Job growth in Florida speeds past national rate

Florida Construction News staff writer Florida’s private sector job growth rate increased by 0.5 percent (+42,800 jobs) in July 2023, five times faster than the national rate of 0.1 percent over the same period. Economic data shows the labor force grew by 2.6 percent (+280,000) over the year in July... Continue reading

Florida Construction News staff writer The Tampa Fire Training Grounds is undergoing a major upgrade with a new fire tower under construction. The Drager Phase 5 Modified Multi Story System is an innovative training structure that will replace the Drager Phase Four burn simulator, which had been in service for... Continue reading

Florida Construction News staff writer Gov. Ron DeSantis last week announced $6.9 million for continuing Hurricane Ian recovery efforts in Southwest Florida. The Florida Disaster Fund has now awarded all $63.2 million. “Just under a year after the storm, I am happy to be awarding these funds to continue helping... Continue reading

Florida Construction News staff writer Transportation projects in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia recently received regional 2023 America’s Transportation Awards for the “positive impact on their respective communities.” Winning projects varied from emergency repairs in the aftermath of a hurricane, to new pedestrian features that encourage active transportation and... Continue reading

Florida Construction News staff writer The City of Tampa held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday to launch a renovations project at Kid Mason Community Center.Construction will add an additional 411 sq. ft. to the center. Improvements include a computer lab, fenced in play area, new restrooms, an upgraded kitchen, completely upgraded... Continue reading

Florida Construction News staff writer Work is underway in Orlando to expand and add green space to Lake Eola Park. The .12-acre expansion will bring new features to the park, such as artwork, updated lighting, large sidewalks, new benches, shade trees and native landscaping. Construction will add more green space... Continue reading

Florida Construction News staff writer The City of St. Petersburg will be awarded $20.4 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection. “We have an intentional focus on partnerships and seeking grant opportunities. These Resilient Florida Program funds will enable the city to make... Continue reading

Florida Construction News staff writer The construction industry added 19,000 jobs in July even as the sector’s unemployment rate increased, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America released last week. Tight labor conditions are bringing more previously employed construction workers back into... Continue reading

Florida Construction News staff writer The City of West Palm Beach has announced completion of Flagler Station, an affordable apartment community developed by Housing Trust Group (HTG). This $33-million project is the first new affordable apartment community to be built in the city’s downtown in the past 30 years. It... Continue reading

Florida Construction News staff writer The City of Boca Raton has been recognized with a Best Restored Beach Award from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) for a multi-jurisdictional collaboration of the shoreline adjacent to, and south of, the City’s southernmost beach. “The joint project, led by the... Continue reading