Florida County to Cut 420 Jobs

At least 420 jobs have been slated for possible elimination by Pinellas County, Florida government, and more could soon be targeted by the budget ax.

The job cuts will happen if a proposed 30% spending reduction in county departments becomes necessary.

County Administrator Robert LaSala declined to provide the specific number of jobs he wants to cut, as Pinellas officials try to eliminate $85 million in spending for 2009-2010.

The county work force currently has 2,400 full-time jobs, not counting sheriffs’ jobs.

Last year, 350 full-time positions, more than half vacant, were eliminated when the county needed to trim $55 million.