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Miami airport workers allege wage theft, ask for pay protections

Airport workers rallied Monday for pay protections.

Transit

Cargo workers at Miami International Airport on Monday announced wage-theft complaints against their employer while joining fellow airport workers to demand living wages.The big picture: MIA is one of Florida&#x27;s largest economic engines, generating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$212 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://news.miami-airport.com/mias-economic-impact-reaches-new-record-of-212-billion/" data-vars-content-id="66738e12-76f9-466a-bef5-3707280240dc" data-vars-headline="Miami airport workers allege wage theft, ask for pay protections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.miami-airport.com/mias-economic-impact-reaches-new-record-of-212-billion/" target="_blank">$212 billion</a> in statewide business revenue. It&#x27;s also the busiest cargo airport in the U.S.

Where Miami-Dade officials stand on Florida's property tax referendum

Politics

Miami&#x27;s local elected officials are split on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amendment 3" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/14/inside-the-florida-property-tax-amendments-court-ordered-rewrite" data-vars-content-id="45f87014-b9fc-496c-847f-890b0ed52bc3" data-vars-headline="Where Miami-Dade officials stand on Florida&#x27;s property tax referendum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/14/inside-the-florida-property-tax-amendments-court-ordered-rewrite" target="_self">Amendment 3</a>, the ballot measure that would increase the homestead exemption and drastically reduce property taxes across the state.Why it matters: If approved by voters, the measure would bring relief to homeowners&#x27; tax bills — but would <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost local governments billions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/voter-guide-what-floridians-should-know-about-amendment-3" data-vars-content-id="45f87014-b9fc-496c-847f-890b0ed52bc3" data-vars-headline="Where Miami-Dade officials stand on Florida&#x27;s property tax referendum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/voter-guide-what-floridians-should-know-about-amendment-3" target="_blank">cost local governments billions</a>.<ul><li>Supporters argue the measure would force local governments to tighten spending, while opponents say it will leave them scrambling to maintain necessary services.</li></ul>

Report: Florida ranks second for school library book removals

Students across the state continue to report some of the country's lowest reading scores.

Education

Florida school districts banned more than 3,000 book titles during the 2025-26 school year, according to PEN America&#x27;s annual &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Index of School Book Bans" data-vars-click-url="https://pen.org/report/book-bans-spotlight-2026/" data-vars-content-id="6f448631-0a35-48fd-8c22-dd8bbac0e387" data-vars-headline="Report: Florida ranks second for school library book removals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pen.org/report/book-bans-spotlight-2026/" target="_blank">Index of School Book Bans</a>.&quot;Why it matters: Florida in recent years has gained national attention for its continued effort to limit classroom discussions and for the number of book challenges across the state&#x27;s school districts.

Florida voter registration: Republicans still outpace Democrats

The current tally underscores a years-long trend that has reshaped Florida's politics.

Despite recent party gains, Democrats continue to trail Republicans with active registered voters statewide, a new report by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Miami Herald shows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article317473941.html#storylink=cpy" data-vars-content-id="c251312b-3fa6-4db3-89f3-043675b0747a" data-vars-headline="Florida voter registration: Republicans still outpace Democrats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article317473941.html#storylink=cpy" target="_blank">the Miami Herald shows</a>.Why it matters: The current tally underscores a years-long trend that has reshaped Florida&#x27;s politics.<ul><li>It could also foreshadow local and statewide race outcomes for next month&#x27;s midterm elections.</li></ul>

Local artists' bus stop ad challenges Miami's development, gentrification

The piece is part of a national arts organization.

Culture

In a city like Miami, it&#x27;s easy to be overstimulated by visual clutter.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Local artist Motyko Morales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/motyk0/" data-vars-content-id="c7b4faae-e133-40d3-9a31-5cc8f8afde21" data-vars-headline="Local artists&#x27; bus stop ad challenges Miami&#x27;s development, gentrification" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/motyk0/" target="_blank">Local artist Motyko Morales</a> is hoping to cut through that noise with art — and the message it&#x27;s aiming to convey.</li></ul>State of art: Displayed along <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a bus stop ad" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdmGLFGEUG9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;vrfl=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-vars-content-id="c7b4faae-e133-40d3-9a31-5cc8f8afde21" data-vars-headline="Local artists&#x27; bus stop ad challenges Miami&#x27;s development, gentrification" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdmGLFGEUG9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;vrfl=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank">a bus stop ad</a> on Calle Ocho, her collage portrays the changing landscape in and around Miami&#x27;s skyline.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens launches new artist residency

Things to Do

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is launching a new dedicated artist residency and studio.Why it matters: The inaugural <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vizcaya Arts Residency + Commission" data-vars-click-url="https://vizcaya.org/vizcaya-arts-open-call-2026/" data-vars-content-id="dcfff390-4db9-4e97-a38c-dfc66ed0bdd4" data-vars-headline="Vizcaya Museum and Gardens launches new artist residency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://vizcaya.org/vizcaya-arts-open-call-2026/" target="_blank">Vizcaya Arts Residency + Commission</a> is the first physical expansion of the museum and campus, and will allow it, for the first time, to support artists with studio space, per a news release.

Miami Beach weighs funding for LGBTQ+ programs in 2027 budget

Municipalities are finalizing budgets to comply with state law.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami Beach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/09/04/miami-beach-license-plate-readers-private-property-florida" data-vars-content-id="d8a9f4eb-a6bd-4aa6-a9c5-3de3e6181ee3" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach weighs funding for LGBTQ+ programs in 2027 budget" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/09/04/miami-beach-license-plate-readers-private-property-florida" target="_self">Miami Beach</a> commissioners on Wednesday are set to consider a proposal that would maintain funding for LGBTQ-related programming in the 2027 budget.Why it matters: Initial budget discussions included slashing up to $376,000 for related programming and services in an effort to comply with state law.

Sweat Records expands Little Haiti shop

The record store will open a second, larger space two doors down.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sweat Records," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/14/sweat-records-celebrates-20-years" data-vars-content-id="82431212-2f48-4bb3-8463-93bbf53b2c72" data-vars-headline="Sweat Records expands Little Haiti shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/14/sweat-records-celebrates-20-years" target="_self">Sweat Records,</a> Miami&#x27;s beloved record shop, turned 20 last year.<ul><li>Now, it&#x27;s reaching another landmark: It&#x27;s expanding its Little Haiti shop.</li></ul>State of play: The Sweat Annex, located two doors down from the current location, is set to open next month.

Storia will be your new go-to Italian restaurant 

Food and Drink

The first thing you&#x27;ll notice when walking into Storia, the new Italian restaurant in Upper Buena Vista, is the stained glass ceiling.<ul><li>The colorful panels beautifully contrast the industrial train station-like feel.</li></ul>Why it matters: The restaurant is from Andrea Fraquelli, who in 2024 opened Cotoletta and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="put the single-item menu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/11/03/cotolleta-restaurant-is-opening-in-south-beach" data-vars-content-id="904428a6-1e5d-4842-9eb0-27807710ac68" data-vars-headline="Storia will be your new go-to Italian restaurant " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/11/03/cotolleta-restaurant-is-opening-in-south-beach" target="_self">put the single-item menu</a> on the map, and his new hospitality group.

"Grand Theft Auto" revives Miami's decades-old "Vice" debate

"GTA VI" is giving some Miami leaders a familiar case of "Vice" anxiety.

The 1980s TV show &quot;Miami Vice&quot; is credited with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="helping &quot;save South Beach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article2266518.html" data-vars-content-id="2ca510dc-ea17-4cb1-a895-0d83db663a8f" data-vars-headline="&quot;Grand Theft Auto&quot; revives Miami&#x27;s decades-old &quot;Vice&quot; debate" 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/article2266518.html" target="_blank">helping &quot;save South Beach</a>,&quot; but at the time, some civic leaders were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="worried" data-vars-click-url="https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,959822-7,00.html" data-vars-content-id="2ca510dc-ea17-4cb1-a895-0d83db663a8f" data-vars-headline="&quot;Grand Theft Auto&quot; revives Miami&#x27;s decades-old &quot;Vice&quot; debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,959822-7,00.html" target="_blank">worried</a> the cop show would publicize Miami&#x27;s crime problems.

Forbes 400: Florida's billionaires, ranked

Forty-nine of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Forbes&#x27; 400 Richest People in America" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/forbes-400/" data-vars-content-id="6db054bd-86b8-4ec2-8d49-6f0bf2457f3d" data-vars-headline="Forbes 400: Florida&#x27;s billionaires, ranked" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/forbes-400/" target="_blank">Forbes&#x27; 400 Richest People in America</a> live in Florida.The big picture: The top 400 people are worth $8 trillion, up from $6.6 trillion a year ago — a jump that underscores the growing wealth gap among Americans.

Time To Drive combines the best of car, watch collector culture

The inaugural event will be at Mana Convention Center in Wynwood.

Lex Borrero has always loved cars and watches, a result of his upbringing (his dad was a race car driver in Colombia) and his career as a renowned music and movie producer.<ul><li>But he&#x27;d never tried to build a community around his passions — until recently.</li></ul>Why it matters: In November, he&#x27;s launching the inaugural <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Time To Drive Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://timetodrivefest.com/" data-vars-content-id="8452f78c-4273-4c54-9e05-263582967c2e" data-vars-headline="Time To Drive combines the best of car, watch collector culture" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://timetodrivefest.com/" target="_blank">Time To Drive Fest</a>, a three-day immersive experience at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center blending the car and watch industries.

"Souls To The Voter Rolls": Local orgs host registration event

Voter turnout in Miami-Dade County in the August primary was just about 19%.

Election

More than a dozen local organizations are coming together this week for &quot;Souls to the Voter Rolls,&quot; a local effort to ensure people are registered to vote in November&#x27;s election.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Voter turnout" data-vars-click-url="https://tqv.vrswebapps.com/?state=FL&amp;county=DAD&amp;election=913&amp;ShowPrecinctSplits=1" data-vars-content-id="8e5556ef-d9a6-4547-bf38-860346507cf1" data-vars-headline="&quot;Souls To The Voter Rolls&quot;: Local orgs host registration event" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tqv.vrswebapps.com/?state=FL&amp;county=DAD&amp;election=913&amp;ShowPrecinctSplits=1" target="_blank">Voter turnout</a> in Miami-Dade County in the August primary was just about 19%.

Mangrove Coffee & Matcha hopes to represent the real Miami

The coffee cart is at the Freehand Hotel.

When Bianca Drevensek set out to open her coffee concept, she wanted it to serve specialty grade coffee while also representing the real Miami — something that could only come to fruition here in the 305.Why it matters: The conversation about who gets to live and participate in this city has come into sharp focus in recent years, especially in the hospitality industry, as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local restaurants close en masse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/28/miami-restaurants-summer-slowdown-closures" data-vars-content-id="389eba3a-e87b-484f-9d7d-e0101dd6c550" data-vars-headline="Mangrove Coffee &amp; Matcha hopes to represent the real Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/28/miami-restaurants-summer-slowdown-closures" target="_self">local restaurants close en masse</a> because of high rent.