NPR

How Florida Builders Are Trying To Tackle A Construction Worker Shortage

"If you talk to anybody, they're looking for help and they can't find it," says Mark Kessler of Kessler Construction in Tallahassee, Florida.
Doug Barton, left, of Barton Construction and Mark Kessler of Kessler Construction. (Mark Wallheiser for Here & Now)

This story was reported on our election road trip to states across the country ahead of the 2018 midterms. Check out all of our election coverage.


Communities around Florida’s Panhandle are starting to return to their storm-damaged communities. In the worst-hit areas — Mexico Beach, Panama City, Apalachicola — rebuilding could take months, and in some cases years. That effort to rebuild is hampered by

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min readAmerican Government
Who Is Hope Hicks, The Former Trump Adviser Testifying In New York Criminal Trial?
Hope Hicks was a communications director for the Trump White House and prosecutors may question her on her knowledge of the deals made during his first presidential run.
NPR4 min read
'Hacks' Season 3 Is Proof That Compelling Storylines And Character Growth Take Time
Ava (Hannah Einbinder) and Deborah (Jean Smart) have both grown a lot since we first met them in Season 1. It's a reminder that shows need breathing room to achieve satisfying development.
NPR4 min read
'Dance Your Ph.D.' Winner On Science, Art, And Embracing His Identity
Weliton Menário Costa's award-winning music video showcases his research on kangaroo personality and behavior — and offers a celebration of human diversity, too.

Related Books & Audiobooks