PAGE 4 November 26, 2008
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Regional Employment Report for October
Real Estate Today
The Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI) just released employment data
A Guest Commentary by Darryl Diamond
for October 2008. The data indicated the unemployment rate in Citrus, Levy and Marion
Communication is the key
Counties was 8.7 percent in October 2008, up 3.7 percentage points over last year. Marion
By now, every body knows that the commissioner representing the
County posted the highest rate at 8.9 percent with Citrus County following at 8.6 percent and
south end of Levy county was suspended for an alleged "Hiccup" in public
Levy County’s rate dropping very slightly to from 7.5 to 7.4 percent. Out of a labor force of
trust. Because of this fact, the next commissioner will be on the hot seat in the
220,777 in the three-county region, 19,228 residents are unemployed, 12,602 of those reside in
integrity department. At the same time, I think we all would like to see many
Marion County.
other improvements in our next governmental leader.
Job losses in the Ocala metropolitan area over the year have been in construction (-
The following is an example. This past August I’m up in Bronson in
1,000), manufacturing (-600), professional and business services (-300), financial activities (-
front of our Levy county commission wrapping up a presentation (a very pro-
200) and information, leisure and hospitality (-100). The manufacturing job losses do not
fessional presentation if I may say so myself) for a land use change so I can open my new real
include those from the Merillat plant idle in Ocala that involved 279 people, effective Oct. 31.
estate office on #19 with a possible mini storage next door. After very politely thanking the
Job gains in the Ocala metropolitan area over the last year were limited to education
commission for their time, and getting their "very interesting" disposition on my application,
and health services (+400) and government (+300). Healthcare still remains a growth area in
I presented a copy of the July 2, 2008 issue of The Newscaster to all four commissioners
the region and the state. Gainesville is leading the state in metro job growth with 700 new jobs.
present (Nancy Bell was absent). This particular article addresses a specific plan, which I feel
Overall job growth in the Ocala metropolitan region has gone down 2.3 percent over the year
will allow our beloved Levy county to keep living expenses low for almost everyone by
or 2,400 fewer jobs.
controlling impact fees.
Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Connection Rusty Skinner said, “Our staff
For you loyal readers that issue was probably a little boring, but please understand
continues to see record traffic coming into our One Stop Workforce Centers with 20,600
that it was a very important article as most surrounding counties have blown away any
customers visiting from July through October.
possibility of affordable housing with what I consider ridiculous high impact fees. I was
Individuals that have been laid off and need employment assistance should call 1-
hoping that this could possibly become a template for the whole state of Florida, with a new
800-434-Jobs or email re-employment @ clmworkforce.com. Businesses that want help with
way to assess impact fees focusing on people that would most likely be able to afford them,
outplacement services should call (352) 873-7939, ext. 1606.
and leaving the impact fees low for the "affordable housing group".
New Citrus County Comissioners Take Oath of Office
Let’s face it, if school teachers, police officers, and fire fighters can not find a place
to live they will have to go elsewhere. We will have nobody to run the infrastructure in these
Two new county commissioners and one re-elected to a second term were sworn in
essential areas. The Result was that not one of these county representatives felt it was
today at the regular meeting of the Citrus County Commission. Standing their families to take
important enough to contact me on this very important stuff. In contrast here is an example of
their oaths of office, newly elected commissioners Joe Meek and Winn Webb were sworn in
how I try to work in the community to offer affordable housing. Our well liked local Inglis
with returning Commissioner Dennis Damato by Citrus County Court Clerk Betty Striffler. It
police officer Sgt. Brandon Roberts just relocated, and the one year old cement block home he
was standing room only for the ceremony in the commission chambers. In the annual reorga-
occupied is now available by my wife Vicki and I for any one needing affordable housing in a
nization, Commissioner John Thrumston was elected Chairman of the commission and Com-
Welcome Back Snowbirds!!!!
great neighborhood.
missioner Gary Bartell was elected Vice-Chair. Thrumston promised to lead the commission in
--Darryl and Vicki Diamond and the entire "Diamond Team" have the many years of
a new direction and called for a goal setting session right away.
experience required to handle all of your professional real estate needs. Please call Diamond
Thanks for coming to see us
Investments Inc. anytime at 352-447-4442. I’ll see you around "The Campus".
Back Friday Sale Set for
at the Yankeetown Seafood Festival
ks
Hospice of Citrus County Thrift Stores
eeWater
Have
Have your equipment
BEVERLY HILLS—The Hospice of Citrus County Thrift & Gift Shoppes are kicking off the
serviced today.
holiday shopping season by offering local shoppers a very special sale.
Same day service.
M Inc.
On Friday, November 28, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Hospice of Citrus County will
Treatment,
24 Hr. Emergency
present its “Black Friday Sale”. Everything (with very few exceptions) will be offered at 50%
Service.
off regular prices. Friday morning is the time to save big on a wide variety of holiday gift
items!
1-866-556-2924
TOLL
The Hospice of Citrus County Thrift & Gift Shoppes are open Monday thru Friday
FREE
(352)257-2597
9:00am – 5:00 pm and on Saturdays from 9:00 am – 4:00pm. In addition to the Beverly Hills
We service
Thrift & Gift Shoppe located at 4049 N Lecanto Hwy., (352.527.9200), Hospice of Citrus County
existing equipment
Thrift & Gift Shoppes are also located in Homosassa at 4530 S. Suncoast Blvd. (352.628.2277),
including the well & pump
and at 415 S. US Hwy 41 in Inverness (352.341.2220). For additional information, contact
Public Relations Manager Joseph Foster at (352) 527-2020.
14 U.S. Hwy. 19 N. (S. R. 55)
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