Water taxi, Amazon fallout, Messi’s coach. Catch up on today’s top Miami stories
April 17, 2026
Passengers embark at Maurice Gibb Memorial Park a vessel part of the free water taxi service established last January, between the Maurice Gibb Memorial Park in Miami Beach and the Venetian Marina and Yacht Club at North Bayshore Drive on the Miami side of Biscayne Bay, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
A new, free water taxi service is gaining popularity as a traffic-beating alternative for commuters traveling between Miami and Miami Beach. Launched in January 2026, the service aims to alleviate congestion on the city's crowded causeways, an issue that has long plagued the region. The vessels, which can carry up to 55 passengers each, operate on weekdays and connect the Venetian Marina on the Miami side with Maurice Gibb Memorial Park in Miami Beach's Sunset Harbour neighborhood. The roughly 20-minute trip across Biscayne Bay has proven to be a success, with reports in April showing an average of over 1,000 riders daily. This initiative followed successful pilot programs during Art Week in previous years and stands in contrast to several past failed water taxi ventures, with officials hopeful that its free-fare model will ensure long-term viability. The annual operating cost of $1.2 million is covered by the city and a state grant.
Years after Miami was passed over for Amazon's highly publicized second headquarters, the e-commerce giant's influence is still being profoundly felt across Florida, though now through logistics rather than a central office. While the HQ2 project ultimately landed in Virginia, Amazon has since embarked on an aggressive expansion of its warehousing and delivery network. In early 2026, the company announced a one-hour delivery option and a multi-billion dollar investment to enhance its rural delivery infrastructure, part of a broader strategy to accelerate shipping times nationwide. This renewed push for industrial space comes after a leasing slowdown in 2022 and 2023 and includes major investments in Florida, such as a new two-million-square-foot fulfillment center in Ocala. The "fallout" from the HQ2 decision has evolved into a different kind of economic reality, where Amazon's impact is less about a single corporate campus and more about a sprawling, high-speed logistics network that is reshaping the state's industrial real estate market.
In the sports world, Inter Miami CF is navigating a sudden leadership change after head coach Javier Mascherano unexpectedly resigned on April 14, just four months after leading the team to its first MLS Cup title. The club announced that Mascherano, a former teammate of star Lionel Messi, was stepping down for "personal reasons" and that his entire coaching staff would also depart. The move has sparked speculation, especially as it follows the team's early exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup and mirrors the 2024 departure of previous coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who also cited personal reasons after a successful season.
In the wake of Mascherano's departure, the club has appointed Guillermo Hoyos, its former sporting director, as interim coach. Hoyos has a long-standing connection with Messi, having been one of his mentors at Barcelona's youth academy more than two decades ago. At his introductory press conference, Hoyos acknowledged his friendship with the superstar but emphasized that it would not interfere with his professional duties.
The team's ownership, including co-owner David Beckham, has stated that they will not rush the process of finding a permanent replacement, preferring to "let things settle down." For now, the focus is on maintaining stability as the team continues its season. Inter Miami currently sits third in the Eastern Conference standings, and the leadership will be looking to Hoyos to guide the team through this transitional period while they evaluate options for the club's long-term direction.
Source: miamiherald