Lee County unemployment shot up to 9.3 percent in June from 8.8 percent in May with a second-straight monthly increase in joblessness.
The increase comes as 1,395 workers were idled and 3,551 jobs were eliminated in what annually has become the most brutal employment month in Lee County.
Compared with a year ago, however, the employment picture has brightened considerably. In June 2011, Lee County endured a record 11.7 percent unemployment rate - 2.4 percentage points higher than June.
Charlotte County unemployment also spiked going from 8.7 percent in May to 9 percent in June. A total of 200 more Charlotte County workers were unemployed in June from May and 409 jobs were eliminated.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity reported the state unemployment rate remained 8.6 in June - the lowest since December 2008. The June state rate is 2.1 percentage points lower than the June 2011 rate of 10.7 percent.
"In the month of June, 9,000 more Floridians got new jobs and were able to receive a paycheck to help provide for their families," said Gov. Rick Scott in his monthly press release. "The changes we're making each day are benefiting those looking for work and helping businesses recognize what a talented workforce we have here in Florida."
The national rate remained static at 8.2 percent.
Florida's job growth rate has been positive or flat 23 consecutive months after losing jobs for three straight years.
Workforce trends include:
Florida's number of unemployed remains below 800,000;
Florida unemployment rates have declined year-over-year 19 consecutive months; and
Florida's unemployment rate has declined month-over-month for 11 of the past 12 months.
Regional Workforce Boards report more than 28,500 Floridians were placed in jobs, with 179,000 job placements since January.
