By: E&P Staff Hammered by the real estate downturn in Florida, The Ledger in Lakeland is eliminating about 11% of its employees.
The paper will lose 36 positions across all departments, bringing head count down to 284; 11 newsroom positions will be lost.
"It is with deep regret that we find ourselves in circumstances that require us to reduce the workforce," Publisher Jerome Ferson told the paper. "It's never an easy decision to come to. This is a very dynamic time we are in. I would characterize is as a struggle of epic proportions, but we have a base of talented employees that are capable of rising to the challenge."
The New York Times Co. paper is the latest in Florida to eliminate employees. Its sister paper, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, cut 33 positions and scaled back editions from six to four.
The Ledger's Kyle Kennedy reported that the paper had already cut 36 positions since September, merged the sports and business sections, and has plans to join the local news and features section.
In 1999, the Ledger employed 415 employees -- its highest count.
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