Citrus County's unemployment rate for July edged slightly downward, according to figures released today by the state's Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI).

According to the AWI, Citrus County's unemployment rate for July was 11.7 percent, down from June's unemployment rate of 11.8 percent. That compares to an unemployment rate of 13.2 percent in July 2010.

In neighboring counties, the rate also did not show any dramatic change from June to July.

In Levy County, the July unemployment rate was 11.6 percent, compared to 11.1 percent in June. That compares to an unemployment rate of 12.6 percent in July 2010.

In Hernando County, July's unemployment rate was unchanged at 13.7 percent during June and July. That compares to an unemployment rate of 14.5 percent in July 2010.

In Marion County, the July unemployment rate was 12.8 percent in July, compared to 12.6 percent in June. That compares to an unemployment rate of 13.9 percent in July 2010.

The unemployment rate for Citrus County remains above the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 10.7 percent.

The AWI said today that the state's 10.7 unemployment rate represents 987,000 jobless out of a labor force of 9,220,000. The state’s unemployment rate is unchanged from the revised June 2011 rate of 10.7 percent but is 0.8 percentage point lower than the year ago rate of 11.5 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate was 9.1 percent in July.

Florida’s seasonally adjusted total nonagricultural employment in July 2011 is 7,225,800, a decline of 22,100 jobs (-0.3 percent) from June 2011. From January to July 2011, Florida has gained 64,300 jobs.

"Mixed signals from economic indicators during recovery are common," said AWI Director Cynthia R. Lorenzo. "Fluctuations in rates of unemployment and job growth are typical examples of starts and stops while the economy rebounds and unemployed workers who may have given up looking for work rejoin the workforce.

"As Governor Scott continues to pursue new jobs for our state, our agency is committed to ensuring job seekers are connecting with job placement and training services that will position them for these opportunities," Lorenzo said.