Florida's brighter job picture obscures longer-term problems like low pay, lack of diversification (Orlando Sentinel © 11/26/2011)
TALLAHASSEE — Florida's overall employment picture is brightening after three lost years. There is something to be thankful for in the 93,900 net new jobs that Gov. Rick Scott keeps trumpeting have been created this year. But the news masks a few underlying problems with the labor market in Florida. For one, the industries doing the hiring — largely theme parks, bars and restaurants ...
Season of part-time jobs kicks off with holidays (Florida Today © 11/26/2011)
Lloyd Slocum was unemployed for 18 months, but like hundreds of thousands of Americans, he's working part time this holiday shopping season, unloading trucks and stocking shelves for a Bealls store in Port St. Lucie. "It gives you something to look forward to," says Slocum, 29. He plans to use the cash to buy his father a Christmas present and hopes to parlay the job into a full-time position. ...
Hernando gets $1.95M for housing help (Tampa Bay Online © 11/26/2011)
BROOKSVILLE -- Hernando County will receive about $1.95 million in federal grant money to help people afford a home and remove some of the foreclosures from the market. The money is part of the third phase of the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Moderate- to low-income residents can qualify to use the money for down payment assistance, mortgage buy-down, minor rehabili...