With record breaking job losses in the building industry, the Florida jobless rate now stands at 8.1 % and many experts expect this to continue rising. Hernando County's unemployement rate is currently 10.9%, which is the highest on record for the county. Hernando County is now tied for second place (not a race you want to win) with Hamilton County. Tops in the state of Florida is Flagler County with 11.7%.

What does this mean for me & you? Well, for one, look around your neighborhood - there is a good chance that many of your friends and neighbors may now be unemployed. You may also see empty homes that have been foreclosed upon as a result of the economy. What else? It stands to reason that the suicide rate in the Tampa Bay area may rise with all this bad news. Also, will the wage a Florida worker receives now start to decline with all of the people fighting over a limited supply of jobs? It stands to reason that an employer could now pay much less for the same work & still have a line of prospective employees out the door.

These are hard times. At least we are still living in Florida! Enjoy some time off if you were a workaholic.... go fishing, go to one of the nice Tampa Bay area beaches, spend more quality time with loved ones.......