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Watchdog: Alligator Alcatraz had bug-infested showers, tiny holding cells

Alligator Alcatraz violated detention standards, according to Homeland Security's Inspector General.

Immigration

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alligator Alcatraz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/12/05/amnesty-international-report-alligator-alcatraz-inhumane-conditions" data-vars-content-id="eb902762-1b4e-4ba4-8afd-3465de6835fa" data-vars-headline="Watchdog: Alligator Alcatraz had bug-infested showers, tiny holding cells" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/12/05/amnesty-international-report-alligator-alcatraz-inhumane-conditions" target="_self">Alligator Alcatraz</a>, the former immigration detention center in the Everglades, improperly confined detainees in small metal holding cells staff described as &quot;calming areas,&quot; a new federal report found.The big picture: The hastily constructed detention facility — a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="centerpiece" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/22/alligator-alcatraz-florida-millions-spent-detention-center" data-vars-content-id="eb902762-1b4e-4ba4-8afd-3465de6835fa" data-vars-headline="Watchdog: Alligator Alcatraz had bug-infested showers, tiny holding cells" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/22/alligator-alcatraz-florida-millions-spent-detention-center" target="_self">centerpiece</a> of Gov. Ron DeSantis&#x27; immigration policy praised by President Trump — violated several detention standards, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Department of Homeland Security&#x27;s Office of the Inspector General" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2026-09/OIG-26-22-Sep26.pdf" data-vars-content-id="eb902762-1b4e-4ba4-8afd-3465de6835fa" data-vars-headline="Watchdog: Alligator Alcatraz had bug-infested showers, tiny holding cells" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2026-09/OIG-26-22-Sep26.pdf" target="_blank">Department of Homeland Security&#x27;s Office of the Inspector General</a>.

Forbes 400: Florida's billionaires, ranked

Culture

Forty-nine of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Forbes&#x27; 400 Richest People in America" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/forbes-400/" data-vars-content-id="6db054bd-86b8-4ec2-8d49-6f0bf2457f3d" data-vars-headline="Forbes 400: Florida&#x27;s billionaires, ranked" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/forbes-400/" target="_blank">Forbes&#x27; 400 Richest People in America</a> live in Florida.The big picture: The top 400 people are worth $8 trillion, up from $6.6 trillion a year ago — a jump that underscores the growing wealth gap among Americans.

Mapped: Florida's next data centers — and the power they'll need

Today's data centers can consume double the power of their predecessors, and more powerful ones are planned within the next few years.

Business

Florida is expected to have about a dozen large data centers by the end of 2026.<ul><li>The eight planned in future years would increase today&#x27;s 51.2 MW capacity by more than 100 times, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="records" data-vars-click-url="https://cleanview.co/data-centers/us" data-vars-content-id="7d9bf278-4237-4619-bb83-78ea4b620cf9" data-vars-headline="Mapped: Florida&#x27;s next data centers — and the power they&#x27;ll need" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cleanview.co/data-centers/us" target="_blank">records</a> analyzed by market intelligence company Cleanview.</li></ul>

UM pens 10-year apparel deal with Nike 

It's one of the largest college apparel deals.

Sports

The University of Miami and Nike agreed to a 10-year contract worth more than $20 million annually, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multiple outlets reported" data-vars-click-url="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25499923-miami-reportedly-switching-back-nike-adidas-primary-apparel-provider-uniforms-more" data-vars-content-id="613e2ee2-77df-4b4e-af5f-edffb300138e" data-vars-headline="UM pens 10-year apparel deal with Nike " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25499923-miami-reportedly-switching-back-nike-adidas-primary-apparel-provider-uniforms-more" target="_blank">multiple outlets reported</a>.Why it matters: The deal is one of the largest apparel deals in college sports history and reignites a decades-long partnership between the two.

South Florida's top hospitals

The annual ranking address several factors.

Health

A handful of South Florida hospitals ranked among the best in the country, according to the latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. News &amp; World Report Best Hospitals 2026-2027" data-vars-click-url="https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area" data-vars-content-id="3876bf84-1301-4804-955f-20f3e2e8d97c" data-vars-headline="South Florida&#x27;s top hospitals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area" target="_blank">U.S. News &amp; World Report Best Hospitals 2026-2027</a>. Why it matters: The ranking, which measures several factors, including cancer care, eye care, rehabilitation, neurology and other specialities, evaluated upwards of 4,500 hospitals around the country.

Players union and experts warn about heat in Miami for World Cup

Players and fans should prepare for hot and humid temperatures.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" data-vars-content-id="5625cc25-ed99-42a4-9e06-47cb7a725386" data-vars-headline="Players union and experts warn about heat in Miami for World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" target="_self">World Cup</a> will be the hottest ticket in Miami this summer, literally.Why it matters: The world players union and heat experts are warning about the possibility for extreme heat in Miami Gardens during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="June-July tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/2026-fifa-world-cup-schedule" data-vars-content-id="5625cc25-ed99-42a4-9e06-47cb7a725386" data-vars-headline="Players union and experts warn about heat in Miami for World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/2026-fifa-world-cup-schedule" target="_self">June-July tournament</a>, which will play seven matches at Hard Rock Stadium.

South Florida drops in health ranking of biggest U.S. metros

The Miami metro area fell in Mindbody's annual rankings.

South Florida is apparently no longer one of the healthiest places in the U.S., according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mindbodyonline.com/business/education/blog/top-10-healthiest-cities-united-states-2026" data-vars-content-id="7f682141-4f0f-4cb5-b2bc-6e962efcf5a3" data-vars-headline="South Florida drops in health ranking of biggest U.S. metros" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mindbodyonline.com/business/education/blog/top-10-healthiest-cities-united-states-2026" target="_blank">national ranking</a> from the wellness software firm Mindbody.<ul><li>The Miami metro area — which ranked No. 2 in the 2024 ranking — finished No. 20 out of the 25 most populous U.S. metros that Mindbody studied.</li></ul>

Florida's sees spike in "super flu" cases

Cases of the flu remain elevated nationwide.

Florida is among a handful of states reporting the highest level of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flu activity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/30/superflu-symptoms-2025-flu-h3n2" data-vars-content-id="79be0051-a431-401c-91db-4baf8af9d998" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s sees spike in &quot;super flu&quot; cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/30/superflu-symptoms-2025-flu-h3n2" target="_self">flu activity</a>, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the latest CDC data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/usmap.html" data-vars-content-id="79be0051-a431-401c-91db-4baf8af9d998" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s sees spike in &quot;super flu&quot; cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/usmap.html" target="_blank">the latest CDC data</a>, mirroring a national surge tied to the so-called &quot;super flu.&quot;Why it matters: An unprecedented rise in flu cases comes as other sicknesses — such as the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter vomiting bug" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" data-vars-content-id="79be0051-a431-401c-91db-4baf8af9d998" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s sees spike in &quot;super flu&quot; cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" target="_self">winter vomiting bug</a>,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="79be0051-a431-401c-91db-4baf8af9d998" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s sees spike in &quot;super flu&quot; cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">COVID</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whooping cough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" data-vars-content-id="79be0051-a431-401c-91db-4baf8af9d998" data-vars-headline="Florida&#x27;s sees spike in &quot;super flu&quot; cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" target="_self">whooping cough</a> — are slamming the nation.

Axios Miami reporter's outdoorsy New Year's resolution

What is your New Year's resolution? Share it with us.

I&#x27;m hitting the great outdoors in 2026, visiting as many green spaces and waterways as I can.Why it matters: Some people have a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Parks bucket list" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wellplannedjourney.com/list-of-national-parks-by-state/" data-vars-content-id="4c483684-2642-4544-adf1-973ab5c13d57" data-vars-headline="Axios Miami reporter&#x27;s outdoorsy New Year&#x27;s resolution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wellplannedjourney.com/list-of-national-parks-by-state/" target="_blank">National Parks bucket list</a>, but my New Year&#x27;s resolution is to visit every public park in the city of Hollywood, where I live.

Miami loves pilates

The data was compiled between Jan. 1 and Oct. 10, 2025.

Miami&#x27;s top workout of 2025 is Pilates, according to data ClassPass shared with Axios.The big picture: Across the country, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pilates was the top" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/08/pilates-classpass-functional-fitness-popular" data-vars-content-id="b8583461-7f8a-44d4-9169-aed9b628c5d1" data-vars-headline="Miami loves pilates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/08/pilates-classpass-functional-fitness-popular" target="_self">Pilates was the top</a> fitness format — just like last year and the year prior — increasing 66% year over year, per workout reservation app <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ClassPass" data-vars-click-url="https://classpass.com/blog/2025-classpass-look-back-report/" data-vars-content-id="b8583461-7f8a-44d4-9169-aed9b628c5d1" data-vars-headline="Miami loves pilates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://classpass.com/blog/2025-classpass-look-back-report/" target="_blank">ClassPass</a>.

Miami's BBL prevalence lifts Southeast as butt-boosting hub

The popularity of Brazilian Butt Lift surgeries in Miami has cemented the Southeast as the butt-boosting capital of the U.S.

The popularity of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brazilian Butt Lift" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2023/08/17/brazilian-butt-lift-deaths-florida-miami" data-vars-content-id="c20dc8e1-4dbd-4404-8eb1-193f9dd5705b" data-vars-headline="Miami&#x27;s BBL prevalence lifts Southeast as butt-boosting hub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2023/08/17/brazilian-butt-lift-deaths-florida-miami" target="_self">Brazilian Butt Lift</a> surgeries in Miami has cemented the Southeast as the glute-boosting capital of the U.S.Why it matters: The BBL, which involves injecting fat into the buttocks to create an hourglass figure, is so prevalent and accessible in South Florida that patients fly in from out of state just to get it done.

Marino says Dolphins fans should "stay positive" after 0-2 start

The Hall of Famer believes Miami has what it takes to bounce back, despite a tough start.

Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino has a message for frustrated fans: &quot;Try to stay positive.&quot;Why it matters: The Dolphins have lost two straight games to start the NFL season and fans are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="demanding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/dolphins-fans-fly-banner-urging-team-to-fire-coach-mike-mcdaniel-gm-chris-grier/" data-vars-content-id="7fa0da3c-0e79-4688-9da1-98a854a52a36" data-vars-headline="Marino says Dolphins fans should &quot;stay positive&quot; after 0-2 start" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/dolphins-fans-fly-banner-urging-team-to-fire-coach-mike-mcdaniel-gm-chris-grier/" target="_blank">demanding</a> that Miami fire its coach and general manager.

Back scratches are the hot wellness trend — and business is booming in Miami

These days, Miami spas go to great lengths to pamper the masses. New-age tech like LED light therapy and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="robot masseuses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/09/09/massage-robot-aescape-kimpton-epic-hotel" data-vars-content-id="e554cae4-f963-4d74-a32a-5e53051c9181" data-vars-headline="Back scratches are the hot wellness trend — and business is booming in Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/09/09/massage-robot-aescape-kimpton-epic-hotel" target="_self">robot masseuses</a> are pushing the boundaries of self-care.<ul><li>But one Miami family is banking on the simple power of a back scratch.</li></ul>

Treat yourself to discounted massages, facials with Miami Spa Months

Treat yourself this summer with Miami Spa Months

Things to Do

Miamians have a lot to be stressed about. The end of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mango season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/11/miami-mango-season-community" data-vars-content-id="8b5715d8-f2c3-4dbf-9e66-ed13de9305e1" data-vars-headline="Treat yourself to discounted massages, facials with Miami Spa Months" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/11/miami-mango-season-community" target="_self">mango season</a>. The start of school. Another Dolphins season. Why it matters: Hotels and spas are offering discounted massages, facials and other relaxing treatments as part of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami Spa Months" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/deals/spa-months" data-vars-content-id="8b5715d8-f2c3-4dbf-9e66-ed13de9305e1" data-vars-headline="Treat yourself to discounted massages, facials with Miami Spa Months" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/deals/spa-months" target="_blank">Miami Spa Months</a>, which ends Aug. 31.

Health 🩺

South Florida's top hospitals

Players union and experts warn about heat in Miami for World Cup

South Florida drops in health ranking of biggest U.S. metros

Florida's sees spike in "super flu" cases

Axios Miami reporter's outdoorsy New Year's resolution