Where Talent and Opportunity Meets.

 
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The Bay's Insights

Serving Job seekers and Businesses in Hillsborough & Pinellas Counties. 
September | October 2026 Newsletter

 

Workforce Development Month: CareerSource Tampa Bay Showcases Workforce Leadership

CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) showcased workforce leadership at the 2026 Florida Workforce Professional Development Summit, sharing expertise in apprenticeships, youth programming and grant management while celebrating staff achievements and statewide recognition. Discover how CSTB is helping shape a stronger, future-ready workforce for Tampa Bay and Florida.

 
 

Top News

 

The Burg Bid Taps Power Design for Workforce Training Effort tied to Tropicana Field Redevelopment

CareerSource Tampa Bay is identified as a key workforce partner in The Burg Bid’s proposed Collaboratorium, a workforce training and small-business center tied to the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District. CSTB would help connect residents to training, career pathways, and opportunities created through the transformative Tropicana Field redevelopment project. 

 

CEO Keidrian Kunkel Featured in Capital Analytics Associates

CareerSource Tampa Bay President & CEO Keidrian Kunkel shares her vision for Tampa Bay’s workforce future in a Capital Analytics Associates interview, highlighting regional integration, employer partnerships, work-based learning, innovation and career pathways.

Building Stronger Futures Through Community Partnerships

CareerSource Tampa Bay partners with GEMS and community organizations to expand opportunities for young women, providing workforce support that builds confidence, skills and pathways toward success.

DIVE-VRT advisory committee reviews first-year results, hears from former participant

CareerSource Tampa Bay joined USF partners to review DIVE-VRT’s first-year results, highlighting innovative technology helping individuals with disabilities prepare for skilled-trade careers.



CareerSource Tampa Bay, SPC Expand Workforce Pathways

CareerSource Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg College are expanding workforce pathways, connecting residents with affordable education, training, funding and high-demand career opportunities across Tampa Bay.



National Association of Workforce Development Professionals Recognizes Our Workforce Heroes

Celebrate CareerSource Tampa Bay’s Conchita Canty-Jones, recognized among 165 Workforce Heroes nationwide for her dedication, innovation and contributions to strengthening communities through workforce development.



Kicking Off a New Program Year of Excellence!

CareerSource Tampa Bay staff came together for our 2026–2027 Program Year Kickoff—a day filled with energy, collaboration, learning and celebration!


Together, we focused on our shared vision of “Serving More, Serving Better” and explored how we can continue creating exceptional customer experiences, strengthening our professional excellence, working smarter and supporting one another.

 

Youth Workforce Excellence Awards

CareerSource Tampa Bay celebrated the 2026 Youth Workforce Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding youth, employers, community partners, and staff who helped make Summer P.A.Y.S. a success. More than 850 young people across Hillsborough and Pinellas counties gained valuable work experience, explored career pathways, and developed leadership skills. The event highlighted the impact of community partnerships in building tomorrow’s workforce.

PERC’s 28th Annual Showcase of Services

CareerSource Tampa Bay joined PERC’s 28th Annual Showcase of Services, connecting 322 attendees with employment, education, housing, legal, financial, and other resources while strengthening community partnerships supporting justice-involved individuals.

Connecting Job Seekers to Healthcare Careers

CareerSource Tampa Bay connected 153 job seekers with Tampa Family Health Centers during an in-house recruitment event at the North Tampa Office. The event provided job seekers with direct access to healthcare employment opportunities while supporting the employer’s efforts to connect with qualified local talent.

 

Insights

Local Workforce Development Area (LWDA)

August 2026 Data

1,079,600

Employment

1,307,508

Labor Force

4.5%

Unemployment Rate

Source: FloridaCommerce, Bureau of Workforce Statistic and Economic Research, Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS)

 

Upcoming Events & Activities

 

All October:

National Manufacturing Month
Disability Employment Awareness Month 

October 1:

Professional Networking Group (PNG) - Pinellas

October 13:

The Hub & CareerSource Tampa Bay Community Resource Spotlight Event

October 14:

Hiring Event: Pinellas County Government

October 14:

Veterans Networking Group (VNG) - Hillsborough

October 15:

Professional Networking Group (PNG) - Hillsborough

October 15:

CANDO Career Connect Professional Mix - Hillsborough

October 28:

National First Responders Day 

October 28:

Veterans Networking Group (VNG) - Pinellas

October 29:

MacDill AFB Veterans Career Fair

October 29:

Employer Information Session: Build Your Advanced Manufacturing Talent Pipeline

 
 

Sponsorship
Opportunities Available

Paychecks for Patriots
Job Fair & Resource Events

Serving veterans, and our military communities.


Pinellas

Tuesday, November 10th, 2026

Pinellas Technical College
6100 154th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33760

(Driver’s license required for entry at this location)


Hillsborough

Thursday, November 12th, 2026

CareerSource Tampa Bay Center
9215 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33612

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CareerSource Tampa Bay | 4350 West Cypress Street Suite 875 | Tampa, FL 33607 US

CareerSource Tampa Bay is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this website may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711. For funding information, please visit: https://careersourcetampabay.com/about-us