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News Briefs -- March 28, 2024
The Florida Department of Commerce on Friday released a report that said the state had a 3.1 percent unemployment rate in February, unchanged from January.
The report broke rates down by county, with Osceola at 3.6 percent, tied for the 33rd lowest—right in the middle of the state’s 67 counties. Local rates ranged from 1.6 percent in Miami-Dade County to 5.2 percent in Citrus County, per News Service of Florida.
DCF launches Baker Act data dashboard
The Department of Children and Families has announced a first-of-its- kind Baker Act data dashboard as a result of a system-wide reporting modernization initiative.
This publicly available dashboard will increase access and transparency among Baker Act-receiving facilities, identify regional and geographic trends including areas with high utilization, repeat admissions, settings where and reasons why initiations occur, and allow for timely updates on Baker Act initiation and demographic breakdowns, including by age. The theory behind it is that researchers and policy makers will be able to have greater insights into the data. The dashboard is updated weekly, replacing a lagging annual report process where data is usually years behind, DCF officials said.
Last year, providers began using the Department’s Baker Act Data Collection System to expedite reporting and increase visibility on mental health crisis needs allowing the Department to better analyze system challenges, identify trends, and improve outcomes.
The dashboard introduces several key features, including an enhanced interface, mobile-friendly access, data download capability, and security measures to protect sensitive information.
To access the Baker Act Data Reporting Dashboard and learn about the Baker Act, visit myflfamilies.com/ crisis-services/baker-act
HCA HealthCare donates to CareerSource’s student Express program
HCA Healthcare Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to support CareerSource Central Florida’s efforts to strengthen and expand the healthcare workforce.
CareerSource Central Florida’s High School Career Express program provides local high school juniors and seniors with a valuable learning experience that bridges the gap between classroom education and real-world work environments. Participating youth learn about job and career opportunities in their local community. This program also focuses on enhancing students’ skills, fostering personal and professional growth, and helping them make informed decisions about their future careers.
“CareerSource Central Florida is honored to receive an HCA Healthcare Foundation grant to expose high school students to a variety of business sectors, including healthcare, information technology, the public sector and more, to broaden students’ career perspectives,” said Pam Nabors, President & CEO, CareerSource Central Florida. “The High School Career Express program provides students with interactive activities and hands-on experiences, which leads to practical skill development and helps them choose the career pathway that best suits their interests.”
Habitat for Humanity expanding roof replacement program to St. Cloud; meeting April 2
Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County has announced the launch of its Roof Replacement Program funded by the City of St. Cloud. Habitat for Humanity will receive funding to provide roof replacements at no cost to eligible applicants, determined by income, type of home and location, the non-profit said.
Habitat Orlando & Osceola will host a orientation for interested residents on Tuesday, April 2, at 10 a.m. at Cannery Park (901 Virginia Ave.)
“The cost of replacing a roof can be a barrier for many homeowners when it comes to properly insuring their homes” said Catherine Steck McManus, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County. “Thank you to the City of St. Cloud for allowing us to expand our Roof Replacement Program, providing essential support to help homeowners stay in their homes and reduce property insurance costs.”
Habitat Orlando & Osceola has operated its roof replacement program serving Orange County residents since 2021 and is expanding into Osceola this year.
“The City is pleased to be able to provide this funding through the federal Community Development Block Grant program, to help our local residents afford to replace the roofs on their homes,” said St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell. “This program will help our residents enjoy the peace of mind of having a strong roof to keep their families and possessions protected.” To learn more, visit HabitatOrlando.org/RoofSC and fill out a preapplication survey, as space will be limited.
