Economist predicts a 'break-out year' for Manatee County

Dr. Henry Fishkind, an economic analyst with more than 30 years experience in the field, ensured a bright 2014 for Manatee County, as he raved about the area's real estate market and steady population growth during his presentation Jan. 16 at Manatee Technical Institute's State Road 70 campus.

For 15 years, the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation has invited an economic authority to speak once a year at a selected venue. 

With graphs and numbers to support each claim, this year's EDC-selected finance guru boasted about the gradual increase of younger generations heading back to the sunshine state. As more employment opportunities surface, so will "labor-aged people" and their families, he said to a room of more than 350 attendees.

While the United States Census Bureau calculates Manatee County's population to have grown by about 3,600 between 2012 and 2013, he believes the number is larger, and will continue to increase at a strong, sustainable rate.

"We really have the wind at our backs (in Florida)," Fishkind said. "These are very good trends."

Look for the extended story in the East County Observer's Jan. 23 issue.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].