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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.

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>.

Miami-Dade residents asked to conserve water as Florida drought deepens

Mandatory water restrictions may be imposed if conditions don't improve.

A drought has taken hold across Florida, with some areas experiencing extreme conditions. Why it matters: Drought and water usage are burdening the underground Biscayne Aquifer, which increases the risk of saltwater intrusion for Miami-Dade County&#x27;s primary water source.

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>

Floridians have captured over 2,000 stunned iguanas during cold front

State wildlife officials say residents helped collect thousands of cold-stunned iguanas across Florida.

Floridians don&#x27;t shovel snow, they bag iguanas.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s wildlife agency says it collected more than 2,000 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cold-stunned green iguanas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/01/31/cold-iguana-stunned-florida" data-vars-content-id="0f887297-b0ec-4c19-a6b9-452bbd165160" data-vars-headline="Floridians have captured over 2,000 stunned iguanas during cold front" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/01/31/cold-iguana-stunned-florida" target="_self">cold-stunned green iguanas</a> after announcing a two-day removal event during Florida&#x27;s ongoing cold snap.

How to recycle your Christmas tree in Miami

Three Kings Day is over. For many, it's time to get rid of that tree.

Christmas time has come and gone. So while Santa Claus and Los Reyes Magos go on vacation, you&#x27;d better figure out what to do with that shriveled-up tree in your living room.

Concrete cars are being sunk in South Beach waters. They're going to be a coral reef

Traffic jams aren't limited to Miami highways. They're underwater too.

South Beach&#x27;s long-awaited underwater sculpture park is beginning to take shape after about four years of delays.Why it matters: Reefline wants to serve as a marine tourist attraction and hybrid coral reef.

The hurricane season lull may not last — just look at last year

Don't expect the lack of storm activity to continue.

The Atlantic hurricane season has been quiet so far — but don&#x27;t bet on it staying that way.Why it matters: Hurricane Gabrielle, which became the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second hurricane" data-vars-click-url="https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2025-09-22-hurricane-gabrielle-forecast-atlantic" data-vars-content-id="1c6b5e61-b755-4b8d-9729-5c2daa62d30e" data-vars-headline="The hurricane season lull may not last — just look at last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2025-09-22-hurricane-gabrielle-forecast-atlantic" target="_blank">second hurricane</a> of the season last Sunday, snapped a 20-day streak without an active storm system, according to the Weather Channel.

As development threatens black bears, researchers chart path to safety

Human development threatens Florida black bear

The biggest threat facing Florida&#x27;s black bears is human development — not the recently approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bear hunt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/13/florida-black-bear-hunt-2025-fwc-vote" data-vars-content-id="f7409aef-b45f-44d7-b715-65016eae063e" data-vars-headline="As development threatens black bears, researchers chart path to safety" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/13/florida-black-bear-hunt-2025-fwc-vote" target="_self">bear hunt</a>, says National Geographic Explorer Carlton Ward Jr.Why it matters: Ward, who produced a new documentary that spotlights South Florida bear researchers, says Florida is in a race between development and conservation.

Florida approves first black bear hunt since 2015

Wildlife officials approved a 23-day hunt in December with a 187-bear limit

Florida wildlife officials voted Wednesday to approve the state&#x27;s first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="black bear hunt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/20/florida-black-bear-hunt-protests" data-vars-content-id="efaeb674-05d8-464e-8e77-e88d7f76da2c" data-vars-headline="Florida approves first black bear hunt since 2015" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/20/florida-black-bear-hunt-protests" target="_self">black bear hunt</a> since 2015.The big picture: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission proposed the new hunt last year after wildlife experts said the state&#x27;s bear population — estimated to be about 4,000 in 2015 — was healthy enough for a hunt.