Tallahassee's centers for scientific research and learning on the city's southwest corner welcomed thousands of visitors on Saturday during a combined open house event. Those centers are aiming to become crown jewels in the region's economic future.
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Director Dr. Greg Boebinger said guests were literally lined up at the front door Saturday morning.
"We were at 3,600 (visitors) after the first hour alone, only at this entrance," he exclaimed. "So I think we'll hit our usual mark of 8,000 wonderful people who come through and have a lot of fun."
Many of those visitors also checked out the nearby FAMU/FSU College of Engineering where Dr. Murray Gibson is the dean.
"It's great to have young kids come in and see what engineering is about," he said. "You know engineering is science applied to solving problems for people, making things they need."
In other words, the practical side of science. Another practical side, said Leon County Officice of Economic Vitality Director Christina Paredes, is attracting new business and industry to the area. And sharing that message with local residents.
"Tallahassee/Leon County IS the magnetic capital of the world and the faces on people when they hear about that and learn more about it is really amazing!"
