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The chief industries of the heavily populated east coast are light <br /> manufacturing, citrus production and processing, selected service trades, <br /> construction, aircraft manufacturing (Piper), real estate, wholesale and retail <br /> trade. <br /> F. ECONOMIC PROFILE <br /> Indian River County has long been a popular resort area, attracting <br /> thousands of visitors and residents for our array of recreational and <br /> entertainment activities, and our lifestyle. <br /> The county's population, which has grown steadily to just over 140,000, is <br /> supported by an economy based primarily on tourism, light industry, and <br /> agriculture. Services account for over 24% of Indian River County's <br /> employment; retail trade, 21%; agriculture, forestry, and fishing, 5.32%; and <br /> manufacturing 3.8%. <br /> Approximately 136,896 acres of Indian River County is devoted to <br /> agriculture, with the largest percentage in pastures and ranges, followed by <br /> citrus groves, woodlands, row crops, and a variety of other uses. The county <br /> is at the center of the world famous Indian River Citrus District. <br /> Hurricanes impact not only the communities, but the local economies. The <br /> total property damages in Indian River County during the 2004 hurricanes <br /> were$2 billion. Nearly 50,000 structures suffered moderate to total damage. <br /> Over 70% of the grapefruit crop was lost and 50% of the orange crop was <br /> lost either directly to hurricane wind damage or indirectly from crop <br /> eradication due to canker spread attributed to hurricane winds. <br /> The emergency management office strives to concentrate on hazard <br /> mitigation as a strategy to enhance and protect the local economy prior to <br /> disasters. We routinely distribute to businesses copies of the FEMA <br /> publication entitled "Disaster Planning Guide for Business and Industry." The <br /> guide is a manual for small business owners to use for developing their own <br /> emergency plans and preparations. <br /> Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 91 <br />