Beach Census numbers down/ U.S. growth up
Population in the State of Florida increased nearly 18 percent over a decade, according to United State Census data released recently.
According to Census data, 15,982,378 people lived in Florida in 2000. In 2010, there were 18,801,932 residents.
Lee County saw a 40.3 percent population increase over that same period, with 440,888 people living here in 2000, and 618,754 residents in 2010.
Fort Myers Beach saw a 4.3 percent population decrease over the decade. The town had 6,561 residents in 2000 and 6,277 residents in 2010. Of that number, 5,941 Beach residents are age 18 or older.
Fort Myers Beach Mayor Larry Kiker said the slight decrease in population on Estero Island could be attributed to a decline in tourism.
“I think one of our best measures in the community is the Beach school,” he said. “If you look at the percentage of those kids that have younger parents, I would naturally attribute it to the service industry. I would say there has probably been a decline in tourism somewhat.”
The mayor mentioned there have been many Beach businesses that have closed down due to the impact caused by Hurricane Charley as an example of the decline. He does see different areas growing since the major storm.
“Look at the Seafarer’s area where we put a park. There used to be two motels there and a restaurant, and it’s all gone now,” he said. “I’m seeing a lot more activity on the south end of the Beach that was never there before, as well as businesses in the Old San Carlos Boulevard area that are thriving. I think there is just a natural shift where the businesses are going.”
Kiker believes the poor economy may help in future population numbers.
“I think that it may become an advantage because it makes housing more affordable for younger families that move here,” he said. “I’m looking for a gradual, positive growth.”
The mayor received information from Town Community Development Director Walter Fluegel that building permits and zoning requests have increased immensely on Fort Myers Beach.
“I heard the building permits and zoning requests are off the charts,” said Kiker. “They (town officials) have never been so busy and are doing everything they can to not get behind. Things should be picking up.”
Kiker also spoke about the Real Estate perspective where volume has remained steady.
“The difference is there used to be $1 million properties, but now there are $300,000 properties,” he said. “In essence, you have to do three times the amount of business to make the same kind of money. Obviously, you have to look at cutting expenses and building other business models that work better.”
While population has slightly dropped off on the Beach, infrastructure on Estero Island has been improved. Kiker cited the recently completed North Estero Boulevard project and other Town properties (Newton Park, Mound House) that have opened or are nearing completion.
“Soon, we will be replacing the water system. We are going to become more aggressive in Lee County’s challenge to improve Estero Boulevard as well,” he said. “It’s a good time to look at infrastructure, which may support an increase in population.”
In comparison, Cape Coral saw a 50.9 percent population increase over the decade. The city had 102,286 residents in 2000 and 154,305 residents in 2010.Cape Coral
Local resident and activist Carlos Espendez said the large influx of Hispanic residents in the city will one day have to have their needs met by city government.
The one-time chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee and Planning and Zoning Commission member said the population demographic – which jumped from 8 percent of Cape Coral to more than 19 percent last year – will need true leadership at the city level.
“We are devoid of any true Hispanic leadership in the city … there is no representation at City Hall,” he said. “I’m not calling for new committees, but I’m thinking in terms of a liaison to the people who have not been heard in the best ways.”
Espendez said Hispanic residents in Cape Coral are proud of their community and have taken the steps to assimilate themselves into an American lifestyle.
“The fact is that Hispanics are here to stay. They are going to be part of the system, and they need to be thought about when things are done in this city,” Espendez added. “We have no formal representation in this city.”
Audie Lewis, business recruitment specialist for the city’s Economic Development Office, said the EDO has taken steps to stay involved with the Hispanic market, saying Hispanics make up a large percentage of local business owners.
While the city’s population has dropped since the boom six years ago, Lewis said the city has an abundance of affordable housing to go along with all the things that attracted people to Cape Coral in the first place.
Last year at this time the EDO has 16 projects in the pipe, Lewis said. This year, they have 80.
“The market place is starting to recognize there are good deals down here,” he said. “I think we’re rebounding faster than a lot of people thought we would.”
Lee County Commissioner and Cape resident John Manning said the numbers didn’t surprise him, and the “out migration” caused by the recession wasn’t a surprise.
“We’re growing at a slower pace now but our diversity is increasing,” he said.