Local

More than 600 local government employees impacted by government shutdown in Duval County

As the historic government shutdown reached Day 28 Thursday, hundreds of families in Duval County continue to struggle to pay their bills without a paycheck.

Action News Jax found more than 540 U.S. Coast Guard members are working without pay, hundreds of contracted government workers are without employment, and 30 National Park employees are furloughed.

Antoinette Jackson, a full-time employee with the Department of Treasury’s Collection Agency has been furloughed for nearly a month.

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN: 

“I am going to go back to work and I will not be paid,” Jackson said. “I will still do my job, and I will still be good at my job. How quickly my job gets done is another issue.”

She said she has reached out to state lawmakers and the White House to ask for assistance during the shutdown. Without a response, she said she is now searching for other career opportunities to support herself.

“You try not to get angry, you try not to lash out, but you still take care of your business the best way you can,” Jackson said. “Hopefully you have family and friends, church family, who will support you while you’re going through this.”

Jackson is one of several government employees or contractors who have told Action News Jax they are searching for temporary employment and hoping to get back to their jobs soon.

“Not that I support Democrats or Republicans because I voted both ways, but let the process be the process and let it go through but don’t hold us hostage, political hostages for not paying us because it’s not fair and it’s not right," Jackson said.

Candy Moody, vice president of Career Source in Northeast Florida, recommended gig economy sources or staffing opportunities as a source of temporary income.

“The gig economy sources, driving for Lyft or Uber, or shopping for Shipped,” Moody said. “Those are pretty easy access and quick entries into jobs that are very accessible.”

USO has created a fundraiser to support Coast Guard families during the shutdown. They are collecting any basic items, from nonperishable food to shampoo and pet food.

Their big drive will be Friday at 10 a.m. at the Mayport location, 2560 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach.