ORLANDO-The selection of this 100,000-hotel room tourist mecca over neighboring Tampa, FL and Lakeland, FL is a foregone conclusion and could be unanimous, say academic insiders. An estimated $1 billion in new commercial development hinges on the outcome.

ORLANDO-Friday is Decision Day for the 13-member Florida Board of Regents to select one of three cities for Florida A&M University's 120,000-sf College of Law building. Orlando, Tampa, FL and Lakeland, FL are the finalists. Daytona Beach has dropped out. The law school will be part of a $1 billion commercial redevelopment program planned for Downtown.

ORLANDO-The Nov. 7 ballot issue jolted the establishment, winning by a 53% to 47% margin. Now all legislators have to do is find the money to pay for the estimated $4 billion, 200-mile high-speed rail system.

BOCA RATON, FL-The 99-year-old Seattle-based retailer plans to open a second outlet next year in the nearby Mall at Wellington Green, a West Palm Beach suburb, followed by stores in Coral Gables, Orlando, and Tampa.