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Before Tartan Army march, Miami Beach police trained in Scotland

Officers learned Scottish traditions and de-escalation tactics before the World Cup.

Public Safety

A festive crowd gathered on South Beach last month, holding beers and playing music. Some even <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climbed onto" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/OfficialJoelF/status/2069496421825351827/video/1" data-vars-content-id="c1a4bd7a-f3c6-40de-9846-a14c73574232" data-vars-headline="Before Tartan Army march, Miami Beach police trained in Scotland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/OfficialJoelF/status/2069496421825351827/video/1" target="_blank">climbed onto</a> a fire rescue ATV.The big picture: This wasn&#x27;t spring break; it was a World Cup parade led by Scottish football fans known as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Tartan Army" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/25/scotland-world-cup-tartan-army-miami" data-vars-content-id="c1a4bd7a-f3c6-40de-9846-a14c73574232" data-vars-headline="Before Tartan Army march, Miami Beach police trained in Scotland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/25/scotland-world-cup-tartan-army-miami" target="_self">the Tartan Army</a>.<ul><li>While Miami Beach has historically <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="imposed strict rules" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article228090319.html" data-vars-content-id="c1a4bd7a-f3c6-40de-9846-a14c73574232" data-vars-headline="Before Tartan Army march, Miami Beach police trained in Scotland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article228090319.html" target="_blank">imposed strict rules</a> on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spring break party crowds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/04/miami-beach-spring-break-restrictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="c1a4bd7a-f3c6-40de-9846-a14c73574232" data-vars-headline="Before Tartan Army march, Miami Beach police trained in Scotland" 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 party crowds</a> — due to years of fatal shootings and rowdy behavior — city leaders marched alongside the Scottish supporters.</li></ul>

Why Miami is the perfect final act for LeBron James

Miami is where James won his first NBA championship.

Sports

Sixteen years after &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Decision" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afpgnb_9bA4" data-vars-content-id="857dbdb6-ead6-429b-9f2b-a20a8263f1bb" data-vars-headline="Why Miami is the perfect final act for LeBron James" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afpgnb_9bA4" target="_blank">The Decision</a>&quot; brought <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LeBron James" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/30/lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers" data-vars-content-id="857dbdb6-ead6-429b-9f2b-a20a8263f1bb" data-vars-headline="Why Miami is the perfect final act for LeBron James" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/30/lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers" target="_self">LeBron James</a> to Miami, the world is again waiting to learn where he&#x27;ll take his talents next.State of play: The 41-year-old NBA legend has been linked to a handful of teams as possible destinations, including Golden State, Minnesota, Philadelphia and Miami.

Things to do: World Cup, Super Con and more

Things to Do

We&#x27;re back with another roundup of weekend events! Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s going on around town. <ul><li>Reminder: The World Cup is ongoing, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="watch parties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/04/your-guide-to-world-cup-watch-parties-drink-specials-in-miami" data-vars-content-id="58ae6111-d5fd-4de4-8c32-892d905cb851" data-vars-headline="Things to do: World Cup, Super Con and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/04/your-guide-to-world-cup-watch-parties-drink-specials-in-miami" target="_self">watch parties</a> around town. </li></ul>

Norway fans will row through South Beach ahead of England match

This is your chance to join the Norwegian Viking row.

News

Norway fans will bring their famous <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Viking row" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncu50EBP-6I" data-vars-content-id="5514e7e4-3a43-4011-ab06-88919944e360" data-vars-headline="Norway fans will row through South Beach ahead of England match" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncu50EBP-6I" target="_blank">Viking row</a> to Miami ahead of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/07/09/world-cup-miami-gardens-parking-residents" data-vars-content-id="5514e7e4-3a43-4011-ab06-88919944e360" data-vars-headline="Norway fans will row through South Beach ahead of England match" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/07/09/world-cup-miami-gardens-parking-residents" target="_self">World Cup</a> clash with England this weekend.Why it matters: From the Scots to the Argentinians, some of the world&#x27;s best soccer fans have taken over South Florida following their teams.<ul><li>Norway and England are next.</li></ul>

World Cup offers Haitians in Miami hope amid crisis at home

Watch parties are planned across South Florida.

Half a century after Haiti&#x27;s first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/11/world-cup-miami-global-influence" data-vars-content-id="9cdfe75f-d392-40c3-bfcf-5514c821a716" data-vars-headline="World Cup offers Haitians in Miami hope amid crisis at home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/11/world-cup-miami-global-influence" target="_self">World Cup</a> appearance, Les Grenadiers are back on futbol&#x27;s biggest stage after overcoming challenges back home and abroad.Why it matters: South Florida is home to the largest Haitian diaspora in America.<ul><li>For the over 163,000 Haitians living in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, the tournament offers a moment of excitement amid the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violence and displacement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iom.int/news/haitis-displacement-crisis-hits-record-15-million-amid-escalating-violence" data-vars-content-id="9cdfe75f-d392-40c3-bfcf-5514c821a716" data-vars-headline="World Cup offers Haitians in Miami hope amid crisis at home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iom.int/news/haitis-displacement-crisis-hits-record-15-million-amid-escalating-violence" target="_blank">violence and displacement</a> afflicting the Caribbean nation.</li></ul>

Poll: Trump loses ground with Florida Hispanics on economy, performance

The survey comes ahead of November's midterm elections.

Hispanic voters — including those in Florida — are drifting away from President Trump over issues including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost of living" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/trump-inflation-economy-polls-biden" data-vars-content-id="c842d075-f081-4298-a1b7-f40235fe270b" data-vars-headline="Poll: Trump loses ground with Florida Hispanics on economy, performance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/trump-inflation-economy-polls-biden" target="_self">cost of living</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" data-vars-content-id="c842d075-f081-4298-a1b7-f40235fe270b" data-vars-headline="Poll: Trump loses ground with Florida Hispanics on economy, performance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" target="_self">immigration</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/03/iran-war-powers-house-republicans" data-vars-content-id="c842d075-f081-4298-a1b7-f40235fe270b" data-vars-headline="Poll: Trump loses ground with Florida Hispanics on economy, performance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/03/iran-war-powers-house-republicans" target="_self">Iran war</a>, recent polling finds.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s 2024 victory was fueled, in part, by the support he garnered from Hispanic voters.

Coral Gables pub calls for mayor to resign over World Cup spat

Mayor Lago says he remains open to meeting and working with the owner of Fritz & Franz Bierhaus.

Politics

The owner of Fritz &amp; Franz Bierhaus is calling on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Coral Gables" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/30/coral-gables-election-charter-mayor-lago" data-vars-content-id="97f21758-9a66-4eb8-9a85-82401f108840" data-vars-headline="Coral Gables pub calls for mayor to resign over World Cup spat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/30/coral-gables-election-charter-mayor-lago" target="_self">Coral Gables</a> Mayor Vince Lago to resign after a dispute over the venue&#x27;s desire to host World Cup watch parties.Why it matters: The public call is the latest escalation in the monthlong dispute between the two parties.

Scoop: How a 2014 election delay could give Broward's mayor an extra term

The county attorney says Bogen can seek another term due to a delayed start to his first term.

Election

A less-than-two-month delay in taking office when he was first elected in 2014 could land <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Broward" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/20/miami-2026-federal-tax-cuts-trump-savings" data-vars-content-id="eedfd518-8220-4e1e-9134-c4667f88b68b" data-vars-headline="Scoop: How a 2014 election delay could give Broward&#x27;s mayor an extra term" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/20/miami-2026-federal-tax-cuts-trump-savings" target="_self">Broward</a> Mayor Mark Bogen a fourth, four-year term on the county commission, despite term limits.Why it matters: Bogen&#x27;s candidacy, which is currently unopposed, could trigger legal challenges and test the county&#x27;s interpretation of its charter, which limits commissioners to three consecutive four-year terms.

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.

Higgins' mayoral office salaries soar in early months

The salary total does not include Higgins' compensation.

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.

Politics 🇺🇸

World Cup offers Haitians in Miami hope amid crisis at home

Poll: Trump loses ground with Florida Hispanics on economy, performance

Coral Gables pub calls for mayor to resign over World Cup spat

Scoop: How a 2014 election delay could give Broward's mayor an extra term

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