Hernando tops in job growth?

Money magazine's Web site has named Hernando County as one of the top 25 counties in the nation for job growth during the last eight years.

Despite having the third highest unemployment rate in the state in November, the editors of the magazine cited Hernando County's track record from 2000-08 and cited a 51.5 percent job growth during that period.

County Commissioner Jeff Stabins on Thursday called the Money article "absurd" and inaccurately portrays Hernando County's current economic crisis.

Stabins said it would be more accurate to say that Hernando County is in the top 10 in the nation for job losses.

County Administrator David Hamilton and Community Relations Coordinator Brenda Frazier mentioned the article, accompanied by a color picture of downtown Brooksville, in their end-of-year snapshot of government achievements.

Stabins said the snapshot included in the county presentation was an "absolutely inaccurate snapshot of today."

Stabins said job growth in the county was riding high in the earlier part of the decade - during the time frame of the snapshot. People were buying homes, new construction was up and building trades were booming.

The economic downfall, he said, shows what happens when a region is too dependent on one industry, such as construction.

"We need to diversify our economy." Stabins said. "Government isn't the solution. We can certainly help and we need (business) incentives. But we've just got to get over our dependence on homebuilding."

The article mentioned county commissioners' recent adoption of an expanded business incentive program designed to attract new industry. It also cited business enticements such as an expedited permitting process and funding for job training programs.

The region offers prime real estate for companies in the logistics business, the article said.

"The county is home to one of Walmart's largest distribution centers, as well as over 100 other aviation, manufacturing and transportation-related businesses," the article said.

Commissioners recently agreed to set aside $500,000 out of its budget reserve stabilization fund to help retain and attract industry.

Commissioner Jim Adkins said that he plans to hold a lengthy debate on job creation during the Jan. 8 strategic planning workshop, which will allow the board to set goals for the coming year.

Pasco County also made the magazine's list, placing 13th out of 25.

Pasco, which experienced a 55.9 percent growth from 2000-08, is a "sleepy retirement community on the coast (that) got a wakeup call with an influx of young workers over the past decade," the article said.

"Retail and service jobs followed a boom in residential construction, and the area is trying to attract other businesses as well," the article said.