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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.

South Florida wildfires latest in active fire season

It's been an active fire season across Florida amid drought conditions.

Environment

Two South Florida blazes that ignited over the weekend are the latest in what has already been an active wildfire season. Why it matters: There&#x27;s been over 2,000 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wildfires" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Current-Wildfire-Information" data-vars-content-id="dcfe131a-b7e5-4454-be96-30f06bb4a940" data-vars-headline="South Florida wildfires latest in active fire season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Current-Wildfire-Information" target="_blank">wildfires</a> across the state so far this year amid a severe drought that has led to water restrictions and burn bans in some parts of Florida.

Miami launches food scrap composting pilot program

Five drop-off sites will test how much waste Miami can keep out of landfills

Miami residents can help divert biodegradable waste from landfills by composting their food scraps using a new pilot program in the city.Why it matters: Composting turns kitchen waste into nutrient-rich soil that supports the environment.

As manatee deaths rise, experts urge caution in summer months

The manatee is Florida's unofficial mascot.

More than 30 manatees have died this year from collision-related injuries, underscoring concern among experts as the annual death toll in recent years has continued to rise.Why it matters: That number is likely to grow, as the warmer summer months bring more boaters to the shallow coastal areas and rivers that sea cows inhabit, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the New York Times reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/09/us/florida-manatee-safety-tips.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawRE9A1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe5BtxD7LR14_AeePP82PozJFyK1GIAHhtVx8TUbCImgOrF93tFYvD6AYOyws_aem_F7vF6563OflAaTBs_bdDfQ" data-vars-content-id="7dbcc4fa-d059-4a00-a94e-12fe8d9750fa" data-vars-headline="As manatee deaths rise, experts urge caution in summer months" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/09/us/florida-manatee-safety-tips.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawRE9A1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe5BtxD7LR14_AeePP82PozJFyK1GIAHhtVx8TUbCImgOrF93tFYvD6AYOyws_aem_F7vF6563OflAaTBs_bdDfQ" target="_blank">the New York Times reported</a>.State of play: Between Jan. 1 and April 3, 251 manatees died, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission" data-vars-click-url="https://myfwc.com/media/g3hfnb3f/preliminary.pdf" data-vars-content-id="7dbcc4fa-d059-4a00-a94e-12fe8d9750fa" data-vars-headline="As manatee deaths rise, experts urge caution in summer months" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://myfwc.com/media/g3hfnb3f/preliminary.pdf" target="_blank">the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission</a>. About 13% of those were from watercraft collisions.<ul><li>Last year, collisions accounted for 25% of Florida&#x27;s 632 manatee deaths. Other factors included colder temperatures and a red tide bloom.</li><li>The more than 600 deaths exceeded the previous two years, which saw 555 and 565 manatee deaths in 2023 and 2024, respectively.</li></ul>The intrigue: Just three deaths have occurred in Miami-Dade this year. One was caused by a water collision, per FWC. The big picture: Manatees are vital to Florida&#x27;s ecosystem, as they graze on native and invasive plants and keep the waterways clear.<ul><li>But as the state&#x27;s population continues to increase, manatee experts told the Times that &quot;sharing the habitat has become a growing problem, or at least a topic that requires increased attention.&quot;</li></ul>Zoom in: Cold temperatures are the leading cause of death so far this year, resulting in 39 manatees dying, the FWC reported.<ul><li>Other causes included watercraft collisions (33), perinatal (19) and natural causes (19). Fifteen were undetermined. Another 115 didn&#x27;t undergo a post-mortem examination.</li></ul>Zoom out: Ahead of the warmer months, experts are cautioning boaters to take precautions like observing slow and no-wake zones and avoiding areas with seagrass, like canals and springs, the Times reported.<ul><li>Polarized sunglasses can also help drivers spot underwater manatees.</li></ul>The bottom line: Manatees are the state&#x27;s unofficial mascot, and it&#x27;s up to us to keep them safe.

These sisters are biking from Miami to Cape Cod to fund East Coast trail

Both women, who are in their 60s, want to raise money for two nonprofits.

Transit

A pair of bike-riding sisters in their 60s are pedaling 1,600 miles from Miami Beach to Massachusetts to raise money for a car-free path connecting East Coast states.

How to see (and protect) baby sea turtles during South Florida nesting season

The nesting season is a great opportunity for wildlife observations, but keep your distance.

It&#x27;s sea <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="turtle nesting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2022/09/26/florida-sea-turtles-nesting-season" data-vars-content-id="2caa8635-e976-4d03-8398-0985bebd6d00" data-vars-headline="How to see (and protect) baby sea turtles during South Florida nesting season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2022/09/26/florida-sea-turtles-nesting-season" target="_self">turtle nesting</a> season in South Florida — that time of year when our beaches become runways for newborn hatchlings making their daring escapes into the sea.Why it matters: This is a time for cautious curiosity.<ul><li>Local governments are enforcing rules against bright lights near the beach and protecting nests, while groups offer guided tours to view the turtles from a safe distance.</li></ul>

Florida national parks see more visitors in 2025, led by Big Cypress

Big Cypress National Preserve set a visitation record in 2022.

Nearly 4 million people visited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida&#x27;s national parks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/07/06/florida-national-parks-visitor-spending" data-vars-content-id="67b4cbaa-e42e-4b24-bb65-d7655f1abbea" data-vars-headline="Florida national parks see more visitors in 2025, led by Big Cypress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/07/06/florida-national-parks-visitor-spending" target="_self">Florida&#x27;s national parks</a> and preserves in 2025, a slight increase from 2024. Why it matters: The Sunshine State remains a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts — and its natural playgrounds pump billions of dollars into the state&#x27;s economy each year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Tampa Bay reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-tampa-bay-4ac7a126-9f38-4a6a-8998-a5e56dbede5a.html" data-vars-content-id="67b4cbaa-e42e-4b24-bb65-d7655f1abbea" data-vars-headline="Florida national parks see more visitors in 2025, led by Big Cypress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-tampa-bay-4ac7a126-9f38-4a6a-8998-a5e56dbede5a.html" target="_self">Axios Tampa Bay reports</a>.

Citizens shed 180,000 insurance policies in Southeast Florida last year

That's a 56% decrease in Miami-Dade and surrounding counties.

Citizens Property Insurance Corp. shed about 180,000 policies in Southeast Florida last year, according to data released last month.Why it matters: It is no longer the state&#x27;s largest insurer, with a market share of less than 10%, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida Office of Insurance Regulation" data-vars-click-url="https://floir.gov/docs-sf/default-source/property-and-casualty/stability-unit-reports/january-2026-isu-report-final.pdf" data-vars-content-id="eb42a854-fb62-420a-9009-8b1c24769188" data-vars-headline="Citizens shed 180,000 insurance policies in Southeast Florida last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://floir.gov/docs-sf/default-source/property-and-casualty/stability-unit-reports/january-2026-isu-report-final.pdf" target="_blank">Florida Office of Insurance Regulation</a>.

Threatened Florida bird makes a comeback, wildlife officials say

The Trump administration is calling it a conservation success story.

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.

State investigates after research monkey ends up at Miami waste facility

An animal welfare group says quarantine rules were violated after a research monkey went missing in Miami.

Florida wildlife officials are investigating after a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="research monkey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/13/cambodia-monkey-export-crackdown-us-pharma" data-vars-content-id="93940f2c-d9fa-4a2d-b0b8-731d3cbbafce" data-vars-headline="State investigates after research monkey ends up at Miami waste facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/13/cambodia-monkey-export-crackdown-us-pharma" target="_self">research monkey</a> imported from an African island wound up in a medical waste treatment facility in Miami, leading to it being euthanized.Why it matters: Animal welfare group <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PETA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/03/peta-lawsuit-massachusetts-wiretapping-law-animal-abuse-recording-consent" data-vars-content-id="93940f2c-d9fa-4a2d-b0b8-731d3cbbafce" data-vars-headline="State investigates after research monkey ends up at Miami waste facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/03/peta-lawsuit-massachusetts-wiretapping-law-animal-abuse-recording-consent" target="_self">PETA</a> says the blunder endangered the monkey and threatened public health because it violated federal animal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="quarantine requirements" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-us/nonhuman-primate.html" data-vars-content-id="93940f2c-d9fa-4a2d-b0b8-731d3cbbafce" data-vars-headline="State investigates after research monkey ends up at Miami waste facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-us/nonhuman-primate.html" target="_blank">quarantine requirements</a>.