Media Contact: Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC
Communications Manager
Direct: 352.291.9559 Mobile: 352.816.1264
[email protected]
OCALA, Fla. (May 17, 2024) – The jobless rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region was 4.2% in April, down 0.2% over the month and 1.1 percentage points greater than the region’s year ago rate of 3.1%. The labor force was 219,083, up 455 over the year which is a 0.2% increase. There were 9,207 unemployed residents in the region, down 385 compared to March but an increase of 2,485 over the year.
According to preliminary employment data released today by FloridaCommerce, there were 209,876 employed across the region, a drop of 772 since March and 2,030 fewer than the same time last year.
Levy and Marion counties continued to post the lowest jobless rates in the region at 4.0%, followed by Citrus County at 4.9%. Levy County’s rate was unchanged over the month, Marion County increased by 0.2 percentage point, and Citrus County’s rate dropped 0.2 percentage point.
Rusty Skinner, CareerSource CLM’s chief executive officer, said that the “slight contraction shown in this month’s report – with dips in labor force, employment, and unemployment numbers – could be deemed similar to our economy ‘taking a breath.’”
“What we are seeing in terms of job seekers, both in person and online, would indicate that our employment picture is poised to move in a positive direction,” he continued. “Our job fairs and foot and online traffic shows an uptick in both the number and skills of job seekers. For employers, this offers the prospect of applicants with stronger credentials and experience to fill their open positions.”
Skinner noted that recent youth job fairs for 16-to-24-year-olds in Citrus and Marion counties attracted more than 300 job seekers and dozens of businesses with immediate full- and part-time positions to fill.
In addition, Skinner added that regional job fairs are set to take place in the next few months, and that CareerSource CLM hosts a variety hiring events for individual businesses, including one for RealTruck on May 21.
Statewide, the changes in the jobless rates were minimal over the month, with none changing by more than 0.4 percentage points. The rates dropped in 61 counties, remained unchanged in five counties, and rose 0.1% in Miami-Dade County. Compared to a year ago, rates were up typically by 1.0-1.5% in all 67 counties.
In April, nonfarm employment in the Ocala Metropolitan Area, which covers all of Marion County, was 121,200 in March, an increase of 000 jobs over the year for a 0.7% growth rate over the year.
Industries gaining jobs were Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+700 jobs); Education and Health Services (+500 jobs); Government (+300 jobs); Leisure and Hospitality (+200 jobs); Mining, Logging, and Construction (+100 jobs); and Other Services (+100 jobs).
Industries losing jobs were Manufacturing (-500 jobs): Professional and Business Services (-400 jobs); and Financial Activities (-100 jobs).
Information Technology remained unchanged over the year.
The Homosassa Springs Metro Area, which includes all Citrus County, posted 36,000 jobs in March, an increase of 200 jobs (+0.6%) over the year.
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 2024 are scheduled for release on April 19.
For more details, access FloridaCommerce’s employment information for the region here: April 2024 Employment Jobs Data
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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, YouTube, and LinkedIn.