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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.

Higgins' mayoral office salaries soar in early months

The salary total does not include Higgins' compensation.

Politics

In the roughly five months since she was sworn in as Miami mayor, salaries in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eileen Higgins" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/10/eileen-higgins-miami-election-results-biography" data-vars-content-id="15ede74d-579c-43ef-9076-cd9627d30d0c" data-vars-headline="Higgins&#x27; mayoral office salaries soar in early months" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/10/eileen-higgins-miami-election-results-biography" target="_self">Eileen Higgins</a>&#x27; administration have increased by about 30% compared to the previous administration.Why it matters: Higgins, who succeeded former Mayor Francis Suarez, campaigned on investigating excessive spending.

How new congressional districts change voting power in South Florida

Districts saw a significant shift under a newly signed map.

South Florida&#x27;s congressional districts saw a significant shift under a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly signed map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/27/desantis-florida-map-gerrymandering-redistricting-war" data-vars-content-id="b2ade1ba-ab51-402a-bd3f-a3075264c323" data-vars-headline="How new congressional districts change voting power in South Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/27/desantis-florida-map-gerrymandering-redistricting-war" target="_self">newly signed map</a>.Why it matters: The new lines group together communities that span county lines and have little in common, and they dilute the Black vote in what activists say undoes the state&#x27;s Fair Districts Amendment.Driving the news: Gov. Ron DeSantis last week signed into law a new map that could net Republicans four more seats in Congress, arguing the new lines are &quot;race neutral&quot; and reflect Florida&#x27;s recent population boom.<ul><li>DeSantis posted the map on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his X account" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/2051332545841660356?s=20" data-vars-content-id="b2ade1ba-ab51-402a-bd3f-a3075264c323" data-vars-headline="How new congressional districts change voting power in South Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/2051332545841660356?s=20" target="_blank">his X account</a>, with the caption: &quot;Signed, Sealed, and Delivered.&quot;</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Click here" data-vars-click-url="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/69a85aceed7847d295f78f1c44baff64" data-vars-content-id="b2ade1ba-ab51-402a-bd3f-a3075264c323" data-vars-headline="How new congressional districts change voting power in South Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/69a85aceed7847d295f78f1c44baff64" target="_blank">Click here</a> to search by address and find out what district you&#x27;ll be in under the new maps.</li></ul>The other side: &quot;I don&#x27;t know that we can say we have equal-seized districts because [the administration] is using old [census] data,&quot; Jared Nordlund, UnidosUS Florida political director, told Axios.<ul><li>The maps, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="based on data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flsenate.gov/PublishedContent/Session/Congressional/EOG_Transmittal_Letter.pdf" data-vars-content-id="b2ade1ba-ab51-402a-bd3f-a3075264c323" data-vars-headline="How new congressional districts change voting power in South Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flsenate.gov/PublishedContent/Session/Congressional/EOG_Transmittal_Letter.pdf" target="_blank">based on data</a> from the 2020 census, &quot;could be grossly wrong in terms of the people who actually live&quot; in those areas, he said.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Two large, framed color maps of Florida on a blue background; left shows the 2022–2032 Florida State Senate Districts with insets, right shows the new Florida Congressional Districts plan." height="1080" id="32c24c48-b40d-4cd7-aa12-d449b39079f3" src="https://images.axios.com/2hE0XgIlqbFYP5gdfXky_A2nyEo=/2026/05/08/1778252285621.webp" width="1920" srcset="https://images.axios.com/AFzisFqoUl9KqoKUWeRXDA_5jpc=/1920x1080/smart/2026/05/08/1778252285621.webp?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/XlYMEXuM4k-1XTRTpKy-6H1rK48=/1600x900/smart/2026/05/08/1778252285621.webp?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/BhSrALyfjQsbNqVUASYPdFZngV4=/1366x768/smart/2026/05/08/1778252285621.webp?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/kBXCwD10Y4PEQIpprZLaYgfWI8w=/1024x576/smart/2026/05/08/1778252285621.webp?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/S-4QMthTMw200L-S7o9ZE59GFB4=/768x432/smart/2026/05/08/1778252285621.webp?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/k09E5yV4GHlAqbQPRlVEOTSP4ks=/640x360/smart/2026/05/08/1778252285621.webp?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/XS6xRPL6L1V9SILvEYystDsPQ_c=/320x180/smart/2026/05/08/1778252285621.webp?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Left: Congressional map approved in 2022. Right: Congressional map approved in 2026. Photos: Courtesy of the Florida Senate</figcaption></figure>The big picture: Eighty-six percent of the state&#x27;s congressional districts will favor the GOP, despite just 41% of Florida voters being registered Republicans.<ul><li>And of those registered Republicans, 80% are white, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Miami Herald reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article315600885.html" data-vars-content-id="b2ade1ba-ab51-402a-bd3f-a3075264c323" data-vars-headline="How new congressional districts change voting power in South Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article315600885.html" target="_blank">the Miami Herald reported</a>.</li></ul>Zoom in: In District 20, formerly held by Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who is Black, the new map pulls majority-Black areas into a district with surrounding majority-white areas.<ul><li>And a portion of District 24, represented by Frederica Wilson, who is also Black, is being merged with a newly created District 25. </li><li>That district runs from Miami Beach to north of Boca Raton, areas that would seem to share little in common. </li></ul>The intrigue: Districts 27 and 28, represented by Maria Elvira Salazar and Carlos Gimenez, respectively, didn&#x27;t change.<ul><li>Nordlund says that shows those responsible for redrawing the maps suspect those races to be vulnerable in upcoming election cycles.</li></ul>Zoom out: In Orlando, the maps split the once-grouped Hispanic population into three separate, majority-white districts.<ul><li>The new maps will result in a &quot;dilution of power and voice&quot; of voters, where their needs in Congress might not be met, Nordlund said. &quot;How is that fair?&quot;</li><li>The governor&#x27;s office did not respond to Axios&#x27; request for comment.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A lawsuit filed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/second-lawsuit-filed-against-new-florida-congressional-map/3805431/" data-vars-content-id="b2ade1ba-ab51-402a-bd3f-a3075264c323" data-vars-headline="How new congressional districts change voting power in South Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/second-lawsuit-filed-against-new-florida-congressional-map/3805431/" target="_blank">A lawsuit filed</a> by the civil rights group Equal Ground Education Fund argues that DeSantis&#x27; map violates the state constitution&#x27;s ban on partisan gerrymandering.

Miami-Dade funds new center to address homelessness

A new homeless shelter offering emergency housing for up to 80 people is set to open in Liberty City next month.Why it matters: The center, for which the county commission approved funding this week, will provide low-barrier entry and more flexible services for the thousands of county residents experiencing homelessness.

City, business leaders agree: Spring break went smoothly on South Beach

This was the third straight spring break without a major incident.

This spring break, Miami Beach saw fewer arrests, emergency medical calls and noise complaints than in 2025, according to city officials.Why it matters: Apart from being welcome news to city leaders and residents, business owners who in the past criticized the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spring break tactics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/04/miami-beach-spring-break-restrictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="4521d9eb-328a-4f29-a6a4-620ec0609b7f" data-vars-headline="City, business leaders agree: Spring break went smoothly on South Beach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/04/miami-beach-spring-break-restrictions-2026" target="_self">spring break tactics</a> are celebrating, too.<ul><li>This was the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="third year in a row" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/27/spring-break-crowds-south-beach" data-vars-content-id="4521d9eb-328a-4f29-a6a4-620ec0609b7f" data-vars-headline="City, business leaders agree: Spring break went smoothly on South Beach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/27/spring-break-crowds-south-beach" target="_self">third year in a row</a> that Miami Beach officials said they contained spring break mayhem, after prior party periods were marred by gun violence, stampedes and curfews.</li></ul>

As immigration slows, Miami-Dade's population growth declines

The data offers how tighter immigration enforcement is affecting America's demographic makeup.

Miami-Dade County&#x27;s population shrank last year amid a massive drop in immigration, following a nationwide trend, new U.S. Census data shows.Why it matters: The data offers the best look yet at how tighter immigration enforcement is affecting America&#x27;s demographic makeup.

Spring break arrests down in 2026, Miami Beach official says

For the third year in a row, Miami Beach officials say they've kept a lid on spring break mayhem.

Public Safety

For the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="third year in a row," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/27/spring-break-crowds-south-beach" data-vars-content-id="5eba16fb-2367-45ec-bafc-f6a79cc4a584" data-vars-headline="Spring break arrests down in 2026, Miami Beach official says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/27/spring-break-crowds-south-beach" target="_self">third year in a row,</a> Miami Beach officials say they&#x27;ve kept a lid on spring break mayhem.Why it matters: South Beach&#x27;s annual college party month has been relatively calm in recent years after violence, disorderly crowds and clashes with police marred past spring break seasons.

Florida Legislature passes bills on e-bike safety, arming professors and more

The bills await Gov. DeSantis' signature.

The Florida Legislature has passed a slew of bills slowing down e-bikers, mandating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new voter ID rules" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/02/florida-moves-to-pass-its-own-save-america-act" data-vars-content-id="8c526825-ea7b-40c4-8ed5-84b8787c2d6d" data-vars-headline="Florida Legislature passes bills on e-bike safety, arming professors and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/02/florida-moves-to-pass-its-own-save-america-act" target="_self">new voter ID rules</a> and allowing trained college staff to carry guns on campus.The big picture: If signed into law, the bills could impact every corner of South Florida, from the street to the ballot box.

Republicans condemn racist group chat created by Miami GOP official

The group chat involved some Republican campus leaders at Florida International University.

Racist and antisemitic messages leaked from a group chat created by the secretary of Miami-Dade County&#x27;s Republican Party have sparked bipartisan condemnation and efforts by local Republicans to remove the official.The big picture: The group chat, whose contents were reported by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami Herald" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article314928484.html" data-vars-content-id="87f99524-543f-43a9-b30b-51fae295865a" data-vars-headline="Republicans condemn racist group chat created by Miami GOP official" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article314928484.html" target="_blank">Miami Herald</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Floridian" data-vars-click-url="https://floridianpress.com/2026/03/miami-gop-secretarys-group-chat-pushes-antisemitism-killing-n-ggers/" data-vars-content-id="87f99524-543f-43a9-b30b-51fae295865a" data-vars-headline="Republicans condemn racist group chat created by Miami GOP official" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://floridianpress.com/2026/03/miami-gop-secretarys-group-chat-pushes-antisemitism-killing-n-ggers/" target="_blank">The Floridian</a>, is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest example" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/15/us/politics/young-republicans-texts-backlash-racist-homophobic.html" data-vars-content-id="87f99524-543f-43a9-b30b-51fae295865a" data-vars-headline="Republicans condemn racist group chat created by Miami GOP official" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/15/us/politics/young-republicans-texts-backlash-racist-homophobic.html" target="_blank">latest example</a> of young conservatives <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Miami" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/turning-point-usa-fiu-chapter-shares-racist-sexist-pepe-memes-10827433/" data-vars-content-id="87f99524-543f-43a9-b30b-51fae295865a" data-vars-headline="Republicans condemn racist group chat created by Miami GOP official" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/turning-point-usa-fiu-chapter-shares-racist-sexist-pepe-memes-10827433/" target="_blank">in Miami</a> and elsewhere using extremist language in private.

Local leaders blast Florida anti-diversity bill

The anti-diversity legislation sparked criticism and confusion among local leaders.

Local leaders from across Florida spoke out Wednesday against legislation that would ban cities and counties from supporting certain community events, training or activities that reference race, gender or sexual orientation.Why it matters: City and county leaders say the legislation is overly broad and may impact government support for cultural events ranging from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LGBTQ Pride" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/25/st-pete-pride-parade-parking-transportation-road-closures" data-vars-content-id="5eba0aba-7027-4263-a554-fd04e1bbb01c" data-vars-headline="Local leaders blast Florida anti-diversity bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/06/25/st-pete-pride-parade-parking-transportation-road-closures" target="_self">LGBTQ Pride</a> to St. Patrick&#x27;s Day.

Politics 🇺🇸

Scoop: FIU students face conduct charges for anti-ICE demonstration

Higgins' mayoral office salaries soar in early months

How new congressional districts change voting power in South Florida

Miami-Dade funds new center to address homelessness

City, business leaders agree: Spring break went smoothly on South Beach