Florida Institute of Technology Planning 'World Class' Research Center

Melbourne-based Florida Institute of Technology has announced it will turn a former NASA tracking site in Vero Beach into a marine research center.

The private college is raising money for the $10 million, 20,000-square-foot project planned for completion within four years.

FIT President Anthony Catanese describes a modern education center with "extensive aquariums and student dorm rooms" on the 4-acre site. He said FIT will play a larger role in such issues as erosion, tidal surge, rising seawaters and habitat preservation. He is convinced the facility can be a "world-class" research institute.

The story is Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers' top Monday story.