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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 150,000, 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 96 <br />