Axios Miami

January 24, 2024
Wednesday. Onward!
🍃 Today's forecast: Mostly cloudy and breezy, with temps of 78° in the day and 74° at night.
👨🎨 Situational awareness: The city of Fort Lauderdale seeks artists to create designs for its lifeguard towers.
💃 Sounds like: "Don't Go Yet" by Camila Cabello.
This newsletter is 862 words — a 3-minute read.
1 big thing: Hunting could be enshrined in Florida's constitution
A man shoots a round of sporting clays. Photo: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
A proposed amendment would enshrine rights for hunting and fishing in Florida's state constitution.
What's happening: The measure will appear on the November 2024 ballot.
- The proposed amendment says: "Fishing, hunting, and the taking of fish and wildlife, including by the use of traditional methods, shall be preserved forever as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife."
- It would not limit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's authority.
What they're saying: Backers say the measure is needed to fend off groups that want to restrict hunting and fishing.
- The measure is supported by the National Rifle Association, which has pointed out that fees collected from hunting and fishing licenses and equipment — more than $22 million last year — fund conservation efforts.
Yes, but: Critics have outlined objections on the website Noto2.org.
- They worry the amendment could embolden hunters to trespass on private property and use barbaric hunting methods.
- "There is a place for hunting and fishing in society, but it is not to use barbaric methods to destroy our native wildlife populations," Chuck O'Neal, member of the NoTo2 political committee, told the Orlando Sentinel.
What we're watching: The measure needs at least 60% of the vote to pass.
Of note: State law already provides that "citizens of Florida have a right to hunt, fish, and take game."
2. 🧑⚖️ Bal Harbour mall dispute spurs lawsuit
A rendering shows the proposed expansion of Bal Harbour Shops in the foreground, with new towers to house residential and hotel units. Photo: Courtesy of Whitman Family Development
Bal Harbour Shops is suing the village of Bal Harbour over local officials' efforts to derail the Shops' proposal to build a new hotel and residential complex at the luxury mall.
- The lawsuit, filed yesterday, accuses the village of violating the Live Local Act, a 2023 law that gives developers more rights and the ability to bypass city council votes when building affordable housing.
Why it matters: This is the first time a developer has asked a court to enforce the Live Local Act against a municipality's wishes, according to the mall's attorneys.
Catch up fast: The lawsuit comes a week after the village council voted to consider suspending all new development in an effort to stop the project from moving forward.
- After that vote, Mayor Jeffrey Freimark told residents that the fight was headed to court.
- Matthew Whitman Lazenby, president and CEO of mall owner Whitman Family Development, also threatened litigation against the village.
Context: The development, proposed earlier this month, has faced consistent pushback from residents and local officials, who say it will worsen traffic congestion.
- The plan, which seeks to override local zoning rules, calls for 600 "high-end" residential units, 70 hotel rooms and more than 45,000 square feet of additional retail space. It would rise about five times higher than local height restrictions allow.
- Forty percent of the residential units in the development are to be income-restricted "workforce housing," the minimum threshold under the new law.
3. Cafecito: Nibbles of news
Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
🐋 Miami-Dade County intends to terminate the Miami Seaquarium's lease over "multiple and repeated instances of animal welfare violations." (Miami New Times)
❗ Preservationists are alarmed at bills moving through the state legislature that would pave the way for historic buildings to be demolished. (Florida Politics)
🐊 Miccosukee Tribe members, fishing guides and others continue to fight for Everglades restoration even as costs have ballooned from $8 billion to $23 billion. (WLRN)
❌ Gov. Ron DeSantis suggested he'll veto a bill that would use state funds to pay former President Donald Trump's legal expenses. (Local 10)
🏀 The Miami Heat traded guard Kyle Lowry for Terry Rozier, the Charlotte Hornets combo guard. The Hornets will also get the Heat's 2027 first-round pick. (Miami Herald)
4. Peace out, Miami!
Deirdra's on to greener pastures. Photo: Axios/Lindsey Bailey
👋 Deirdra here!
What's happening: I went out of town, got stuck in a corn maze and can't find my way back to Miami!!! So, I must leave my job at Axios.
- Just kidding, but I hate sad, long-winded goodbyes!
- I am, however, heading off to pursue certain things that have eluded me in this city: an affordable house, an excellent public school for my kid and true love. (Tinder finally worked for me — but only when I used it far away from here! 🤣 🤣 🤣)
Why it matters: I will truly miss the many exciting goings-on here and my super cool colleagues. I already have major FOMO.
- I will really miss you, readers. Often, a few kind words in my inbox made my day! Thank you! ❤️
What's next: I'll be looking for new work opportunities soon.
- If you have advice, or if I can help you with anything, find me on LinkedIn!
Of note: It can be scary to trust oneself and make a leap, but my horoscope is encouraging!
- Yours is, too! Whatever you're dreaming of — GO FOR IT!
5. 🏆 Photo contest winner!
Big city, little manatee. Photo: Martin Vassolo/Axios
Congratulations to reader Bruna I. for winning this week's photo contest!
- Manny was dodging traffic and water jets at the DeSoto Fountain and Plaza in Coral Gables.
Fast facts: The pedestal fountain, built in 1925, is at the center of a large traffic circle near the Venetian Pool.
- It features an obelisk, vintage lanterns and four relief carvings of faces spitting out water.
One gripe: A crosswalk would make it easier to access the fountain without playing Frogger in the street.
🥳 Martin was off for his birthday.
🐣 Deirdra is reading "The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens" and meditating on how she can make the world a better place.
🎬 Sommer is talking about the 2024 Oscar nominations and snubs in her "Kenough" group chat.
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This newsletter was edited by Jeff Weiner and copy edited by Nicole Ortiz and Carolyn DiPaolo.
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