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New statistics released by the US Department of Labor show the nation’s unemployment rate is stagnant at 8.2 percent, while Florida’s unemployment rate continues to drop. Whitney Ray, meet up with Governor Rick Scott for an exclusive, one-on-one interview about the competing statistics.

Even though the national unemployment rate stayed flat, 80-thousand jobs were added nationwide last month. It just wasn’t enough to impact the statistics. Florida’s rate has fallen 2.3 percent since Scott took office.

Joey Costanzo is just one of small number entrepreneurs growing their businesses despite the recession and the nation’s high unemployment rate.

“I’ve had to hire eight new people, since we moved and we are going to have to hirer at least three or four more people,” said Joey.

In 2009, Joey opened this seafood restaurant. The economy along with the gulf oil spill quickly threatened his survival.

“If I had had debt over there when we had the oil spill, at our South Magnolia location, we wouldn’t have made it,” said Joey.

Joey weathered the Great Recession and now his business is booming. He moved to this new location three weeks ago. It’s prime real estate, less than a mile from the Florida’s state capitol building.

As Joey’s business grows, the nation’s unemployment rate stays stuck at 8.2 percent. The state rate is much higher at 8.6 percent, but its falling fast.

In a one-on-one interview with Governor Rick Scott Friday, I asked about the differing statistics and who deserves the credit for Florida’s improving economy.

“We reduced regulation. We have made it easier to get a permit to start a business. So we are doing the right things to help people start their businesses and grow their businesses. Now the federal government has to do the same thing,” said Scott.

While Joey appreciates lower taxes and less regulation he says it’s not the key to his success.

“I don’t think it matters who is in office. I think if you put your heart into it, work really hard, put out a good product, give really good customer service, people are going to come with you,” said Joey.

Joey’s business is up 65 percent and he doesn’t care which politician takes the credit.

Even though the national unemployment rate stayed flat, 80-thousand jobs were added nationwide last month. It just wasn’t enough to impact the statistics. Florida’s rate has fallen 2.3 percent since Scott took office.