The foreclosed climate in Florida causing human exodus

foreclosed

Hollywood in Florida can be typified as an example of what can happen to the population when economy goes awry. Hollywood made its debut during the 1920’s as “the dream city of Florida”. One Joseph Young began to construct ranch type of houses. Population grew from 22,978 in 1955 to residents numbering 139,357 in 2000. In the last year the population of Hollywood has shrunk by 1,562 according to the findings of University of Florida.

It calculates on a rough count to 1% in tune with the other parts of the county. Figures apart the people are saying that their lifestyle has changed. Gone are the days of double digit growth. There is less noise, little of work and a general feeling of apathy. Spontaneity is missing. Life is laced with adieus, apprehensions ad doubts about tomorrow. Life is not being lived to the lees.

One of the residents is 25 year old Sandra Woodward who is happy as well as proud to have grown up here. At present she is a secretary but is nursing dreams of going in for a career in education. She complains that already as many as eight units are in foreclosure in her block. In the last two years 20 families known to her have left Florida. The Hollywood Park Elementary where her son has enrolled has lost 124 students.

Woodward said, “I used to go up north to visit my family, and they all wanted to come here, to be part of this. Now I’m thinking about leaving, too. It’s scary.” The foreclosed climate in Florida is causing a human exodus.

But another parent, Kim Yager who has three children attending the same school is happy at the turn of events because it now “means smaller classes.”

Detroit already has an experience of what a decline in population means in terms of hurting quality of life. Florida was not constructed for emptying out. The government of Florida has been courting people to stay here by doing away with income tax from 1924.

Consequently it depends a lot on sales taxes and taxes on properties. The last two are intimately linked with growth in population. With a fall in the latter the municipalities are in confusion.

Schools in Broward County opened with 100 less teachers and a budget reduced from $5 billion to $3.6 billion. It is now facing a deficit of $109 million. Library and park hours have been reduced while the sheriff has done away with a minimum of 177 posts.

Share and Enjoy: