Treasure Coast becomes home to a half-million residents

By JIM TURNER
More than a half million people now call the Treasure Coast home, according to the latest U.S. Census numbers.

Barring further cement shortages, hurricanes or a sudden desire by people to live in colder, less sunny climates, the 600,000 mark could be surpassed by the next national census in 2010, with the three-quarter million mark reached in nine to 19 years, depending upon whose growth projections are used.

Most of the new residents are white, elderly or part of the aging Baby Boomer generation that is moving into retirement. But the face of those who are newly minted Treasure Coast residents has also been taking on a Latin tint as urban flight spills northward from South Florida.

Greg Vaday, economic development coordinator with the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, said a single long-range future growth projection would be misleading.

However, he estimated the region could double or triple before reaching what could be considered "build out," when there would be more people than could be manageable for a quality lifestyle.