Last month, Governor Ron DeSantis proclaimed September 28 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Florida. This proclamation acknowledges the contributions of hunters and anglers to conservation efforts through license purchases and excise taxes on equipment.
FloridaCommerce has reported an increase in private sector employment in the Orlando area by 16,000 jobs, or 1.2%, over the year in September 2024. The construction sector added 5,400 jobs and education and health services gained 5,200 jobs.
FloridaCommerce has reported significant job growth in the Naples metro area for September 2024, particularly in the leisure and hospitality sector. The region experienced an 8.1% increase, adding 2,200 jobs over the year. In contrast, Fort Myers saw a private sector employment growth of 1.2%, translating to an addition of 3,000 jobs.
FloridaCommerce has reported a growth in the Pensacola metro area's private sector employment, with an increase of 3,000 jobs over the past year as of September 2024. The education and health services industry experienced the largest growth, adding 900 jobs.
FloridaCommerce has reported that the Fort Lauderdale metro area gained the third-highest number of private sector jobs among all metro areas over the year in September 2024. The region also led in job gains in trade, transportation, and utilities with 4,700 jobs; government with 4,600 jobs; and other services with 3,700 jobs. The area's private sector employment reached 820,500, marking an increase of 16,500 jobs or a growth rate of 2.1% from the previous year.
FloridaCommerce has reported significant job growth in the Miami metro area for September 2024, marking the region as a leader in private sector employment gains across all metro areas. The area saw an increase of 25,800 jobs, representing a 2.2% rise over the past year. The sectors contributing most to this growth include construction with 6,400 new jobs, leisure and hospitality with 6,300 jobs, and professional and business services with 5,300 jobs.
Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced the designation of Eau Gallie Arts District in Melbourne, Brevard County, as the Florida Main Street Program of the Month for October 2024. This recognition highlights the district's efforts in historic preservation and creative innovation.
FloridaCommerce has released employment data for the Tampa metro area, highlighting significant job gains in September 2024. The region saw increases in education and health services (+9,000 jobs), manufacturing (+1,400 jobs), and financial activities (+1,200 jobs). Over the year, private sector employment rose by 23,300 jobs or 1.7%, making Tampa second among all metro areas for private sector job growth.
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced three appointments to the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County. Todd Panzer will serve as Chair, while Lola Gonzalez and Brittney Morley have also been appointed to the coalition.
The Florida Department of Education has announced the allocation of $62 million through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program. This funding aims to create or expand workforce development programs throughout the state, providing students with practical educational experiences in fields such as aerospace, biomedical science, digital video technology, and aviation.
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced appointments to the Rare Disease Advisory Council. Alexis Bakofsky, Colleen Bartlett, and Blake Shay have been appointed, while Jon Hawayek and Melissa Jordan have been reappointed.
Florida's unemployment rate has remained below the national average for 47 consecutive months, according to FloridaCommerce. The state's unemployment rate stands at 3.3%, with an addition of 175,600 private sector jobs over the past year.
FloridaCommerce has reported that the Jacksonville metro area leads in job growth within the education and health services sectors among all metropolitan areas. This sector saw a 4.7% increase, adding 5,900 jobs over the year. The region's private sector employment rose by 1.9%, equivalent to 13,300 new positions as of September 2024.
FloridaCommerce has reported a significant increase in private sector employment in the West Palm Beach metro area. The region saw an addition of 11,100 jobs, marking a 1.8% growth over the past year as of September 2024. The education and health services sector led this growth by adding 4,000 jobs.
Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis visited Tampa Bay to announce the allocation of $1 million through the Florida Disaster Fund. These funds will aid Hope Florida partners in assisting Floridians recovering from recent storms. The financial support is designated for nonprofit organizations providing essential services such as meals, immediate disaster relief for mothers and children, and assistance for foster children, families, individuals with unique abilities, and seniors.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Catch a Florida Memory program concluded another successful year with its Triple Threat Throwdown event. The competition awarded a Fishing Kayak Bundle to Brian Ferreira, who was selected as the winner. Ferreira received a Bonafide P127 kayak equipped with a fishing package from Mustad Fishing and a Safety Bundle from Russ Vorhis-State Farm Insurance.
The stone crab harvest season commenced on October 15 and will continue until May 1, closing the following day. The minimum size limit for stone crab claws is set at 2 7/8 inches.
Due to the recent impacts of hurricanes Milton and Helene, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced an extension for the application deadline of the Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services Pilot Program. The new deadline is set for October 31, providing additional time for those affected by the storms to submit their applications.
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System has announced that the C. W. "Bill" Young VAMC Campus Emergency Department is closed until further notice. Outpatient appointments will be available in most areas, while all surgical, interventional radiology, interventional pain, and endoscopy procedures scheduled for Thursday, October 17, have been canceled. Veterans affected by these cancellations will be rescheduled for the earliest possible appointment.