number of babies born in the late 1980 's (due to the large number of women of 

 child bearing age) will be relatively high compared to the 1970's and will 

 limit the availability of mothers in the labor force. Employment of women 

 over 65 years is low and will likely remain that way in the 1980's. Despite 

 these traditional employment impediments, the number and percentage of women 

 in the labor force is sure to increase in the 1980 's. Only one in twelve 

 women over 65 is likely to be employed. 



Since 1950, the number of men and women employed in Southwest Florida has 

 consistently been about 20% of the State total and is expected to continue in 

 the 1980's. The forecast is for an increasing number of men and women in the 

 labor force largely due to the increase in population. Despite the increase 

 in employment (number of jobs), the percentage of minority groups employed may 

 remain low. The number of persons employed in Southwest Florida in 1971 to 

 1978 are given in Table 13. 



LICENSED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND MEDICAL FACILITIES 



Licensed health professionals and medical facilities are adequate in pro- 

 portion to the population of Southwest Florida. For example, the region has 

 approximately 24% of the State's population and 21% of all dentists, 20% of 

 all the medical doctors, and 22% of all pharmacists (Table 14). In 1980, 

 licensed health professionals in the region constituted 20% to 25% of all 

 licensed professionals in the State. The number of hospitals and beds com- 

 prise 20% to 25% of the State's total (Table 15). 



WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE 



Florida has the largest population and more retail sales than any other 

 state in the Southeast and has held this position for 30 years. Nationally, 

 in 1979, Florida was seventh with retail sales of $40.5 billion (Florida Cham- 

 ber of Commerce 1979). Southwest Florida has about 20% of the State's whole- 

 sale establishments and wholesale sales (Table 16). It also has about 24% of 

 the retail establishments and retail sales. The retail and wholesale trade 

 sector is non-basic, i.e., it provides goods and services for local consump- 

 tion. 



SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 



The population in the Southwest coastal region of Florida is made up of a 

 relatively high proportion of elderly persons. Much of their income is from 

 outside the region, or from social security, pensions, and retirement funds. 

 For this reason, and also due to limited employment opportunities, the labor 

 force tends to be lower, considering the population, than the average for the 

 State. Because of the high percentage of older people, high unemployment, and 

 severe seasonal fluctuations in employment, the family and per capita income 

 for Southwest Florida is slightly below that of the State. 



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