring break went smoothly on South Beach

This was the third straight spring break without a major incident.

Politics

This spring break, Miami Beach saw fewer arrests, emergency medical calls and noise complaints than in 2025, according to city officials.Why it matters: Apart from being welcome news to city leaders and residents, business owners who in the past criticized the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spring break tactics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/04/miami-beach-spring-break-restrictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="4521d9eb-328a-4f29-a6a4-620ec0609b7f" data-vars-headline="City, business leaders agree: Spring break went smoothly on South Beach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/04/miami-beach-spring-break-restrictions-2026" target="_self">spring break tactics</a> are celebrating, too.<ul><li>This was the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="third year in a row" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/27/spring-break-crowds-south-beach" data-vars-content-id="4521d9eb-328a-4f29-a6a4-620ec0609b7f" data-vars-headline="City, business leaders agree: Spring break went smoothly on South Beach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/27/spring-break-crowds-south-beach" target="_self">third year in a row</a> that Miami Beach officials said they contained spring break mayhem, after prior party periods were marred by gun violence, stampedes and curfews.</li></ul>

How Pitbull's former manager became Miami's mac and cheese king

Derrick Turton turned studio cooking into a Miami staple now served at loanDepot park.

Derrick Turton, owner of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Famous House of Mac" data-vars-click-url="https://houseofmac.com/" data-vars-content-id="cf653cbb-5225-4431-9c03-53c99f96d9e5" data-vars-headline="How Pitbull&#x27;s former manager became Miami&#x27;s mac and cheese king" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://houseofmac.com/" target="_blank">World Famous House of Mac</a>, pulled off a major career flip in 2014. <ul><li>He went from working in the music industry, where he managed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pitbull" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/06/11/pitbull-concert-fans-bald-caps-trend" data-vars-content-id="cf653cbb-5225-4431-9c03-53c99f96d9e5" data-vars-headline="How Pitbull&#x27;s former manager became Miami&#x27;s mac and cheese king" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/06/11/pitbull-concert-fans-bald-caps-trend" target="_self">Pitbull</a>, to opening a mac and cheese food truck, which eventually spawned five locations.</li></ul>

South Florida "flying car" manufacturer debuts latest concept

A South Florida EVTOL manufacturer debuted its latest concept last week.

Aerospace

Doroni Aerospace, the Dania Beach company developing a line of luxury personal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="EVTOL" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/19/air-taxi-florida-evtol-miami" data-vars-content-id="2eba763b-bfc7-4531-9b88-7cfb097a2338" data-vars-headline="South Florida &quot;flying car&quot; manufacturer debuts latest concept" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/19/air-taxi-florida-evtol-miami" target="_self">EVTOL</a> aircrafts, debuted its newest concept last week at an event attended by local elected officials and an advisor to Gov. DeSantis.

How film productions are boosting Broward's economy

The county has been busy with TV and movie shoots.

Culture

Hollywood buzz around two set-in-South Florida TV series highlights how busy our area&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="film production industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/09/24/bad-monkey-florida-keys-vince-vaughn-apple-tv" data-vars-content-id="a8ba1c1c-f49d-4a57-b31b-658a942ed425" data-vars-headline="How film productions are boosting Broward&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/09/24/bad-monkey-florida-keys-vince-vaughn-apple-tv" target="_self">film production industry</a> has been lately.Why it matters: In Broward County alone, the production of shows, movies, commercials and more injected more than $200 million into the local economy in 2025, according to the county&#x27;s film commission, Film Lauderdale.<ul><li>That was up 15% from 2024.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: New Peacock crime drama series &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="M.I.A." data-vars-click-url="https://www.peacocktv.com/blog/peacock-crime-show-mia-premiere-date-cast-plot-cary-elwes-shannon-gisela" data-vars-content-id="a8ba1c1c-f49d-4a57-b31b-658a942ed425" data-vars-headline="How film productions are boosting Broward&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.peacocktv.com/blog/peacock-crime-show-mia-premiere-date-cast-plot-cary-elwes-shannon-gisela" target="_blank">M.I.A.</a>,&quot; which drops May 7, filmed in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties, according to Film Lauderdale.<ul><li>ABC&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="R.J. Decker" data-vars-click-url="https://deadline.com/2026/03/rj-decker-scheduling-move-scott-speedman-season-2-chances-1236766138/" data-vars-content-id="a8ba1c1c-f49d-4a57-b31b-658a942ed425" data-vars-headline="How film productions are boosting Broward&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://deadline.com/2026/03/rj-decker-scheduling-move-scott-speedman-season-2-chances-1236766138/" target="_blank">R.J. Decker</a>,&quot; a crime drama based on a Carl Hiaasen novel, premiered this month and is set in Fort Lauderdale and filmed most of its Florida scenes in Broward, per the film office.</li><li>&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="God of Tides" data-vars-click-url="https://deadline.com/2026/02/grant-gustin-campbell-scott-rainey-qualley-god-of-tides-1236730041/" data-vars-content-id="a8ba1c1c-f49d-4a57-b31b-658a942ed425" data-vars-headline="How film productions are boosting Broward&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://deadline.com/2026/02/grant-gustin-campbell-scott-rainey-qualley-god-of-tides-1236730041/" target="_blank">God of Tides</a>,&quot; an indie drama starring Grant Gustin about a competitive free diver, also did some filming in Broward. </li></ul><figure><img alt="M.I.A. -- Pictured: Cary Elwes as Kincaid -- (Photo by: Jeff Daly/PEACOCK via Getty Images)
" height="2000" id="809565d2-2567-4955-8661-e5d8017c6852" src="https://images.axios.com/NUEQHdfy6yi2366FDquG4G0K66U=/2026/03/26/1774552707733.jpeg" width="3000"/><figcaption>Cary Elwes stars in &quot;M.I.A.&quot; Photo: Jeff Daly/Peacock via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Follow the money: Broward and Miami-Dade — two counties with a rich TV and film history — are investing government dollars to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bring back productions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/06/11/film-incentives-florida-bad-boys" data-vars-content-id="a8ba1c1c-f49d-4a57-b31b-658a942ed425" data-vars-headline="How film productions are boosting Broward&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/06/11/film-incentives-florida-bad-boys" target="_self">bring back productions</a> once drawn to Florida&#x27;s defunct incentive program.<ul><li>Since Film Lauderdale launched its incentives in 2022, it has paid out or committed more than $4 million in rebates, resulting in about $20 million in local production spending, the film office tells Axios.</li><li>In 2021, before the program launched, there were about 9,500 crew members hired in Broward for local productions. In 2025, that number grew to more than 16,000, per Film Lauderdale.</li></ul>Miami-Dade launched a $50 million <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="incentive program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamidade.gov/global/release.page?Mduid_release=rel1715029328254956" data-vars-content-id="a8ba1c1c-f49d-4a57-b31b-658a942ed425" data-vars-headline="How film productions are boosting Broward&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miamidade.gov/global/release.page?Mduid_release=rel1715029328254956" target="_blank">incentive program</a> in 2024 but did not respond to questions about how it&#x27;s faring.What they&#x27;re saying: Sandy Lighterman, film commissioner for Film Lauderdale and president of Film Florida, tells Axios it&#x27;s difficult to attract a production without incentives.<ul><li>Film Lauderdale&#x27;s relatively small incentives make it difficult to land complete productions, but Lighterman says getting pieces of filming still benefits local businesses and residents.</li><li>Lighterman, who previously worked as Miami-Dade&#x27;s film and entertainment commissioner, says South Florida&#x27;s stories also attract crews to film here.</li><li>&quot;The more that those stories get out, people get more interested in it.&quot;</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Lighterman wants to connect industry professionals with local talent, so she&#x27;s helping host the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Florida Film Forum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.southfloridafilmforum.com/" data-vars-content-id="a8ba1c1c-f49d-4a57-b31b-658a942ed425" data-vars-headline="How film productions are boosting Broward&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.southfloridafilmforum.com/" target="_blank">South Florida Film Forum</a> on Friday and Saturday at MAD Arts.<ul><li>Film Lauderdale is partnering with White Elephant Group, Broward County and MAD Arts to host the educational and networking event.</li><li>&quot;Events like this are critical because they put our crew base and our creatives in the same room as the people hiring for the next big project,&quot; Lighterman said in a press release.</li></ul>

Business 🏦

World Cup side hustle: Miami Gardens residents park cars for extra cash

World Cup's economic boost varies among Miami businesses

From Flanigan's to Zey Zey, Miami brands sell unique World Cup merch

How Florida cities are using AI to streamline building permits

Miami World Cup matches fuel surge in short-term rental demand