Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaDecember 4, 2015

One of three Senate committee leaders set to review now-outgoing Department of Economic Opportunity chief Jesse Panuccio for confirmation next year didn’t say she was sorry to see him go. “I’ve already said too much about Mr. Panuccio,” state Sen. Nancy Detert, the Venice Republican in charge of the Commerce and Tourism Committee, said Friday. […]

Ryan RayDecember 4, 2015

Jesse Panuccio, veteran of fierce battles with lawmakers over his boss Gov. Rick Scott‘s business incentive programs, is set to leave the Department of Economic Opportunity he has led since 2013. Panuccio tendered his resignation Friday. He said the decision was bittersweet, though he said it was “time for a new chapter in my career and […]

Drew WilsonNovember 30, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott said Monday that Florida’s private-sector job growth rate led the 10 most populous states and handily beat the national average last month. “For eight consecutive months, Florida has led all other large states in job growth, including our No. 1 competitor Texas,” Scott said. “I look forward to working with the Legislature to cut $1 […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 18, 2015

Florida’s unemployment rate continues to drop slightly. The August unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, compared with 5.5 percent in July. The state added 19,600 jobs last month, according to figures released Friday by the Department of Economic Opportunity. The jobless rate remains higher than the national rate of 5.1 percent with about 507,000 unemployed Floridians. […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 9, 2015

In a Tuesday news release, Gov. Rick Scott proclaimed September “Workforce Development Month,” patting the state’s economic development and employment agencies on the back. “The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and CareerSource Florida are committed to workforce training and providing employment assistance to the 9.5 million individuals who make up Florida’s labor force,” the announcement said. “People […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 7, 2015

As we join family and friends at barbeques, pool parties, and picnics this weekend, it is worth reflecting on Florida’s remarkable economic turnaround. This Labor Day, Florida’s workforce is presented with pathways to prosperity that were unthinkable just a few years ago. The Great Recession hit Florida hard. Our unemployment rate skyrocketed to 11.2 percent, […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 4, 2015

As we join family and friends at barbeques, pool parties, and picnics this weekend, it is worth reflecting on Florida’s remarkable economic turnaround. This Labor Day, Florida’s workforce is presented with pathways to prosperity that were unthinkable just a few years ago. The Great Recession hit Florida hard. Our unemployment rate skyrocketed to 11.2 percent, […]

Drew WilsonAugust 21, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott said Friday that the Tampa area added 31,800 jobs between July 2014 and July 2015, causing a 1.1 percentage point drop in the region’s unemployment. “With the second-highest number of jobs of all areas in the state last month, the Tampa economy continues to thrive,” Scott said in the announcement. “We will […]

Guest AuthorAugust 20, 2015

If Donald Trump contributed anything to the political process during this presidential election, he has called the American voter to arms over our dysfunctional government. People are mad as hell about such things as: Lack of confidence in the economy and GDP; Unemployment, part-time jobs, and sending jobs overseas; Illegal immigration; Declining morality; Disrespect for […]

Associated PressMay 22, 2015

Florida’s jobless rate has dipped slightly. The state’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.6 percent in April. That’s a slight decline from the previous month. Florida added 24,500 jobs last month according to figures released Friday by the Department of Economic Opportunity. The state’s jobless rate remains higher than the national rate of 5.4 percent. There […]

Tag: unemployment

Jesse Panuccio’s road to resignation paved with Senate’s hard feelings

Jesse Panuccio out at DEO

Rick Scott touts continued private-sector job growth in Florida

Sunshine State’s jobless rate continues to fall

Gov. Scott proclaims “Workforce Development Month” amid employment gains

Jesse Panuccio: Florida workers have much to celebrate this Labor Day

Jesse Panuccio: Florida workers have much to celebrate this Labor Day

Tampa Bay region adds 31,000 jobs in past 12 months, as unemployment drops to 5.4%

Tim Bryce: Has Howard Beale’s moment finally arrived?

Florida jobless rate drops slightly in April