Economy might be to blame for Sebastian’s population loss

By Debbie Carson, Online Editor

SEBASTIAN — The City of Sebastian has seen 202 residents leave the area over the last year, according to statistics released this week. Of all the communities in Indian River County, Sebastian suffered the largest decline of residents.

Mayor Richard Gillmor said that, though he had not seen the numbers himself, he believes that the loss could be attributed to the economy.

“People have to go where the work is,” he said, adding that his neighbor travels daily to Lake Worth for his job. Overall, the city’s loss represents nine-tenths of 1 percent, a tiny figure compared to the city’s current population of 22,722, according to the figures released from the Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Florida.

Indian River County, as a whole, lost 0.1 percent of its population – or 192 residents.

Every community saw a decline in its population except for Fellsmere. Instead, the rural city experienced 1.5 percent population growth with the addition of 75 new residents.

“We always like to be different out here,” joked Fellsmere Mayor Susan Adams, later adding, “It’s because we’re the coolest – I’m biased.”Mayor Adams went on to say that she believes Fellsmere is beginning to grow because incoming residents are starting to take notice of the small town feel Fellsmere offers. Also, residents are putting down roots in the town.

“People are starting to stay,” she said, “and that’s a wonderful thing.”

Beth Mitchell, executive director of the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce, said that the area for growth over the last five years has been North County.

She also said the loss of population in Sebastian and the growth in Fellsmere are “insignificant” given the small numbers.

“It’s a blip,” Mitchell said.***By the Numbers:

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