Laserfiche WebLink
The major ecological communities (environmentally sensitive areas) within <br />Indian River County are identified as follows: <br />• South Florida Coastal Strand <br />• Sand Pine/Xeric Scrub <br />• South Florida Flatwoods <br />• Tropical/Coastal Hammocks <br />• Freshwater Wetlands <br />• Indian River Lagoon and Associated Estuarine Wetlands <br />• Near shore Atlantic Ocean <br />Of particular concern are those ecological communities located in the <br />eastern portion of the county, where development pressures conflict with the <br />preservation of diminishing habitats. Tropical hammock communities and <br />coastal scrub communities are examples of habitats found almost exclusively <br />in Florida that are in danger of disappearing or being drastically reduced, <br />along with their unique flora and fauna. A balance of natural system <br />preservation and the rights of property owners to develop land is an <br />important issue to be considered as county population and development <br />growth continues. <br />C. DEMOGRAPHICS <br />In 2018, the estimated countywide population is 157,413, up 10% from 2010 <br />(see Figure 5). The Treasure Coast has experienced tremendous growth <br />since the 1960's, and this trend is expected to continue. According to Indian <br />River County's population has grown 34.42% since 2000. The population <br />growth rate is higher than the state average rate of 21.14% and is much <br />higher than the national average rate of 11.61 %. <br />Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 92 <br />