Census data show significant increase in Latino population of St. Johns County

St. Johns County traditionally hasn't been one of the areas in Florida with a large Latino population. But recent numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show that's changing.

In information released last month, the county was shown to have seen a 9 percent increase in Latino residents from July 2013 to July 2014.

It was the largest percentage increase in the state, but the county's Latino population was starting with an already low number - around 14,000 of 209,544 total residents in 2013.

The trend is likely to continue as St. Johns County lags well behind state trends. Latinos made up about 24 percent of the state's population in 2014, but in St. Johns County, they accounted for about 6 percent.

Local business owner Gisela LaPorta-Barnwell said she would definitely encourage other Latinos to consider making St. Johns County a home. She was born in Brazil, grew up in Venezuela and was educated at the Rhode Island School of Design, so she has experienced quite a few different cultures.

An interior architect and owner of LaPorta Studio on U.S. 1, LaPorta-Barnwell moved here about a year ago from South Florida and has been thrilled with the choice.

"This is a huge, huge change, and after a year, I just love it," she said. "I saw an opportunity here for growth and the quality of life. We've been saving a lot of money from living in Miami."

She said there has been an obvious influx of Latinos recently.

"I have seen a lot of young families from Colombia and that they have professionals in Nocatee and World Golf Village," she said. "That is something that you have to notice."

Because St. Johns County has one of the highest median household incomes in the states, LaPorta-Barnwell said it's attractive to entrepreneurs.

The county has grown quickly in overall population recently. The census numbers show St. Johns County added about 8,000 residents last year to an estimated 217,919. That's almost 18,000 more people than in April 2010.

Declan Reiley, vice president of economic development for the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, said the great quality of life that brings most people here is what seems to be attracting Latinos, as well.

"Many people wish to live in Florida and, especially, in St. Johns County," he said in an email. "St. Johns County's population growth rate has greatly outpaced the state average.

Overall, it is likely that low unemployment and St. Johns' great reputation for health conditions, high-quality schools, low business costs and desirable family lifestyles are the most significant reasons more Hispanic and Latino people have been moving here.

"Plus, in recent years, local entities such as the Visitors and Convention Bureau have emphasized attracting more Spanish-speaking tourists, and therefore a greater number of people know about our destination."

Even though Latinos are clearly minorities in the county, LaPorta-Barnwell says that doesn't mean they aren't accepted.

In fact, she said that she feels the local community has embraced her more than other places she has lived - even ones with a higher percentage of Latinos.

"It's not an issue," LaPorta-Barnwell said. "I feel so welcome here. People are so nice. I haven't felt discriminated against. It's a welcoming city."