U.S. Census confirms: SWFL is booming

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COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – Southwest Florida is booming!  The U.S. Census Bureau confirms the weather, the beaches and the golf courses are all big draws.  But, can we keep up with the demand?

Joan and James Pardus moved to Southwest Florida from New Jersey 10 years ago.

“It’s the best place I think you can live,” said James Pardus.

His sentiment is catching on. New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows Southwest Florida is among the top ten fastest growing areas in the country.

Cape Coral came in sixth in the nation for growth from July of 2013 to July of 2014. The population increased 2.7 percent.  Naples came in tenth in the nation with a 2.5 percent increase in population.

Erika Osoiro has lived in Collier County most of her life and says she’s happy to see the area changing.

“There is variety now,” said Osoiro.  “A lot of different cultures coming in and it’s really nice.”

But, the recent news isn’t all positive. The influx of people can mean more traffic, especially during season and higher housing prices. The population growth also means a lot of taxpayer dollars will be used to build new schools, roads and parks. It’s something Collier County’s Growth Management Deputy Administrator, James French says they pay close attention to.

“We do look at it on an annual basis,” said French.

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