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Economic yearbook 2011
Southwest - Yearbook
Throughout the region, economic developers are looking to broaden their employment bases. Sarasota County is diversifying as well but also is trying to capitalize on a demographic base heavy with affluent retirees.
SARASOTA COUNTY GOALS
Promote and grow the region's nascent film and entertainment industry.
Expand export opportunities for local companies and attract investment for foreign companies seeking markets in the U.S.
Promote initiatives that complement the region (including its older population base), such as its Institute for the Ages, medical tourism and a creativity institute.
Grow businesses and create jobs.
Jobs | ||||
MSA | DEC. 2010 | DEC 2009 | % Change | Jobless Rate |
Bradenton/ Sarasota/ North Port | 274,768 | 272,225 | +0.9% | 11.6% |
Cape Coral/ Fort Myers | 240,286 | 240,076 | NC | 12.5% |
Naples/ Marco Island | 128,248 | 127,048 | +0.9% | 11.5% |
Punta Gorda | 60,389 | 59,809 | +1.0% | 12.0% |
Source: Agency for Workforce Innovation |
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Homes Single-family, existing-home sales by Realtors | ||||
MSA | Jan. 2011 Sales | 1-Year Change | Jan. 2011 Price | 1-Year Change |
Fort Myers/ Cape Coral |
1,072 | -4% | $88,500 | -3% |
Punta Gorda |
260 | +33% | $86,300 | -15% |
Sarasota/ Bradenton | 742 | +12% | $136,300 | -13% | Source: Florida Realtors |
Sarasota Population: 374,809 | ||||
Population Growth Rate (2007-11): 0.40% | ||||
Population by Age: | ||||
0-14 |
15-19 | 20-39 | 40-64 | 65+ |
13.2% | 4.6% |
17.9% | 33.5% | 30.8% |
Per Capita Income: $53,723 |
Sean Snaith, director of the Institute for Economic Competitiveness at the University of Central Florida, told Sarasota business leaders at the 2011 Economic Outlook luncheon that because Sarasota tends to attract a "more affluent retiree who's not as dependent on the value of their home up in Jersey" that Sarasota tends to stay "out ahead" of a lot of other regions as the economy slowly recovers. [Photo: Bill Speer] |