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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.

New take on Monopoly highlights Coral Gables' landmarks, unique charm

Proceeds will support local business initiatives.

Things to Do

A new twist on a classic game is highlighting the landmarks and character that define one of Miami&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="iconic cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/05/18/real-estate-values-homestead-coral-gables" data-vars-content-id="9ce9ab23-e4be-4adb-afe1-ae87ad3a2fa1" data-vars-headline="New take on Monopoly highlights Coral Gables&#x27; landmarks, unique charm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/05/18/real-estate-values-homestead-coral-gables" target="_self">iconic cities</a>. State of play: Gables-opoly is a reimagined take on Monopoly that features more than 40 local events, departments and community organizations, plus more than 30 local businesses that supported the game&#x27;s development.

Things to do: Food festival, Heated Rivalry and more

There's always something happening in Miami.

Culture

Halfway through February already? Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s happening around town.

Things to do in Miami: Coconut Grove Arts Fest, Ignite Broward

Some events to check out in South Florida this weekend.

This Valentine&#x27;s Day weekend lineup reminds us why we love Miami.Here are some events happening around town:

Miami voters could decide future of Marine Stadium

City commissioners could ask voters to weigh in on a private deal to reopen the historic venue.

Development

A proposal to hire a private company to operate the long-shuttered Miami Marine Stadium will be presented to voters if the City Commission approves the plan at its Thursday meeting.Why it matters: The historically designated stadium has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shuttered for longer than it was in operation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wlrn.org/arts-culture/2024-10-15/miami-marine-stadium" data-vars-content-id="9ecfbf4c-5543-44e9-8f5b-ed3acfba308d" data-vars-headline="Miami voters could decide future of Marine Stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wlrn.org/arts-culture/2024-10-15/miami-marine-stadium" target="_blank">shuttered for longer than it was in operation</a>, despite numerous city- and celebrity-led efforts to revive it, as WLRN has reported.

Miami International Boat Show brings nautical novelties — and traffic

Transit

The 85th annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami International Boat Show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamiboatshow.com/en/home.html" data-vars-content-id="72c62cf0-6cc4-480f-8222-3c077e1ed1eb" data-vars-headline="Miami International Boat Show brings nautical novelties — and traffic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miamiboatshow.com/en/home.html" target="_blank">Miami International Boat Show</a> kicks off Wednesday and runs through Sunday across Miami Beach and its surrounding waterways.Why it matters: If you&#x27;re really into boating, then this is your Super Bowl. <ul><li>If you live in Miami Beach and your only mode of transportation is on four wheels, then this week may be difficult.</li></ul>

Miami-based Mavn is bringing SOBEWFF into the creator economy era

The festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

For Miami native Olivia Ormos, this year&#x27;s South Beach Wine &amp; Food Festival is more than an impressive milestone for an event she grew up attending. It&#x27;s a personal triumph.State of play: Ormos&#x27; company, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mavn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mavncreators.com/" data-vars-content-id="8f47f9c8-9c27-4e8d-b4a8-ca5f4d07a59c" data-vars-headline="Miami-based Mavn is bringing SOBEWFF into the creator economy era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mavncreators.com/" target="_blank">Mavn</a>, which launched in 2023, partnered with the festival ahead of the 25th anniversary to streamline and manage the festival&#x27;s growing number of interested content creators.

South Beach Wine & Food Festival celebrates 25 years, local talent

The four-day event has grown into one of the largest food festivals in the country.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The South Beach Wine and Food Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://sobewff.org/" data-vars-content-id="b7366a02-57ce-4bb9-bb08-32c5c6b5d0ef" data-vars-headline="South Beach Wine &amp; Food Festival celebrates 25 years, local talent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sobewff.org/" target="_blank">The South Beach Wine and Food Festival</a> is celebrating 25 years by uplifting the chefs and businesses that&#x27;ve participated throughout the years, particularly those from South Florida.Why it matters: The four-day event, which has grown into one of the largest food festivals in the country, kicks off Feb. 19.

Disco Domingo is the daytime dance party Miami's been missing

The party season runs from November to April.

When Miami native Scott Salzman returned after a stint in New York City, the music scene he found was familiar and &quot;disheartening.&quot; <ul><li>He saw favorite bands skip the city, DJ sets starting at 1am and a &quot;one-dimensional&quot; club culture less about the music than being seen.</li></ul>Why it matters: In November, Salzman and a dozen like-minded friends launched <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Disco Domingo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/discodomingomiami/" data-vars-content-id="660f7f04-1b31-4a1d-bfbd-2a40b79872c0" data-vars-headline="Disco Domingo is the daytime dance party Miami&#x27;s been missing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/discodomingomiami/" target="_blank">Disco Domingo</a>, a daytime disco party rooted in openness, inclusivity and positivity.

Things to Do: Play premier, Emo music, art making

The forecast is looking a bit frigid this weekend. Here&#x27;s a few (mostly indoor) events to enjoy.

Festival awards help local filmmakers tell "pivotal" South Florida stories

The program launched in 2024 to support local artists.

Six Miami-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="filmmakers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/31/miami-film-festival-edge-of-hope-dudley-alexis-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="e3bad0f2-5dd5-40ae-80cd-6d1fb7a24d3f" data-vars-headline="Festival awards help local filmmakers tell &quot;pivotal&quot; South Florida stories" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/31/miami-film-festival-edge-of-hope-dudley-alexis-climate-change" target="_self">filmmakers</a> were awarded a total of $100,000 on Wednesday to support new films about South Florida.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Louies" data-vars-click-url="https://miamifilmfestival.com/the-louies/" data-vars-content-id="e3bad0f2-5dd5-40ae-80cd-6d1fb7a24d3f" data-vars-headline="Festival awards help local filmmakers tell &quot;pivotal&quot; South Florida stories" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://miamifilmfestival.com/the-louies/" target="_blank">The Louies</a> amplify local artists by funding projects that highlight the &quot;stories, cultural identities and iconic figures that define South Florida&#x27;s past and present,&quot; per a news release.

Things to Do 🗓

New take on Monopoly highlights Coral Gables' landmarks, unique charm

Things to do: Food festival, Heated Rivalry and more

Things to do in Miami: Coconut Grove Arts Fest, Ignite Broward

Miami voters could decide future of Marine Stadium

Miami International Boat Show brings nautical novelties — and traffic