200
who lived in the county (U.S. Census Bureau 1980, Advanced Count,
1982). Housing units within this county increased during this same
period from 141 ,363 to 294,090an increase of 108%. It is clear
that the decade of the 1970s was a time of rap-id growth in this
region.
Statistics for the city where the research was conducted indicate
that over the decade growth was only 9%. The school was located at
the southern edge of the city limits. Growth of the adjoining in
corporated area was 593.6% during the period. Eight incorporated
areas around the city have increased by more than 100%. The range of
increase for this group was from 120% to 620.6%. While the city did
not show a great deal of growth, the surrounding area has been growing
rapidly, pulling the more vital elements of the economic community
away from the previously established business area.
During the decade of the 1970s, the area around the school has
been in a state of transition. Within the past 5 years a major shopping
center and some of the smaller stores have closed. Many of the re
maining businesses appear run down and in need of fresh paint. There
were some signs of some revitalization.
View of the ecological change
Names on some of the freshly painted signs reflect the new language
which was being heard with more frequency in the area. The revitalization
occurred as Cubans and other Latins moved into the region.
"La Barata," a Cuban grocery store, was once known as "U Tote M."
"La Bodega," another small grocery store, and "Las Flores Panaderia,"