Florida’s population, which has been rising year after year since the end of World War II, fell for the first time this year, according to the demographers at the University of Florida.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Rising housing prices, stock market gains and the lack of any new setbacks in the national economy boosted Florida’s consumer confidence three points to 70 this month, according to a new University of Florida survey.

On Wall Street, the stock market has gone up 12 days out of the past 20. Consumer confidence is up a tick, in Florida and across the nation. Even the housing and auto industries are showing unexpected signs of life.

Although the $700 billion economic bailout was passed Friday within a week of debate, it may take longer before the economy feels its effects.

The country’s recession will probably last between about nine months and a year, Denslow said. Without the bailout, it would probably have lasted at least two years.

Denslow said the 778–point drop in the stock market Monday following the House’s denial was a wake–up call that helped to change many Congressmen’s minds.

“It’s becoming clearer that we are in a recession,” he said.