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South Florida airports lag behind in on-time flights
Data: Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosAbout 77% of flights out of Miami International Airport departed on-time in December 2023, below the national average, according to the latest Transportation Department data.The big picture: In the same month, more than 83% of domestic U.S. flights departed on time, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick and Kavya Beheraj report.That's a big upswing compared to December 2022, when Southwest Airlines' epic meltdown dragged the industry-wide average down to about 70% for the month.Zoom in: Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport had the worst on-time performance at 67%.Florida's Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport had the best at nearly 90%.Between the lines: A variety of factors, from weather to issues at a particular airline, can affect each airport's on-time performance.Sign up for Axios Miami for free.
Judge overturns approval for development past Urban Development Boundary
A judge has ruled Miami-Dade commissioners broke the rules when they approved a controversial project to convert about 380 acres of farmland into an industrial complex north of Homestead, the Miami Herald reports.Why it matters: The ruling Friday undoes the November 2022 vote that allowed developers to build beyond the Urban Development Boundary (UDB) and is considered a win for environmental groups.Catch up fast: The commission approved the South Dade Logistics and Technology District — which proposed warehouses, call centers and other commercial uses south of Florida's Turnpike — despite objections from Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, county staff and environmentalists.The approval came after four deferrals and months of delays, during which developers behind the project lobbied commissioners to secure the two-thirds majority needed to get it passed and veto-proofed.Between the lines: The ruling isn't final, as developers can appeal, per the Herald.The commission could still vote in favor of the project and expand the UDB, but would need to start the approval process again.The intrigue: Four of the eight commissioners who voted in favor of the project have since been replaced, suggesting there's no guarantee the project would get a veto-proof majority vote again.Sign up for Axios Miami for free.
Florida is No. 1 in book challenges
Florida reported more book challenges — 2,672 — than any other state in 2023, according to data released by the American Library Association (ALA) earlier this month.Texas reported the second-most challenges at 1,470, according to the group.Why it matters: The number of books targeted for censorship at U.S. schools and libraries rose 65% in 2023 over 2022 — the highest level ALA has ever reported, Axios' Jennifer A. Kingson reports.The big picture: Florida garnered national headlines and pushback for its laws limiting classroom discussion topics, leading Gov. Ron DeSantis in February to say book challenges in the state had gone...
Not a big baseball fan? Here's a cheatsheet for Marlins Opening Day 2024
It's that time of year: Miami Marlins baseball returns this week as the 2024 MLB season kicks off.Opening Day will be Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 4:10pm. Tickets start at $15.Why it matters: Despite winning two World Series in the first 10 years of the franchise's existence, the Marlins have only made the playoffs twice since their last championship run in 2003.Since then, the Fish are more well known for their controversial stadium deal and trading away All-Star talent than winning games.Yes, but: Miami has made the playoffs two of the last five years, including in 2023, and the...
This Marlins season, bring your bongos to the ballpark
The Miami Marlins season kicks off Thursday, and for the first time, fans will be encouraged to bring flags and musical instruments to the park.Why it matters: The team is tapping into the city's Hispanic fanbase this season, hoping to bring the energy, excitement and "unforgettable atmosphere" found during the 2024 Serie del Caribe and 2023 World Baseball Classic."We know how special baseball is for our community, many with roots in the Caribbean, and we are going to bring that passion and energy back in a special way," Caroline O'Connor, Marlins president of business 0perations, said in a news release...
Want a free bobblehead? Check out these Marlins giveaways
From bobble heads to mystery jerseys, baseball is better with free swag.Why it matters: For Opening Day and at most Sunday home games, Marlins fans will have the chance to go home with some sweet team memorabilia.The latest: On Opening Day, the first 10,000 fans will receive a 2024 magnet schedule and the first 30,000 fans will receive a rally towel.On Sunday, when the series with the Pirates wraps up, the first 8,000 fans will receive a Jake Burger or Jazz Chisholm Jr. mystery jersey.Here's the full lineup of giveaways for the 2024 season:Sunday, April 14 vs. ATL: Marlins basketball jersey.Sunday, April 28 vs. WSH: Bucket hat.Sunday, May 12 vs. PHI: Mother's Day clutch purse.Sunday, May 19 vs. NYM: Jake Burger bobblehead.Sunday, June 2 vs. TEX: Eury Peréz bobblehead.Sunday, June 9 vs. CLE: Dontrelle Willis bobblehead.Sunday, July 7 vs. CWS: Marlins soccer jersey.Sunday, July 21 vs. NYM: Billy's birthday tropical shirt.Sunday, Aug. 11 vs. SD: Rooster plush dollSunday, Aug. 25 vs. CHC: Luis Arráez bobblehead.Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. PHI: Luis Arráez or Eury Peréz Los Marlins Mystery Jersey.Sunday, Sept. 22 vs. ATL: 2025 magnet schedule.Sign up for Axios Miami for free.
ICA Miami celebrates 10 years
As the Institute of Contemporary Art celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, those at its helm are honoring its accomplishments and looking ahead for what's to come.Why it matters: "Ten years is a real turning point in the lifetime of any institution," Alex Gartenfeld, the museum's artistic director, tells Axios. "I think this is a moment when we go from being a startup to consolidating our place in the community."This moment is particularly incredible, he says, explaining "there's a generation of young talent [with] a lot of interest in going back in history and telling stories about Miami that haven't...
Ultra Music Festival returns to Bayfront Park
Expect traffic delays downtown this weekend as about 55,000 electronic dance music fans flock to Ultra Music Festival at Bayfront Park today through Sunday.Catch up fast: The three-day EDM festival, which debuted in 1999, returned to Bayfront Park in 2022 after a calamitous one-year detour in Virginia Key and two COVID cancellations.State of play: With Ultra in town — along with Heat home games and "Hamilton" playing at the Adrienne Arsht Center — downtown is going to be a traffic nightmare.Expect slowdowns and traffic detours on Biscayne Boulevard through Monday at 7am.The intrigue: Ultra comes on the heels of another...
Things to do in Miami this weekend
The forecast calls for heavy rain this weekend, so here's hoping the weatherman is wrong.🎾 The Miami Open is heading into its first full weekend of matches after kicking off the annual tournament on Sunday.The tennis tournament runs through the end of the month with matches daily.Ticket options include grounds and outer court passes, single-session passes and packages, and begin at $15 for Sunday's event.🫶 If Ultra Music Festival isn't your thing, maybe try Livity Haven Festival, a family-friendly event focused on "unity, empowerment, thriving, playing, and good vibes."The inaugural event takes place at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park from 11am to 11pm.Tickets range from $22 to $44.🎵 Miami Music Week kicked off earlier this week and runs through Sunday.The event features concerts throughout the weekend at various locations across the city.Ticket prices vary.Sign up for Axios Miami for free.
Things to do in Miami this weekend
The forecast calls for heavy rain this weekend, so here's hoping the weatherman is wrong.🎾 The Miami Open is heading into its first full weekend of matches after kicking off the annual tournament on Sunday.The tennis tournament runs through the end of the month with matches daily.Ticket options include grounds and outer court passes, single-session passes and packages, and begin at $15 for Sunday's event.🫶 If Ultra Music Festival isn't your thing, maybe try Livity Haven Festival, a family-friendly event focused on "unity, empowerment, thriving, playing, and good vibes."The inaugural event takes place at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park from 11am to 11pm.Tickets range from $22 to $44.🎵 Miami Music Week kicked off earlier this week and runs through Sunday.The event features concerts throughout the weekend at various locations across the city.Ticket prices vary.Sign up for Axios Miami for free.
New tourism district approved for Redland farming area
Without public comment, Miami-Dade commissioners on Tuesday approved a proposal to create a new tourism district in the county's rural Redland farming area, WLRN reported.Why it matters: The approval comes after two failed attempts to do so and despite opposition from residents and agriculture officials who say the move could further encroach on already disappearing farmland, per the outlet.As Miami-Dade continues to grow, the area has faced increasing pressure to develop.State of play: The new district will allow for more buildings and parking, per WLRN, and make it easier for wedding venues, food trucks and other businesses to operate without...
New tourism district approved for Redland farming area
Without public comment, Miami-Dade commissioners on Tuesday approved a proposal to create a new tourism district in the county's rural Redland farming area, WLRN reported.Why it matters: The approval comes after two failed attempts to do so and despite opposition from residents and agriculture officials who say the move could further encroach on already disappearing farmland, per the outlet.As Miami-Dade continues to grow, the area has faced increasing pressure to develop.State of play: The new district will allow for more buildings and parking, per WLRN, and make it easier for wedding venues, food trucks and other businesses to operate without...
New residential towers coming to Miami Beach
Four new luxury residential towers are part of a development wave transforming Miami Beach's north end.Why it matters: The redevelopment of North Beach — known for its low-slung buildings and beach town vibe — has been the subject of debate for years.State of play: Real estate development firm Lefferts, which seeks to usher in a "new era of investment and growth" in North Beach, is planning to build the four towers within a couple of blocks of each other, beginning with 72 Park.The 21-story project at 580 72nd St. will offer short-term rentals and is scheduled for completion this summer....
How to see the solar eclipse in Miami
Data: NASA; Map: Erin Davis/Axios VisualsThe best place in Florida to watch the April 8 solar eclipse is in the panhandle, but we may still be able to catch a glimpse.Why it matters: Miamians will get to experience a partial solar eclipse, meaning only part of the sun will be obscured.State of play: At its peak, the eclipse will cover 45% of the sun in the Miami area, according to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, which has a full day of programming to celebrate the event.It will begin at 1:47pm and reach its peak at 3:01pm.The eclipse will end at 4:13pm.Bottom line: The partial eclipse can be seen throughout the city. Just make sure to use solar eclipse glasses.Sign up for Axios Miami for free.
How to see the solar eclipse in Miami
Data: NASA; Map: Erin Davis/Axios VisualsThe best place in Florida to watch the April 8 solar eclipse is in the panhandle, but we may still be able to catch a glimpse.Why it matters: Miamians will get to experience a partial solar eclipse, meaning only part of the sun will be obscured.State of play: At its peak, the eclipse will cover 45% of the sun in the Miami area, according to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, which has a full day of programming to celebrate the event.It will begin at 1:47pm and reach its peak at 3:01pm.The eclipse will end at 4:13pm.Bottom line: The partial eclipse can be seen throughout the city. Just make sure to use solar eclipse glasses.Sign up for Axios Miami for free.
DeSantis signs crackdown on sleeping in public places
A new homelessness law in Florida seeks to move unhoused individuals off public property and into shelters or government encampments.Why it matters: Gov. Ron DeSantis, who signed HB 1365 into law Wednesday, says the law will improve public safety, but it doesn't include housing solutions experts say are critical to addressing homelessness.What's inside: The law prohibits cities and counties from allowing people to sleep in public places and allows local governments to create homeless camps if shelters reach capacity.The government-run camps would be required to include mental health services, addiction treatment, running water and restrooms, and need to be free...
The price of closing Miami's affordable housing funding gap: $1.5 billion
Miami-Dade County needs $1.5 billion to fund 101 projects and 13,691 affordable housing units that are already in the pipeline but lack the funding needed to move forward, according to a new report by Miami Homes for All.Why it matters: Miami is facing a housing and affordability crisis, and the city has all the factors needed to see "another explosion in street homelessness," the nonprofit's executive director Annie Lord tells Axios. But the report offers a "feasible" first step to immediately move forward with the projects already in the county's pipeline.Without the funds, the report suggests those projects will "face...
Surfside on track to oust mayor, allies in favor of old guard
Out with the new, in with the old?Surfside voters were on track Tuesday night to vote out Mayor Shlomo Danzinger and his allies on the commission to bring back the prior mayor and vice mayor.Why it matters: After a chaotic election cycle that included the arrest of a teenage activist, residents threw their support behind former Mayor Charles Burkett and a slate of candidates that served in his previous administration.Danzinger and his fellow first-term board members, Vice Mayor Jeff Rose and Commissioner Fred Landsman, were on pace to be voted out on Election Day, according to preliminary results.Former Vice Mayor...
Miami City Manager Noriega walks back report
On Monday, Miami City Manager Art Noriega released a report detailing the city's purchases from a furniture company that employs his wife and is owned by his in-laws. On Tuesday, he said the data was "inaccurate," the Miami Herald reported.The outlet pointed out a roughly $211,000 discrepancy between what he released and the figures WLRN reported earlier this year.Catch up quick: In January, WLRN reported that Noriega's office selected his wife and her company to remodel his office with new furniture in early 2023, raising concerns from ethics experts and a potential conflict of interest.The company was awarded more than $440,000 in city contracts for new office furniture and assembly in the less than four years since Noriega had been appointed, records showed.Why it matters: The apparent about-face from Noriega comes as critics have accused him of lacking transparency and accountability.Noriega initially told city commissioners in January he'd present a full report by the end of that month.He failed to do so, prompting City Commissioner Miguel Gabela to call for his resignation last week, WLRN reported.What we're watching: Noriega's office is expected to compile "an updated presentation/report," according to the Herald.Sign up for Axios Miami for free.
Spring break's hottest shot comes with a slap to the face
Spring breakers are lining up to get slapped in the face by a South Florida bartender whose $30 "hurricane" shots have become the hottest ticket in town.Why it matters: Bartender Aiyana Callas has built a business selling her signature slap shots — liquor chased with a wet smack across the face as her alter ego, "Hurricane Aiyana," dumps a pitcher of water on the drinker's head.And business is booming: So far this March, Callas tells Axios she is selling 150–200 hurricane shots a night at Backyard Fort Lauderdale. (At $30 a pop, that's as much as $6,000 a night.)She says...
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