Media Contact:
Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC
Director of Communications
O: 352.291.9559 | M: 352.816.1264
[email protected]
OCALA, Fla. (March 24, 2023) – The jobless rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region was 3.3% in February, unchanged over the month and 0.7 percentage point lower than the region’s year ago rate of 4.0%. The labor force was 217,528, up 5,441 (+2.6%) over the year. There were 7,177 unemployed residents in the region, a dip of 25 over the month but down 1,337 compared to February 2022.
According to preliminary employment data released today by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, there were 210,351 employed across the region, an increase of 6,778 compared to the same time last year.
Levy County continued to post the lowest unemployment rate in the region at 3.0%, a drop of 0.1 percentage point over the month and a full percentage point lower than the previous February’s rate. Marion County followed at 3.1% which also represented an over-the-month dip of 0.1 percentage point while falling 0.7 percentage point over the year. Likewise, Citrus County’s rate at 3.8% fell by 0.1 percentage point since January and dropped by 0.8 percentage point compared to February 2022.
Statewide, jobless rates remained unchanged over the month in 37 counties, dropped in 25 and rose slightly in five. Rates dropped in all 67 counties compared to a year ago.
Rusty Skinner, CareerSource CLM’s chief executive officer, said, “Today’s report shows the continued strength in our area’s economy as reflected by its employment growth: steady.”
Nonfarm employment in the Ocala Metropolitan Area, which covers all of Marion County, was 119,100 in February, an increase of 3,900 jobs (+3.4%) over the year.
All but Information Technology, which remained unchanged over the year, gained jobs while financial activities, government, other services, professional and business services, and mining, logging and construction – grew faster in the Ocala metro area than statewide over the year. No industries lost jobs.
The Homosassa Springs Metro Area, which includes all Citrus County, posted 35,400 jobs in February, an increase of 1,000 (+2.9%) over the year.
Skinner noted that upcoming graduations offer employers “the opportunity to grow your company or shore up vacancies by hiring these newly available job seekers.”
“CareerSource CLM will be holding a series of hiring events over the next few months, in collaboration with our three school districts, that will highlight their talented graduates.”
The following job fairs are for 16-24 year olds:
- Marion County Youth Job Fair on April 27 in Ocala
- Levy County Youth Job Fair on May 4 in Chiefland
Additional job fairs for general job seekers and senior/mature workers are planned for July, August and September across the region.
Skinner noted that those who continue to seek employment can receive fee-free help and training opportunities at any CareerSource CLM career center.
Information about fee-free job fairs, hiring events and other job seeker and employer services are available at careersourceclm.com or by calling 800-434-JOBS (5627).
State and local employment reports for March 2023 are scheduled for release on April 21.
For more details, access DEO’s employment summary for the region here: February 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 $8.2 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, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.