Miami-Dade Labor Force Hits New High as G20 Security Costs Mount

Miami-Dade County recorded its highest labor force total in history this month. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released preliminary data showing the county’s labor force reached 1,452,691 people in September. This figure exceeds the previous high of 1,452,353 set in November 2023 by 338 workers. The data is subject to future adjustment but indicates a continued expansion in the local workforce.

Employment numbers also approached record levels. The county counted 1,425,094 employed workers in September. This total falls just 666 people short of the record set in November 2023. The unemployment rate for the county stood at 1.9 percent in September. This figure is only 0.1 percentage points above the all-time low of 1.8 percent recorded in November 2023. These metrics suggest the local economy is maintaining momentum despite national fluctuations.

Local officials are now looking to the state and federal governments for financial support related to a major international event. Miami-Dade commissioners voted unanimously to request reimbursement for public safety costs associated with the Group of Twenty Leaders’ Summit. The summit is scheduled to take place at the Trump National Doral Miami resort on December 14 and 15. It will be the first G20 summit held in the United States since 2008.

Commissioner Oliver Gilbert initiated the reimbursement request. He noted that the Sheriff’s Office estimates it will spend $11.6 million on personnel to secure the event. The U.S. Secret Service will hold overall charge of security operations. Other agencies, including the county sheriff’s team, the FBI, and Doral Police, will also participate in the security effort. The G20 forum has met annually since its inception in 1999.

Fuel prices in Florida continue to trend upward compared to last year. The average price for a gallon of gas in the state was $4.09 on Monday. This price is 1 cent higher than the rate recorded one week earlier. However, it is $1.20 more than what drivers paid in the same period a year ago. GasBuddy reported the Miami average at $4.15 per gallon.

Diesel prices have seen a sharper increase. The average price for diesel in Florida rose 8 cents over the past week to reach $6.14. This figure represents a $2.59 increase compared to the same time last year. Nationally, the average gas price reached $4.29 on Monday. This is $1.23 higher than the national average from a year ago.

AAA analysts expect gas prices to decline as refineries and stations switch to winter-blend gasoline. However, they warn that high crude oil prices will likely offset any potential drops. Separately, eight doctors from Physicians Group South Florida are set to join UHealth on November 2. Five of these physicians will continue seeing patients at the existing clinic at 1801 NE 123rd St. The remaining three, all gastroenterologists, will move their practices to the UHealth SoLé Mia Medical Center, which opened one year ago.