Unfortunately, the recession is chugging along undeterred by holidays and the upcoming Christmas cheer. In Florida, in fact, the economy has led to an unemployment rate that’s at a 15-year high.
 

As of October, the jobless level in the state was 7 percent. That doesn’t offer a lot of hope for all of us college students graduating in 2009. And don’t think you’ll be the exception. It seems as if no one is immune from the economy’s sucker punch.
 

The Sun-Sentinel reports:

In Florida, job losses that for months were driven by the construction industry have spread to most industries. Workers at all levels are being affected. And the deteriorating economy is making it much harder for people to find new jobs.

Major South Florida employers, including DHL, Republic Services, FPL, American Express and Office Depot, have announced layoffs in recent months. Many of those workers have yet to show up in the jobless numbers.

"This recession has just gotten started," said Mark Vitner, senior economist for Wachovia Securities. He expects Florida's unemployment to reach 9 percent by the end of next year.

The only bright spot in these terrible times is that President Bush just extended jobless benefits up to 13 weeks nationwide. That means a whopping $275 a week for Floridians without a job. To get the benefits you can apply over the phone at 1-800-204-2418 or online at www.fluidnow.com, Florida’s unemployment compensation page.
 

But if that amount sounds shitty, that’s because it is. Florida ranks the fifth lowest in terms of maximum weekly unemployment checks in the nation. Good luck getting that $275 to cover rent, bills and forget about booze.
 

Sorry UF ‘09ers… looks like we’re screwed.