Holiday slump: Retail sales fell in December

U.S. retail sales stumbled last month in a sign consumers remained frugal even as gas prices declined and hiring picked up. Retail sales fell a seasonally adjusted 0.9 percent in December, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. That's the largest decline since January. More at the AP.

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Predictions for 2015: Flexible work arrangements top list

In 2015, with the continued improvement of technology, using flexibility without formal structure is one of the workplace trends likely to gain ground. While there are challenges for employers and workers, there also are opportunities in 2015 for those who stay relevant, nimble and plugged into their networks. More at the Miami Herald.

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Film industry relying on incentives

Around the State Changing the landscape in downtown Jacksonville Two projects on opposite sides of the St. Johns River could change the face of downtown Jacksonville. Developers Peter Rummell and Michael Balanky are planning a project called Healthy Town. Across the river, Jaguars owner Shad Khan has his own project. » Access full story

As was the case last year, the health of Miami’s film industry rests largely on whether the Florida Legislature returns funding to what was once a robust incentive program. That incentive program, among other factors, attracted five television shows and several movie productions to the area several years ago. More at Miami Today.

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12 Florida universities sign up for cloud-based analytics

The State University System of Florida, which includes 12 member state universities, has signed up to use Rosslyn Data Technologies’ cloud-based analytics platform in a bid to support the group’s financial data analysis. More at Business Cloud News.

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Miami rejects hosting Cuban consulate, but Tampa wants it

In anticipation of talks to re-establish diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Cuba, Miami officials say they don't want a Cuban Consulate. In Tampa, though, officials say they'd welcome it. More from NPR.

Profile Unafraid to Fail For the generation of millennials, many say they don't want to limit themselves and aren't afraid to take risks as they start their own businesses vastly different from their formal studies. It's also a generation where many watched their parents lose their jobs during the economic downturn. Many no longer dream of climbing the one-track corporate path, and the thought of a cubicle is constricting. » More from the Orlando Sentinel