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The Fastest Growing Area In Florida Is A Community I’d Never Heard Of

Author Joe Winner
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Florida’s population is growing fast. According to the latest US Census, we’re the fastest growing state in the country. But while Florida’s population grew 1.91% from 2021 – 2022, the population growth of this community grew at a staggering 16.96%. Over the past 8 years, this is the fastest growing area in Florida with a population growth of 255.02%. And until now, I’ve never heard of it. It’s the community known as Horizon West.

GoBankingRates did a study on the biggest boomtowns of every state. So I immediately thought of Southwest Florida. Fort Myers or Naples, maybe. But I really thought it might have been Estero with all that new housing down Corkscrew. Not even close. Check out these numbers on Horizon West with the data from GoBankingRates.

  • Change in population:
    • 1 year: 16.96%
    • 5 years: 139.76%
    • 8 years: 255.02%
  • Change in occupied housing units:
    • 1 year: 16.95%
    • 5 years: 139.75%
    • 8 years: 255.00%
  • Change in owner-occupied housing units:
    • 1 year: 17.77%
    • 5 years: 147.37%
    • 8 years: 261.35%

So where is the Fastest Growing Area In Florida – Horizon West?

Horizon West, FL

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

It’s the area that borders Disney World on the Northwest. I know exactly where this is but I had no idea the building that is going on there. The population was 14,000 at the 2010 census. In 2020 it was 46,204. Now it’s at 54,038. That is some serious growth. This is a real estate video, but he does a great job of showing the area. A lot of wide open spaces with Orlando in the distance. So, I get it. A real suburb feel with close proximity to all the parks and Orlando.

 

15 Florida Beaches Where Alcohol Is Legal To Drink

I fondly remember the days of drinking on Fort Myers Beach. It wasn’t really legal, but we did it anyway. Going to 7-11 and getting a giant Big Gulp cup and then making a mixed drink to sip on the beach. It was so common that every Spring Breaker outside the Lani Kai was carrying a Big Gulp cup. I’m pretty sure the cops knew. Florida beaches and alcohol have always gone together.

And if you’re going to drink on Fort Myers Beach, you better hide it. The Town Of Fort Myers Beach has this posted “Any person convicted of violation of Section 5 of this Ordinance may be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or by imprisonment in the County jail for a period not to exceed 60 days, or both.” 60 days in jail for a Mich Ultra? Seems harsh.

The grown up version is to make a drink in a giant Yeti cup. The ice lasts so much longer. That’s how I do my summertime vodka cranberry down on Bonita Beach. Even though it’s not actually legal to do so. There used to be a sign that says “no alcohol”, but the Hurricane Ian destroyed it.

One thing to remember with alcohol on Florida beaches. It’s really never ok to bring glass. Even if no one says don’t bring glass – don’t bring glass. If you break a bottle you’ll never get all the pieces and then someone will step on it.

And it’s hot here. Don’t forget to alternate between booze and bottled water or you’ll be hurting. That dehydration headache is a killer.

  • Perdido Key

    Perdido Key is on the Panhandle, at the Florida – Alabama border. The local sheriff breaks down the rules:

    • There is absolutely NO GLASS allowed on any of the beaches.
    • Alcohol may be consumed on sandy portions of the beaches only. This applies both Soundside and Gulfside. It must not be in a glass container.

    Perdido Key, FL 32507

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Pensacola Beach

    Pensacola Beach is in the same county as Perdido Key, so the same rules apply. Pensacola Beach  does have an alcohol free “family zone” west of the pier.

    Pensacola Beach, FL

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Shell Island

    It’s ok to drink on private lots and county roads in the middle of the island, but it’s illegal in the State Park area.

    shell island

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Panama City Beach

    The PCB has a Spring Break law where no alcohol is allowed on the beach during the month of March. Also, no metal shovels are allowed on the beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. I’m interested in hearing whatever story caused that law. So it’s legal for 11 months out of the year. 

    Panama City Beach, FL

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Madeira Beach

    On over to the Tampa – St. Pete Area. We don’t call it Mad Beach for nothing. As is usually the case, no glass.

    Madeira Beach, FL

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

     

  • St. Pete Beach

    Rules on this beach. You can drink on the sand at beachfront hotels, but only if you’re a guest of the hotel.

    St Pete Beach, FL

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Treasure Island

    Apparently it’s ok to drink here as long as it’s not day-drinking. No alcohol is allowed on the beach between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. So pack it and let it set on ice until 4pm. 

    Treasure Island, FL

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Siesta Beach

    We’re in Sarasota County. Cans and cups, no glass. Bad behavior is not ok, so be cool.

    Siesta Beach

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Turtle Beach

    Another Sarasota County Beach, so the same rules as Siesta.

    Turtle Beach

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Lido Beach

    Sarasota County, so it’s cool here, too.

    Lido beach

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Naples Municipal Beach

    I see a lot of conflicting information on this one. Some sites say it’s ok to drink on the beach. Others say it’s not. I know you can’t drink at the pier. You can drink on Marco Island beaches. I know people do drink on Naples Beach, but I don’t know if it’s really legal.

    Naples Pier

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Flagler Beach

    Let’s move on over to the East Coast. The Sheriff’s Department says this “Open containers are prohibited except on the sand of the beaches. ” So finish it before you step off the sand.

    Flagler Beach, FL 32136

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Cocoa Beach

    Drinking is fine, but no glass, and no pets. Sometimes there’s even live music out on the sand.

    Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • Playalinda Beach

    Not only can you drink here, but if you park in lot 13 that takes you to a clothing optional section of the beach. Yes, a nude beach where drinking is allowed. How have I not been here, yet?

    Playalinda Beach

    Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

Joe Winner spends his days combing through memes and off beat stories to bring you the side of Florida not always seen.

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