Friday's Daily Pulse

› University of Florida drops plan to restructure computer engineering department [StateImpact Florida]
The University of Florida is scrapping a plan to trim and restructure its computer science and engineering department, according to the Gainesville Sun. School president Bernie Machen cited “overwhelming negative response.”

› SeaWorld goes high-tech with TurtleTrek [Orlando Sentinel]
SeaWorld Orlando debuts today a movie format not seen anywhere else in the world, part of a high-tech boomlet at the marine-oriented theme park. The new TurtleTrek attraction includes a 3-D, computer-generated film projected on the inside of a dome, giving visitors a 360-degree view of a virtual undersea environment.

› South Florida Science Museum ready to make its world of science wider [Palm Beach Post]
The South Florida Science Museum broke ground this month on a $3 million expansion and remodeling project that will add 6,000 square feet to the museum and renovate its main exhibits. The museum holds the distinction of being the second-busiest science center in the country, based on its size and the 150,000 people who visit annually.

› Can cash-strapped cities afford the 2012 election? [Reuters]
With cities and counties across the United States in dire financial straits, many local officials are struggling to come up with the millions of dollars they will need to hold the November 6 elections. That is likely to mean fewer election workers and long lines for voters, which could reduce turnout.