Category: Business

Region’s jobless rate climbs to 5.5%

Impact of COVID-19 just beginning

OCALA, Fla. (April 17, 2020) – The unemployment rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region was 5.5 percent in March, up 1.6 percent over the month and 1.3 percent higher than the region’s rate a year ago. There were 11,208 unemployed, an increase of 3,252 jobless since February.

The labor force was 203,214, up 1,943 over the year, largely fueled by a spike in unemployment. There were 192,006 employed, a decrease of 857 compared to March 2019 when the region’s unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, and a drop of 3,597 over the month.

The Ocala/Marion County metropolitan statistical area posted the fastest annual job growth rate in manufacturing, at 4.4 percent, compared to all metro areas in the state.

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DHS, USDA move to protect American farmers and ensure continued flow of America’s food supply

The Department of Homeland Security, with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has announced a temporary final rule to change certain H-2A requirements to help U.S. agricultural employers avoid disruptions in lawful agricultural-related employment, protect the nation’s food supply chain, and lessen impacts from the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.

These temporary flexibilities will not weaken or eliminate protections for U.S. workers.

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COVID-19 Update: The Centers, Inc. implements changes to services

OCALA, FL — The Centers is continuing to take precautions to keep our communities healthy during this time and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus while continuing to care for those who need us most.

We strongly encourage all outpatient services to take place via telehealth until April 30, 2020.

During this time, our physical offices will remain open to accommodate patients who require in-person services; however, new temporary hours of Monday and Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm have been implemented.

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CareerSource network to assist with unemployment compensation claims

OCALA, Fla. (April 3, 2020) – The CareerSource Florida network, which includes CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion and CareerSource North Central Florida, is now empowered to assist Floridians in applying for Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation).

Details as to how that will happen are in the works.

Reemployment Assistance provides temporary wage benefits to those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, such as due to COVID-19. The program, which is run by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, is experiencing delays and difficulties keeping up with unprecedented demand.

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Citrus County emergency management assisting in COVID-19 response

Citrus County Emergency Management is assisting our local government and community partners for donations of medical supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectants that can be used to help fight the spread of COVID-19.

These supplies will then be distributed, based on need, to critical-care facilities, local hospitals, long-term care facilities, medical offices and first responders.
Individuals and businesses are asked to donate ONLY the following items Continue reading “Citrus County emergency management assisting in COVID-19 response”

Weekiwachee Preserve closed until further notice

SFWMD Water District LogoThe Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be closing the WeekiWachee Preserve, located in coastal Hernando County, effective Thursday, April 2 for all uses until further notice.

The District took steps to remind recreational users to follow the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis and to uphold the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to practice social distancing by avoiding gatherings larger than 10 people and distancing themselves a minimum of six feet from others.

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