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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.

Charter proposal to expand Miami commission one step closer to ballot

The proposal would expand the size of the commission from five to nine members.

Politics

A political group seeking major reforms in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city of Miami" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/12/10/trump-miami-mayor-election-results" data-vars-content-id="a0a50789-9254-47a3-b8cf-31557db719f7" data-vars-headline="Charter proposal to expand Miami commission one step closer to ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/12/10/trump-miami-mayor-election-results" target="_self">city of Miami</a> government says it has gathered enough signatures to put a proposed charter amendment before Miami voters in November.Why it matters: The ground behind the petition campaign, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stronger Miami" data-vars-click-url="https://strongermiami.org/" data-vars-content-id="a0a50789-9254-47a3-b8cf-31557db719f7" data-vars-headline="Charter proposal to expand Miami commission one step closer to ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://strongermiami.org/" target="_blank">Stronger Miami</a>, says the proposals would dilute the concentration of power on the City Commission and boost voter turnout.

Miami Beach broke up with spring break. Now it's rolling back some restrictions

The city has actively dissuaded spring breakers from coming to South Beach.

Business

After &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="breaking up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz3T20EXDdo" data-vars-content-id="971625a5-23ce-4e7b-94d9-f98e206c92ee" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach broke up with spring break. Now it&#x27;s rolling back some restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz3T20EXDdo" target="_blank">breaking up</a>&quot; with spring break in recent years, Miami Beach seems ready to turn the page.Why it matters: City officials are planning to lift some crowd-control measures used to crack down on rowdy spring breakers following <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shootings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2023/03/20/miami-beach-curfew-spring-break-shootings" data-vars-content-id="971625a5-23ce-4e7b-94d9-f98e206c92ee" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach broke up with spring break. Now it&#x27;s rolling back some restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2023/03/20/miami-beach-curfew-spring-break-shootings" target="_self">shootings</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crowd stampedes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article259537909.html" data-vars-content-id="971625a5-23ce-4e7b-94d9-f98e206c92ee" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach broke up with spring break. Now it&#x27;s rolling back some restrictions" 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/article259537909.html" target="_blank">crowd stampedes</a> in South Beach.

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>

Miami Beach mayor flagged Facebook post to chief before police visit, emails show

The Miami Beach mayor previously called the incident a "police matter."

One day before police confronted a Miami Beach resident about her Facebook comment <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="criticizing Mayor Steven Meiner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/13/miami-beach-israel-palestine-police-facebook-post" data-vars-content-id="dca70fd4-ceed-45de-abcf-abb674a0e760" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach mayor flagged Facebook post to chief before police visit, emails show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/13/miami-beach-israel-palestine-police-facebook-post" target="_self">criticizing Mayor Steven Meiner</a>, the mayor reported the social media post to the city&#x27;s police chief, newly released emails show.Why it matters: The Jan. 12 incident raised <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="First Amendment concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/26/free-speech-florida-miami-beach-meiner" data-vars-content-id="dca70fd4-ceed-45de-abcf-abb674a0e760" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach mayor flagged Facebook post to chief before police visit, emails show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/26/free-speech-florida-miami-beach-meiner" target="_self">First Amendment concerns</a> — and questions about Meiner&#x27;s role in prompting the police response.<ul><li>The resident, former political candidate Raquel Pacheco, said she felt targeted by Meiner for her prior criticisms of his leadership.</li></ul>

Free speech advocates say Florida officials are policing criticism

Police in Miami Beach and Largo have questioned residents over critical political commentary.

When police questioned Miami Beach activist Raquel Pacheco earlier this month over a Facebook comment criticizing the mayor, she said it felt like free speech had <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="died on her doorstep" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/miami-beach-police-facebook-comment-mayor-investigation/" data-vars-content-id="cb1f1191-645c-4b24-8419-f347fa2181cf" data-vars-headline="Free speech advocates say Florida officials are policing criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/miami-beach-police-facebook-comment-mayor-investigation/" target="_blank">died on her doorstep</a>.Why it matters: Pacheco&#x27;s case is the latest in Florida in which governments have responded to political speech with intimidation or retaliation, the ACLU of Florida tells Axios

Facebook post about Miami Beach mayor's support for Israel sparks police visit

A former political candidate was questioned by police after they said she made "concering" comments about the mayor.

A former Miami Beach political candidate says the police visited her home Monday over a Facebook post she made about Mayor Steven Meiner&#x27;s views on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Israel-Palestine conflict" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/07/gaza-board-peace-trump-announce-leaders" data-vars-content-id="371f3e55-f1f9-42c5-95d9-120c4312a535" data-vars-headline="Facebook post about Miami Beach mayor&#x27;s support for Israel sparks police visit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/07/gaza-board-peace-trump-announce-leaders" target="_self">Israel-Palestine conflict</a>.The big picture: Raquel Pacheco — who wrote a post Jan. 7 claiming Meiner had &quot;call[ed] for the death of all Palestinians&quot; — says the incident is an attack on free speech.

What's at stake for Miami this legislative session

Everything from funding local governments to helping local animals will be decided.

Lawmakers are heading to Tallahassee for a 60-day legislative marathon — and what happens there will ripple far beyond the Capitol.Why it matters: Everything from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cutting property taxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/12/09/how-the-florida-house-wants-to-cut-property-taxes" data-vars-content-id="5e8b0abb-1b86-4891-818c-bc22d95a0221" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s at stake for Miami this legislative session" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/12/09/how-the-florida-house-wants-to-cut-property-taxes" target="_self">cutting property taxes</a> to boosting pedestrian safety and preserving the environment will be decided when lawmakers convene on Tuesday.

As Maduro pleads not guilty, Florida lawmakers speculate about Cuba

South Florida is home to the largest Venezuelan and Cuban diasporas in the U.S., according to the Migration Policy Institute.

As deposed Venezuelan leader <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nicolás Maduro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/05/maduro-trial-charges-court-case-arraignment-trump" data-vars-content-id="57f2c5ae-cc7c-4ca5-ac17-817377a86b7d" data-vars-headline="As Maduro pleads not guilty, Florida lawmakers speculate about Cuba" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/05/maduro-trial-charges-court-case-arraignment-trump" target="_self">Nicolás Maduro</a> appeared in a New York courtroom on Monday, South Florida&#x27;s Venezuelan community waited to learn more about the country&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="path forward" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/04/world/americas/trump-venezuela-leader-rodriguez-machado.html" data-vars-content-id="57f2c5ae-cc7c-4ca5-ac17-817377a86b7d" data-vars-headline="As Maduro pleads not guilty, Florida lawmakers speculate about Cuba" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/04/world/americas/trump-venezuela-leader-rodriguez-machado.html" target="_blank">path forward</a>.Why it matters: Maduro&#x27;s arrest sparked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="celebrations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/03/venezuelans-miami-celebrate-nicolas-maduro-capture" data-vars-content-id="57f2c5ae-cc7c-4ca5-ac17-817377a86b7d" data-vars-headline="As Maduro pleads not guilty, Florida lawmakers speculate about Cuba" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/03/venezuelans-miami-celebrate-nicolas-maduro-capture" target="_self">celebrations</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="protests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wlrn.org/south-florida/2026-01-03/anti-trump-protesters-to-rally-at-miamis-torch-of-friendship-against-us-attack-on-venezuela" data-vars-content-id="57f2c5ae-cc7c-4ca5-ac17-817377a86b7d" data-vars-headline="As Maduro pleads not guilty, Florida lawmakers speculate about Cuba" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wlrn.org/south-florida/2026-01-03/anti-trump-protesters-to-rally-at-miamis-torch-of-friendship-against-us-attack-on-venezuela" target="_blank">protests</a> in South Florida, but its long-term implications for Venezuelans here and their loved ones at home remain unclear.<ul><li>Meanwhile, speculation is rising that the U.S. could act next against Cuba, another nation with a major Miami-area diaspora.</li></ul>

Venezuelans in Miami celebrate capture of Nicolás Maduro

People filled the streets in Doral for hours on Saturday.

Politics & Policy

Miami-Dade County&#x27;s Venezuelan community celebrated the capture of president Nicolás Maduro with a day-long rally that drew hundreds on Saturday.The big picture: Greater Miami is home to the largest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Venezuelan diaspora" data-vars-click-url="https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/venezuelan-immigrants-united-states#distribution" data-vars-content-id="55bf1a92-b07e-4876-9a92-3ee0ad315ec8" data-vars-headline="Venezuelans in Miami celebrate capture of Nicolás Maduro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/venezuelan-immigrants-united-states#distribution" target="_blank">Venezuelan diaspora</a> in the U.S.

Democrat Eileen Higgins defeats Trump-backed Miami mayoral candidate

This election in increasingly red South Florida drew attention from both sides of the aisle.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eileen Higgins" data-vars-click-url="https://eileen.miami/" data-vars-content-id="15d7eee5-48a4-4e3c-a606-4e09634951e8" data-vars-headline="Democrat Eileen Higgins defeats Trump-backed Miami mayoral candidate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://eileen.miami/" target="_blank">Eileen Higgins</a> was elected <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami" data-vars-content-id="15d7eee5-48a4-4e3c-a606-4e09634951e8" data-vars-headline="Democrat Eileen Higgins defeats Trump-backed Miami mayoral candidate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami" target="_self">Miami</a>&#x27;s next mayor on Tuesday, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AP" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/miami-mayor-trump-higgins-gonzalez-f0d8c55a4b97962ac1348c5a93295465" data-vars-content-id="15d7eee5-48a4-4e3c-a606-4e09634951e8" data-vars-headline="Democrat Eileen Higgins defeats Trump-backed Miami mayoral candidate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/miami-mayor-trump-higgins-gonzalez-f0d8c55a4b97962ac1348c5a93295465" target="_blank">AP</a>, making her the first Democrat to win the post in nearly 30 years and defeating President Trump&#x27;s endorsed pick. Why it matters: The win for Higgins is a loss for Trump, who had tried to influence the outcome of the local, nonpartisan race, backing Emilio González, a Republican.

Politics 🇺🇸

Charter proposal to expand Miami commission one step closer to ballot

Miami Beach broke up with spring break. Now it's rolling back some restrictions

Utility costs on Florida voters' minds in 2026, report says

Miami Beach mayor flagged Facebook post to chief before police visit, emails show

Free speech advocates say Florida officials are policing criticism