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For June To June, Bay Area Leads State In Jobs Lost

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By MICHAEL SASSO

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 18, 2008

Updated: 07/18/2008 04:45 pm

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay area continued to lead the state in job losses in June, losing an estimated 23,100 nonagricultural jobs between June 2007 and last month, according to figures released by the state Friday.

Florida's unemployment rate fell slightly, to 5.5 percent, in June from 5.6 percent in May, the state's Agency for Workforce Innovation reported.

However, June's rate was significantly higher than the June 2007 unemployment rate of 4 percent. Overall, the state had about 508,000 unemployed residents in June out of a labor force of about 9.24 million.

Florida lost an estimated 78,100 nonagricultural jobs from June 2007 through June, led by the slumping construction industry, which accounted for 52 percent of job losses statewide. A few industries, however, increased their job totals, including government, education, health services and leisure and hospitality.

Among metro areas, the Bay area's loss of 23,100 jobs over the year led the state, followed by the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, which lost 17,400 jobs over the year. The Tampa Bay area has been the leader in job losses since May, when it took over that position from the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area.

Hillsborough County's unemployment rate rose to 5.7 percent in June, up from 5.5 percent in May and 4 percent in June 2007.

In Pinellas County, the unemployment rate rose to 5.5 percent in June, up from 5.2 percent in May and 4 percent a year ago.

Pasco County's rate rose to 6.8 percent in June, up from 6.5 percent in May and 4.9 percent a year ago.

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