Bradenton Sarasota Drigg

New census estimates for 2009 highlight the continuing effects of the recession. St. Petersburg is among the cities losing population.

MANATEE -- The shoreline isn’t the only thing that’s shrinking in Manatee County’s island cities.

LAKELAND | While Florida showed a slight increase in population this year compared with 2009, Polk County and four of its cities continued to lose population for the second straight year, according to new 2010 population estimates.

By Bill Rufty The Ledger The population growth of Polk County has slowed, but not stopped. That is the finding of the recently released population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, which confirm earlier results from a University of Florida survey.

By Bill Rufty The Ledger The population growth of Polk County has slowed, but not stopped. That is the finding of the recently released population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, which confirm earlier results from a University of Florida survey.

The world's 65-and-older population is projected to triple by mid-century, from 516 million in 2009 to 1.53 billion in 2050, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The statewide trends were mirrored locally in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, with one city breaking the mold. Venice — one of the oldest cities in the nation — actually got a little younger.

The statewide trends were mirrored locally in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, with one city breaking the mold. Venice — one of the oldest cities in the nation — actually got a little younger.

Despite three years of bad economic times, Polk County has grown at a faster rate over the last decade than the state average, according to Census data released today.