OF ALL COLORS

Census figures released this week showed something that had long been projected: The number of minority children born in the United States is outpacing the number of white children. About 50.4 percent of children born in the 12 months ending July 1 were black, Asian or other racial minorities - or Hispanic, although Hispanic is not considered a racial category by the U.S. Census Bureau.

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FLORIDA BIRTHS

That shift to a majority minority is nothing new in Florida, a diverse state known for its Hispanic population. A total of 57 percent of the babies born in Florida during the 12 months ending July 1 were minorities. This percentage was ninth-highest in the nation.

A total of 30 percent of babies born in Florida during the 12-month period ending July 1 were Hispanic. This percentage of Hispanic births was seventh-highest in the nation.

A total of 21.5 percent of babies born in Florida during the 12-month period ending July 1 were African-American. This percentage of African-American births was the 11th-highest in the nation.

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HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF MINORITY BIRTHS

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LOWEST PERCENTAGE OF MINORITY BIRTHS

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Tampa Bay Times research