While many people are still on the job hunt in Gainesville, some of their fellow unemployed peers have landed paid positions that have contributed to a nearly one-point drop in the area’s unemployment rate in February.
According to data released by the state this week, Alachua County’s unemployment rate dipped to 7.7 percent in February, an improvement from the 8.6 percent figure in January
In January, 11,234 people in the area were unemployed out of a labor force of 130,932. In February, that number dropped to 10,137 unemployed people out of a labor force of 131,083 people.
The Gainesville area, which is comprised of Alachua and Gilchrist counties, boasted the lowest unemployment rate of 23 Florida metro areas with a 7.8 percent rate for February, according to the state report.
Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe posted on his Twitter: “February unemployment numbers show that #Gainesville is moving forward!”
His sentiment was echoed by Susan Bottcher, a candidate for the District 3 City Commission seat in Gainesville.
She said the improved unemployment rate showed how Gainesville is gradually becoming a more business-friendly area.
“Gainesville is overcoming and surpassing the old idea that we’re not a business-friendly community,” Bottcher said. “I think we have to keep our eye on the ball and continue to make sure our local government works with local businesses.”
Bottcher’s opponent in the April 12 run-off election for District 3, Rob Zeller, said many Gainesville residents still face the harsh reality of being unable to feed their families each day.
With so many people still unemployed, Zeller said there is much work to be done to improve the area’s private sector to ensure they would be able to find jobs.
