Cloud of unemployment and house crisis hangs over Florida

The last time President Obama visited Florida he received a tumultuous welcome as he announced plans for a $1.25 billion high-speed rail link from Tampa to Orlando.

That was almost a year ago but should he return in the near future he is unlikely to receive such a rapturous reception.

In the Sunshine State, property values have plummeted by as much as 40 per cent. Unemployment is at nine per cent, the fourth highest out of the 50 states. Even in areas where he had huge support, such as Miami with its high immigration population, his popularity rating is at an all-time low.

Almost 150 miles away at Cape Canaveral, up to 1,500 workers on the Space Shuttle programme will soon lose their jobs.

"Obama talked about change and we have seen change, and that's us losing our jobs," said one Nasa employee who was preparing for the shuttle Discovery's final launch today. "To lose a highly skilled job in such an environment is devastating. There is little or no chance of finding another."

In Miami, Florida's biggest city, there is little enthusiasm for the president among the large Latino population mostly because he not delivered on immigration reform.

With Republicans now in control of Congress, plans to help the 12 million illegal immigrants gain citizenship are off the table until the next election.

"He did promise so much but like a lot of politicians it turns out to be so much hot air," said Craig Elston, 34, an unemployed painter. "He held out so much hope, but really nothing has changed. He has tried hard but even if it is not his fault the buck stops with him."