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O <br />The major ecological communities within Indian River County are <br />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 />Nearshore Atlantic Ocean <br />Of particular concern are those ecological communities located in the <br />eastern portion of the county, where development pressures conflict with <br />the preservation of diminishing habitats. Tropical hammock communities <br />and coastal scrub communities are examples of habitats found almost <br />exclusively in Florida that are in danger of disappearing or being <br />drastically reduced, along with their unique flora and fauna. A balance <br />of natural system preservation and the rights of property owners to <br />develop land is an important issue to be considered as county population <br />and development growth continues. <br />C. DEMOGRAPHICS <br />With a 1998 total resident and seasonal population of nearly 107,000, <br />Indian River County ranks as one of the fastest growing counties in the <br />state of Florida. Area wise, this provides approximately 203 persons per <br />square mile throughout the entire county. However, the majority of the <br />County's population resides within the eastern ten miles of the County, <br />or approximately 600 persons per square mile. It is estimated that by the <br />year 2000, Indian River County's total population will grow to nearly <br />111,000. According to statistics prepared by the Bureau of the Census <br />and the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business <br />Research (1999), this County's population had a 18.3% increase <br />between 1990 and 1998. A chart representing the population centers <br />in the county is attached to this document and identified as Figure 4. <br />Additional statistics reveal that much of the immigrating population has <br />produced a median age in the County that is nearly ten years greater than <br />that of the median age of the United States. <br />Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 44