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National Hurricane Center updates cone of uncertainty

Climate

The 2026 hurricane cone of uncertainty will feature a handful of new graphical elements, the National Hurricane Center recently revealed. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cone" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/02/national-hurricane-center-new-forecast-map-inland-risk" data-vars-content-id="b84c535b-226c-45c3-9012-a371a7faaf8e" data-vars-headline="National Hurricane Center updates cone of uncertainty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/02/national-hurricane-center-new-forecast-map-inland-risk" target="_self">cone</a> projects the storm&#x27;s path and intensity, helps determine evacuation zones and guides residents on how to best prepare for what&#x27;s to come.

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.

Scoop: FIU students face conduct charges for anti-ICE demonstration

The university says students violated conduct policies during the peaceful demonstration.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida International University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/05/republicans-condemn-racist-group-chat-miami" data-vars-content-id="c8b66dac-8f90-4529-853a-6b4a6e0d10f8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: FIU students face conduct charges for anti-ICE demonstration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/05/republicans-condemn-racist-group-chat-miami" target="_self">Florida International University</a> is alleging seven students violated conduct policies for participating in a peaceful demonstration — a move the students and their advisor argue is unfounded and creates a chilling effect.Why it matters: The charges highlight potential conflict between FIU&#x27;s policies and First Amendment protections for students <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="established decades ago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/educational-activities/first-amendment-activities/tinker-v-des-moines/facts-and-case-summary-tinker-v-des-moines" data-vars-content-id="c8b66dac-8f90-4529-853a-6b4a6e0d10f8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: FIU students face conduct charges for anti-ICE demonstration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/educational-activities/first-amendment-activities/tinker-v-des-moines/facts-and-case-summary-tinker-v-des-moines" target="_blank">established decades ago</a> by the Supreme Court.

Biscayne Bay's health shows little improvement, report says

The bay's health is vital for Miami-Dade County, both economically and environmentally.

News

The health of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Biscayne Bay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/31/north-miami-condo-aquatic-playground-biscayne-bay" data-vars-content-id="d9cdb1ba-1220-4c13-90dc-5342a2581e81" data-vars-headline="Biscayne Bay&#x27;s health shows little improvement, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/31/north-miami-condo-aquatic-playground-biscayne-bay" target="_self">Biscayne Bay</a>, the shallow estuary that runs along South Florida&#x27;s east coast, remains grim, according to the 2026 Biscayne Bay Report Card, released Tuesday.Why it matters: The bay&#x27;s health is vital for Miami-Dade County, both economically and environmentally, as it&#x27;s home to a host of species and contributes about $64 billion to the county&#x27;s economy.

HistoryMiami Museum is a thing of the past. It's Museum of Miami now.

The museum is changing its name and broadening its mission.

Culture

Downtown Miami&#x27;s 86-year-old history museum is rebranding as the Museum of Miami and broadening its mission to bring exhibitions into local neighborhoods.

Things to do: F1, food events and art festivals

Things to Do

Welcome to the first weekend of May!<ul><li>You may already be knee-deep in F1 events, but if you&#x27;re just now planning, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="check out our guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/27/miami-grand-prix-fan-fests-driver-sightings-free-events-lummus-park-wynwood-schedule" data-vars-content-id="630f957f-bb25-4747-9959-23dddec4f533" data-vars-headline="Things to do: F1, food events and art festivals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/27/miami-grand-prix-fan-fests-driver-sightings-free-events-lummus-park-wynwood-schedule" target="_self">check out our guide</a>.</li><li>For those looking to escape the F1 chaos, we&#x27;ve got you covered.</li></ul>

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>

Miami artist turns paint-by-numbers into community art events

Four Folds creates large murals where participants help paint a final artwork guided by artists.

Local artist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gabriel &quot;GG&quot; Gimenez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/ggartwork/" data-vars-content-id="b6529cc3-24dc-4077-9b80-fe24aba5ee6d" data-vars-headline="Miami artist turns paint-by-numbers into community art events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/ggartwork/" target="_blank">Gabriel &quot;GG&quot; Gimenez</a> is working to foster more human connection through an activity most people have already done: Paint by numbers.<ul><li>But instead of individuals working on personal designs, matching colors with designated numbers on a piece of paper likely to be tossed, he&#x27;s designing life-size, permanent art people can work on together.</li></ul>

Locals write love poems to Miami. Here are the winners of Sonnet Boom contest

A high school student is among the winners.

More than 500 Miamians put pen to paper this winter to profess their love for the 305 as part of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sonnet Boom: Love Poems for Miami" data-vars-click-url="https://omiami.org/projects-and-events/sonnet-boom-poetry-contest" data-vars-content-id="faf42eb4-40f9-421c-a11c-ece83dcc86f4" data-vars-headline="Locals write love poems to Miami. Here are the winners of Sonnet Boom contest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://omiami.org/projects-and-events/sonnet-boom-poetry-contest" target="_blank">Sonnet Boom: Love Poems for Miami</a>. State of play: After 140,000 votes, organizers — including Elevate Miami, O, Miami and SWWIM — announced the winners last night.🥇 The Adult Category winners:<ul><li>First: Michael Ivory (&quot;Magic City&quot;)</li><li>Second: Clayre Benzadón (&quot;Miami (Debutante) Sonnet&quot;)</li><li>Third: Nyah Hardmon (&quot;305786&quot;)</li></ul>🥇 The Youth Category winners:<ul><li>First: Ava, Grade 10, Ransom Everglades School (&quot;The Pink Hotel Threw Fire&quot;)</li><li>Second: Andrea, Grade 10, The Cushman School (&quot;Border to Boulevard&quot;)</li><li>Third: Nadine, Grade 8, Miami Arts Charter School (&quot;Magic City&quot;)</li></ul>🤑 Winners in both categories receive prizes of up to $2,000, along with opportunities for publication and live performance.The first-place sonnets are replicated below<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">&quot;Magic City&quot; by Michael Ivory</h2>Maybe it&#x27;s the hibiscus trumpets blaring lifeamongst the green we take for grantedor the mangrove roots prophesyingthat our legs could stand on land and sea.Maybe it&#x27;s the salt we taste in the conch,or at Virginia Key, or in our sweat like pearls,each of us seasoned with joy. Here,we speak the language of heat like love.Maybe it&#x27;s how we pray with our lipsbut call God forth with our hips, rockin&#x27;,whammin&#x27;. Maybe it&#x27;s the musicwe keep in our skin, immortal memory.Maybe it&#x27;s our bloodlines, borderless and bronze.What spell you figure blessed us with a home like this?<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">&quot;The Pink Hotel Threw Fire&quot; by Ava</h2>The pink hotel threw fire across their wall, Miami waking loud with heat and light. My feet swung air; I could not reach at all The sugared tile still cooling from the night. Abuela tapped her spoon — ven, toma más — Blew once, then fed me sweetness from the foam. Fried bread and Vicks and ocean air would pass Through every open window of that home. Abuelo laughed, mira el mar, the door wide spread; Salt settled cool and shining on my skin. Collins Avenue roared on overhead, But softer tides were always moving in. The city spoke in tongues I came to teach — I learned its pulse inside that room by the beach.

Miami Beach Pride returns for 18th year with new events, daily gatherings

The event kicks off Thursday with the flag-raising ceremony.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami Beach Pride" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamibeachpride.com/" data-vars-content-id="6a3a181f-0895-4f63-bb74-91259af31a15" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach Pride returns for 18th year with new events, daily gatherings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miamibeachpride.com/" target="_blank">Miami Beach Pride</a> kicks off its 18th anniversary Thursday with a new event that organizers hope will create a more visible, inclusive and meaningful start to the season.Why it matters: This year&#x27;s festival is the first to follow the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="removal of Miami Beach&#x27;s Pride crosswalk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/06/miami-beach-pride-crosswalk-removed-lgbtq-month" data-vars-content-id="6a3a181f-0895-4f63-bb74-91259af31a15" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach Pride returns for 18th year with new events, daily gatherings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/06/miami-beach-pride-crosswalk-removed-lgbtq-month" target="_self">removal of Miami Beach&#x27;s Pride crosswalk</a>, part of the state&#x27;s directive to remove street art.

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.

Business

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>

How film productions are boosting Broward's economy

The county has been busy with TV and movie shoots.

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>

Things to do: Music, baseball, antiques and more

Hard to believe, but we&#x27;re heading into the final weekend of March — and there&#x27;s a lot going on! So yes, there will be lots of traffic.<ul><li>It&#x27;s Miami Music Week. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Here&#x27;s our guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/23/miami-music-week-returns-zeyzey-factory-town-ultra" data-vars-content-id="04f40619-8fcf-4c16-9c49-4a38f90021b9" data-vars-headline="Things to do: Music, baseball, antiques 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/2026/03/23/miami-music-week-returns-zeyzey-factory-town-ultra" target="_self">Here&#x27;s our guide</a> if you missed it.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Miami Open" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/16/miami-open-food-beverage-tournament-tennis" data-vars-content-id="04f40619-8fcf-4c16-9c49-4a38f90021b9" data-vars-headline="Things to do: Music, baseball, antiques 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/2026/03/16/miami-open-food-beverage-tournament-tennis" target="_self">The Miami Open</a> runs through Sunday.</li><li>And while most of us (me) have reached our quota of hotdogs and beer at loanDepot Park for the year (shoutout <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Baseball Classic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/02/world-baseball-classic-miami-game-schedule-tickets-and-how-to-watch" data-vars-content-id="04f40619-8fcf-4c16-9c49-4a38f90021b9" data-vars-headline="Things to do: Music, baseball, antiques 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/2026/03/02/world-baseball-classic-miami-game-schedule-tickets-and-how-to-watch" target="_self">World Baseball Classic</a>), it&#x27;s officially baseball season. </li></ul>

Insta backpacker walking perimeter of U.S. passes through South Florida

His Instagram videos are sparking real-life connections with fans along the walking route.

A 22-year-old <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="social media personality" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/12/axios-event-consumers-turn-to-social-media-and-influencers-for-product-recommendations" data-vars-content-id="7d28bd76-e6cc-472e-98a8-a3b7da711ba2" data-vars-headline="Insta backpacker walking perimeter of U.S. passes through South Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/12/axios-event-consumers-turn-to-social-media-and-influencers-for-product-recommendations" target="_self">social media personality</a> is attempting to walk an outline of the contiguous U.S. — and he&#x27;s passing through South Florida this week.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jack Kadis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/jlkadis/" data-vars-content-id="7d28bd76-e6cc-472e-98a8-a3b7da711ba2" data-vars-headline="Insta backpacker walking perimeter of U.S. passes through South Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/jlkadis/" target="_blank">Jack Kadis</a>, who has racked up over 100,000 followers on Instagram, has been walking about 11 miles a day for 69 consecutive days — beginning Jan. 14 in Virginia and following the coastline south.