Table 2. The number (thousands) of housing units in each of the counties and 

 their percentage increase in Southwest Florida in 1950 to 1980 (U.S. Depart- 

 ment of Commerce, 1961, 1971, 1981a). 



DISTRIBUTION 



The population of Southwest Florida is concentrated in the coastal cities 

 of Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Bradenton, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples, 

 and Key West. The beachfront, bayfront, or barrier islands near these cities 

 are heavily populated. 



Although a number of rapidly growing communities, like Dade City, are 

 located in the eastern portion of Pasco County, most of the development has 

 been in the western, coastal portion, especially adjacent to U.S. Highway 19, 

 which runs in a north-south direction. 



Most of Pinellas County is developed. The major residential areas are 

 St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the barrier islands. 



in 



Residential development in Hillsborough County is concentrated in or near 

 Tampa (Figure 1), but other rather extensive development is apparent in 

 Brandon and Plant City, east of Tampa. New residential and industrial areas 

 are developing rapidly along the eastern shore of Tampa Bay. 



Virtually all of the residential development in Manatee County is along 

 the coast and barrier islands. Bradenton is the only sizable city. 



The barrier islands and the coastal area of Sarasota County are heavily 

 populated. The County's largest cities are Sarasota, Venice, and Englewood. 

 Housing development is concentrated along Highway U.S. 41, which parallels the 

 coast. DeSoto County is primarily rural; most of its residential development 

 is in the community of Arcadia. 



55 



