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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.

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 drivers lost a lot of time stuck in traffic

At least we don't lose as much as New Yorkers.

Miami drivers wasted 72 hours on average stuck in rush-hour traffic last year, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TomTom Traffic Index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tomtom.com/traffic-index/" data-vars-content-id="88dfd764-9041-4c05-8fb0-1785aa2ce778" data-vars-headline="Miami drivers lost a lot of time stuck in traffic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tomtom.com/traffic-index/" target="_blank">TomTom Traffic Index</a>.Why it matters: That&#x27;s three whole days staring at somebody else&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="license plate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/03/miamis-most-popular-specialty-license-plates" data-vars-content-id="88dfd764-9041-4c05-8fb0-1785aa2ce778" data-vars-headline="Miami drivers lost a lot of time stuck in traffic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/03/miamis-most-popular-specialty-license-plates" target="_self">license plate</a>, tail lights and — if you&#x27;re lucky — quippy bumper stickers.

Waymo launches limited driverless ride service in Miami

Waymo will initially operate in a 60-square-mile radius.

Business

Some Miamians will now be able to hail a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/22/test-driving-waymo-self-driving-rideshare-miami" data-vars-content-id="38fd6728-abaa-4495-b540-aca7fe338af8" data-vars-headline="Waymo launches limited driverless ride service in Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/22/test-driving-waymo-self-driving-rideshare-miami" target="_self">Waymo</a>, as the company launched limited autonomous ride share service in the city on Thursday.Why it matters: Locals may have seen the driverless cars <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="testing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/12/05/self-driving-taxi-waymo-miami" data-vars-content-id="38fd6728-abaa-4495-b540-aca7fe338af8" data-vars-headline="Waymo launches limited driverless ride service in Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/12/05/self-driving-taxi-waymo-miami" target="_self">testing</a> in the area over the past year, but now they will be driving around paying customers.

I tested Waymo's self-driving car ahead of Miami rideshare launch

Waymo is launching to paying customers in 2026.

<figure><img alt="View from inside a black Jaguar car showing the steering wheel and dashboard screen displaying navigation instructions to wait for the intersection to clear on a tree-lined street." height="450" id="ebfc14d6-8f14-4e9c-9612-dcf5f8e5195c" src="https://images.axios.com/N9wqcxjQmRU5jxExI8Kfb9inGjc=/2026/01/21/1769027978428.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Jesus, take the wheel. Video: Martin Vassolo/Axios</figcaption></figure>As Miami awaits the launch of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/11/18/waymo-self-driving-taxis-miami" data-vars-content-id="7b0ba9c3-706b-45e2-bbf9-09ea49dc1587" data-vars-headline="I tested Waymo&#x27;s self-driving car ahead of Miami rideshare launch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/11/18/waymo-self-driving-taxis-miami" target="_self">Waymo&#x27;s</a> autonomous rideshare service, I tested one of the company&#x27;s self-driving cars Wednesday in Little Havana.Why it matters: Waymo, which currently operates in five U.S. cities, is expanding into five more cities in 2026, including Miami and Orlando.

Free Miami Beach water taxi officially begins service

The Miami-to-South Beach route was popular during Art Basel, per the city.

Miami Beach&#x27;s free new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="water taxi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/29/free-miami-beach-water-taxi-art-basel" data-vars-content-id="231be790-ac32-4a54-90e9-948c34833ccb" data-vars-headline="Free Miami Beach water taxi officially begins service" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/29/free-miami-beach-water-taxi-art-basel" target="_self">water taxi</a> launches Tuesday with a single route between downtown Miami and Sunset Harbour.Why it matters: The city hopes the taxi will reduce traffic on the island. <ul><li>Commissioners previously voted against another project that sought to address that problem: Miami-Dade County&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Baylink" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article285687946.html" data-vars-content-id="231be790-ac32-4a54-90e9-948c34833ccb" data-vars-headline="Free Miami Beach water taxi officially begins service" 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/article285687946.html" target="_blank">Baylink</a> plan to extend the Metromover.</li></ul>

Art Basel traffic tips: Peak congestion times and transit options

Give yourself plenty of time to get where you're going.

Pack your patience if you&#x27;re hitting the road this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami Art Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/11/24/art-basel-miami-guide-fairs-tickets" data-vars-content-id="35161cfc-7ace-45e4-9d3c-b9253b67b9c5" data-vars-headline="Art Basel traffic tips: Peak congestion times and transit options" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/11/24/art-basel-miami-guide-fairs-tickets" target="_self">Miami Art Week</a>, with heavy traffic expected to begin Dec. 1. Why it matters: Whether you&#x27;re planning your visit to Art Basel or trying to avoid the art fairs altogether, we&#x27;ve compiled some travel tips for you.

Miami airport expects record-breaking Thanksgiving surge

No, driving from Miami to Broward is not considered Thanksgiving travel.

Buckle up, Thanksgiving travelers. Miami International Airport expects to set a new holiday travel record with 1.96 million fliers between Friday and Dec. 2.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/42612690.40/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzcm9vbS5hYWEuY29tLzIwMjUvMTEvYWFhLXRoYW5rc2dpdmluZy10cmF2ZWwtZm9yZWNhc3QtMjAyNS8_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/62df316bede8493bc70a2df6Beebf1c4c" data-vars-content-id="580b0d92-2912-4a9b-a382-7d05391a00a4" data-vars-headline="Miami airport expects record-breaking Thanksgiving surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/42612690.40/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzcm9vbS5hYWEuY29tLzIwMjUvMTEvYWFhLXRoYW5rc2dpdmluZy10cmF2ZWwtZm9yZWNhc3QtMjAyNS8_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/62df316bede8493bc70a2df6Beebf1c4c" target="_self">AAA</a> predicts a record-breaking 81.8 million Americans will leave town for Thanksgiving this year, and that Florida will be the most popular domestic travel destination. <ul><li>At least 73 million people — 90% of all Thanksgiving travelers — will go by car.</li></ul>

For Art Basel crowds, free water taxis offer car-free solution

Art-crazed crowds bring traffic headaches to Miami every year.

Miami Beach&#x27;s free water taxi service will return for Miami Art Week next month.Why it matters: If you don&#x27;t want to sit in traffic getting from, say, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Art Miami" data-vars-click-url="https://www.artmiami.com/" data-vars-content-id="9fa8d4b8-3a12-47e6-9880-0765847ee703" data-vars-headline="For Art Basel crowds, free water taxis offer car-free solution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.artmiami.com/" target="_blank">Art Miami</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Art Basel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.artbasel.com/miami-beach/buy-tickets?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21082501328&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADKpvgs9qd-a7RLqe4Lbf-sBQ6595&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAz_DIBhBJEiwAVH2XwB8lYoL8XhZ2nfZVIhOCzpzM-r0Se1UrWab_UOIG8p2a1U_CBTSjCxoCFcMQAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="9fa8d4b8-3a12-47e6-9880-0765847ee703" data-vars-headline="For Art Basel crowds, free water taxis offer car-free solution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.artbasel.com/miami-beach/buy-tickets?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21082501328&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADKpvgs9qd-a7RLqe4Lbf-sBQ6595&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAz_DIBhBJEiwAVH2XwB8lYoL8XhZ2nfZVIhOCzpzM-r0Se1UrWab_UOIG8p2a1U_CBTSjCxoCFcMQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Art Basel</a>, you could take a complimentary ferry connecting downtown Miami to South Beach.

Waymo debuts driverless taxis in Miami, but you can't hail a cyber-cab yet

The self-driving taxis aren't allowed on the highways yet.

Attention Miami drivers: If you notice an empty Jaguar stopped at a red light, don&#x27;t assume the driver bailed in a fit of road rage.<ul><li>It might just be a self-driving taxi, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/12/05/self-driving-taxi-waymo-miami" data-vars-content-id="699ed323-856f-417a-9bee-597c53b2f270" data-vars-headline="Waymo debuts driverless taxis in Miami, but you can&#x27;t hail a cyber-cab yet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/12/05/self-driving-taxi-waymo-miami" target="_self">Waymo</a> began testing on Miami roads Tuesday.</li></ul>

Miami residents are spending more time than ever stuck in traffic

Nationwide, many cities are reporting more congestion after a pandemic-era dip.

We&#x27;ve all been there: sitting on I-95 or the Turnpike — shoot, even on 836 — thinking, &quot;Traffic is becoming unbearable.&quot; Why it matters: A new report puts some hard data behind the sentiment that traffic has indeed gotten worse — or at least different — since the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID-19 pandemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/28/cdc-covid-vaccine-rules-recommendations-high-risk-fda" data-vars-content-id="43549e04-d6e6-43c5-a2f2-1342c3ff8214" data-vars-headline="Miami residents are spending more time than ever stuck in traffic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/28/cdc-covid-vaccine-rules-recommendations-high-risk-fda" target="_self">COVID-19 pandemic</a>.

Transit 🚗

Miami International Boat Show brings nautical novelties — and traffic

Miami drivers lost a lot of time stuck in traffic

Waymo launches limited driverless ride service in Miami

I tested Waymo's self-driving car ahead of Miami rideshare launch

Free Miami Beach water taxi officially begins service