We're NOT All Rich
There is a perception that everyone living in Indian Rocks Beach is rolling in dough. Perception, in this instance, couldn’t be farther from reality. Either that or the 2000 U.S. Census numbers are terrible awry.
Census Bureau statistics show that the median income in IRB is $53,770--half earn more and half earn less. Nearly ¼ of all our households reports an income of less than $30,000 and 80% make less than $100,000. Sadly, 5% of our residents live below the poverty line.
Of the 2,702 IRB households, almost 50% are “nonfamily households.” In fact, the average household size in IRB is 1.88 people. And, of the 50% of our households that are “family households,” less than 25% of that 50% have children ages 6-17 in the household.
With that in mind, does it make sense that IRB budgeted approximately $100,000 for the replacement of playground equipment? And what about the library supporters who claim the library to be a great benefit for our youth?
Turning to the subject of education, nearly 5% of our folks didn’t graduate from high school. Only 25.7% have bachelor’s degrees and 38.6% have a bachelor’s or higher.
And what about the belief that IRB is a community of business owners? IRB has a total of 2,731 civilian workers 16 years and older. While 11.6% do own their own companies, 78.5% are employed as wage and salary workers.
Florida’s population base grew by 10% from July 1, 2006 to July 1, 2007. What did IRB’s head count do during the same time period? It experienced a slight decrease; we lost 40 residents. Those transplanting to Florida simply aren’t coming to IRB—and if they are, we’re losing equal numbers to offset the gains.
Are good folks in our community being priced out of town? Do those commissioners voting bingo-bango-bongo for large increases in everything just assume our folks are “good for it”? If the Census data is anywhere close to correct, IRB’s collective pockets might not be as deep as one would prefer to believe. Are libraries, playgrounds, dune walkovers and other frills--spiffs that would be nice to have if times were different--fueling up the moving vans?
Nancy Obarski
Beach Trail/IRB
There is a perception that everyone living in Indian Rocks Beach is rolling in dough. Perception, in this instance, couldn’t be farther from reality. Either that or the 2000 U.S. Census numbers are terrible awry.
Census Bureau statistics show that the median income in IRB is $53,770--half earn more and half earn less. Nearly ¼ of all our households reports an income of less than $30,000 and 80% make less than $100,000. Sadly, 5% of our residents live below the poverty line.
Of the 2,702 IRB households, almost 50% are “nonfamily households.” In fact, the average household size in IRB is 1.88 people. And, of the 50% of our households that are “family households,” less than 25% of that 50% have children ages 6-17 in the household.
With that in mind, does it make sense that IRB budgeted approximately $100,000 for the replacement of playground equipment? And what about the library supporters who claim the library to be a great benefit for our youth?
Turning to the subject of education, nearly 5% of our folks didn’t graduate from high school. Only 25.7% have bachelor’s degrees and 38.6% have a bachelor’s or higher.
And what about the belief that IRB is a community of business owners? IRB has a total of 2,731 civilian workers 16 years and older. While 11.6% do own their own companies, 78.5% are employed as wage and salary workers.
Florida’s population base grew by 10% from July 1, 2006 to July 1, 2007. What did IRB’s head count do during the same time period? It experienced a slight decrease; we lost 40 residents. Those transplanting to Florida simply aren’t coming to IRB—and if they are, we’re losing equal numbers to offset the gains.
Are good folks in our community being priced out of town? Do those commissioners voting bingo-bango-bongo for large increases in everything just assume our folks are “good for it”? If the Census data is anywhere close to correct, IRB’s collective pockets might not be as deep as one would prefer to believe. Are libraries, playgrounds, dune walkovers and other frills--spiffs that would be nice to have if times were different--fueling up the moving vans?
Nancy Obarski
Beach Trail/IRB
3 comments:
What are numbers for the a2000 board members and its major donars and library friends elite? The answers will help us understand why this commission's mantra is tax, tax, tax so they can spend, spend, spend and ask no questions. These folks do most things with OPM.
Nothing against those who have served, we should be thankful, but IRB could use a few less retired military officers who are also used to having their buts pampered and kissed on a regular basis. Give me a lot more non coms anyday.
Look,
I dont work and never have nor do I plan too. I could care less if your taxes go up, boo hoo to you. I am going to spend your money and I am going to raise your taxes so either move on and out or quit your crying.
P.S. Can we please upgrade the DVD rental section at the library, my VCR broke.
Today we celebrate the Boston Tea Party.
Lets get together and throw sea oats, library books, dvd's, video cassettes, and the commission into the bay to free ourselves from tyranny.
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