PORT SAILS TO RECORD: PortMiami has set a new passenger record, welcoming its 10 millionth cruise passenger on Sept. 14, well before the end of its fiscal year on Sept. 30. The previous record for a single fiscal year was 8,564,225. The port counts passengers when they depart on a cruise and again w hen they return, so 10 million passengers means 5 million cruise trips going and coming. “Reaching 10 million passengers reflects our focus on innovation, efficiency and superior passenger experience as we continue to modernize PortMiami’s infrastructure and expand our capacity for future growth,” said Port Director and CEO Jonathan Daniels, who recently took over, coming from directing the Port of Baltimore. PREPARING FOR A HIT: A change to next year’s Miami-Dade County budget that commissioners approved last week is geared to prepare for the financial impact if Florida voters on Nov. 3 approve Amendment 3 to the state constitution, which would increase homestead tax exemptions and limit how counties and municipalities can spend taxes. A motion by Natalie Milian Orbis that was approved unanimously would require the mayor within 60 days after the amendment passes to report on the impacts of the measure on the county’s finances for the following two years. The report would provide the impact in each taxing jurisdiction, the impacts to county service levels, and the county’s projected reserve levels. HIGHER WATER RATES COMING: As Miami-Dade commissioners were to vote on a 6% water and sewer rate hike for the year starting Oct. 1, Juan Carlos Bermudez quizzed Deputy Mayor Roy Coley on future rates. Since this year’s county’s budget will yield enough funds to complete a federal consent order to upgrade water and sewer infrastructure, which has driven increases for years, Mr. Bermudez said, he thought the county wouldn’t seek increases next year. Mr. Coley replied that the consent order would be done but not required ocean outfall projects. “They keep going for about five years,” Mr. Coley said, “so I’m sure you’ll see other rate increases.” Mr. Bermudez voted for the 6%, giving higher rates a slim 7-6 majority, while stating that next year he’ll vote against an increase for ocean outfall. JOBLESS CLAIMS FALL: Jobless claims in Florida fell to 4,878 initial applications the week ending Sept. 12, down from 5,510 the week ending Sept. 5. The weekly estimate is the lowest since the week ending July 4, when Florida closed offices for three days to create a five-day holiday weekend. These are some of the FYIs in this week’s edition. The entire content of this week’s FYIs and Insider sections is available by subscription only. To subscribe click here. The post FYI Miami: September 24, 2026 appeared first on Miami Today. ...read more read less