Manatee unemployment rate fell in May as economy began to reopen during COVID-19 pandemic
As more COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed, Manatee County’s unemployment rate showed an improvement in May, falling to 12.9 percent, down from 13.5 percent in April.
During May, 21,528 Manatee County residents were unemployed out of a workforce of 167,298, according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. A year ago, Manatee County had a 3 percent unemployment rate.
Sarasota County also showed an improvement in its jobless situation with a 13.6 unemployment rate in May, compared to 14.8 percent rate in April.
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 14.5 percent in May, up 0.7 percentage point from the revised April rate of 13.8 percent, and up from 3.2 percent a year ago, according to the DEO report.
There were 1,412,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 9,709,000. The U.S. unemployment rate was 13.3 percent in May.
Florida’s seasonally adjusted total nonagricultural employment was 8,076,400 in May, an increase of 182,900 jobs (plus 2.3 percent) over the month.
The state lost 850,400 jobs over the year, a decrease of 9.5 percent.
Nationally, the number of jobs fell 11.7 percent over the year. Florida’s labor statistics changed significantly in May as many businesses began to reopen or increase their services following closures due to COVID-19 in March and April.
Leisure and hospitality lost 36.8 percent of its jobs over the over the past year — 460,500 — the most of any industry sector in Florida.
Other industries losing jobs over the year included trade, transportation, and utilities — 123,800 jobs, professional and business services —104,500 jobs; and education and health services —73,300 jobs.
The two counties at the heart of Florida’s theme park country, Osceola and Orange, had the highest unemployment rates in Florida, 31.1 percent, and 23.2 percent respectively.
“Looking at big picture with unemployment increasing, there are actually many opportunities for individuals who are ready to take a step towards a new career or even just find a job in the short-term to support themselves,” Jen Zak, communications director for CareerSource Suncoast, said in an email Friday.
“We have over 70 employers listed (representing hundreds of immediate job openings) at careersourcesuncoast.com/companies,” Zak said.
CareerSource Suncoast is working closely with community partners to come up with new funding streams to train the workforce, send individuals back to school to gain credentials in high-demand occupations, and to address the immediate needs of those in our community who are unemployed, she said,
“Interest in our business accelerator, THRIVE, has also increased as career seekers are considering self-employment as a reasonable option. We’re lucky to have a team at CareerSource Suncoast that is highly-knowledgeable in the field of entrepreneurism and setting up businesses for success, and are working with several clients now who are ready to hit the ground running with their new business venture,” Zak said.
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/.
This story was originally published June 19, 2020 at 11:21 AM.
