The jobless rate in Sarasota County registered 3.9 percent in July. In Manatee County, it was 4.0 percent. Both were below the state average of 4.1 percent, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity reports. A year ago, Sarasota's rate was 4.8 percent and Manatee's was 4.9 percent.

For July, Hendry County, in south-central Florida, had the highest rate, 10.9 percent. Monroe County was the lowest, 2.8 percent.

Industries gaining the most jobs were construction and health and education services, each of which added around 35,000 workers.