MEDIA CONTACT: Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC, FCWP
Director of Communications
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion
O: 352-291-9559 | M: 352-816-1264
[email protected]
OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2024) – Financial assistance is available for Cedar Key clam farmers and affected workers struggling with damage in the wake of Hurricane Idalia.
The disaster assistance program is designed to offset payroll costs to help farmers continue with cleanup efforts and restore crops.
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, in partnership with the University of Florida/IFAS, will hold two information sessions to go over how the program can help clam farmers maintain the workforce needed to continue disaster cleanup.
The sessions take place Wednesday, Feb. 7 and Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 3-5 p.m. at the University of Florida/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station, 552 1st St., Cedar Key. Those interested in learning more about the program only need to attend one of the sessions.
“The goal is to help restore Cedar Key’s thriving clam industry,” said Dale French, CareerSource CLM’s executive vice president. “The disaster assistance is designed to help clam farmers continue cleanup efforts by putting workers who have lost employment or have experienced a significant loss of income back to work after the devastating losses caused by Idalia.”
French added that, in addition to learning how to apply for disaster assistance, attendees will also be invited to share insights about wages, what’s needed moving forward and how the program can best meet their needs.
Cedar Key farmers supply fresh clams nationwide, contributing 120 million clams to the industry which supports 500 jobs in Cedar Key, according to Leslie Sturmer, UF/IFAS statewide shellfish extension agent.
For more information, contact French at (352) 840-5771 or (800) 434-5627, ext. 2204.
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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.