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Hernando Today

Long Lines Appear At Job Fair

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: September 19, 2008

SPRING HILL - The expressions and comments from the hundreds of people waiting in line for Thursday's Job Fair were unmistakable.

There are a lot of unemployed people in Hernando County.

It was unclear how many jobs were being offered by the more than 20 employers waiting inside, but it was not nearly enough to satisfy the more than 750 people funneling through the double doors at Career Central.

"Don't quit your job, you might not find one later," said Denise Corsi, of Spring Hill.

She was among the first 100 job seekers to jump in line but, like many people, she could not hide her frustration.

Corsi was offered an early exit from her prior job in Tampa. She wanted to find something closer to home and save money on gas. Unaware of what was in store, she took the offer. On Thursday, she rued her decision.

"When I see something like this, I have regrets," she said, as she stared through the door into a crowded room.

The name of Thursday's fair was "Opportunity 2008." In spite of the slumping economy, some jobs were available, and the employers were encouraged by the robust turnout.

One of the happiest people in the room was Al Feliciano, a staffing specialist with Massey Services out of Orlando.

The company specializes in pest prevention, termite protection and landscape services, according to its Web site.

Massey is actively hiring, but mostly out of state.
Feliciano has discovered more people are willing to relocate for a job, especially when the local unemployment rate is above 8 percent.

"We're seeing a lot of people who are more willing to travel to another city to find work, which is usually out of the norm," he said.

The comments from the people waiting outside reflected the attitude of a community in a recession.

"The people in charge in this county let too many houses go up for nothing," said John Dixon, a painter by trade who was looking for a job in shipping and receiving. "They should have thought of bringing in more industry here before building all of those houses."

Karla Ginouves, of Spring Lake, was thinking about the government's $85 million bailout of American International Group while she spent more than 30 minutes waiting in line.

"It's occurred to me that these are the people who are going to pay taxes to support AIG and other companies that are failing," she said as she scanned the sidewalk in front of the Career Central building. "The Harvard MBA types are going to keep their jobs because we're paying for them."

Some in the crowd were sporting business suits, while others had on blue jeans and T-shirts. Some brought briefcases and resumes while others had their arms folded clutching a newspaper.

"It's very encouraging to see individuals come out," said Corey McCaster of Career Central. "It's just not like it used to be when people could quit their jobs and find something else 30 days later. People have to know it's going to take a little bit of time."

Hilario Gonzales, of Spring Hill, was undaunted. He had a commercial driver's license and had just lost his job with Velda Farms three weeks earlier. He scanned the crowd and assumed few people shared his skills or experience.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said of the job fair. "Not everyone has a CDL."

That's when Robert Storz, who stood ahead in line, turned and spoke.

"That's why I'm here," he said to Gonzales. "I have a CDL, too."

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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