It’s likely there won’t be many fond memories of 2020.

While it has been a challenging time to say the least, all signs point to a much better 2021, especially on the Nature Coast. This economic snapshot shows what’s in store for industry and jobs growth, the economy and more: 2020 Levy County economic snapshot

This follows most year being in the midst of a pandemic that caused job losses and business closures across the state. Levy County fared well compared to the majority of other counties, ranked 42nd in terms of Reemployment Assistance claims and its comparison to the total impacted workforce. At the height of the pandemic in April, the local unemployment rate was 11 percent but has since dropped  to 7.9%. About 500 of the roughly 1,500 jobs lost — mostly in the hospitality and service sectors– have been recovered.

Most of the remaining jobs will likely be filled as employers resume normal business operations and supply chains and supplies recover.

The NCBDC remains involved in 33 active projects, tying its record number in 2019 and landed businesses that included two prominent manufacturers, a tiny home resort and several retailers.The Gross Domestic Product continues to increase, and weeks before nationwide shutdowns occurred a report raked it ninth in the US for fastest growing local economies.