Sea level rise is no longer a distant threat in Miami—it’s a daily reality, with streets in Brickell flooding during hurricane season and historic buildings in Miami Beach slowly eroding from saltwater intrusion. Storm surge, tidal flooding, and declining water quality are undermining both the coastline and public trust in outdated infrastructure, while saltwater threatens drinking water supplies. Yet amid these challenges, Miami has an opportunity to lead. Nearby Fort Lauderdale is already piloting adaptive infrastructure, hinting at a future where Southeast Florida becomes a global model for ocean-conscious urban design. What if Miami’s magic wasn’t just in its growth, but in its ability to rise—literally and figuratively—with the water?