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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.

New take on Monopoly highlights Coral Gables' landmarks, unique charm

Proceeds will support local business initiatives.

Things to Do

A new twist on a classic game is highlighting the landmarks and character that define one of Miami&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="iconic cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/05/18/real-estate-values-homestead-coral-gables" data-vars-content-id="9ce9ab23-e4be-4adb-afe1-ae87ad3a2fa1" data-vars-headline="New take on Monopoly highlights Coral Gables&#x27; landmarks, unique charm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/05/18/real-estate-values-homestead-coral-gables" target="_self">iconic cities</a>. State of play: Gables-opoly is a reimagined take on Monopoly that features more than 40 local events, departments and community organizations, plus more than 30 local businesses that supported the game&#x27;s development.

Things to do: Food festival, Heated Rivalry and more

There's always something happening in Miami.

Culture

Halfway through February already? Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s happening around town.

Miami Beach streak runner Raven settles foreclosure suit after donations

After $40,000 in donations, the streak runner resolved his condo fee dispute.

Sports

Miami Beach streak runner <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Robert Raven Kraft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/29/miami-beach-running-legend-robert-raven-kraft-foreclosure" data-vars-content-id="3e12070b-fdd0-471f-ae47-b86615cc29b1" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach streak runner Raven settles foreclosure suit after donations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/29/miami-beach-running-legend-robert-raven-kraft-foreclosure" target="_self">Robert Raven Kraft</a> has settled the foreclosure lawsuit against him, ending a nearly yearlong legal case that threatened to kick the 75-year-old fitness icon out of his longtime home.The big picture: Raven — whose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="51-year running streak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2022/10/12/miami-beach-runner-raven-streak-continues" data-vars-content-id="3e12070b-fdd0-471f-ae47-b86615cc29b1" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach streak runner Raven settles foreclosure suit after donations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2022/10/12/miami-beach-runner-raven-streak-continues" target="_self">51-year running streak</a> has earned him a cult following and a South Beach street sign in his honor — received over $40,000 in donations from the community to fight the foreclosure.<ul><li>&quot;I wouldn&#x27;t have ever made it without the GoFundMe,&quot; Raven told Axios in an interview Tuesday.</li></ul>

Miami voters could decide future of Marine Stadium

City commissioners could ask voters to weigh in on a private deal to reopen the historic venue.

Development

A proposal to hire a private company to operate the long-shuttered Miami Marine Stadium will be presented to voters if the City Commission approves the plan at its Thursday meeting.Why it matters: The historically designated stadium has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shuttered for longer than it was in operation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wlrn.org/arts-culture/2024-10-15/miami-marine-stadium" data-vars-content-id="9ecfbf4c-5543-44e9-8f5b-ed3acfba308d" data-vars-headline="Miami voters could decide future of Marine Stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wlrn.org/arts-culture/2024-10-15/miami-marine-stadium" target="_blank">shuttered for longer than it was in operation</a>, despite numerous city- and celebrity-led efforts to revive it, as WLRN has reported.

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

The festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

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.

Gloria Estefan is Miami's most beloved celebrity, Axios readers say

The Queen of Latin Pop is Miami's most famous native.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Rhythm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-INTCDod2TA" data-vars-content-id="6fe405ee-1025-4181-8f1f-c9238a0259e2" data-vars-headline="Gloria Estefan is Miami&#x27;s most beloved celebrity, Axios readers say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-INTCDod2TA" target="_blank">&quot;Rhythm</a>&quot; finally got you, Andy Garcia.<ul><li>Gloria Estefan has been crowned the queen of Miami celebrities, as voted by our readers.</li></ul>Why it matters: Estefan, a five-time Grammy Award winner and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, is synonymous with South Florida.

Vote for Miami's greatest celebrity

The list includes both the living and the dead.

Update: After a week of voting, readers crowned Gloria Estefan the winner. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Click here to read more" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/05/gloria-estefan-miami-celebrity-bracket" data-vars-content-id="1d8f2c42-6d0e-4e54-956c-5a4d5d989167" data-vars-headline="Vote for Miami&#x27;s greatest celebrity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/05/gloria-estefan-miami-celebrity-bracket" target="_self">Click here to read more</a>.To kick off the month of love, we&#x27;re stirring the pot and asking: Who&#x27;s the greatest (most iconic?) celebrity to come out of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the 305" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/05/miami-305-day-what-we-love-hate-about-magic-city" data-vars-content-id="1d8f2c42-6d0e-4e54-956c-5a4d5d989167" data-vars-headline="Vote for Miami&#x27;s greatest celebrity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/05/miami-305-day-what-we-love-hate-about-magic-city" target="_self">the 305</a>? <ul><li>Aka: Who do you love the most?</li></ul>Why it matters: For better or worse, dozens of famous people call Miami home — and it&#x27;s time we figured out who among the crowded pool of A-listers is the top jewel.

"Heated Rivalry" craze fills South Florida library waitlists

You might have to wait to borrow the book behind the wildly popular TV show.

The &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Heated Rivalry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/13/heated-rivalry-tampa-bay-florida-clearwater-beach" data-vars-content-id="df6a6985-3150-49d8-8f4b-c26c6a05658e" data-vars-headline="&quot;Heated Rivalry&quot; craze fills South Florida library waitlists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/13/heated-rivalry-tampa-bay-florida-clearwater-beach" target="_self">Heated Rivalry</a>&quot; fanfare has hit South Florida libraries. Why it matters: You might have to wait a bit if you&#x27;re looking to borrow a copy of the book that inspired the wildly popular TV show.

Cuban-heritage artists named 2026 Oscar Cintas Foundation fellows

The Oscar Cintas Foundation supports Cuban-heritage artists to foster creativity.

For years, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oscar Cintas Foundation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cintasfoundation.org/" data-vars-content-id="383f5675-38cd-4d72-a4ee-1a39e7b9de52" data-vars-headline="Cuban-heritage artists named 2026 Oscar Cintas Foundation fellows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cintasfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Oscar Cintas Foundation</a> has provided grants and fellowships to Cuban-heritage artists to foster creativity and support their work.Why it matters: Earlier this month, the nonprofit foundation named five creators — including two from Miami — as recipients during a ceremony at the University of Miami, awarding each fellow $25,000.

Frida Kahlo-branded luxury condo planned for Wynwood

Developers say Frida Kahlo fans can "secure a piece of her legacy for themselves."

A new luxury condo project in Wynwood will bear the name of Frida Kahlo, the late Mexican artist whose image has been emblazoned on everything from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Barbie dolls" data-vars-click-url="https://m.service.mattel.com/us/Technical/TechnicalProductDetail?prodno=FJH65&amp;siteid=27&amp;catid=506" data-vars-content-id="3b6e8242-5e6b-4d48-9949-a31c76a35bef" data-vars-headline="Frida Kahlo-branded luxury condo planned for Wynwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://m.service.mattel.com/us/Technical/TechnicalProductDetail?prodno=FJH65&amp;siteid=27&amp;catid=506" target="_blank">Barbie dolls</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tequila" data-vars-click-url="https://fridakahlotequila.com/" data-vars-content-id="3b6e8242-5e6b-4d48-9949-a31c76a35bef" data-vars-headline="Frida Kahlo-branded luxury condo planned for Wynwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fridakahlotequila.com/" target="_blank">tequila</a> since her death in 1954.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Branded real estate projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/06/10/elle-magazine-condo-building-edgewater" data-vars-content-id="3b6e8242-5e6b-4d48-9949-a31c76a35bef" data-vars-headline="Frida Kahlo-branded luxury condo planned for Wynwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/06/10/elle-magazine-condo-building-edgewater" target="_self">Branded real estate projects</a> aren&#x27;t new in Miami, but buildings here are typically named after luxury cars — or President Trump — rather than long-dead artists. Driving the news: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Frida Kahlo Wynwood Residences" data-vars-click-url="http://www.fridakahloresidences.com/" data-vars-content-id="3b6e8242-5e6b-4d48-9949-a31c76a35bef" data-vars-headline="Frida Kahlo-branded luxury condo planned for Wynwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.fridakahloresidences.com/" target="_blank">Frida Kahlo Wynwood Residences</a>, which promises to draw &quot;inspiration from Frida&#x27;s unmistakable strength and spirit,&quot; will include 244 units, a resort-style pool and concierge-style health care services.<ul><li>A rendering of the project shows a mural of Kahlo on an exterior wall and the project website says the interiors will illustrate Kahlo&#x27;s &quot;influence in subtle, expressive ways.&quot;</li></ul>How it works: Developers PMG and LNDMRK Development entered an agreement with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Frida Kahlo Corporation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fridakahlocorporation.com/#licensing" data-vars-content-id="3b6e8242-5e6b-4d48-9949-a31c76a35bef" data-vars-headline="Frida Kahlo-branded luxury condo planned for Wynwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fridakahlocorporation.com/#licensing" target="_blank">Frida Kahlo Corporation</a> to use her likeness, Victoria Portal, a spokesperson for the developers, tells Axios.<ul><li>The corporation will &quot;have involvement in the overall design and experience of the building,&quot; Portal said.</li><li>She did not reveal how much the developers paid for the naming rights.</li><li>The concept design will be led by artist Carlos Ott in collaboration with CUBE 3.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: Ryan Shear, managing partner at PMG, called the project &quot;a unique opportunity to bring art to this neighborhood in a new way,&quot; in a statement to Axios.<ul><li>&quot;Following the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record-breaking sale of her artwork" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/arts/design/kahlo-portrait-auction-art-sothebys.html" data-vars-content-id="3b6e8242-5e6b-4d48-9949-a31c76a35bef" data-vars-headline="Frida Kahlo-branded luxury condo planned for Wynwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/arts/design/kahlo-portrait-auction-art-sothebys.html" target="_blank">record-breaking sale of her artwork</a> last year, which reaffirmed her work&#x27;s continued ability to hold its value and move artistic minds throughout the world, we knew she was the perfect muse for this project.&quot;</li></ul>Flashback: Kahlo died without a will and her property rights were inherited by her niece, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ArtNews" data-vars-click-url="https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/frida-kahlo-trademark-dispute-dismissed-florida-court-1234605342/" data-vars-content-id="3b6e8242-5e6b-4d48-9949-a31c76a35bef" data-vars-headline="Frida Kahlo-branded luxury condo planned for Wynwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/frida-kahlo-trademark-dispute-dismissed-florida-court-1234605342/" target="_blank">ArtNews</a>.<ul><li>Her relatives and a Venezuelan businessman formed the Frida Kahlo Corporation in 2004, which owns more than two dozen trademarks associated with the artist, including soaps, cigar cutters and cookware, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Courthouse News" data-vars-click-url="https://www.courthousenews.com/frida-kahlo-corporation-files-suit-for-trademark-violations-over-anticapitalist-artists-image/" data-vars-content-id="3b6e8242-5e6b-4d48-9949-a31c76a35bef" data-vars-headline="Frida Kahlo-branded luxury condo planned for Wynwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.courthousenews.com/frida-kahlo-corporation-files-suit-for-trademark-violations-over-anticapitalist-artists-image/" target="_blank">Courthouse News</a>.</li></ul>Friction point: While the Kahlo Corporation has said its marketing of the artist helps bring Kahlo&#x27;s message to &quot;many women who need that strong female personality to follow,&quot; critics have called out the &quot;mass merchandising of her image,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NPR" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2018/06/02/616129555/as-mexico-capitalizes-on-her-image-has-frida-kahlo-become-over-commercialized" data-vars-content-id="3b6e8242-5e6b-4d48-9949-a31c76a35bef" data-vars-headline="Frida Kahlo-branded luxury condo planned for Wynwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2018/06/02/616129555/as-mexico-capitalizes-on-her-image-has-frida-kahlo-become-over-commercialized" target="_blank">NPR</a> has reported.Shear says the project will &quot;bring to life an iconic artist&#x27;s legacy in one of the biggest arts hubs of our region.&quot;<ul><li>&quot;We can&#x27;t wait for her fans and enthusiastic collectors to have the chance to secure a piece of her legacy for themselves.&quot;</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: The project is slated for completion in 2029, per Portal.