Wilma leaves behind economic winners as well as losers in South Florida

November 7, 2005 -
By Harriet Johnson Brackey

Economists interviewed by The Miami Herald on Wilma economic impacts in South Florida said they expect short-term distress, not a significant stumbling block. In fact, the effects of Wilma might wash out by the end of the year, said J. Antonio Villamil, Chairman of Gov. Bush’s Council of Economic Advisors.

The reason: South Florida was the state’s economic powerhouse when the storm hit. Even with billion in losses, it is robust to take Wilma’s blows and keep on growing they said.

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