October Economic Indicators for Southwest Florida

David A. Holmes, Attorney
David’s practice focuses on asset protection, corporate and business law, civil litigation with an emphasis in contract, commercial and construction disputes, and real estate.

Florida Gulf Coast University has released its latest review of regional economic indicators.  Among the highlights for Charlotte County:

• Home Sales.  Sales of existing single-family homes in Lee and Collier Counties decreased in September 2010 from the previous month, while sales in Charlotte County edged up from 236 in August to 241 in September, with a median price decrease from $101,800 to $90,900.
• Unemployment.  All five counties in Southwest Florida reported September unemployment at or above 13 percent with Charlotte at 13.1 percent, a one-tenth percent increase from the prior month.
• Taxable Sales.  Charlotte County reported taxable sales of $135.4 million in July 2010, a 4 percent increase from July 2009.
• Building Permits.  Charlotte County building permits for single-family homes declined to 24 in September 2010 as compared to 41 in the prior month and in September 2009.

The regional economy continues to grow modestly, but at a slower than expected rate, with major indicators remaining depressed from historical averages.

The full report can be viewed at the following link:http://www.fgcu.edu/cob/reri/