Daniel Kozin and David Fischer | Associated Press

A cargo plane packed with food and hygiene kits has left Miami for Cuba as part of the U.S. government’s humanitarian assistance efforts for the people of the island nation.

South Florida commuters traveling to or from the beach might be able to save some time and money by getting off the roads and onto the water. Officials launched a new free water taxi service Tuesday, with 40-foot boats carrying up to 55 people each for a scenic 20-minute ride across Biscayne Bay.