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Gov. Scott: Miami Area Ranks Third in State Job Creation

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MIAMI, Fla. — Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Miami area added 24,900 new private-sector jobs in the last year, the third-highest number of jobs among all Florida metro areas. The unemployment rate in Miami remained at 4.6 percent in November, down 0.4 percentage point from a year ago. Statewide, Florida businesses created 13,900 new jobs in November and the unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent, the lowest rate in more than a decade. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,465,800 new private-sector jobs.

Governor Scott said, “Miami added nearly 25,000 new jobs over the year, further proof that our economy is continuing to thrive across the state. During the upcoming legislative session, we will keep working to cut taxes and create an environment where the private sector can grow.”

The industries with the highest growth over the year in Miami were trade, transportation and utilities with 10,900 new jobs and education and health services with 4,000 new jobs. The area continued to rank third among the state’s metro areas with 29,951 openings, and once again offered the third-highest number of high-skill, high-wage STEM jobs with 7,016 openings.

 In the last year, 199,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 2.0 percent. This rate is nearly three times the national labor force growth rate of only 0.7 percent. In November, 16,990 Floridians were placed in jobs by CareerSource South Florida and the state’s other 23 local workforce boards. 

 To view the November 2017 employment data visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.

Gov. Scott: Tampa Area Ranks Second in State Job Creation

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TAMPA, Fla. — Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Tampa area added 28,400 new private-sector jobs in the last year, continuing to create the second-highest number of jobs among all Florida metro areas. The Tampa area also continues to rank first in the state in demand for high-skill, high-wage STEM occupations with 14,839 openings in November. Tampa’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.6 percent, down 1.0 percentage point from one year ago. Statewide, Florida businesses created 13,900 new jobs in November and the unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent, the lowest rate in more than a decade. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,465,800 new private-sector jobs.

 Governor Scott said, “It is great news that the Tampa Bay area, like the rest of the state, continues to have strong economic growth with more than 28,000 new jobs created over the year. It is clear that Tampa Bay continues to be a great place for businesses to grow and create jobs.”

The industries with the highest growth over the year in Tampa were:

  • Professional and business services with 5,900 new jobs;
  • Construction with 5,300 new jobs; and
  • Other services with 5,200 new jobs.

The Tampa area remained first among the state metro areas in job demand in November with 44,792 openings.

In the last year, 199,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 2.0 percent. This rate is nearly three times the national labor force growth rate of only 0.7 percent. In November, 16,990 Floridians were placed in jobs by CareerSource Tampa Bay and the state’s other 23 local workforce boards. 

To view the November 2017 employment data visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.

Gov. Scott: Orlando Area Continues to Lead State with Most Jobs Created in the Last Year

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ORLANDO, Fla. — Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Orlando area had the highest job creation in the state, adding 39,500 new private-sector jobs in the last year for the fourth month in a row. The unemployment rate in Orlando was 3.5 percent, down 0.9 percentage point from one year ago. Statewide, Florida businesses created 13,900 new jobs in November and the unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent, the lowest rate in more than a decade. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,465,800 new private-sector jobs. 

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Orlando led the state with the most jobs created this past year, adding more than 39,000 new jobs for families. We are proud to see job creators continue to grow in Central Florida and look forward to another great year of more opportunities being created so families can succeed in Florida.”

Orlando led the state in job growth over the year in the following industries:

  • Professional and business services with 10,200 new jobs;
  • Financial activities with 5,600 new jobs; and
  • Manufacturing with 5,100 new jobs.

In November, the Orlando area remained second among state metro areas in job demand with 37,783 job openings. Orlando also remained the second-highest metro area in demand for high-skill, high-wage STEM occupations with 11,033 openings.

In the last year, 199,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 2.0 percent. This rate is nearly three times the national labor force growth rate of only 0.7 percent. In November, 16,990 Floridians were placed in jobs by CareerSource Central Florida and the state’s other 23 local workforce boards. 

To view the November 2017 employment data visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.

Gov. Scott: Florida Businesses Created Nearly 14,000 Private-Sector Jobs in November

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Gov. Scott: Florida Businesses Created Nearly 14,000 Private-Sector Jobs in November

Unemployment Rate Remains at 10-Year Low of 3.6 Percent

NAPLES, Fla. — Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida businesses created nearly 14,000 private-sector jobs across the state in November. The state’s unemployment rate also remained at a 10-year low of 3.6 percent. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,465,800 jobs. Florida’s annual job growth rate of 2.5 percent continues to exceed the nation’s rate of 1.6 percent.

 Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida’s unemployment rate is at a 10-year low and that nearly 14,000 jobs were created for families across the state last month. As we near the end of the year, it is important to reflect on how far our state has come and how we must continue to fight every day to build on this success. Over the past seven years, we have turned around Florida’s economy which has allowed us to make record investments in education, transportation and environmental protection. I look forward to kicking off 2018 by working to continue cutting taxes, supporting job creation and education opportunities, and doing all we can to help secure Florida’s future for every family. Florida is a national leader in job creation and the rest of the nation should follow our lead.”

As of November, Florida’s unemployment rate had dropped 7.1 percentage points since December 2010, faster than the national decline of 5.2 percentage points. In the last year, 199,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 2.0 percent, which is nearly three times the national labor force growth rate of only 0.7 percent.

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Florida is ending the year on a good economic note as the unemployment rate remains at a 10-year low of 3.6 percent and businesses continue to recover from Hurricane Irma. More people are entering the labor force and jobs are being created in diverse industries. The Sunshine State remains the best place for families to live the American Dream.”

Other positive economic indicators include:

  • Private-sector industries gaining the most jobs over-the-year were:
    • Construction with 41,800 new jobs;
    • Professional and business services with 41,000 new jobs;
    • Trade, transportation and utilities with 33,500 new jobs;
    • Financial activities with 15,500 new jobs; and
    • Education and health services with 15,200 new jobs.
  • Florida job postings showed 254,611 openings in November 2017.
  • In November, Florida’s 24 regional workforce boards reported 16,990 Floridians, including 944 veterans, were placed in jobs.

To view the November 2017 employment data visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Names UNF 2018 ‘Best College Value’

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The University of North Florida has been named to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance “300 Best College Values of 2018” list. The rankings highlight public schools, private universities and private liberal arts colleges that combine remarkable academic quality with exemplifying affordability.

UNF earned spots on the magazine’s list of 100 best values in public colleges for in-state and out-of-state students. This is the seventh consecutive year the University has been recognized by Kiplinger for its public college value.

            “We take great pride in being recognized by some very elite organizations for our efforts,” said UNF President John Delaney. “With top-notch academic programs and amazing out-of-classroom experiences, all at an affordable cost, UNF provides an exceptional value that’s hard to beat.”

            This latest recognition comes on the heels of UNF receiving several other national designations, including 2018 “Best in the Southeast” by Princeton Review, 2018 “Best Regional” University by U.S. News & World Report, 2018 “Best Colleges” by College Factual and the 2017 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from Insight into Diversity magazine, to name a few.

“Our rankings, which weigh affordability alongside academic quality, are a great resource for students and their parents when sorting through college choices,” said Mark Solheim, editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. “We start with a universe of nearly 1,200 schools and trim the list using measures of academic quality. We then rank the schools based on cost and financial aid data. All 300 schools on our list are worth a look.”

The editors at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance start with data from nearly 1,200 public and private four-year schools, provided by Peterson’s. The list is then narrowed to the top schools based on measures of academic quality, including SAT or ACT scores, admission and retention rates, student-faculty ratios and four-year graduation rates. The editors then rank the schools using cost and financial aid measures. Academic quality carries more weight than costs.

The complete rankings are now available online at kiplinger.com/links/colleges and will appear in print in the February 2018 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance on newsstands in early January.

For nine decades, the Kiplinger organization has led the way in personal finance and business forecasting. Founded in 1920 by W.M. Kiplinger, the company developed one of the nation’s first successful newsletters in modern times. The Kiplinger Letter, launched in 1923, remains the longest continuously published newsletter in the United States.

UNF, a nationally ranked university located on an environmentally beautiful campus, offers students who are dedicated to enriching the lives of others the opportunity to build their own futures through a well-rounded education.

Moody's: FAMU’s Outlook Upgraded to Stable

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NEW YORK, NY – Moody’s Investors Service announced that it has revised the outlook of Florida A&M University (FAMU) to stable from negative. The outlook revision incorporates anticipated improvement in operating performance and revenue growth with reduced enrollment volatility combined with gains in base state funding. FAMU is closing out 2017 with an increase in fundraising and its highest enrollment increase since 2014 at 9,913 students.

“Through the collective efforts of the Board of Trustees, FAMU Foundation, University administrators, staff, faculty, student leaders, and, of course, our committed alumni and friends, we are working tirelessly to ensure the financial well-being and continued growth of this great institution,” said President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “We are grateful that Moody’s recognizes our efforts and grateful to everyone who has played a role in this positive outcome for FAMU.”

According to Moody’s, the stable outlook incorporates expectations of stabilizing enrollment, management’s commitment to maintaining operating equilibrium, and stable to growing state support. The stable outlook also reflects the absence of future borrowing plans or plans to reduce flexible reserves and is also predicated on a strong demand for the University’s “dormitory system.” Moody’s also indicates that the University has a reasonable cushion of flexible reserves relative to expenses, as well as relatively low debt. 

“The elevation in the Moody’s Outlook Rating illustrates the University’s commitment to sustaining enrollment growth as well as improving our operational and financial performance,” said Wanda Ford, DM, CFO and interim vice president for Finance and Administration. “We are excited about the University’s improvement in its rating of creditworthiness as it allows for greater opportunities to support our students in academic achievement and success.” 

Moody’s Investors Service is a leading provider of credit ratings, research, and risk analysis.   

According to Moody’s factors that lead to an outlook upgrade, include: 

 ·      Sustained revenue growth combined with more effective enrollment management and enhanced student demand 

·      Improved operating performance with reduced volatility and operating cash flow margins 

·      Marked increase in flexible reserves with spendable cash and investments to operating expenses sustainably  

 

For more information, visit www.moodys.com. 

Moody’s: FAMU’s Outlook Upgraded to Stable

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NEW YORK, NY – Moody’s Investors Service announced that it has revised the outlook of Florida A&M University (FAMU) to stable from negative. The outlook revision incorporates anticipated improvement in operating performance and revenue growth with reduced enrollment volatility combined with gains in base state funding. FAMU is closing out 2017 with an increase in fundraising and its highest enrollment increase since 2014 at 9,913 students.

“Through the collective efforts of the Board of Trustees, FAMU Foundation, University administrators, staff, faculty, student leaders, and, of course, our committed alumni and friends, we are working tirelessly to ensure the financial well-being and continued growth of this great institution,” said President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “We are grateful that Moody’s recognizes our efforts and grateful to everyone who has played a role in this positive outcome for FAMU.”

According to Moody’s, the stable outlook incorporates expectations of stabilizing enrollment, management’s commitment to maintaining operating equilibrium, and stable to growing state support. The stable outlook also reflects the absence of future borrowing plans or plans to reduce flexible reserves and is also predicated on a strong demand for the University’s “dormitory system.” Moody’s also indicates that the University has a reasonable cushion of flexible reserves relative to expenses, as well as relatively low debt. 

“The elevation in the Moody’s Outlook Rating illustrates the University’s commitment to sustaining enrollment growth as well as improving our operational and financial performance,” said Wanda Ford, DM, CFO and interim vice president for Finance and Administration. “We are excited about the University’s improvement in its rating of creditworthiness as it allows for greater opportunities to support our students in academic achievement and success.” 

Moody’s Investors Service is a leading provider of credit ratings, research, and risk analysis.   

According to Moody’s factors that lead to an outlook upgrade, include: 

 ·      Sustained revenue growth combined with more effective enrollment management and enhanced student demand 

·      Improved operating performance with reduced volatility and operating cash flow margins 

·      Marked increase in flexible reserves with spendable cash and investments to operating expenses sustainably  

 

For more information, visit www.moodys.com. 

Commissioner Adam H. Putnam’s Statement on House Passing Disaster Spending Bill with Funding for Florida Agriculture

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today issued the following statement following the U.S. House of Representatives passing an $81 billiondisaster spending bill, which includes $2.6 billion for agricultural assistance:

“Today’s vote is an important first step to get Florida’s farmers, ranchers and growers, who suffered more than $2.5 billion damages from Hurricane Irma, long-awaited and desperately needed relief. Without this emergency assistance, Florida agriculture cannot fully recover from the unprecedented damage it suffered.

“I want to thank Representative Rooney, Representative Buchanan, Governor Rick Scott and the members of Florida’s congressional delegation who supported this effort and fought for Florida agriculture over the last days, weeks and months. But even with today’s vote, much work remains, and I will continue to work with leaders in Washington to make sure this emergency assistance becomes a reality.”

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, Commissioner Putnam announced that Florida agriculture sustained more than $2.5 billion in damages. In weeks following Hurricane Irma, and again this week, Commissioner Putnam traveled to D.C. to discuss the agricultural damage and to request federal assistance with Florida’s Congressional Delegation.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

AHCA Continues to Work With Federal Government On Extension of CHIP

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) released a timeline of actions regarding the state of Florida’s continued work urging the federal government to reauthorize and extend the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). For months AHCA and the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation have been working with federal partners and conducting weekly meetings with our Florida KidCare partners which includes the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, Florida Department of Health and Department of Children and Families to plan and implement strategies related to CHIP reauthorization.  AHCA has also participated in calls regarding CHIP arranged by the federal  Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the National Academy for State Health Policy, and the National Medicaid Directors Association.

Secretary Justin Senior said, “Governor Scott has made it clear that he supports reauthorizing CHIP and the state of Florida fully expects Congress to act immediately on CHIP reauthorization. Our Agency is closely monitoring Congressional activity regarding the extension of CHIP funding. We remain hopeful that Congress will act to ensure that the many children and families that rely on this federal program have continued and uninterrupted service. Our Agency has been involved in discussions on CHIP reauthorization since August with federal CMS. Additionally, representatives from Florida Healthy Kids have been in Washington, D.C. to pursue this reauthorization since the summer of 2016. AHCA will do everything to ensure that these children have health care, and Florida has funding to continue the CHIP program through January. We will continue to reevaluate funds as this process moves forward. Ultimately, the continuation of this important federal program requires federal action.” 

CHIP Related Planning:

·         Contingency calls to discuss how Florida would ensure seamless operations following CHIP reauthorization, including short term and long term plans were held on August 23, September 19, October 13, October 27, November 3, November 11, November 17, December 1, December 8, and December 15. These calls included AHCA, Florida Healthy Kids and the Department of Health.

·         Calls with CMS to discuss Florida’s availability of CHIP funding were held on August 17, September 23, October 4, December 19, and December 21.

·         Florida Healthy Kids continues to have internal discussions and partner calls scheduled on October 6, November 3, and December 1, where congressional action around CHIP reauthorization was discussed.  

·         Florida submitted the CHIP funding template to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with estimated need for November and December of 2017 on October 4, 2017.

Gov. Scott Announces 23 Appointments to Multiple State Boards

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced 15 reappointments and eight appointments to multiple state boards.

Indian River State College District Board of Trustees

Vicki Davis, 65, of Stuart, is the supervisor of elections for Martin County. She is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021.

 Sandy Krischke, 44, of Fort Pierce, is the founder and president of Independence Classical Academy, Inc, and the President of K2 Strategies, LLC. She is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Polk State College District Board of Trustees

Cindy Hartley-Ross, 58, of Lakeland, is the president of Organization Management LLC. She currently serves as a member of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. Hartley-Ross is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021.

This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Northwest Florida State College District Board of Trustees 

Brian Pennington, 51, of Shalimar, is the retired President of the TYBRIN Division of Jacobs Engineering. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2019.

 Shane Abbott, 42, of Defuniak Springs, is the co-owner of the Prescription Place of Defuniak Springs and Niceville, Florida. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021.

 These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

North Florida Community College District Board of Trustees

David Howell, 69, of Jasper, is a retired soil scientist with the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021. 

Ricky Lyons, 59, of Mayo, is the retired clerk of court for Lafayette county. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021. 

Mike Williams, 59, of Madison, is a financial advisor with the Park Avenue Securities LLC. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. 

Board of Accountancy

Michelle Maingot, 47, of Tampa, is a certified public accountant and partner at Ernst Young, LLP. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending October 31, 2021. 

Steven Platau, 60, of Tampa, is a professor at the University of Tampa. He succeeds Eric Robinson and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending October 31, 2021. 

Tracy  Keegan, 52, of Naples, is the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Atlantic Coast Bank. She is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending October 31, 2021.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. 

Board of Respiratory Care

Janelle Hom, 31, of Orlando, is the executive director of the American Lung Association of the Southeast, Inc. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending October 31, 2021

This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

 Florida Real Estate Commission

 Guy Sanchez, Jr., 52, of Orlando, is the vice president and managing broker of Watson Realty Corp., Southwest Orlando Office. He succeeds Claude Boring and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending October 31, 2021.

Richard Fryer, 71, of Lake Mary, is the president of the Institute of Florida Real Estate Careers, Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending October 31, 2021.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Halifax Hospital Medical Center Board of Commissioners

Glenn Ritchey, 77, of Daytona Beach, is the president of Southeast Automotive Management. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 23, 2020.

Tom McCall, 46, of Ormond Beach, is the chief operating officer and chief financial officer of ICI Homes, Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 23, 2021.

Harold Goodemote, 58, of Daytona Beach, is the vice president of Coleman Goodemote Construction. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 23, 2021.

Collier County Housing Authority

Rebecca Vaccariello, 43, of Naples, is an attorney with Gallagher Lutgert, LLP. She is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending November 7, 2021.

Jay Roth, 48, of Naples, is the manager at Lutgert Insurance. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending October 27, 2019.

Florida Commission on Human Relations 

Jay Pichard, 50, of Tallahassee, is the owner of Remedy Staffing. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending September 30, 2020. 

Al McCambry, 57, of Lynn Haven, is the dean of workforce development at Gulf Coast State College. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending September 30, 2019.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. 

Governor’s Mansion Commission

 Kathleen Kelly, 53, of Thomasville, is a managing partner of Kevin’s Fine Outdoor. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending September 30, 2021.

Mary Mica, 32, of Tallahassee, is the owner of Mary Mica Designs, LLC. She succeeds Marla Glover and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending September 30, 2020. 

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.