Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 3/30/2017

Why today's historic SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch matters

For the first time, SpaceX will attempt to reuse one of the Falcon 9 rockets it has successfully launched and landed — a move that, if successful, could drastically reduce the cost of getting to space. More from NBC News, Reuters, and Wired.

Florida may spend millions in shift to charter schools

Calling it an “emergency,” Florida officials may agree to spend up to $200 million to shift students from chronically failing schools to charter schools run by private organizations. More from the AP.

Visit Florida, Enterprise Florida pledge more transparency amid budget battle

Florida’s embattled economic development agencies signed contracts with the state Wednesday to post contract information, salaries and audits online. The move comes as the groups come under intense pressure from lawmakers. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

What’s stopping Florida's vulnerable Everglades from being healed?

The Florida Everglades are critical to the survival of local birds, reptiles and millions of people. As urban development has increased, the incredibly rare and bio-diverse habitat has become vulnerable to rising sea water encroachment. Billions of dollars have been spent on restoration, but both science and politics have made efforts more complicated. More from PBS Newshour.

Jacksonville a finalist for F-35 squadron base

State senators recently expressed support for the Florida Air National Guard’s effort to attract a squadron of military F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to Jacksonville. More from Business Facilities.

Cost of Living
Rental Rates

According to a new report from Zillow, renters in predominantly black and Hispanic communities in South Florida pay more than half of their income on rent, a large percentage than renters in predominately white neighborhoods.

» More from the Miami Herald.

Out of the Box
Robots to be Unleashed to Catch Lionfish

The lionfish has a venomous reputation with its ability to multiply like crazy, gobble up numerous crustaceans and fish, and swim around the waters off Florida without any predator in sight. Well, they may soon meet their match: robots.