Miami-Dade County is at the center of a widening education debate as charter school operators move to co-locate inside nearly 100 traditional public school campuses. The push is unfolding under Florida’s expanded “Schools of Hope” law, a policy designed to increase school choice in areas labeled as underperforming. What was intended as a targeted intervention has now become a flashpoint, raising questions about space, funding, accountability, and the future of public education in one of the nation’s largest school districts. The controversy is not abstract. It is playing out inside real school buildings, affecting classrooms, schedules, and already stretched resources. For parents, teachers, and administrators, the issue is no longer whether charter schools should exist, but how far their reach should extend into the public school system itself. What Is The Schools Of Hope Law And Why Does It Matter In Miami-Dade Florida’s Schools of Hope law was originally created

Miami, often celebrated for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, has seen a significant shift in its economic landscape over recent years. The city’s evolving arts, culture, and culinary scenes are no longer just attractions for tourists; they are becoming key drivers of Miami’s economic development. From world-class art exhibitions to cutting-edge restaurants, Miami’s cultural and culinary offerings are helping to redefine the city’s identity and contribute to its economic growth. But how exactly is this expansion shaping the city’s future? How Are the Arts Contributing to Miami’s Economic Growth? Over the past decade, Miami’s arts scene has emerged as one of the most important aspects of the city’s cultural renaissance. This transformation began with events like Art Basel, a world-renowned contemporary art fair that draws collectors, artists, and visitors from around the globe. The event has not only elevated Miami’s reputation as a cultural hub but has also generated

Why Have Miami Rent Prices Stopped Rising So Fast? Miami’s rental market is no longer climbing at the breakneck speed that defined the past several years. After a historic surge driven by pandemic migration, remote work relocations, and limited housing supply, rent growth across Miami-Dade County has flattened and, in some cases, edged slightly downward. Median asking rents for one- and two-bedroom apartments have dipped modestly year over year, signaling a pause after an extended period of acceleration rather than a true correction. This slowdown is largely the result of supply finally catching up to demand at the margins. New apartment buildings have delivered thousands of units in neighborhoods like Brickell, Downtown, Edgewater, and parts of Wynwood. Many of these properties entered the market at premium price points, but their presence still absorbed demand that previously spilled into older buildings. As a result, landlords lost some pricing leverage, particularly for

A Complete History of Miami’s First People The Tequesta were the original inhabitants of what is now Miami and much of southeastern Florida, long before the arrival of Europeans. Their world existed for thousands of years in a subtropical landscape of mangroves, rivers, pine forests, and shallow coastal waters. While they left no written records, archaeology, early Spanish accounts, and environmental evidence reveal a complex society deeply adapted to South Florida’s unique ecosystem. They were not a vanished footnote. Miami stands on top of its former villages. Where The Tequesta Lived The Tequesta controlled a strategic and resource-rich region centered on the mouth of the Miami River, extending along Biscayne Bay and inland toward the Everglades. This location gave them direct access to freshwater, saltwater fisheries, canoe routes, and trade corridors. Their main village is believed to have been located near today’s downtown Miami, making it one of the longest

Miami’s economy is often discussed in terms of tourism numbers, real estate cranes, and population growth, but much of what actually shapes day-to-day life in the city happens further upstream. State budget decisions made in Tallahassee ripple outward, setting the boundaries for what local governments can afford, delay, or quietly deprioritize. This year, those ripples are becoming more visible as Miami-Dade adjusts its local priorities under a state budget that emphasizes restraint, reserves, and selective investment rather than expansion. Florida’s latest budget reflects a shift away from the aggressive spending patterns seen during the peak of pandemic recovery. With federal aid fading and revenue growth moderating, the state has focused on preserving cash reserves, trimming projections, and narrowing its commitments. For Miami, a city with high housing costs, aging infrastructure, and constant growth pressure, that shift forces difficult trade-offs that residents often feel long before they see them explained. Why

Christmas in South Florida is often framed through lights, weather, and events, but beneath that surface sits a quieter reality. For many households, the holiday season brings financial pressure instead of relief. In Miami Shores, one of the most visible responses to that reality comes through seasonal charitable efforts designed to deliver practical help rather than symbolic gestures. These initiatives aim to meet people where they are, at the exact moment when costs rise and margins disappear. Why Does Holiday Need Spike In Miami Shores And South Florida? The holiday season concentrates stress. Food prices climb, school schedules shift, work hours change, and unexpected expenses surface at the same time families are expected to gather, give, and host. In South Florida, where housing costs and healthcare expenses already strain household budgets, December amplifies vulnerability. A missed paycheck, medical bill, or family emergency that might be manageable in other months becomes

Several stores across South Florida remained open on Christmas Day, offering limited services for residents and visitors needing groceries, household items, or last-minute essentials during the holiday. While many businesses closed in observance of the holiday, select retailers adjusted hours to accommodate continued demand tied to travel, tourism, and local needs. In the Miami area, grocery chains, convenience stores, and pharmacies made up the majority of locations operating on December 25. Store hours varied by location, with most opening later than usual and closing earlier in the evening. Retailers advised customers to confirm hours directly with individual stores, as schedules differed by neighborhood and staffing availability. Large grocery chains maintained partial operations, particularly in high-traffic areas and near residential zones. These locations focused on essential items rather than full-service offerings, with some departments such as bakeries, delis, or prepared foods operating on reduced schedules or closing entirely for the day.

Florida lawmakers have continued to strengthen state-level control over rent policy, reinforcing long-standing restrictions that prevent cities and counties from imposing rent control or emergency price caps, even as housing affordability remains a central concern in fast-growing urban areas. Under current state law, authority over rent regulation is largely reserved to the state, leaving local governments with limited tools to directly restrain rent increases. The policy direction was solidified through sweeping housing legislation adopted in recent years, which removed the ability of local governments to enact temporary rent controls during declared housing emergencies. Supporters of the approach argue that rent caps discourage new construction and worsen long-term supply shortages, while critics say the restrictions leave cities unable to respond quickly to sharp rent spikes. The shift reflects a broader housing strategy advanced by the Florida Legislature, which has emphasized boosting housing supply through development incentives, zoning overrides, and expedited approvals

Miami’s beloved New Year’s Eve icon, the Neon Big Orange, has completed its final test runs and is poised to play its central role in downtown Miami’s New Year’s Eve celebration, marking four decades of local tradition. Organizers and crews have been installing and testing the 35-foot, roughly 2,000-pound LED sculpture outside the InterContinental Miami Hotel in Bayfront Park this week as the city prepares for one of its largest annual public gatherings. The Big Orange — Miami’s own answer to New York City’s Times Square ball drop — has been a fixture of the city’s year-end festivities since the mid-1980s and this year celebrates its 40th anniversary. As the countdown icon climbs the face of the hotel at midnight on December 31, the event is expected to draw more than 100,000 revelers to Bayfront Park and surrounding streets for live music, food vendors, and fireworks, according to local event

MIAMI — While many offices close for the New Year’s Day holiday, grocery shopping remains widely available across Miami, with most major supermarket chains and neighborhood stores operating on January 1. According to local listings compiled by Miami New Times, residents and visitors can still find food, drinks, and household essentials throughout the city, though some stores are running on adjusted holiday hours. New Year’s Day in Miami typically resembles a reduced-hours weekend rather than a full shutdown, especially in high-density neighborhoods and tourist corridors such as Downtown, Brickell, and Miami Beach. Major Grocery Chains Open on January 1 Several large grocery chains are open across Miami, offering full or near-full service on New Year’s Day. Walmart Neighborhood Market locations are open, providing full grocery selections and essentials, with many stores operating into the evening. The Fresh Market is open with holiday-adjusted hours, catering to shoppers seeking specialty items and

Austin and Miami are emerging as potential beneficiaries of renewed tax and policy debates in California and New York, as critics warn that proposed changes could accelerate the relocation of wealthy residents, investors, and businesses to lower-tax states. In California, a proposed ballot initiative known as the 2026 Billionaire Tax Act would impose a one-time 5 % levy on individuals with net worth exceeding $1 billion. Supporters say the measure could raise as much as $100 billion to help stabilize funding for health care, education, and social services. Opponents, however, argue the proposal could discourage investment and prompt high-net-worth residents to reconsider where they live and operate businesses. Similar concerns are being raised in New York, where a series of progressive tax and regulatory policies have fueled debate among business leaders and investors about the state’s long-term competitiveness. While state officials maintain that these policies are necessary to address inequality

Miami’s bar and comedy communities are mourning the loss of Danny Benavente, a well-known bartender, comedian, and nightlife fixture whose death has prompted an outpouring of tributes across the city’s entertainment scene. Benavente died in the early morning hours of January 1, 2026, according to multiple accounts from friends and venue operators. He was 42 years old. News of his passing spread quickly through Miami’s close-knit bar and comedy circles, where he was widely regarded as a welcoming presence both behind the bar and on stage. Benavente was a regular fixture at several well-known Miami bars, including Blackbird Ordinary, Mama Tried, Better Days, and The Dead Flamingo. Patrons and coworkers alike described him as someone who made people feel at ease, whether they were longtime regulars or first-time visitors. At The Dead Flamingo, which opened in early 2024, Benavente served not only as a bartender but also as an operating

As precision medicine continues to reshape cancer care, the Miami Cancer Institute is preparing to host its fourth annual Precision Oncology Symposium, bringing national attention to Miami’s growing role in advanced medical research and clinical innovation. The symposium will convene oncologists, researchers, and healthcare leaders to examine how personalized, data-driven approaches are changing cancer treatment—moving away from uniform protocols toward therapies tailored to each patient’s genetic and molecular profile. “Precision oncology is no longer theoretical,” said a physician involved in the planning of the symposium. “It’s actively shaping how we diagnose, treat, and manage cancer in real clinical settings.” From Research To Real-World Care Precision oncology relies on genomic testing, biomarker analysis, and targeted therapies to guide treatment decisions. The annual symposium has become a platform for translating those scientific advances into practical care strategies. Sessions are expected to include case-based discussions, updates on emerging therapies, and panels on integrating

Miami’s rise to prominence didn’t happen overnight. The city’s transformation from a small settlement into a bustling metropolis owes much to the Florida Land Boom of the 1920s. This period of speculative frenzy not only laid the foundation for Miami’s growth but also left an imprint on the culture, infrastructure, and economy that still lingers today. But how exactly did this boom shape the Miami we know today? What Sparked the 1920s Florida Land Boom? Imagine Miami in the early 1900s: a warm, tropical region with miles of untapped coastline. At that time, Florida was seen as a distant outpost, far from the booming industrial hubs of the north. But this image soon began to change. By the 1920s, a mix of factors sparked what became known as the Florida Land Boom, a period of intense real estate speculation and development, with Miami at the heart of it. A couple