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Florida’s unemployment rate is now 10.6 percent well above the national average. Twenty-thousand Floridians lost their jobs last month bringing the rate up three tenths of a percent. But there is hope on the horizon. As Whitney Ray tells us, economists are reporting a slight increase in state revenue collections and home sales.

The signs of unemployment are everywhere. Boarded up windows and overgrown weeds signal shattered dreams and jobs lost. One Tallahassee Starbucks opened up less than a year ago with hopes of long lines, but the crowds never came and before the business could celebrate its one year anniversary it closed up shop.

970-thousand Floridians are out of work, bringing Florida’s unemployment rate to 10.6 percent. But it’s not all bad news. There are still 120-thousand job openings in the state.

“These opening show job churning in the labor market, even though industries are in decline there are needs for replacements,” said Rebecca Rust.

Home sales and state sales tax collections are slightly up over previous estimates.

“It’s a sign of stability. That things are starting to behave like we think they would, the outside things that were causing unexpected movements are staring to stop and not be factors,” said state economist Amy Baker.

Debbie lost her job as a hotel clerk three months ago. Next week she’s starting her new job at a Laundromat. It’s not exactly what she was looking for but…

“I’m grateful to have a job. I’m happy to have a job, so I’m okay,” said Debbie.

And while Debbie will keep her eyes open for new opportunities, most agree, any job in this economy is a good one. To take a look at the job openings visit the state job bank at https://www.employflorida.com