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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.

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.

What's going up: A new hospital, affordable housing, another luxury development

Another development is coming for Coconut Grove.

Here&#x27;s the latest in development news from across the city.

Caribbean Isles to add affordable senior housing to South Miami

Caribbean Isles is near the county's Bus Rapid Transit Corridor on U.S. 1.

A new affordable senior housing project is coming to South Miami.Why it matters: The project, Caribbean Isles, is for adults 62 and older and reserved for households earning up to 60% of the area median income.

What's going up: Multi-family units in Edgewater, Brickell, Design District

The proposals are heading to Miami's Urban Development Review Board.

Three project proposals are heading to Miami&#x27;s Urban Development Review Board Wednesday. <ul><li>If approved, more than 1,600 multi-family units could be added to three of Miami&#x27;s hottest neighborhoods, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Real Deal reported" data-vars-click-url="https://therealdeal.com/miami/2025/12/16/namdar-group-helm-equities-seek-bonuses-for-miami-towers/" data-vars-content-id="5d7c873e-7469-4f9c-bfac-4a48adc5db6b" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s going up: Multi-family units in Edgewater, Brickell, Design District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://therealdeal.com/miami/2025/12/16/namdar-group-helm-equities-seek-bonuses-for-miami-towers/" target="_blank">The Real Deal reported</a>. </li></ul>

Inter Miami stadium announces new tenants, including adventure park operator

Miami Freedom Park isn't just a soccer stadium.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami Freedom Park" data-vars-click-url="https://miamifreedompark.com/" data-vars-content-id="1ca751a4-89e0-4919-baf1-f401a93106aa" data-vars-headline="Inter Miami stadium announces new tenants, including adventure park operator" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://miamifreedompark.com/" target="_blank">Miami Freedom Park</a> — Inter Miami&#x27;s new soccer stadium — announced experiential businesses Fever, PopStroke and Toroverde as the first tenants of the 131-acre mixed-use campus at the old Melreese golf course. Why it maters: Lionel Messi&#x27;s new workplace will be far more than a sports arena — it&#x27;s the &quot;largest active real estate development in Miami,&quot; according to Miami Freedom Park.

The Wynwood favorites we've lost over the years

Brick is the latest casualty of Wynwood's evolution.

Food and Drink

Many longtime Miamians are mourning the death of the &quot;old Wynwood&quot; as classic bars and music venues have shut down.<ul><li>Next month, we&#x27;ll be losing another neighborhood staple: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brick" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miaminewtimes.com/food-drink/mainstay-wynwood-bar-brick-is-closing-after-11-years-40494383/" data-vars-content-id="b12c5c5a-bcef-44f3-9d05-02f119413b1c" data-vars-headline="The Wynwood favorites we&#x27;ve lost over the years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miaminewtimes.com/food-drink/mainstay-wynwood-bar-brick-is-closing-after-11-years-40494383/" target="_blank">Brick</a>, the open-air bar on Northwest 28th Street, announced it will close Nov. 1 after 11 years.</li></ul>Why it matters: Wynwood — which is being rapidly redeveloped with new hotels, condos and high-end restaurants — is losing beloved venues that gave the arts neighborhood its rugged charm.

Trump presidential library proposed for downtown Miami site

The presidential library would be built near the Freedom Tower downtown.

Politics & Policy

Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing to transfer land in downtown Miami for the construction of the future <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Donald J. Trump Presidential Library" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/06/09/trump-presidential-library-site-eyed-in-downtown-miami" data-vars-content-id="efcb6b08-0152-4280-a67c-17a4f5f98efd" data-vars-headline="Trump presidential library proposed for downtown Miami site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/06/09/trump-presidential-library-site-eyed-in-downtown-miami" target="_self">Donald J. Trump Presidential Library</a>.Why it matters: DeSantis&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-desantis-and-cabinet-consider-proposal-deed-land-donald-j-trump" data-vars-content-id="efcb6b08-0152-4280-a67c-17a4f5f98efd" data-vars-headline="Trump presidential library proposed for downtown Miami site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-desantis-and-cabinet-consider-proposal-deed-land-donald-j-trump" target="_blank">announcement</a> on Tuesday ended months of speculation over which South Florida property would be selected for the state&#x27;s first presidential library.

Bikini Hostel shuts down ahead of demolition. Nearly 100 tenants relocated

The city made a deal to tear down the Bikini Hostel, forcing vulnerable tenants out.

Miami Beach&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bikini Hostel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/10/homeless-shelter-demolition-miami-beach" data-vars-content-id="ed821d3f-39ba-4521-bc32-eaee6fd137fa" data-vars-headline="Bikini Hostel shuts down ahead of demolition. Nearly 100 tenants relocated" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/10/homeless-shelter-demolition-miami-beach" target="_self">Bikini Hostel</a>, which has housed scores of unsheltered residents since last year, quietly closed down last week, forcing out nearly 100 residents.Why it matters: The South Beach lodging is slated to be sold and demolished as part of a deal the city struck with a developer to force out the homeless-friendly refuge.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach wants to build a water park. See the renderings

The iconic hotel is planning 11 new slides — including one that's 130 feet tall.

Things to Do

The Fontainebleau <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami Beach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/23/miami-beach-beachfront-alcohol-pilot-program" data-vars-content-id="3afa0cb0-bbf1-4f74-9068-1d175e674fb9" data-vars-headline="Fontainebleau Miami Beach wants to build a water park. See the renderings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/23/miami-beach-beachfront-alcohol-pilot-program" target="_self">Miami Beach</a> is proposing to overhaul its outdoor pool deck by adding 11 waterslides, including one that would tower 120 feet tall, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami Herald" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article311604363.html" data-vars-content-id="3afa0cb0-bbf1-4f74-9068-1d175e674fb9" data-vars-headline="Fontainebleau Miami Beach wants to build a water park. See the renderings" 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/article311604363.html" target="_blank">Miami Herald</a> reports.Why it matters: The historic hotel — which is home to LIV Nightclub — wants to attract more families and children as city leaders try to redefine <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami Beach&#x27;s party reputation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2022/10/27/miami-beach-spring-break-fitness-month" data-vars-content-id="3afa0cb0-bbf1-4f74-9068-1d175e674fb9" data-vars-headline="Fontainebleau Miami Beach wants to build a water park. See the renderings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2022/10/27/miami-beach-spring-break-fitness-month" target="_self">Miami Beach&#x27;s party reputation</a>.

Development 🏗️

Miami "supertall" developer plans another downtown skyscraper

Miami voters could decide future of Marine Stadium

What's going up: A new hospital, affordable housing, another luxury development

Caribbean Isles to add affordable senior housing to South Miami

What's going up: Multi-family units in Edgewater, Brickell, Design District