Review of September Regional Economic Indicators

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 monthly review of regional economic indicators for Southwest Florida.  Among the highlights for Charlotte County:

• Home Sales.  Charlotte County’s existing single-family home sales declined from 247 in July 2010 to 236 in August, with a median price increase from $95,700 to $101,800. Compared to August 2009, Charlotte sales rose by 3 percent.
• Unemployment.  Unemployment rates across the region continued to rise in August, remaining historically high and reflecting the slower summer season. Charlotte County’s unemployment rate increased from 12.6 percent in July to 13.0 percent in August.
• Taxable Sales.  Charlotte County reported taxable sales of $142 million in June 2010, a one-percent increase from June 2009
• Building Permits.  Charlotte County’s single-family building permits rose to 41 in August 2010 compared to 17 in July 2010 and 40 in August 2009

Bottom line appears to be that our local recovery is tepid at best—similar to the national trend.  The full report can be viewed at the following link: http://www.fgcu.edu/cob/reri/indicators/indicators201009.pdf