Miami

Miami Alerts

Alert

blue

Axios Miami Partners

Miami Members

Membership

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Miami.

Axios Miami Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Miami with Sommer Brugal and Martin Vassolo.

Axios Miami

Standard

Threatened Florida bird makes a comeback, wildlife officials say

The Trump administration is calling it a conservation success story.

Environment

Federal wildlife officials are removing protections for a Florida bird no longer considered threatened while agreeing to protect 11 other local plants and animals.Why it matters: The delisting of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wood stork" data-vars-click-url="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/waterbirds/wood-stork/" data-vars-content-id="7a7be545-c8fa-4eaf-98ee-bea86b7b1a99" data-vars-headline="Threatened Florida bird makes a comeback, wildlife officials say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/waterbirds/wood-stork/" target="_blank">wood stork</a> — decades after it was deemed endangered in 1984 — is being hailed by the Trump administration as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="conservation success" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2026-02/wood-stork-delisted" data-vars-content-id="7a7be545-c8fa-4eaf-98ee-bea86b7b1a99" data-vars-headline="Threatened Florida bird makes a comeback, wildlife officials say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2026-02/wood-stork-delisted" target="_blank">conservation success</a> story.By the numbers: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the wood stork was near extinction in 1984, as its population had declined by more than 75% since the 1930s.<ul><li>That was largely due to habitat loss, especially in South Florida, the agency says.</li><li>In 2014, it was reclassified from endangered to threatened.</li><li>Today, the bird&#x27;s breeding population is estimated at between 10,000 and 14,000 nesting pairs — more than twice the number compared to when the species was listed.</li><li>Their breeding habitat stretches across Florida and other southern states.</li></ul>The other side: The Center for Biological Diversity argues the bird has not met recovery goals in South Florida and that Trump administration policies are threatening its wetland habitat, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Inside Climate News" data-vars-click-url="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09022026/south-florida-plants-animals-endangered-species-act/" data-vars-content-id="7a7be545-c8fa-4eaf-98ee-bea86b7b1a99" data-vars-headline="Threatened Florida bird makes a comeback, wildlife officials say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09022026/south-florida-plants-animals-endangered-species-act/" target="_blank">Inside Climate News</a>.Meanwhile, following a lawsuit from the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed to finalize protections for the 11 other plant and animal species.<ul><li>Those include the Florida Keys mole skink, the Rim Rock crowned snake and the Key ring-necked snake, Inside Climate News reported.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: The delisting of the wood stork will be final on March 9.

What Tallahassee's property tax overhaul could cost South Florida governments

The House and the Senate must agree on a proposal before it goes to the voters.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Florida" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/24/miami-dade-property-tax-debate-ron-desantis" data-vars-content-id="17837809-399d-48dc-8af3-58fe4802a707" data-vars-headline="What Tallahassee&#x27;s property tax overhaul could cost South Florida governments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/24/miami-dade-property-tax-debate-ron-desantis" target="_self">South Florida</a> counties stand to lose hundreds of millions in tax collections if property tax changes advancing in the Legislature become law, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/bill-summary-hjr-201-203-205-207-209-211-and-213?mc_cid=c9718583ff&amp;mc_eid=81b69123db" data-vars-content-id="17837809-399d-48dc-8af3-58fe4802a707" data-vars-headline="What Tallahassee&#x27;s property tax overhaul could cost South Florida governments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/bill-summary-hjr-201-203-205-207-209-211-and-213?mc_cid=c9718583ff&amp;mc_eid=81b69123db" target="_blank">report</a> by the Florida Policy Institute (FPI).Why it matters: Property taxes, collected by cities, counties and school districts, fund critical infrastructure and services, including law enforcement, parks maintenance, social services and schools.

Miami "supertall" developer plans another downtown skyscraper

The city's downtown skyline is getting supersized.

Real Estate

Miami&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downtown skyline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/03/07/real-estate-luxury-high-rises-pagani-residences" data-vars-content-id="7763b715-70a3-48cf-b3a8-51e19c1abd83" data-vars-headline="Miami &quot;supertall&quot; developer plans another downtown skyscraper" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/03/07/real-estate-luxury-high-rises-pagani-residences" target="_self">downtown skyline</a> is getting supersized.The big picture: With the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami" data-vars-click-url="https://propertymg.com/portfolio/waldorf-astoria-residences-miami" data-vars-content-id="7763b715-70a3-48cf-b3a8-51e19c1abd83" data-vars-headline="Miami &quot;supertall&quot; developer plans another downtown skyscraper" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://propertymg.com/portfolio/waldorf-astoria-residences-miami" target="_blank">Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami</a> slated to become the city&#x27;s tallest building when it opens in 2028, developer Property Markets Group (PMG) announced Thursday that another &quot;supertall&quot; is on its way.

Scoop: WLRN employees criticize leadership amid Miami-Dade Schools lawsuit

The dispute has been brewing since the summer.

Education

Senior employees of Miami-Dade&#x27;s public radio station say they&#x27;ve lost trust in its leadership amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="monthslong legal fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/10/miami-dade-schools-lawsuit-wlrn" data-vars-content-id="28c8bf0f-b5e8-4ee2-bf9a-f035f0898001" data-vars-headline="Scoop: WLRN employees criticize leadership amid Miami-Dade Schools lawsuit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/10/miami-dade-schools-lawsuit-wlrn" target="_self">monthslong legal fight</a> with the county&#x27;s school district.

Palantir moves its headquarters to Miami

The controversial tech giant was in Denver for six years.

Business

Palantir, the controversial tech giant, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Tuesday" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/PalantirTech/status/2023780511051809010?s=20" data-vars-content-id="1ef89b53-7149-475b-875c-fc6618eb1d6e" data-vars-headline="Palantir moves its headquarters to Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/PalantirTech/status/2023780511051809010?s=20" target="_blank">announced Tuesday</a> that it has moved its headquarters to Miami <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="after six years in Denver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/17/palantir-moves-headquarters-denver-miami" data-vars-content-id="1ef89b53-7149-475b-875c-fc6618eb1d6e" data-vars-headline="Palantir moves its headquarters to Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/17/palantir-moves-headquarters-denver-miami" target="_self">after six years in Denver</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest major company to relocate to the 305 — including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ken Griffin&#x27;s Citadel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/06/28/corporate-headquarters-leaving-chicago" data-vars-content-id="1ef89b53-7149-475b-875c-fc6618eb1d6e" data-vars-headline="Palantir moves its headquarters to Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/06/28/corporate-headquarters-leaving-chicago" target="_self">Ken Griffin&#x27;s Citadel</a> hedge fund — underscoring the city&#x27;s growing status as a global tech and finance hub.

Miami-based Mavn is bringing SOBEWFF into the creator economy era

The festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Things to Do

For Miami native Olivia Ormos, this year&#x27;s South Beach Wine &amp; Food Festival is more than an impressive milestone for an event she grew up attending. It&#x27;s a personal triumph.State of play: Ormos&#x27; company, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mavn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mavncreators.com/" data-vars-content-id="8f47f9c8-9c27-4e8d-b4a8-ca5f4d07a59c" data-vars-headline="Miami-based Mavn is bringing SOBEWFF into the creator economy era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mavncreators.com/" target="_blank">Mavn</a>, which launched in 2023, partnered with the festival ahead of the 25th anniversary to streamline and manage the festival&#x27;s growing number of interested content creators.

Florida's freeze damaged crops. Farmers say it may raise prices, too

Crops like squash, bell peppers and sweet corn were impacted.

Florida&#x27;s recent rash of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frigid weather" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/02/florida-cold-snap-invasive-iguanas-removal-fwc-south-florida" data-vars-content-id="ab9504ca-8c2d-4a6b-b765-7232688e3981" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s freeze damaged crops. Farmers say it may raise prices, too" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/02/florida-cold-snap-invasive-iguanas-removal-fwc-south-florida" target="_self">frigid weather</a> is hurting farmers — and they say consumers will feel the impacts, too.Why it matters: Though it&#x27;s still early, some growers are already reporting damage to crops like squash and sweet corn after some parts of the Sunshine State saw freezing temperatures last weekend.

Miami Beach broke up with spring break. Now it's rolling back some restrictions

The city has actively dissuaded spring breakers from coming to South Beach.

After &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="breaking up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz3T20EXDdo" data-vars-content-id="971625a5-23ce-4e7b-94d9-f98e206c92ee" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach broke up with spring break. Now it&#x27;s rolling back some restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz3T20EXDdo" target="_blank">breaking up</a>&quot; with spring break in recent years, Miami Beach seems ready to turn the page.Why it matters: City officials are planning to lift some crowd-control measures used to crack down on rowdy spring breakers following <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shootings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2023/03/20/miami-beach-curfew-spring-break-shootings" data-vars-content-id="971625a5-23ce-4e7b-94d9-f98e206c92ee" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach broke up with spring break. Now it&#x27;s rolling back some restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2023/03/20/miami-beach-curfew-spring-break-shootings" target="_self">shootings</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crowd stampedes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article259537909.html" data-vars-content-id="971625a5-23ce-4e7b-94d9-f98e206c92ee" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach broke up with spring break. Now it&#x27;s rolling back some restrictions" 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/article259537909.html" target="_blank">crowd stampedes</a> in South Beach.

Miami unemployment rate increased last year

Jacksonville saw the nation's largest increase.

Unemployment in Miami grew 1.2 percentage points from November 2024 to last November, following other cities that saw the nation&#x27;s largest increases, according to the latest federal dataThe big picture: Most U.S. metro areas saw unemployment rise between that one year time frame. But among the 56 metros with more than 1 million people, only seven saw bigger increases than Miami.

Waymo launches limited driverless ride service in Miami

Waymo will initially operate in a 60-square-mile radius.

Some Miamians will now be able to hail a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/22/test-driving-waymo-self-driving-rideshare-miami" data-vars-content-id="38fd6728-abaa-4495-b540-aca7fe338af8" data-vars-headline="Waymo launches limited driverless ride service in Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/22/test-driving-waymo-self-driving-rideshare-miami" target="_self">Waymo</a>, as the company launched limited autonomous ride share service in the city on Thursday.Why it matters: Locals may have seen the driverless cars <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="testing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/12/05/self-driving-taxi-waymo-miami" data-vars-content-id="38fd6728-abaa-4495-b540-aca7fe338af8" data-vars-headline="Waymo launches limited driverless ride service in Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/12/05/self-driving-taxi-waymo-miami" target="_self">testing</a> in the area over the past year, but now they will be driving around paying customers.

I tested Waymo's self-driving car ahead of Miami rideshare launch

Waymo is launching to paying customers in 2026.

Transit

<figure><img alt="View from inside a black Jaguar car showing the steering wheel and dashboard screen displaying navigation instructions to wait for the intersection to clear on a tree-lined street." height="450" id="ebfc14d6-8f14-4e9c-9612-dcf5f8e5195c" src="https://images.axios.com/N9wqcxjQmRU5jxExI8Kfb9inGjc=/2026/01/21/1769027978428.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Jesus, take the wheel. Video: Martin Vassolo/Axios</figcaption></figure>As Miami awaits the launch of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/11/18/waymo-self-driving-taxis-miami" data-vars-content-id="7b0ba9c3-706b-45e2-bbf9-09ea49dc1587" data-vars-headline="I tested Waymo&#x27;s self-driving car ahead of Miami rideshare launch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/11/18/waymo-self-driving-taxis-miami" target="_self">Waymo&#x27;s</a> autonomous rideshare service, I tested one of the company&#x27;s self-driving cars Wednesday in Little Havana.Why it matters: Waymo, which currently operates in five U.S. cities, is expanding into five more cities in 2026, including Miami and Orlando.

2026 is Miami's year of mega sports tournaments

Miami is hosting several major sports tournaments in 2026.

Sports

Monday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college football championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/15/miami-hurricanes-indiana-college-football-championship" data-vars-content-id="8a222d9e-6f88-47dd-babe-db8fe2fc86fc" data-vars-headline="2026 is Miami&#x27;s year of mega sports tournaments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/15/miami-hurricanes-indiana-college-football-championship" target="_self">college football championship</a> wasn&#x27;t the first mega sporting event this year in Miami — and it won&#x27;t be the last.Why it matters: 2026 is going to be a huge year for sports in Miami-Dade County, and organizers predict events like the College Football Playoff title game and the World Cup will boost the local economy.

New South Florida record stores feed growing vinyl demand

South Florida vinyl lovers have two new places to check out.

Music

A new record store in Doral and the announced opening of another in Fort Lauderdale are adding to South Florida&#x27;s vinyl music scene.Why it matters: Analog music&#x27;s resurgence has seen vinyl sales in the U.S. increase for 18 straight years, selling over 43 million copies in 2024, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Statista" data-vars-click-url="https://www.statista.com/chart/7699/lp-sales-in-the-united-states/?srsltid=AfmBOorUELKAP1UcPNDm0qchJyhPxpOkv4z9WOg-cRfl7MeA7Du-vfwo" data-vars-content-id="51e69bbd-d53e-46f7-9ef7-81d01f647572" data-vars-headline="New South Florida record stores feed growing vinyl demand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.statista.com/chart/7699/lp-sales-in-the-united-states/?srsltid=AfmBOorUELKAP1UcPNDm0qchJyhPxpOkv4z9WOg-cRfl7MeA7Du-vfwo" target="_blank">Statista</a>.

Jai alai is here to stay as Casino Miami welcomes the sport back

The once-popular sport was first played at Casino Miami in 1926.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jai alai" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/02/18/jai-alai-miami-sport-gambling" data-vars-content-id="db3871f3-bf79-47e2-800e-0ddf67f8ccec" data-vars-headline="Jai alai is here to stay as Casino Miami welcomes the sport back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/02/18/jai-alai-miami-sport-gambling" target="_self">Jai alai</a> is staying in Miami-Dade County — and returning to its historic home at Casino Miami.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Jai-Alai League" data-vars-click-url="https://jaialaiworld.com/" data-vars-content-id="db3871f3-bf79-47e2-800e-0ddf67f8ccec" data-vars-headline="Jai alai is here to stay as Casino Miami welcomes the sport back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jaialaiworld.com/" target="_blank">World Jai-Alai League</a>, which says it is the only professional jai alai league in the U.S., had been considering leaving South Florida after its lease at Magic City Casino ends this year.

Axios Denver

Axios What's Next

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

Business 🏦

Palantir moves its headquarters to Miami

Miami-based Mavn is bringing SOBEWFF into the creator economy era

Florida's freeze damaged crops. Farmers say it may raise prices, too

Miami Beach broke up with spring break. Now it's rolling back some restrictions

Miami unemployment rate increased last year