Florida jobless rate falls to 5.3% {Jeb's FL: 16 consecutive months of growth]

The Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel / Business Section ^ | Aug. 16, 2003 | Rafael Gerena-Morales

[summer]

Florida jobless rate falls to 5.3%

By Rafael Gerena-Morales
Business Writer
Posted August 16 2003

Florida's unemployment rate improved to 5.3 percent in July from a revised 5.4 percent in June, as the Sunshine State added more than 85,000 jobs in the most recent 12-month period, marking 16 consecutive months of growth. And that momentum carried into South Florida, where Palm Beach County posted among the state's strongest job growth.

...In Florida, the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton statistical area, and Orlando, both created more than 17,000 jobs in the most recent 12-month period, leading the state in job creation.

In Palm Beach County, financial, construction and warehouse companies are expanding, said Ken Montgomery, president of the Palm Beach Workforce Alliance, which helps county residents find work. July's job figures are "very encouraging," he said.

Rafael Gerena-Morales can be reached at 954-356-4614 or rgerena@sun-sentinel.com.

[Eagle Eye]

Sounds like the Islanders, Central Americans, and Mexicans are going to be living well.

In the panhandle there are new jobs opening up, but most of the decent ones are government or government contract positions, not true private sector jobs. Call centers came in for the cheap labor pool. Now those jobs are going to India.

[summer]

BTW, when FL reached 15 consecutive months of economic growth (prior to this current 16th month), a national report came out:

National Report Praises Florida's Economic Growth
~~Florida’s favorable business climate and tax structures cited as reasons for growth~~

[summer]

This was interesting too:

New Study Shows Florida Ranks Among The Top In Nation For Business Friendly Tax Systems

[summer]

Another interesting bit of news:

Gov Bush Announces Partnership Between African-American And Hispanic Business Groups:
Access Florida partnership to Help Increase the Number of Minority Businesses
(August 2003)

[summer]

And, there's more good news:

Governor Bush Congratulates Miami For Being Named "Best City" To Do Business in Latin America(April 2003)

Excerpt:

TALLAHASSEE - Governor Jeb Bush today offered congratulations to Greater Miami for topping the list of the best cities to do business in Latin America for the fourth year in a row, according to a survey published by AméricaEconomía magazine. Miami’s quality of life and strategic location at the crossroads of the Western Hemisphere gave the city its strong, unbeatable position according to the magazine. The ranking is the result of a study conducted by AméricaEconomía, which included a survey of 1,600 Latin American executives, 74 percent of whom rank Miami as the “best city” from which to do business with Latin America.

[summer]

Seems to me Gov Bush remembers people in rural areas also like to have jobs:

Governor Bush Awards Rural Grant to Gulf County to Support Local Business Development (July 2003)

and:

Governor Bush Award Rural Grant to Assist The City of Bunnell To Support Expansion Of 16 Businesses (June 2003)

[bradactor]

The more I read your posts Summer, the more convinced I am Jeb should be the candidate in 2008. I know the media and the democrats would have a hissy. Another Bush in office but Jeb is a great choice. I said it to PhiKapMom sometime back and now I am believing it more and more, especially when I see him on tv at times.
Brad in Houston

[summer]

If you have suggestions on how to better diversity the state's economy, Gov Bush is now holding eight workshops around the state to hear people's ideas and concerns:

Governor Bush Kick-Starts Economic Planning Effort - (June 2003)

Excerpt:

"With Governor Bush as our guide, our goal is to create a collaborative, statewide plan that provides a roadmap for Florida’s future,” said Enterprise Florida’s Darrell Kelley. “The more input we receive, the more accurate our map and the more attainable our destination … a stronger, more diversified economy.”

[summer]

Oh, I couldn't agree with you more. And, you know, it's funny because that was truly not on my mind at all when I first came to FR, and when I first starting about him here on FR. I just knew he was good for FL. Now, I am realizing more and more the same thing you and others have said to me: This is the GOP candidate for 2008. But, that was never my intent. Others said it to me first. Thanks for your post, bradactor. :)

[summer]

I meant to type: I first starting posting and writing about him...
And, BTW, if the Dems have a "hissy" well, so what. Better than having the whole country collapse into the toilet along with CA.

[summer]

Above links on this thread may be of interest to you and your pal, Ernie. :)

[summer]

Thanks for your freepmail. :)

[summer]

FYI. :)

[Dog Gone]

Jeb is doing a great job. No wonder he won re-election in a landslide.

[NautiNurse]

Good news! Great info! Thanks.

[caltrop]

If you like affirmative action, then JEB's your candidate.

[katherineisgreat]

Hey Summer! This is great news. Does seem like Gray Davis should take a page out of Jeb's book.

Have you heard from Kim? I've emailed her, and she doesn't respond. I know she is ok though, because her AIM name is on occasionally.

[capt. norm]

"If you like affirmative action, then JEB's your candidate."

I couldn't agree with you LESS!

[Those_Crazy_Liberals]

Summer, you got yourself quite a governor up there in FL. Keep up the good work.

[GOPJ]

An unbiased press would cover this story...

I realize the media is all caught in the CA recall race, but more people in the press should be reporting the positive economic news and job growth that keeps coming out of FL.