He thinks an aging population is probably the biggest factor for Brooksville's population decline. In most parts of the state, deaths are more numerous than births, and new development accounts for population increases. I think that's what's driving this. Kids move off, and parents grow older. Hernando County is the kind of place where younger people tend to leave.
People tend to gravitate to metropolitan areas for better opportunities.
That might not be the case for long. Several city staffers and council members pointed out that Brooksville will almost certainly grow, and maybe rapidly, in the next 10 years. The Suncoast Parkway is expected to bring new residents. So, to a lesser degree, will the improvements to U.S. 41 and SR 50, which are expected to be completed in about a year. I think what most people want here is quality growth.