Miami Daily Briefing: Iconic Zoo Figure Retires, Deadly Crash in Southwest Miami-Dade, Deputies Stop Vicious Dog Attack

Miami, FL — February 17, 2026 — From Zoo Miami to the Redland, local stories today range from a beloved wildlife figure’s retirement to serious public safety investigations.

Zoo Miami’s Ron Magill plans May retirement

Ron Magill, the longtime public face of Zoo Miami, has announced he will retire in May after more than four decades with the zoo. Magill revealed his plans in a weekend social media video, then spoke Monday about being overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from across South Florida.

His last day as communications director is set for May 10. After that, he is expected to stay involved as a goodwill ambassador and conservation advocate, continuing work tied to the conservation endowment that bears his name. For many Miami residents, his retirement marks the end of an era of school visits, media appearances, and hands-on wildlife education.

One dead, one critical in southwest Miami-Dade crash

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office investigators are examining a violent crash that left one man dead and another critically injured Monday morning in southwest Miami-Dade. The collision happened just before 9 a.m. in the area of Southwest 288th Street and Old Dixie Highway.

Deputies and fire rescue crews found two men with serious injuries at the scene. One victim was pronounced dead there, while the other was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. Early reports indicate multiple tow trucks were involved, but authorities have not yet released final findings on what caused the crash.

Deputies kill two dogs to stop Redland mauling

In a separate incident Monday afternoon, two Miami-Dade deputies intervened in a brutal dog attack in the Redland, fatally shooting two large dogs to save a man who was being mauled. The attack unfolded near the 16100 block of Southwest 172nd Avenue.

Officials say deputies first used a Taser to break up the attack, but opened fire when the dogs went after the victim again. The man was airlifted to a hospital and is expected to survive. The sheriff’s office says the shooting will undergo an internal review, standard procedure after deputies discharge their weapons.

Looking ahead

Expect more reaction in the coming days to Magill’s retirement and updates from investigators on both Monday’s fatal crash and the Redland dog attack, as families and neighbors look for answers.

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