TALLAHASSEE - Since World War II, Florida has beckoned retirees looking to spend their golden years in the sun. The steady stream has made Florida's population the oldest in the nation.

Now, Florida is headed for an even grayer future in the Baby Boomer retirement era, state economists and demographers predict. The consequences: worker shortages and severe strains on public pensions and government services.

More than one in four residents of Florida in 2030 will be 65 years or older, compared to 17% today, the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research reports. The study, which was commissioned by the state legislature, says the boom in boomers in Florida will mean worker shortages and severe strains on public pensions and government services. It projects that Florida's current retiree population -- 3.3 million residents 65 or older -- will jump to 4.6 million in 2020 and 6.3 million in 2030.

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TALLAHASSEE – Since World War II, Florida has beckoned retirees looking to spend their golden years in the sun. The steady stream has made Florida the oldest state in the nation. Now, Florida is headed for an even grayer future in the Baby Boomer retirement era, state economists and demographers predict. The consequences: worker shortages and severe strains on public pensions and government services.

The booming growth that catapulted North Port to its prized position as Sarasota County’s biggest city screeched to a halt last year, as North Port added a modest 780 new residents, new census figures show.

While the state added 300,000 to 400,000 people a year during the boom, its gain over the decade amounted to a 14 percent increase. Last year, modest statewide growth pushed the population up by less than 1 percent to 18.3 million.

All 7 categories: All races, White, Black, Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and Non-White

An expanded, 5-year age increment detailed version of Florida Population Studies Bulletin 154 broken down by sex, race, and Hispanic origin. Includes county-level population estimates as of April 1, 2008, and projections from 2010 to 2030.

Choose individual category(ies): All races(combined total), White, Black, Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and Non-White (price is per category).

E-mail, Print, or CD-ROM (Microsoft Excel and Adobe® Acrobat® versions)

Part of the Florida Population Studies series, this 74-page annual publication features 2000 census counts, 2008 population estimates, and population projections in 5-year intervals from 2010 to 2030 for Florida, and county-level data for all 67 counties. Includes a methodology discussion.

Public school enrollment numbers will continue to dip statewide and in Alachua County during the 2009-10 school year, according to the latest state numbers.

Projections released earlier in June showed Alachua County's enrollment - including charter schools - dropping for the third straight school year.The projected enrollment is 26,900 students - down about 1.5 percent from 27,293 students during the 2008-09 school year. Since the 2006-07 school year, Alachua County's enrollment is down 1,344 students, or almost 5 percent.

TALLAHASSEE — Like millions of people across the state, Florida government will be living hand to mouth for the next year.

Nearly every dollar in revenue will be spent — including $5.3 billion expected from the federal government. Some trust funds built up during years of plenty will be drained.

And, unlike many of its citizens, the state can't take a second job — so it will be providing fewer services but taxing more.

Get used to it, economists and legislators say. Lawmakers will likely be back budget-cutting and tax-raising again.

EDGEWATER - Kirk Ferguson has been trying to sell his three-bedroom home for two years.

The former electrician has been looking for a larger home to accommodate his larger family, but can't buy anything until he can sell his current home, located within walking distance of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Even after Mr. Ferguson lowered the price of his home to below what the Volusia County Property Appraiser said it is worth, there haven't been any takers.

And it's no surprise.