Even with a 14.3 percent unemployment rate, many companies in Bradenton area are hiring
There are now 25,790 COVID-19- related unemployment claims in Manatee County, 14.3 percent of the workforce.
In February before the pandemic reached the Bradenton area, the unemployment rate was 3 percent and virtually all employers were saying that one of their greatest problems was finding skilled workers.
But with the economy beginning to reopen there are some hopeful signs.
“We’re starting to receive more calls from people who are looking to get back to work, and there are many opportunities available right now,” Jen Zak, communications director for CareerSource Suncoast, said in an email.
“For immediate placement, we have funding for temporary employment up to three months with employers who have positions directly related to mitigating COVID-19. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door with a business you may not have considered in the past,” she said.
“We’re also working on a program funded by the Manatee County Community Development Block Grant that will pay for individuals living in unincorporated areas of Manatee County (does not apply to the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto) to go through online training programs for certified logistics technicians and certified production technicians. These certifications prepare individuals for in-demand skills needed for long-term career paths in over 5.8 million supply chain logistics jobs and over 6 million frontline production jobs,” Zak said.
CareerSource Suncoast’s webpage lists companies that are hiring. In addition to many openings for health care workers at various companies, and retail workers at companies like Lowe’s Target, Wal-Mart, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Publix, there are openings at many other companies and organizations.
County governments in Manatee and Sarasota list many job openings of all kinds, as does the Manatee School District, and State College of Florida.
Also looking to fill jobs are Flowers Baking Company of Bradenton, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, Mote Marine Laboratory, PepsiCo/Tropicana, New England Machinery, Sun Hydraulics, Charter Communications/Spectrum and many more.
Among Bradenton area businesses that have recently reopened is Music Go Round in the Oneco Square Shopping Center at 5108 15th St. E.
“We are very thankful for our on-line business, but it is nice to start seeing our customers again,” said co-owner Melinda Setchel.
Music Go Round buys and sells musical instruments.
None of the staff missed a pay check during the weeks the store was closed to the public.
“Fortunately, we were able to continue to pay our staff while closed. That was difficult as a small business, but we felt it was important to help take care of our staff,” said co-owner David Setchel.
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It seems clear, however, that given their challenges, some businesses will not be able to reopen, and some businesses may reopen but not be able to survive in the new environment.
Peach’s recently reopened some of its daytime restaurants, but announced that it has permanently closed the restaurants at 5702 Cortez Road and 6057 26th St. W.
During the retail lockdown, Jason’s Deli 5231 University Parkway, removed its signage, and has not reopened. The location has also been removed from the Jason’s Deli corporate website.
For assistance finding a job, visit the CareerSource Suncoast website at https://careersourcesuncoast.com/search-jobs/ or the Manatee Chamber of Commerce website at jobfocus.com.
To file an unemployment assistance claim, visit the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity web site at https://fileaclaim.myflorida.com/.
