Miami

Miami Alerts

Alert

blue

Axios Miami Partners

Miami Members

Membership

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Miami.

Axios Miami Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Miami with Sommer Brugal and Martin Vassolo.

Axios Miami

Standard

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.

Why Tampa Bay is coming to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival

Maybe some in-state rivalry is good every now and then.

Food and Drink

&quot;Is Tampa Bay trying to steal Miami&#x27;s shine, or am I just being paranoid?&quot;<ul><li>That&#x27;s what I asked myself when I saw Visit Tampa Bay announce it will send local chefs to this weekend&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Beach Wine and Food Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://sobewff.org/" data-vars-content-id="9d27fe52-ce92-4174-b462-b8f4da9d627a" data-vars-headline="Why Tampa Bay is coming to the South Beach Wine &amp; Food Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sobewff.org/" target="_blank">South Beach Wine and Food Festival</a>.</li></ul>Why it matters: It probably doesn&#x27;t, but the thought of a rival Florida city coming to our turf during one of Miami Beach&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flagship events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/09/south-beach-wine-food-festival-25-years" data-vars-content-id="9d27fe52-ce92-4174-b462-b8f4da9d627a" data-vars-headline="Why Tampa Bay is coming to the South Beach Wine &amp; Food Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/09/south-beach-wine-food-festival-25-years" target="_self">flagship events</a> to entice foodie travelers made me wonder.

Miami-based Mavn is bringing SOBEWFF into the creator economy era

The festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Things to Do

For Miami native Olivia Ormos, this year&#x27;s South Beach Wine &amp; Food Festival is more than an impressive milestone for an event she grew up attending. It&#x27;s a personal triumph.State of play: Ormos&#x27; company, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mavn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mavncreators.com/" data-vars-content-id="8f47f9c8-9c27-4e8d-b4a8-ca5f4d07a59c" data-vars-headline="Miami-based Mavn is bringing SOBEWFF into the creator economy era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mavncreators.com/" target="_blank">Mavn</a>, which launched in 2023, partnered with the festival ahead of the 25th anniversary to streamline and manage the festival&#x27;s growing number of interested content creators.

South Beach Wine & Food Festival celebrates 25 years, local talent

The four-day event has grown into one of the largest food festivals in the country.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The South Beach Wine and Food Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://sobewff.org/" data-vars-content-id="b7366a02-57ce-4bb9-bb08-32c5c6b5d0ef" data-vars-headline="South Beach Wine &amp; Food Festival celebrates 25 years, local talent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sobewff.org/" target="_blank">The South Beach Wine and Food Festival</a> is celebrating 25 years by uplifting the chefs and businesses that&#x27;ve participated throughout the years, particularly those from South Florida.Why it matters: The four-day event, which has grown into one of the largest food festivals in the country, kicks off Feb. 19.

Florida's freeze damaged crops. Farmers say it may raise prices, too

Crops like squash, bell peppers and sweet corn were impacted.

Business

Florida&#x27;s recent rash of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frigid weather" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/02/florida-cold-snap-invasive-iguanas-removal-fwc-south-florida" data-vars-content-id="ab9504ca-8c2d-4a6b-b765-7232688e3981" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s freeze damaged crops. Farmers say it may raise prices, too" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/02/florida-cold-snap-invasive-iguanas-removal-fwc-south-florida" target="_self">frigid weather</a> is hurting farmers — and they say consumers will feel the impacts, too.Why it matters: Though it&#x27;s still early, some growers are already reporting damage to crops like squash and sweet corn after some parts of the Sunshine State saw freezing temperatures last weekend.

Review: Rincon del Taco is a lunchtime getaway

Broward County has a tropical taco paradise.

After my recent trip to Tree Tops Park in Davie, I stumbled upon a hidden gem serving authentic Mexican food in a lush outdoor space.

COTE lands on Yelp's top 100 list for 2026

It's one of eight Florida restaurants to be included.

COTE was among the highest-reviewed restaurants in the country, according to Yelp&#x27;s list of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top U.S. restaurants for 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yelp.com/article/top-100-us-restaurants-2026" data-vars-content-id="7ac40dc0-4ee2-4b97-8159-91d5f57798e3" data-vars-headline="COTE lands on Yelp&#x27;s top 100 list for 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yelp.com/article/top-100-us-restaurants-2026" target="_blank">top U.S. restaurants for 2026</a>.<ul><li>The Korean steakhouse in the Design District landed at No. 20. </li></ul>

Almacen by Fiorito is the perfect lunch spot

Fiorito is one of Miami&#x27;s best, most consistent restaurants — at least according to the Brugal family. <ul><li>So when I got wind that its little sibling outpost, Almacen By Fiorito, opened across the street, I told Martin that&#x27;s where we&#x27;d be going for our first co-working lunch of 2026.</li></ul>

2026 James Beard: Miami restaurants, chefs nominated for awards

The Beards are like the Oscars for the American hospitality industry.

The James Beard Awards on Wednesday announced their 2026 semifinalists, and four Miami chefs and restaurants are in the running.<ul><li>Last year, Miami earned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="six nominations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/01/22/2025-james-beard-miami-nominations" data-vars-content-id="032b9f5d-2702-4f38-87b3-f0c029e883fd" data-vars-headline="2026 James Beard: Miami restaurants, chefs nominated for awards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/01/22/2025-james-beard-miami-nominations" target="_self">six nominations</a>. </li></ul>

Tín Tín is an exciting new restaurant I'll be trying again

It's Calle Ocho's newest restaurant from the team behind Tinta y Café.

I tried Tín Tín, Calle Ocho&#x27;s newest restaurant from the team behind Tinta y Café, and, well, I&#x27;m unsure about it.Why it matters: I am a Tinta stan (RIP the OG Brickell location) and deeply wanted to love it at first bite.

New restaurant openings in Miami-Dade County

The Taco Stand, Bocas Grill and more are opening in 2026.

Let&#x27;s take a look at some of the new restaurants opening in South Florida this year.

Food and Drink 🍽

Why Tampa Bay is coming to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival

Miami-based Mavn is bringing SOBEWFF into the creator economy era

South Beach Wine & Food Festival celebrates 25 years, local talent

Florida's freeze damaged crops. Farmers say it may raise prices, too

Review: Rincon del Taco is a lunchtime getaway