Animal Advocates Petition to Stop “Government-Sanctioned Massacre” of Florida Iguanas

If you’ve lived in Florida long enough, you know neon-green iguanas are just part of the scenery — no different from an anti-abortion billboard or an O.J. Simpson sighting. But green iguanas are actually an invasive species. Earlier this month, state wildlife officials made national news after announcing that, yes, it is in fact perfectly legal to kill an iguana for setting foot on your land.

House Oversight Committee Launches Investigation Into Homestead Migrant Shelter

In recent weeks, the for-profit shelter in Homestead that houses thousands of migrant children has come under fire from multiple directions. Lawyers released dozens of affidavits from kids inside the facility who described being lonely, terrified, and even suicidal. Multiple presidential candidates visited the detention center while in town for the Democratic debates, and some — notably Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren — called for the shelter to be shut down altogether after saying the children held there are being treated “like little prisoners.”

South Miami to File Lawsuit Challenging Florida’s New Ban on Sanctuary Cities

Since its inception, Senate Bill 168 was something critics said Florida never needed. The bill, which originated from an anti-immigrant extremist group, sought to force municipalities across the state to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and to ban towns from self-designating as sanctuary cities despite the fact no city in Florida does that. Nevertheless, state legislators passed the bill, and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it into law last month.

Edgewater Condo Site Accused of Polluting Biscayne Bay

In May, Texas-based apartment developer Mill Creek Residential broke ground on a luxury tower in the Miami neighborhood of Edgewater. The 27-story Modera Biscayne Bay boasts a rooftop pool, digital package lockers, a Pilates studio, and “spectacular views of Biscayne Bay.” But during construction, the builders have been cited for polluting the very body of water the owners tout in promotional materials.

Stormwater Pumps Continue to Pollute Biscayne Bay

For years now, environmentalists have complained that the pumps Miami Beach uses to keep streets from flooding are polluting Biscayne Bay. Photos and videos from residents show plumes of dirty runoff being discharged into the water — and in one case, swallowed by a manatee.

More Rain and Flooding Expected After Father’s Day Downpour in Miami

If you spent Father’s Day emptying out your flooded car with a bucket, there’s more bad news this morning: Meteorologists with the National Weather Service are predicting even more rain and flooding. The Miami metro area is expected to get 1 to 2 more inches of rain today — and thunderstorms are in the forecast every day this week, until at least next Sunday.

Homeless Sex Offenders Must Move Again

Ever since the Julia Tuttle Causeway became an unwitting encampment for sex offenders more than a decade ago, Miami-Dade officials have been trying to shoo the group away from the rest of civilization.

Miami Beach’s Discussion on Ultra Music Festival Got Pretty Elitist

After two hours of public comment, commissioners ultimately voted five to two against even entertaining a conversation with Ultra’s leadership team. But more importantly, the discussion revealed Miami Beach’s own worst impulses when it comes to tourism, class, and race. Multiple hoteliers and commissioners spoke in favor of attracting elite, moneyed visitors — supposedly the “right” kind of tourist.