The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1921-04-13
STEADY PROGRESS
THRUOUT STATE
Federal Employment Service Reports
Business Conditions Good with
Much Building Under Way
tAssocia5ed preszI

conditions in employment and busi-
ness throughout Florida as made up
by the United States Employment
Service from telegraphic reports re-
ceived March 81, follows:
Farm Conditions: 1ne melon and
peach season now at hand in Central
Florida will take care of hundreds of
orange and grapefruit pickers and
packers for two months following the
closing of the citrus packing houses.
A considerable proportion of this
winter labor is from northern states,
and will return to their homes at the
close of the melon season. Reports
indicate that farmers throughout the
state will use about ali che common
labor available for planting crops.
General: Reports received from
organizations covering the state as
whole indicate general activity in
pushing building programs to meet
the shortage of houses existing in
most cities. These reports, also, COW
ering important points throughout
the state, show general business ac-
tivlty and are optimistic as regards
the business outlook for the future.
Leesburg reports -sawgrass and paper
pulp mill under construction. Road
building in the vicinity of Lakeland
to the extend of 100000 employing
200 men is now IN actual progress.
st. Augustine reports that during the
winter there was a surplus of labor
from the north. but that class has
now disappeared and there is ample
employment for home people. Ocala,
Orlando, Kissimmee and Fort Myers
report well defined movement to
remedy the present shortage by large
bullting activities. Lake Worth re-
ports over 800 houses built last year
with further building campaign dur
ing the present summer and fall. The
Gambler Lumber Company is building
one of the largest. sawmills in Flor
ida. Fort Myers reports extensive
road building projects requiring
large number of workers in Lee coun-
ty on the road being constructed from
Fort Myers to Palm Beach which is
about half completed. Also road to
Miami completed to Dade county line
from Miami side. Extension of Nc
Gregor boulevard to Crescent Beach
now under construction. Ninety-two
miles of ditch now under way to be
completed in 1922 at cost of 5000, 900.
Extension of Atlantic Coast Line
railroad from Palm Dale to Immoka-
lee. Railroad also being built from
Moore Haven to Clewiston. Crate
mills generally working at normal
capacity.
Jacksonville: Unemployment re-
ported as existing in lumber, shipping
and building but latter labor being
gradually absorbed. Shortage of
dwelling and business properties, but
situation forecasts steady improve
ment. Building permits in February
included 30 dwellings,. two apartment
buildings and miscellaneous business
property to the number of 246, total
ing about S500,000 A bond issue for
$2,000,000 for docks, streets and roads
authorized at recent election. A $780,
900 concrete viaduct in the course of
construction. Several large private
plants under way Total of private
and public investments approximate
ly s1,000,000 with contemplated ope-
rations totaling about as much add1-
tional. Real estate dealers, contrac-
tors and building material men are
active. A building plan may be said
to be fairly under way. Present in
dustrial activity and plans under con-
sideration indicate steady improve
ment in conditions and business gen.
orally is optimistic as to the outlook
Tampa: Organized building trades
show about rs per cent unemployed
pending wage adjustment. Unemploy-
ment generally is not serious. Cigar
factorie sare reported as working
part time, about so per cent of fac
tory employees having gone back to
work. General impression seems to
be that while business is not in the
best possible condition. Just at pres
ent, it will show considerable inn
provement within the next few
months.
Tallahassee: Unemployment exists
principally in naval stores produc-
tion. Rents reported as still being
high and while building is going or
it is confined principally to resi-
dences. Gas and electric plant now
being built and lumber yard, re
non%irr dnctrnuad hu fire iS cnfnnlef.