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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.

Utility costs on Florida voters' minds in 2026, report says

That's especially true for South Florida's seniors and those with fixed incomes.

Election

Ahead of this year&#x27;s midterm elections, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new report" data-vars-click-url="https://echocomms.com/the-10-energy-affordability-battlegrounds/" data-vars-content-id="d00061e8-1f52-4da9-81fd-33c928545f3f" data-vars-headline="Utility costs on Florida voters&#x27; minds in 2026, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://echocomms.com/the-10-energy-affordability-battlegrounds/" target="_blank">a new report</a> predicts that energy affordability could emerge as a top concern among voters in Florida.Why it matters: Voters in November will elect <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/14/desantis-lieutenant-governor-pick-raises-2026-questions" data-vars-content-id="d00061e8-1f52-4da9-81fd-33c928545f3f" data-vars-headline="Utility costs on Florida voters&#x27; minds in 2026, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/08/14/desantis-lieutenant-governor-pick-raises-2026-questions" target="_self">a new governor</a> and decide whether to give GOP Sen. Ashley Moody <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="her first full term" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/ashley-moody-desantis-pick-florida-senate-seat" data-vars-content-id="d00061e8-1f52-4da9-81fd-33c928545f3f" data-vars-headline="Utility costs on Florida voters&#x27; minds in 2026, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/ashley-moody-desantis-pick-florida-senate-seat" target="_self">her first full term</a>.<ul><li>They&#x27;ll also decide a slew of federal, state and local races. </li></ul>

Higgins leads Miami mayor's race, headed for runoff against Gonzalez

Miami voters largely rejected members of the city's politically powerful families.

A Democrat is leading the Miami mayor&#x27;s race — but the campaign doesn&#x27;t end on Election Day.<ul><li>None of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="13 candidates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/24/miami-mayor-candidates-election" data-vars-content-id="8346a51d-3951-4df7-972a-29fa62c96e2d" data-vars-headline="Higgins leads Miami mayor&#x27;s race, headed for runoff against Gonzalez" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/24/miami-mayor-candidates-election" target="_self">13 candidates</a> vying to replace outgoing Republican Mayor Francis Suarez received more than 50% of the vote, triggering a runoff election.</li></ul>The big picture: The technically non-partisan race appears headed for a Dec. 9 runoff between Democrat Eileen Higgins and Republican Emilio Gonzalez, the top two vote-getters Tuesday night.

Miami Beach mayor headed for re-election

Voters across Miami-Dade County cast their ballots on Tuesday.

Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner appears headed for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="re-election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/20/miami-beach-election-candidates-mayor-commission" data-vars-content-id="829520b1-ac47-4e39-9b6b-54490aeb6471" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach mayor headed for re-election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/20/miami-beach-election-candidates-mayor-commission" target="_self">re-election</a>, according to preliminary election results.

Your cheat sheet to Miami's 4 voter referendums

Miami voters aren't just electing politicians. There are referendums too.

Miami voters will decide on four <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ballot questions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miami.gov/My-Government/Elections/2025-General-Municipal-and-Special-Elections-November-4-2025" data-vars-content-id="fcdc0337-b1ce-4358-aba4-24d30651dbc6" data-vars-headline="Your cheat sheet to Miami&#x27;s 4 voter referendums" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miami.gov/My-Government/Elections/2025-General-Municipal-and-Special-Elections-November-4-2025" target="_blank">ballot questions</a> during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nov. 4 election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/24/miami-mayor-candidates-election" data-vars-content-id="fcdc0337-b1ce-4358-aba4-24d30651dbc6" data-vars-headline="Your cheat sheet to Miami&#x27;s 4 voter referendums" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/24/miami-mayor-candidates-election" target="_self">Nov. 4 election</a>.Why it matters: If approved, the charter amendments would establish lifetime term limits and make it easier for the city to sell certain public lands.

Meet the candidates for City of Miami commission in the Nov. 4 election

City of Miami residents will elect new commissioners for Districts 3 and 5 when they go to the polls Nov. 4.<ul><li>Early voting begins Saturday and runs through Nov. 2. Check the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s website" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miami.gov/My-Government/Elections/2025-General-Municipal-and-Special-Elections-November-4-2025" data-vars-content-id="88cbe4d7-a630-433a-b1a4-37e65885a014" data-vars-headline="Meet the candidates for City of Miami commission in the Nov. 4 election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miami.gov/My-Government/Elections/2025-General-Municipal-and-Special-Elections-November-4-2025" target="_blank">city&#x27;s website</a> for hours and locations.</li></ul>

Florida voters reject recreational marijuana

The constitutional amendment would have made Florida the first state in the Deep South to legalize weed for personal use.

Florida&#x27;s Amendment 3, which would have legalized recreational marijuana, failed to pass Tuesday night, according to the Associated Press.Why it matters: The constitutional amendment, which needed 60% approval to pass, would have made <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/11/05/election-results-florida-abortion-marijuana-rick-scott" data-vars-content-id="8f812f4c-0a08-4016-ad8e-914cc8dcdc5f" data-vars-headline="Florida voters reject recreational marijuana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/11/05/election-results-florida-abortion-marijuana-rick-scott" target="_self">Florida</a> the first state in the Deep South to legalize weed for personal use.

Live election results for Miami

The key issues and races on the ballot, in one dashboard.

Miami voters head to the polls Tuesday for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2024 general election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/09/25/miami-dade-voter-guide-2024-general-election" data-vars-content-id="622b3391-2ffa-4cc8-910a-6055ad5c6178" data-vars-headline="Live election results for Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/09/25/miami-dade-voter-guide-2024-general-election" target="_self">2024 general election</a>.Why it matters: Along with races that could shift power on Capitol Hill, in Tallahassee and on local boards and councils, voters will decide whether to enshrine abortion rights in Florida&#x27;s Constitution.

Support for Trump grows among Miami's Cuban Americans

Cuban Americans make up about half of Miami-Dade's total Hispanic population.

Support for former President Donald Trump is growing among Cuban American voters in Miami-Dade, according to a recently released Florida International University poll.Why it matters: Latino voters are expected to play a key role in this year&#x27;s election and Cuban Americans make up about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="half of Miami-Dade&#x27;s total Hispanic population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/09/2020-census-dhc-a-hispanic-population.html#:~:text=Nearly%2050%25%20of%20the%20Hispanic,Peruvian%2C%20Uruguayan%2C%20and%20Venezuelan." data-vars-content-id="0517e826-1d49-47e4-9263-1568088b617d" data-vars-headline="Support for Trump grows among Miami&#x27;s Cuban Americans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/09/2020-census-dhc-a-hispanic-population.html#:~:text=Nearly%2050%25%20of%20the%20Hispanic,Peruvian%2C%20Uruguayan%2C%20and%20Venezuelan." target="_blank">half of Miami-Dade&#x27;s total Hispanic population</a>.

Mayoral race, council seats on the ballot for Doral voters

Mayor Christi Fraga is running for a second term.

City of Doral residents are gearing up to elect a mayor, two council members and vote on changes to the city&#x27;s charter in next month&#x27;s election. Why it matters: Following months of political controversy, voters will decide not only whether to replace key city leaders but whether to revamp the city&#x27;s power structures.

Amendments in November's election could shift Doral's power structure

Many of the proposed amendments would give council members more authority.

Residents will vote on 10 amendments that could reshape the power structure of Doral&#x27;s city government next month. Why it matters: Many of the proposed amendments would give council members more authority.

Election 🗳️

Utility costs on Florida voters' minds in 2026, report says

Higgins leads Miami mayor's race, headed for runoff against Gonzalez

Miami Beach mayor headed for re-election

Your cheat sheet to Miami's 4 voter referendums

Meet the candidates for City of Miami commission in the Nov. 4 election