Southwest Florida’s labor force increased by 16,847 in June, compared to June 2022, according to data from FloridaCommerce. The Fort Myers area labor force grew by 15,327 in June, a 4.1% year-over-year increase, and the Naples area labor force increased by 0.8% to 1,520. In June, the Fort Myers area had the fastest over-the-year job growth rate compared to all the metro areas in the state in professional and business services, increasing by 4,100 jobs. Education and health services in the area grew by 3,100 jobs. The Naples area industry gaining the most jobs over the year was education and health services, increasing by 1,400 jobs. The Fort Myers area’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.1%, while the Naples area’s decreased 0.1% to 3%.
Lake Park Diner co-owners Smith Organics and Paul Fleming Restaurant Group anticipate 50 locations of what will be a Naples-based...
Read more