By Cecil G. Brumley
The latest unemployment report shows Volusia workers continue to have to rely on the kindness of employers in other counties.
The unemployment rate dropped to 8.4 percent because of a combo of more workers getting jobs and others dropping out of the workforce. That's down from 8.8 percent in September and 10.4 percent from a year ago.
But the non-agricultural employment report, based on surveys of employers, shows Volusia is still down 2,100 jobs from last year. Business and professional services continues to be the big downer with 1,600 fewer jobs than last year. The only bright spots were manufacturing, up 100 jobs, and leisure and hospitality, up 300 jobs.
The Orlando area, on the other hand, is up 21,700 jobs from last year and Jacksonville is up 6,300 jobs. Even Brevard County is up 1,800 jobs. It's a real head-scratcher as to why Brevard is up, considering all the layoffs at the cape, while Volusia is down. It just makes you wonder what is going on out in the labor market.
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It's nice to see the Dollar General Market going into the former Food Lion on the beachside in New Smyrna Beach. It would be even better if Dollar General would use other vacant Food Lions for its new Market concept. However, at least in Ormond Beach and Port Orange, the former Food Lion is just a few hundred yards from an existing Dollar General store.
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Yet another restaurant could give it a go at what was originally The Wreck at the foot of the Main Street Bridge on the beachside in Daytona Beach. The property owner is trying to get the parking variance renewed, so it can find another operator.
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Halifax Media is moving forward with plans to develop the vacant land along Nova Road, just south of Sixth Street. Halifax Media and the new owners of the land are asking the city to approve a preliminary plat for the project.
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Domino's Pizza will be moving to a new spot in Deltona. The DeLand-based franchisee obtained a building permit to renovate space at 1675 Providence Blvd.
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With lower gasoline prices, it's a good guess that the Thanksgiving weekend crowd will be bigger than ever in Volusia County, especially with the ever growing popularity of the Turkey Run at Daytona International Speedway. Be safe, so you can enjoy the continuing holiday season.
Associated Managing Editor Cecil G. Brumley has been tracking business in Volusia County for more than 15 years. Contact him at cbrumley@hometownnewsol.com or follow him on Twitter @cecilbrumley.