Ryan Soots News Today

Statistics about talent shortages have dominated the headlines in recent years, particularly in the construction industry. Baby Boomers are retiring, widening gaps in worker availability.

Growth is no stranger to northeast Florida. While the region has historically been an area of expansion, its recent population explosion is unprecedented. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the area's population growth has outpaced the rest of Florida, with rates between 14% and 21% over the last decade. That’s nearly double the growth rate for the country.

Golden shovels gleam in the afternoon sun. Leaders sporting hard hats and business attire pose for a picture before pushing their shovels into the dirt. Attendees applaud as the groundbreaking ceremony signifies the official start of a construction project.