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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.

Miami-Dade Schools weigh nine school closures amid enrollment decline

The school board will have to finalize the proposal in June.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools could close up to nine schools ahead of the upcoming school year.Why it matters: The sharp increase in the number of schools the district is considering underscores its stark <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="enrollment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/25/miami-public-schools-lose-12000-students-enrollment-down" data-vars-content-id="b441c091-de29-4449-a49d-ab7611af5248" data-vars-headline="Miami-Dade Schools weigh nine school closures amid enrollment decline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/25/miami-public-schools-lose-12000-students-enrollment-down" target="_self">enrollment</a> and budget shortfalls.<ul><li>Last year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the district proposed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/02/12/miami-schools-declining-enrollment-building-changes" data-vars-content-id="b441c091-de29-4449-a49d-ab7611af5248" data-vars-headline="Miami-Dade Schools weigh nine school closures amid enrollment decline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/02/12/miami-schools-declining-enrollment-building-changes" target="_self">the district proposed</a> boundary changes to 11 schools and repurposed just two.</li></ul>

Miami-Dade to share district schools with charter operator

An agreement allows for charter schools to begin operation in August 2027.

Five Miami-Dade County public high schools will soon have to share building space with a private charter school operator backed by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="billionaire Ken Griffin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/11/18/ken-griffin-miami-tallest-building" data-vars-content-id="776d5bd8-083f-4ce0-87a7-d2fa90c7199d" data-vars-headline="Miami-Dade to share district schools with charter operator" 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/ken-griffin-miami-tallest-building" target="_self">billionaire Ken Griffin</a>.Why it matters: The unprecedented agreement is the sharpest signal yet of the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="effort to expand private and charter schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/12/florida-pathway-charters-private-schools-education" data-vars-content-id="776d5bd8-083f-4ce0-87a7-d2fa90c7199d" data-vars-headline="Miami-Dade to share district schools with charter operator" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/12/florida-pathway-charters-private-schools-education" target="_self">effort to expand private and charter schools</a>, which public education advocates argue undermines traditional public schools.

Miami-Dade School Board sets superintendent search criteria

Superintendent Jose Dotres will step down in February.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami-Dade County School Board" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/04/14/miami-dade-schools-budget-cuts" data-vars-content-id="0951c7c8-a186-4443-babc-58e6df08b0da" data-vars-headline="Miami-Dade School Board sets superintendent search criteria" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/04/14/miami-dade-schools-budget-cuts" target="_self">Miami-Dade County School Board</a> is expected to vote Wednesday on a plan for selecting its next superintendent.Why it matters: The 10-step plan to replace outgoing superintendent Jose Dotres resulted from a six-hour discussion last week that revealed divisions among the board over issues of finances, transparency and timelines.

FIFA funding expands Miami blind soccer youth program

Local World Cup organizers are seeking to create a lasting legacy in Miami.

Miami World Cup boosters announced new funding for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blind soccer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/01/21/blind-soccer-youth-sports" data-vars-content-id="1dfd2f2f-84c0-4b1a-8fb9-5ecd1e55cd95" data-vars-headline="FIFA funding expands Miami blind soccer youth program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/01/21/blind-soccer-youth-sports" target="_self">blind soccer</a> program for Miami youth.Why it matters: The World Cup is receiving about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$53 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/15/miami-world-cup-taxpayer-costs-public-funding" data-vars-content-id="1dfd2f2f-84c0-4b1a-8fb9-5ecd1e55cd95" data-vars-headline="FIFA funding expands Miami blind soccer youth program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/15/miami-world-cup-taxpayer-costs-public-funding" target="_self">$53 million</a> in taxpayer funds from Miami governments, and organizers say they want the tournament to leave a lasting legacy through community events and programs.

What to know about SOLFL, an ex-WeWork exec's private school in El Portal

SOLFL (pronounced "soulful") is a nontraditional school founded by Rebekah Neumann, a former WeWork executive.

A private school created by former WeWork executives is set to open in El Portal next year with a non-traditional approach to everything from curriculum to classroom design.<ul><li>For starters, there&#x27;s no frontal teaching, so visitors won&#x27;t find rows of desks with a teacher at the helm.</li></ul>

Scoop: Employees say WLRN's future at stake in latest escalation with leadership

Miami's NPR station faces a growing revolt among employees.

Miami&#x27;s NPR station faces a growing revolt among employees who say board chair Richard Rampell is putting the station in jeopardy.Why it matters: The future of public radio in Miami is at stake in an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="escalating conflict" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/17/wlrn-miami-dade-public-schools-lawsuit-emails" data-vars-content-id="b29086d4-66b5-406d-ae65-9d6920444de4" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Employees say WLRN&#x27;s future at stake in latest escalation with leadership" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/17/wlrn-miami-dade-public-schools-lawsuit-emails" target="_self">escalating conflict</a> between South Florida Public Media Group, which manages WLRN, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools.<ul><li>The contract between the school district, which holds WLRN&#x27;s broadcast license, and SFPMG is set to expire in June 2027.</li></ul>

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

The dispute has been brewing since the summer.

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.

Entering final year as governor, DeSantis takes victory lap on education

Florida during his tenure has often served as a test kitchen for boundary-testing policies.

Entering his final year in office, Gov. Ron DeSantis, who built his national profile on overhauling public education, is celebrating his achievements rather than pushing for one final round of reforms.Why it matters: The governor&#x27;s education policies have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="provided a blueprint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/07/22/republican-platform-florida-education" data-vars-content-id="e2a1adee-9662-46b1-aefb-7393817dd622" data-vars-headline="Entering final year as governor, DeSantis takes victory lap on education" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/07/22/republican-platform-florida-education" target="_self">provided a blueprint</a> for conservative reforms nationwide, with Florida during his tenure often serving as a test kitchen for boundary-testing policies.<ul><li>But many public education advocates say the governor will leave office having gutted the state&#x27;s public school system, to the detriment of teachers and families.</li></ul>

Charter schools eye space in Miami-Dade public schools

Miami-Dade County Public Schools received letters of intent from three charter companies.

Charter school operators are seeking to share building space with close to 100 public schools in Miami-Dade County.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest charter school expansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/12/florida-pathway-charters-private-schools-education" data-vars-content-id="77256f79-ff04-4712-9965-c706cadbd357" data-vars-headline="Charter schools eye space in Miami-Dade public schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/12/florida-pathway-charters-private-schools-education" target="_self">latest charter school expansion</a> that public education advocates worry will come at the expense of traditional schools.<ul><li>Under the state law setting the framework for campus colocation, school districts foot the bill for custodial, food and other services.</li></ul>

Education 📚

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

Miami-Dade Schools weigh nine school closures amid enrollment decline

Miami-Dade to share district schools with charter operator

Miami-Dade School Board sets superintendent search criteria

FIFA funding expands Miami blind soccer youth program