Our partners at Workforce Connection have released details on the latest drop in unemployment rate. Read their release below:

Today’s release of unemployment data for Citrus, Levy and Marion Counties from the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI) indicated decreases in unemployment rates in the three counties, region, state and nation for May 2010.

Workforce Connection’s Region, including Citrus, Levy and Marion Counties, posted a 13.2 percent unemployment rate, down .4 percent from last month. The State of Florida’s rate inched down from .3 percent to 11.7 percent in May 2010. The nation’s current unemployment rate is 9.7 percent for May 2010, edging down from 9.9 percent in April 2010.

Marion County posted a 13.6 percent unemployment rate for May 2010, a decrease of .3 percent from April 2010. The Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is currently ranked fourth highest in Florida for unemployment. The Ocala metro area’s May 2010 nonagricultural employment increased by 700 jobs or .8 percent from the previous month.

Citrus County followed with a rate of 12.7 percent, a decrease of .3 percent from the previous month. Levy County posted 12.4 percent, a decrease of .2 percent from April 2010.

Rusty Skinner, Workforce Connection Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Compared with April, the reduction in unemployment appears to be the result of expansion of employment in the government sector.  This sector grew by 600 jobs in May, but leisure and hospitality as well as education and health services declined 100 jobs each in May.”

“In both Marion and Citrus Counties, there was expansion of the labor force and employment, that appear to have driven the reduction in unemployment.  This trend for the third month is a very promising trend in that it would indicate a level of recovery.  This is a cautious statement because of the short period that we are looking at.  It is, however, a positive sign given our past.  Coupled with a reduction in layoff activity and more job listings, I am optimistic over the indication,” said Skinner.

“Levy County’s reduction is not as attributable and may be the result of workers dropping out of the workforce as there was no expansion of either the workforce or employment.  The three month view makes this uncertain since last month’s reduction appeared to be a result of expansion in workforce and employment,“ said Skinner.

The number of individuals without jobs in Marion County decreased from 18,712 to 18,328 from April to May. The number of unemployed individuals decreased from 7,408 to 7,248 in Citrus County and from 2,099 to 2,046 in Levy County.

The overall traffic at Workforce centers in May 2010 was 8,242, an additional 111 visitors from April 2010. There were 1,584 job orders, employers seeking to fill positions, requested in May 2010, with a total of 14,916 for the year.

To get a full copy of the May 2010 Unemployment Data or to find out more about upcoming events and services, go to www.clmworkforce.com or call toll free 1-800-434-JOBS and speak to a Workforce Representative.

Workforce Connection is a member of the Employ Florida network of workforce services and resources. Workforce Connection is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.  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, please call 352-840-5700, ext. 7878 or e-mail accommodations@clmworkforce.com. Please make request at least three business days in advance.

The Marion County Commission partnered with the EDC to contract National Site Location Consultant John Rhodes of  Moran, Stahl & Boyer to produce a Business Park Study and and marketing plan to further the EDC’s business recruitment and expansion efforts. Rhodes presented his initial findings at the EDC Quarterly Luncheon today. You may download his presentation, 2010-rhodes-pp-for-june-luncheon.