Explanation of Indicator
Florida’s primary attractions are its beautiful coastline and warm
winter climate. These natural attributes attract thousands of visitors
and new residents to the state every year. Many new residents choose
to live on or near the coast. As population in coastal areas grows,
particularly within ten miles of the coast, the environmental degradation
associated with human growth and development increases, as does concern
for the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Except for the barrier
islands, the areas within ten miles of the coast are more affected by
hurricanes and coastal storms than any other areas within the coastal zone.
Tracking population growth within ten miles of the coast is important for preserving Florida’s precious coastal resources and protecting the population in those areas. If population growth rates were monitored at a regional level it would be possible to identify areas where this growth threatens natural resources, as well as areas where growth is stagnant. Knowing the population growth rate within ten miles of the coast would allow for area-specific planning and policy analysis.
Data Characteristics
SOURCE
This information is available from Steve Grantham, Florida Department
of Community Affairs, Division of Emergency Management, 2740 Centerview
Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100, or at (904) 413-9891.
ACQUISITION
The data are available in hard copy format and as Geographical
Information System files. The cost for obtaining this information
is approximately $80 per hour. Compiling the data will require eight
to sixteen hours of work. If plots are produced, an additional 24
hours or work will be necessary.
COLLECTION
Recommendations
The data are collected by census tract every ten years. Population
is estimated for the years in between census updates. The data are
collected for the entire state, but can be broken down by county and
census tract.
These data are the best available for this indicator. The limitations
associated with the data are the same limitations inherent in census
data. The collection methodologies and analysis of the population
figures may lead to some double counting, undercounting, or misrepresentation.
In order to obtain these data, a definition of the ten-mile line
needs to be developed (i.e., ten miles from the natural coastline
or ten miles in from barrier islands, etc.); the Florida Coastal
Management Program should develop an appropriate definition.
Given the availability of the data, the Florida Coastal Management
Program should work with the Division of Emergency Management to
obtain and compile this information.