Rising property costs and the threat of hurricanes are pushing more and more people out of the Florida Keys. The area experienced a 4% decline in population between 2000 and 2005, a trend expected to continue.
"In a state where growth is booming, the Florida Keys are losing residents. Monroe County, which comprises the Florida Keys, lost population every year between 2000 and 2005, dwindling by 4 percent to 76,329 residents, according to the US Census Bureau."
"By contrast, up near Jacksonville, Flagler County was the nation's fastest-growing county during the same period, its population surging by 53 percent to 76,410 residents. Across the state, the increase has driven up land values and lured new businesses."
"But in this tropical paradise, the traffic is thinner than in the rest of the state, and at least one elementary school in Key West is expected to close. The islands are also short of workers vital to the economy, including nurses and police officers, says Sonny McCoy, the county mayor."
FULL STORY: High price of paradise in Florida Keys
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