The Year in Review

Lee county's population broke a half-million people, a milestone in attracting major companies.

"That puts us on the map for expansions, relocations and new businesses," says commercial real estate broker Gary Tasman. "One of their criteria is 500,000 people or more, because of the services and accesses that you have with that many people. It's causing a ripple effect for retailers, site selectors, everybody."

Cape Coral, the region's largest city, got its first college. Nova Southeastern University was set to open classrooms in December in the Business Park in City Centrum-in spite of a delay caused by Hurricane Charley-and to start classes in January. The Business Park is a temporary site; the city is planning to create a permanent site in North Cape Coral for a 171-acre academic village.

Some 4,400 Democrats in Lee County switched parties so they could vote in the Aug. 30 primary elections-a new record. The majority jumped ship temporarily in response to write-in candidates closing elections for sheriff and a county commission seat. Most were expected to return to Donkeydom.