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Wednesday's Afternoon Update

Heavy security as students finish first (half) day back at Parkland school

The day at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School began with students and teachers walking a gauntlet of tight security. Classes resumed for the first time since a teenager with an AR-15 killed 17 of their friends and classmates, thrusting them into the center of the nation's gun debate. The half day was all about healing and getting back into a regular routine. More from the AP, the Miami Herald, Reuters, and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

See also:
» In wake of Parkland shootings, Rick Scott stops in Tampa to push school safety plan
» Florida school shooting prompts Dick's Sporting Goods to end sale of assault weapons, raise age to purchase guns to 21

Big year of science launches starts this week

NASA’s planned 5:02 p.m. Thursday launch of a national weather satellite kicks off one of the most ambitious stretches ever for the Kennedy Space Center office responsible for launching robotic science missions. More from Florida Today.

Miami Beach Convention Center revamp nearing its end

After being under construction for 26 months, the Miami Beach Convention Center is to be completely re-opened in six months, with a partial opening in mid-March. The construction in total cost $620 million and was part of a restoration and expansion project for the entire facility. More from Miami Today.

Island town may ask voters about future of Sarasota-Manatee split

Voters of Longboat Key may be asked in a non-binding referendum whether they want to strip themselves of their partial identity in Manatee County and become entirely within Sarasota County. No ballot measure is in the works just yet. However, town officials say the idea is on their minds. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Top office and industrial trends that will impact Northeast Florida in 2018

Businesses, investors and real estate owners are still watching and waiting for the office and industrial markets to catch up with the real estate boom happening in Florida and across the country. Jacksonville is still slow to recover fully from the recession, there are some high points in the market and indicators all analysts will be watching this year. More from Florida Trend.

Sports Business
Beckham's battle for soccer stadium

 Miami soccer fans were elated when retired star David Beckham was finally awarded a major-league franchise after four years of fits and starts. Their long-cherished dream was in sight: a gleaming new stadium packed with chanting hometown supporters. But the battle may have only just begun.

» More from the Miami Herald.

 

Out of the Box
James Dean's iconic 'Rebel Without a Cause' jacket

florida originalsJames Dean’s cherry-red jacket from Rebel Without a Cause is expected to bring up to $600,000 when it goes up for auction this week in Florida, offering fans a rare chance to own something linked to the actor who died at 24.

» Read more from the AP.