Media Contact:Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRCDirector of CommunicationsO: 352.291.9559 | M: 352.816.1264[email protected]
OCALA, Fla. (Nov. 17, 2023) – The jobless rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region was 4.0% in October, a 0.1 percentage point dip since September and 0.7 percentage point higher than the area’s year ago rate. At 224,914, the labor force expanded by 8,109 over the year.
According to preliminary employment data released today by FloridaCommerce, formerly the Department of Economic Opportunity, there were 215,894 employed residents across the three-county area, a slight drop of 427 over the month and 6,350 more than in October 2022. There were 9,020 unemployed, down 182 since September and a drop of 1,759 over the year.
Levy County posted the lowest jobless rate in October at 3.7%, down from 3.9% the previous month, Mairon County followed at 3.8%, also down 0.1 percentage point over the month. Citrus County’s jobless rate of 4.6% likewise dropped 0.1 percent point since September. Florida’s not seasonally adjusted rate, which matches how local rates are determined, was unchanged over the month at 3.0%.
Citrus County had 52,687 workers in October, down 324 compared to September but up 2,951 over the year; there were 2,447 unemployed, 62 fewer than the previous month and 521 more than a year ago.
Levy County had 17,192 employed, 100 less than the previous month and 454 more than in October 2022; there were 668 jobless which was 36 fewer than in September and an increase of 125 over the year.
Marion County had 148,462 employed, a decrease of just 65 compared to September and 3,466 more than a year ago. The county had 5,905 unemployed, down 84 over the month and up 1,113 compared to October 2022.
Rusty Skinner, CEO of CareerSource CLM, said that “in terms of the slight contraction over the month in labor force, employment, and unemployment, the report reflects a minor fluctuation in the labor market which normally occurs after holiday hiring ends.”
“What is notable, however, is the robust growth of our labor force and employment in all three counties since last year,” Skinner continued. “That yearly benchmark shows the comparative strength of the economies in each county.”
Skinner added that CareerSource CLM strives to meet the region’s workforce needs through a variety of means including trained staff at career centers located in each county offering fee-free assistance for job seekers interested in employment.
“We have a large listing of career opportunities and can help chart a new career through skill certificate and two-year training programs offered by our area’s educational institutions,” he said.
A new program in partnership with the College of Central Florida offers free broadband infrastructure training for Levy County residents. The one-week “Creating Connections” bootcamp kicks off in December.
Skinner noted that broadband infrastructure is needed in rural counties and is an extremely high-demand industry. Training focuses on installation and maintenance and students may earn up to three stacked certifications. It takes place at the CF Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus in Chiefland and is provided by BDI DataLynk, a leading provider of fiber optic training.
Those interested in learning more or enrolling should email [email protected]
In October, nonfarm employment in the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area, which covers all of Marion County, was 119,900, an increase of 2,000 jobs (+1.7%) over the year.
Industries gaining jobs over the year were Education and Health Services (+900 jobs); Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+700 jobs); Government (+600 jobs); and Other Services (+100 jobs).
Government, which posted an annual growth rate of 3.9%, and Other Services, at 3.1%, grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year.
Industries losing jobs were Manufacturing (-200) and Mining, Logging and Construction (-100 jobs).
The Financial Activities, Information, Leisure and Hospitality, and Professional and Business Services industries were unchanged over the year.
Nonagricultural jobs in the Homosassa Springs MSA, which covers all of Citrus County, hit 36,800, an increase of 1,500 jobs (+4.2%) over the year. At 12.8%, the Government industry grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year, adding 600 jobs over the year, and also posted the fastest annual job growth rate compared to all other metro areas.
The employment summary for November 2023 will be released on Friday, Dec. 22.
For more details about October’s jobs numbers, access the FloridaCommerce employment summary for the CSCLM area here: October 2023 Employment Overview
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Looking for a New Career? Here’s Help
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion offers in-person job fairs, hiring events, workshops and facilities for job searches, training grants for eligible candidates, career development and one-on-one consulting – all at no charge to those seeking employment. Call 800-434-JOBS (5627) or visit careersourceclm.com to learn more. Career Centers are open for self-service and in-person assistance weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Searching for New Hires?
CareerSource CLM also provides fee-free services to help build and sustain businesses in today’s challenging marketplace. Services include recruitment, assessment, screening, and referrals of qualified job candidates; logistics, coordination, and promotion of customized hiring events; and grants and incentives for training new hires and existing employees. Call 800-746-9950 to learn more.
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is a member of CareerSource Florida and a proud partner of the American Job Center network. CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is supported by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and other agencies as part of awards totaling $6.9 million (revised annually). Unless otherwise stipulated, all statements, news releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations and other applicable documents are fully funded from federal sources. CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities and in Spanish. All voice telephone numbers listed above may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711. If you need accommodations, call 800-434-5627, ext. 7878 or e-mail [email protected]. Please make request at least three business days in advance. Stay connected with CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion on Facebook, Jobs352, YouTube and LinkedIn.