Florida Expo organizers said more than 7,000 people signed up for the free event, which became a sort of one-stop shop for those seeking job opportunities, better quality of life and recommendations for the best neighborhoods and schools.

Dozens waited in line for more than an hour to submit their personal information and receive job leads and other data. Some criticized Puerto Rico’s government for not doing enough to improve the lives of working-class families.

The administration of Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla even launched a website this week to collect ideas from citizens on how best to overcome economic problems and prevent the exodus of people. During the launch, the governor’s Chief of Staff Ingrid Vila warned that those who move away often do poorly.

“Twenty-four percent of those who have left are unemployed,” she said.