Consumer spending up 0.4 percent in December

Americans increased their spending at a solid pace for the second straight month in December even though their income was flat. Consumer spending rose 0.4 percent in December, compared with November when spending had increased an even stronger 0.6 percent, the Commerce Department reported Friday. More at the Miami Herald.

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Florida leaders: Lower differential tuition rate

As part of the “Work Plan Florida 2014″ agenda laid out Wednesday by House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, and Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, state universities would see the “differential tuition” rates they can charge fall from 15 percent to 6 percent. More at CBS Miami/AP.

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Sun shines for Florida freight

Financial Arts C1 Bank Picture a bank branch where the teller table converts to a bar, moveable “pods” offer intimate tête-à-têtes on plush banquettes, and a stocked catering kitchen is ready to accommodate a cocktail party for guests mingling amid Andy Warhol and Keith Haring-adorned walls. C1 Bank’s new branch in Miami’s Wynwood is just that — a bank branch that doubles as an event space. » Full story from the Miami Herald

Miami routinely garners the most attention when it comes to airfreight in Florida. But the often-overlooked fact is that 11 percent of the U.S.’s air cargo travels through Florida – and not just Miami International Airport – says Tony Carvajal, executive vice president for the Florida Chamber Foundation. Seven airports in the state besides Miami have scheduled air cargo activity. More at Air Cargo World.

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Grassroots efforts seek to reverse brain drain in South Florida

Young professionals talk about how many of their most promising high school classmates left and never returned. Many in the tech community can rattle off dozens who left South Florida to start or grow entrepreneurial businesses. More at the Miami Herald.

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Four Seasons may offer Orlando's best chance for 5-star hotel

Walk into a five-star hotel and you enter a place with flawless service and the finest amenities. The staff is passionate about fulfilling your expectations. The building is a destination in itself, with attention to craftsmanship. Although Orlando is the second-largest hotel market in the nation, none of its lodgings has that status. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Sports Business Florida Soldier, His Hometown Star in Super Bowl Ad A soldier and his Florida hometown are the stars of an Anheuser-Busch ad that will air during the Super Bowl. The ad shows Lt. Chuck Nadd returning to Winter Park and being surprised with a tickertape parade featuring hundreds of well-wishers, a marching band and a police motorcade. » More from NBC Miami and the AP.

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