Scripps Biotech Institute Headed to Florida

Florida has landed a big one in the world of biotech research. This deal will be a real boost to the state's biotech development effort.

Scripps Research Institute wants to embark on one of its biggest cloning experiments: converting the Sunshine State into biotech beach by using $510 million from taxpayers.

With the money, the institute promises to graft its operations to Palm Beach County and replicate the successes it has had in La Jolla, Calif. The institute has spawned 40 ''spinoff'' companies there and helped foster one of the nation's most dynamic biotech clusters.

Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who quietly engineered the deal, has called a special legislative session for this week to approve an award of $310 million to add to Palm Beach County's $200 million share. Bush says the money for Scripps will create 6,500 high-paying jobs within 15 years, contributing $1.6 billion to the economy.

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