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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.

What to know about the Miami Marlins' 2026 season

The World Baseball Classic is also coming to loanDepot park in March.

Sports

Baseball season is almost in full swing, as spring training games <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="begin this weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/mlb/team/schedule/_/name/mia" data-vars-content-id="182c0872-147d-45c3-97a7-de6a6cabdb53" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Miami Marlins&#x27; 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/team/schedule/_/name/mia" target="_blank">begin this weekend</a> for the Miami Marlins.The big picture: Not only is the Marlins&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Opening Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/marlins/schedule/2026-03" data-vars-content-id="182c0872-147d-45c3-97a7-de6a6cabdb53" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Miami Marlins&#x27; 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/marlins/schedule/2026-03" target="_blank">Opening Day</a> on March 27 but the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Baseball Classic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/marlins/ballpark/events/entertainment-sports/world-baseball-classic/2026" data-vars-content-id="182c0872-147d-45c3-97a7-de6a6cabdb53" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Miami Marlins&#x27; 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/marlins/ballpark/events/entertainment-sports/world-baseball-classic/2026" target="_blank">World Baseball Classic</a> also returns to loanDepot park in March.

Miami Beach streak runner Raven settles foreclosure suit after donations

After $40,000 in donations, the streak runner resolved his condo fee dispute.

Miami Beach streak runner <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Robert Raven Kraft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/29/miami-beach-running-legend-robert-raven-kraft-foreclosure" data-vars-content-id="3e12070b-fdd0-471f-ae47-b86615cc29b1" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach streak runner Raven settles foreclosure suit after donations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/29/miami-beach-running-legend-robert-raven-kraft-foreclosure" target="_self">Robert Raven Kraft</a> has settled the foreclosure lawsuit against him, ending a nearly yearlong legal case that threatened to kick the 75-year-old fitness icon out of his longtime home.The big picture: Raven — whose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="51-year running streak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2022/10/12/miami-beach-runner-raven-streak-continues" data-vars-content-id="3e12070b-fdd0-471f-ae47-b86615cc29b1" data-vars-headline="Miami Beach streak runner Raven settles foreclosure suit after donations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2022/10/12/miami-beach-runner-raven-streak-continues" target="_self">51-year running streak</a> has earned him a cult following and a South Beach street sign in his honor — received over $40,000 in donations from the community to fight the foreclosure.<ul><li>&quot;I wouldn&#x27;t have ever made it without the GoFundMe,&quot; Raven told Axios in an interview Tuesday.</li></ul>

Inter Miami ranked most valuable team in MLS

Messi's club has jumped 22% in value ahead of the new stadium's opening.

Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami squad enter the 2026 season next week as reigning champions and Major League Soccer&#x27;s most valuable franchise, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sportico analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sportico.com/valuations/teams/2026/mls-team-values-2026-inter-miami-messi-1234884047/" data-vars-content-id="8c0e913d-618f-4bdd-84ef-926c9d66e1fc" data-vars-headline="Inter Miami ranked most valuable team in MLS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sportico.com/valuations/teams/2026/mls-team-values-2026-inter-miami-messi-1234884047/" target="_blank">Sportico analysis</a>.Why it matters: As the U.S. prepares to host its first World Cup in over 30 years, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Inter Miami" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/12/08/inter-miami-messi-win-first-ever-mls-cup" data-vars-content-id="8c0e913d-618f-4bdd-84ef-926c9d66e1fc" data-vars-headline="Inter Miami ranked most valuable team in MLS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/12/08/inter-miami-messi-win-first-ever-mls-cup" target="_self">Inter Miami</a> continues its dizzying ascent from a bottom-dwelling expansion team to the face of MLS.

Meet Sully and Haf: New GM, coach lay out vision for Dolphins

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross hopes the new hires will usher in an era of winning.

The Miami Dolphins introduced their new general manager and head coach to South Florida on Thursday, two hires that owner Stephen Ross hopes will usher in a &quot;new beginning&quot; for the team amid fan frustration.

2026 is Miami's year of mega sports tournaments

Miami is hosting several major sports tournaments in 2026.

Monday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college football championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/15/miami-hurricanes-indiana-college-football-championship" data-vars-content-id="8a222d9e-6f88-47dd-babe-db8fe2fc86fc" data-vars-headline="2026 is Miami&#x27;s year of mega sports tournaments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/15/miami-hurricanes-indiana-college-football-championship" target="_self">college football championship</a> wasn&#x27;t the first mega sporting event this year in Miami — and it won&#x27;t be the last.Why it matters: 2026 is going to be a huge year for sports in Miami-Dade County, and organizers predict events like the College Football Playoff title game and the World Cup will boost the local economy.

Miami falls to Indiana in CFP National Championship

The Canes' run still signals a return to national prominence not seen since The U's heyday.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Miami Hurricanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/15/miami-hurricanes-indiana-college-football-championship" data-vars-content-id="0fd1a0de-fc3f-4182-974a-112e9d7cc2e3" data-vars-headline="Miami falls to Indiana in CFP National Championship" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/15/miami-hurricanes-indiana-college-football-championship" target="_self">The Miami Hurricanes</a>&#x27; stunning playoff run ended in heartbreak Monday night, as they lost to the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers 27-21 in the CFP National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium. <ul><li>It was the Hoosiers&#x27; first-ever football national title. </li></ul>Why it matters: While Miami was unable to claim its sixth football championship, the Canes&#x27; playoff run signals a return to national prominence not seen since The U&#x27;s heyday more than two decades ago.

The U is almost back. Hurricanes take on Indiana in title game

Miami is seeking its first championship in 25 years.

University of Miami football coach Mario Cristobal may not want to say &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The U is back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/03/miami-coach-mario-cristobal-dismisses-hype-around-his-team-as-he-prepares-for-fiesta-bowl/?utm_social_post_id=642144348&amp;utm_social_handle_id=64829476886&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawPWLrVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFPeWZEWkJKTEhyVllvTmVjc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHraN53Yj_9xuIIEuiMBwgGJbFz8sK0MIA5tUxWw88RTZsyWVZxFRpUlT1Ntx_aem_0ex8RivBk480_X4ZGJ50Eg" data-vars-content-id="2deef869-5640-48a0-9ea5-f57f94e58c85" data-vars-headline="The U is almost back. Hurricanes take on Indiana in title game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/01/03/miami-coach-mario-cristobal-dismisses-hype-around-his-team-as-he-prepares-for-fiesta-bowl/?utm_social_post_id=642144348&amp;utm_social_handle_id=64829476886&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawPWLrVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFPeWZEWkJKTEhyVllvTmVjc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHraN53Yj_9xuIIEuiMBwgGJbFz8sK0MIA5tUxWw88RTZsyWVZxFRpUlT1Ntx_aem_0ex8RivBk480_X4ZGJ50Eg" target="_blank">The U is back</a>&quot; just yet, but his Hurricanes are on the verge of bringing the city its first taste of college football glory in decades.Why it matters: The U is (almost) back atop the college football world — 24 years since future NFL Hall of Famers Andre Johnson and Ed Reed led the school to its fifth national title.

CFP Championship weekend events: 5K, live music and more

College football fans, listen up: This is your weekend to be immersed in interactive experiences, even if you aren&#x27;t attending Monday night&#x27;s championship game. <ul><li>We&#x27;ve rounded up a few events to help plan your weekend. </li></ul>

CFP championship ticketing predicts split fanbase at Hard Rock Stadium

The Hoosiers have taken over stadiums this playoff season.

Monday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college football championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/trump-rubio-football-championship-miami" data-vars-content-id="d8e85f60-f7e5-487b-9105-c044e93d6099" data-vars-headline="CFP championship ticketing predicts split fanbase at Hard Rock Stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/trump-rubio-football-championship-miami" target="_self">college football championship</a> game may be in Miami, but the stadium may look equal parts crimson-and-white to green-and-orange.State of play: As of Wednesday evening, 17% of tickets purchased were coming from Indiana, whereas 34% were from Florida, online ticketing platform TickPick told Axios.

Head coach Mike McDaniel fired as Miami Dolphins make changes

The team failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

After four seasons, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami Dolphins" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/29/too-little-too-late-readers-say" data-vars-content-id="4f16f1ff-183b-49cb-9098-ba86dfd47542" data-vars-headline="Head coach Mike McDaniel fired as Miami Dolphins make changes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/29/too-little-too-late-readers-say" target="_self">Miami Dolphins</a> fired head coach Mike McDaniel on Thursday. Why it matters: The move comes after the team finished the season with a 7-10 record and failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Sports 🏅

What to know about the Miami Marlins' 2026 season

Miami Beach streak runner Raven settles foreclosure suit after donations

Inter Miami ranked most valuable team in MLS

Meet Sully and Haf: New GM, coach lay out vision for Dolphins

2026 is Miami's year of mega sports tournaments