Flagler unemployment down 0.9%, still highest in Florida

By Observer Staff
| 4:00 a.m. March 30, 2012

State unemployment is 9.7%. The combined Flagler-Volusia rate is 10.5%.

Palm Coast Observer
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Flagler County’s unemployment rate is at 12.7%, according to numbers released March 30, by the Center for Business Excellence. That’s down nearly a point from last month’s report, but still ranks as the highest of any county in the state.

For the year, nonagricultural jobs in Palm Coast were 19,100 in February 2012, an increase of 1,400 since last December.

Statewide, employment increased by 1.1% since February last year, as well.

According to the report, job losses in wholesale trade and information, and long-term job losses in construction, contributed to Flagler’s high unemployment.

State unemployment is 9.7%. The combined Flagler-Volusia rate is 10.5%.

There are 17 Florida counties with double-digit unemployment rates in February, down from 23 in January.

After Flagler County, the other areas with the highest unemployment include Hernando (12.1%), Hendry (11.7%), St. Lucie (11.4%) and Dixe and Putnam (11.2% each).