Pasco County, Florida
Encyclopedia
Pasco County is a county
located in the U.S. state
of Florida
. As of 2000, the population was 344,765. The July 1, 2007 census estimate according to the U.S. Census Bureau for the county is 462,715. Its county seat
is Dade City, Florida
which is in the northeast part of the county - somewhat removed from the main centers of population in the western half of the county. Duplicate county government offices and court facilities are also located in the New Port Richey area on the west side of the county. It is the 38th fastest growing county in the country with a 30.6% increase and has grown by 105,403 residents since the year 2000. Pasco, along with Hernando
, Hillsborough
, and Pinellas
counties, comprise the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Pasco County was created on June 2, 1887, from the southern third of Hernando County. The same legislation also created Citrus Country from the northern third of Hernando County. According to Horgan et al. (1992), the sponsors of the bill originally proposed the name 'Banner' (which was chosen by citizens of the area), but the bill was rejected. The sponsors then changed the name to Pasco (after Samuel Pasco
, who had just been elected to the United States Senate
). The legislature passed the revised bill unanimously.
The earliest towns were Anclote, Blanton, Dade City
, Earnestville, Fort Dade, Macon (Trilby
), Lacoochee
and San Antonio
. Citrus was an important industry when the county was formed, although a decline followed a freeze in 1895. Several large sawmills operated in the county in the early part of the twentieth century. During the Florida land boom of the 1920s, New Port Richey became the winter home of silent screen star Thomas Meighan
and golfer Gene Sarazen
; Meighan attempted to bring other Hollywood figures to the city. The county has experienced significant population growth since the 1960s. The growth began along the Gulf coast but is now occurring most rapidly in areas north of Tampa.
of 2000, there were 344,765 people, 147,566 households, and 99,016 families residing in the county. The population density
was 463 people per square mile (179/km²). There were 173,717 housing units at an average density of 233 per square mile (90/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 93.70% White
, 2.07% Black
or African American
, 0.35% Native American
, 0.94% Asian
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
, 1.52% from other races
, and 1.38% from two or more races. 5.69% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 147,566 households out of which 23.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.60% were married couples
living together, 8.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.90% were non-families. 27.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.77.
In the county the population was spread out with 20.20% under the age of 18, 5.80% from 18 to 24, 24.10% from 25 to 44, 23.10% from 45 to 64, and 26.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 92.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,969, and the median income for a family was $39,568. Males had a median income of $30,974 versus $23,802 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $18,439. About 7.60% of families and 10.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.20% of those under age 18 and 7.70% of those age 65 or over.
provides bus service in West Pasco, Dade City and Zephyrhills.
operates three rail lines within the county. Dade City and Zephyrhills are served with a line from Plant City. Amtrak
formerly provided passenger rail service to Dade City on that line, but the stop was terminated in late 2004. The other two lines include the Brooksville Subdivision which runs close to US 41 and the Vitis Subdivision, which runs southeast into Lakeland
.
Notable abandoned railroad lines include a former branch of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
northwest of Trilacoochee
(formerly Owensboro Junction) that became part of the Withlacoochee State Trail
, a segment of the a Seaboard Air Line Railroad
branch stretching from Zephyrhills to Trilacoochee, another line along the east side of US 301 that spanned from Sulphur Springs
to Zephyrhills, part of the Orange Belt Railway which ran from St. Petersburg
and entered the county in what is today Trinity
to Trilby(abandoned during the early-to-mid 1970's), and a branch of the Seaboard Air Line that ran through Holiday
, Elfers
and into New Port Richey. This line was truncated to Elfers in 1943, and eliminated during the 1980s.
.
Pasco County has seen explosive growth in its student enrollment, increasing from 46,458 students in the 1999-2000 year to 65,126 in the 2007-2008 year, an increase of 18,668 or 40.2%. The projected enrollment for the 2007-2008 was 64,674, so the actual enrollment was 452 students over the projection. http://plan.pasco.k12.fl.us/Pages/pdf_files/ADM_Proj.pdf http://plan.pasco.k12.fl.us/Pages/pdf_files/adm.pdf Yearly, the school district has grown 2,489 or 5.4%, which leads to building one new school a year.
, a section of the Suncoast Trail, a section of the Withlacoochee State Trail
, Conner Preserve
, Cypress Creek Preserve
, Withlacoochee River Park
, and Crews Lake Wilderness Park
. Kayaking, canoeing, sailing, power boating, jet skiing, and fishing are popular along the coast and large tracts are preserved from development.
Pasco County, with its accommodating laws, is home to a number of Florida's nudist parks and resorts. While there is not a clothing-optional beach in the county, there are no fewer than 8 nudist parks. The oldest is Lake Como Club just north of Tampa, while a world-class resort known as Caliente, was opened several years ago, The nudist industry and its related tourism is a significant source of tax revenue for the county.
County (United States)
In the United States, a county is a geographic subdivision of a state , usually assigned some governmental authority. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states; Louisiana is divided into parishes and Alaska into boroughs. Parishes and boroughs are called "county-equivalents" by the U.S...
located in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
. As of 2000, the population was 344,765. The July 1, 2007 census estimate according to the U.S. Census Bureau for the county is 462,715. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Dade City, Florida
Dade City, Florida
Dade City is a city in Pasco County, Florida. The population was 6,188 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Pasco County. Dade City is a suburb of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S...
which is in the northeast part of the county - somewhat removed from the main centers of population in the western half of the county. Duplicate county government offices and court facilities are also located in the New Port Richey area on the west side of the county. It is the 38th fastest growing county in the country with a 30.6% increase and has grown by 105,403 residents since the year 2000. Pasco, along with Hernando
Hernando County, Florida
Hernando County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 130,802. The U.S. Census Bureau 2006 estimate for the county is 165,409 . Its county seat is Brooksville, Florida. The majority of the county's population is in Spring Hill, west portion of Hernando...
, Hillsborough
Hillsborough County, Florida
As of the census of 2000, there were 998,948 people, 391,357 households, and 255,164 families residing in the county. The population density was 951 people per square mile . There were 425,962 housing units at an average density of 405 per square mile...
, and Pinellas
Pinellas County, Florida
Pinellas County is a county located in the state of Florida. Its county seat is Clearwater, Florida, and its largest city is St. Petersburg. This county is contained entirely within the telephone area code 727, except for some sections of Oldsmar, which have the area code 813...
counties, comprise the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
Samuel Pasco
Samuel Pasco was a United States Senator from Florida.-Biography:Born in London, England, he moved to the United States with his family as a child and settled in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Pasco attended Harvard University and then moved to Florida in 1859...
, who had just been elected to the United States Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
). The legislature passed the revised bill unanimously.
The earliest towns were Anclote, Blanton, Dade City
Dade City, Florida
Dade City is a city in Pasco County, Florida. The population was 6,188 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Pasco County. Dade City is a suburb of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S...
, Earnestville, Fort Dade, Macon (Trilby
Trilby, Florida
Trilby is an unincorporated community in the northeast corner of Pasco County, Florida, United States.Trilby has a non-profit "Greater Trilby Community Association" which exists to improve the life and quality of residents of the Trilby, Trilacoochee and Lacoochee area...
), Lacoochee
Lacoochee, Florida
Lacoochee is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,345 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Lacoochee is located at ....
and San Antonio
San Antonio, Florida
San Antonio is a city in Pasco County, Florida, United States. It is a suburban city included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 655 at the 2000 census, although local officials claim the true population in 2000 was 842. As of 2004,...
. Citrus was an important industry when the county was formed, although a decline followed a freeze in 1895. Several large sawmills operated in the county in the early part of the twentieth century. During the Florida land boom of the 1920s, New Port Richey became the winter home of silent screen star Thomas Meighan
Thomas Meighan
Thomas Meighan was an American actor of silent films and early talkies. He played several leading man roles opposite popular actresses of the day including Mary Pickford and Gloria Swanson. At one point he commanded $10,000 a week....
and golfer Gene Sarazen
Gene Sarazen
Gene Sarazen was an American professional golfer, one of the world's top players in the 1920s and 1930s. He is one of five golfers to win all the current major championships in his career, the Career Grand Slam:U.S...
; Meighan attempted to bring other Hollywood figures to the city. The county has experienced significant population growth since the 1960s. The growth began along the Gulf coast but is now occurring most rapidly in areas north of Tampa.
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 867.95 square miles (2,248 km²), of which 744.85 square miles (1,929.2 km²) (or 85.82%) is land and 123.1 square miles (318.8 km²) (or 14.18%) is water.Adjacent counties
- Hernando County, FloridaHernando County, FloridaHernando County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 130,802. The U.S. Census Bureau 2006 estimate for the county is 165,409 . Its county seat is Brooksville, Florida. The majority of the county's population is in Spring Hill, west portion of Hernando...
- north - Sumter County, FloridaSumter County, FloridaSumter County is a county located in the state of Florida, United States. As of the 2000 Census, the population was 53,345. The 2006 Census estimate puts its population at 68,768 . Its county seat is Bushnell, Florida and the largest incorporated municipality is Wildwood, Florida. The Villages,...
- northeast - Polk County, FloridaPolk County, FloridaPolk County is located in central Florida between the Tampa Bay and Greater Orlando metropolitan areas. The county was established by the state government in 1861 on the eve of the American Civil War and named after former United States president James K. Polk. The county seat is Bartow and its...
- southeast - Hillsborough County, FloridaHillsborough County, FloridaAs of the census of 2000, there were 998,948 people, 391,357 households, and 255,164 families residing in the county. The population density was 951 people per square mile . There were 425,962 housing units at an average density of 405 per square mile...
- south - Pinellas County, FloridaPinellas County, FloridaPinellas County is a county located in the state of Florida. Its county seat is Clearwater, Florida, and its largest city is St. Petersburg. This county is contained entirely within the telephone area code 727, except for some sections of Oldsmar, which have the area code 813...
- southwest
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 344,765 people, 147,566 households, and 99,016 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 463 people per square mile (179/km²). There were 173,717 housing units at an average density of 233 per square mile (90/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 93.70% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 2.07% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.35% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.94% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.52% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.38% from two or more races. 5.69% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 147,566 households out of which 23.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.60% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 8.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.90% were non-families. 27.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.77.
In the county the population was spread out with 20.20% under the age of 18, 5.80% from 18 to 24, 24.10% from 25 to 44, 23.10% from 45 to 64, and 26.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 92.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,969, and the median income for a family was $39,568. Males had a median income of $30,974 versus $23,802 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $18,439. About 7.60% of families and 10.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.20% of those under age 18 and 7.70% of those age 65 or over.
Incorporated
- City of Dade CityDade City, FloridaDade City is a city in Pasco County, Florida. The population was 6,188 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Pasco County. Dade City is a suburb of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S...
- City of New Port RicheyNew Port Richey, FloridaNew Port Richey is a city in Pasco County, Florida, United States. It is a suburban city included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area...
- City of Port RicheyPort Richey, FloridaPort Richey is a city in Pasco County, Florida, United States. It is a suburban city included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 3,021 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is...
- City of San AntonioSan Antonio, FloridaSan Antonio is a city in Pasco County, Florida, United States. It is a suburban city included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 655 at the 2000 census, although local officials claim the true population in 2000 was 842. As of 2004,...
- Town of St. LeoSt. Leo, FloridaSt. Leo is a town in Pasco County, Florida, United States. It is a suburb included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 595 at the 2000 census. As of 2006, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 1,249.It is best known as...
- City of ZephyrhillsZephyrhills, FloridaZephyrhills is a city in Pasco County, Florida. The population was 10,833 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2004 estimates, the city had a population of 11,854. It is a suburb of the Tampa Bay Metropolitan Statistical Area...
Unincorporated CDPs
- AripekaAripeka, FloridaAripeka is an unincorporated community in the U.S. state of Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico on the border of Pasco and Hernando counties. The ZIP Code for this community is 34679.-Geography:Aripeka is located at ....
- Bayonet PointBayonet Point, FloridaBayonet Point is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the CDP population was 23,577.-Geography:Bayonet Point is located at ....
- Beacon SquareBeacon Square, FloridaBeacon Square is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 7,263 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Beacon Square is located at ....
- Connerton
- Crystal SpringsCrystal Springs, FloridaCrystal Springs is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,175 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Crystal Springs is located at ....
- Dade City NorthDade City North, FloridaDade City North is a census-designated place in eastern Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,319 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Dade City North is located at ....
- ElfersElfers, FloridaElfers is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 13,161 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Elfers is located at ....
- Heritage Pines
- HolidayHoliday, FloridaHoliday , is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. It is a suburb included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 21,904 at the 2000 census.The name Holiday, like the names of many towns, comes from a spark...
- HudsonHudson, FloridaHudson is a census-designated place located at the westernmost end of Pasco County, Florida, United States and is included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area...
- Jasmine EstatesJasmine Estates, FloridaJasmine Estates is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 18,213 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Jasmine Estates is located at ....
- Key Vista
- LacoocheeLacoochee, FloridaLacoochee is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,345 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Lacoochee is located at ....
- Land O' LakesLand O' Lakes, FloridaLand O' Lakes is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, in the United States. Land O' Lakes is part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida MSA. As of the 2010 census, the CDP population was 31,145. The city grew rapidly during the 1990s, growing from 7,800 residents to...
- Meadow Oaks
- Moon Lake
- New Port Richey EastNew Port Richey East, FloridaNew Port Richey East is an unincorporated census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States adjacent to New Port Richey, Florida. The population was 9,916 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
- OdessaOdessa, FloridaOdessa is a census-designated place in both Hillsborough County, Florida, and Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,173 at the 2000 census.- History :...
- Pasadena Hills
- Quail Ridge
- River Ridge
- Shady HillsShady Hills, FloridaShady Hills is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 7,798 at the 2000 census. It is in the Tampa-St...
- TrinityTrinity, FloridaTrinity is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,279 at the 2000 census. It is now speculated that the Trinity area has grown to almost triple the size with a probable population of 13,298...
- TrilbyTrilby, FloridaTrilby is an unincorporated community in the northeast corner of Pasco County, Florida, United States.Trilby has a non-profit "Greater Trilby Community Association" which exists to improve the life and quality of residents of the Trilby, Trilacoochee and Lacoochee area...
- Wesley ChapelWesley Chapel, FloridaWesley Chapel is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. Wesley Chapel is considered part of the Tampa Bay Area metro. The population was 44,092 at the 2010 census. In 2003, some residents of Wesley Chapel started a movement to incorporate the community...
- Zephyrhills NorthZephyrhills North, FloridaZephyrhills North is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,544 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Zephyrhills North is located at ....
- Zephyrhills SouthZephyrhills South, FloridaZephyrhills South is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,435 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Zephyrhills South is located at ....
- Zephyrhills WestZephyrhills West, FloridaZephyrhills West is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,242 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Zephyrhills West is located at ....
Unincorporated communities not CDPs
- Blanton
- Darby
- Gulf HarborsGulf Harbors, FloridaGulf Harbors is an unincorporated urban community in western Pasco County, Florida, United States, near New Port Richey; however, the community did not meet the requirements of a Census-designated place. According to Rand McNally, the latest population estimates for the community is approximately...
- Hudson BeachHudson Beach, FloridaHudson Beach is a small unincorporated beach community west of U.S. Route 19 in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The community has canals criscrossing it, and the residences have canals in their backyard. It is just north of New Port Richey...
- Jessamine
- Richland
- Seven Springs
- Saint Joseph
- TrilacoocheeTrilacoochee, FloridaTrilacoochee is an unincorporated community in the northeast corner of Pasco County, Florida, United States. It is at the northern terminus of the US 301 and US 98 multiplex. It has a non-profit "Greater Trilby Community Association" which exists to improve the life and quality of residents of the...
Aviation
- Zephyrhills Municipal AirportZephyrhills Municipal AirportZephyrhills Municipal Airport is a city-owned, public-use airport located one nautical mile southeast of the central business district of Zephyrhills, a city in Pasco County, Florida, United States.-History:...
(ZPH) website - Pilot Country Airport (X05) website
- Tampa North Aero Park (X39) website
- Hidden Lake Estates Airport (FA40, private airport near Moon Lake) website
Bus service
Pasco County Public TransportationPasco County Public Transportation
Pasco County Public Transportation provides public transportation in Pasco County, Florida. The agency operates both fixed bus and paratransit services.-Fare Structure:...
provides bus service in West Pasco, Dade City and Zephyrhills.
Railroads
CSXCSX Transportation
CSX Transportation operates a Class I railroad in the United States known as the CSX Railroad. It is the main subsidiary of the CSX Corporation. The company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and owns approximately 21,000 route miles...
operates three rail lines within the county. Dade City and Zephyrhills are served with a line from Plant City. Amtrak
Amtrak
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is a government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971, to provide intercity passenger train service in the United States. "Amtrak" is a portmanteau of the words "America" and "track". It is headquartered at Union...
formerly provided passenger rail service to Dade City on that line, but the stop was terminated in late 2004. The other two lines include the Brooksville Subdivision which runs close to US 41 and the Vitis Subdivision, which runs southeast into Lakeland
Lakeland, Florida
Lakeland is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States, located approximately midway between Tampa and Orlando along Interstate 4. According to the 2008 U.S. Census Bureau estimate, the city had a population of 94,406...
.
Notable abandoned railroad lines include a former branch of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad was an American railroad that existed between 1900 and 1967, when it merged with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, its long-time rival, to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad...
northwest of Trilacoochee
Trilacoochee, Florida
Trilacoochee is an unincorporated community in the northeast corner of Pasco County, Florida, United States. It is at the northern terminus of the US 301 and US 98 multiplex. It has a non-profit "Greater Trilby Community Association" which exists to improve the life and quality of residents of the...
(formerly Owensboro Junction) that became part of the Withlacoochee State Trail
Withlacoochee State Trail
Withlacoochee State Trail is a long paved, multi-use, non-motorized rail trail in Florida located in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties.-The route:The southern terminus is at U.S. 98/301 south of Trilby, then runs north where it crosses over U.S...
, a segment of the a Seaboard Air Line Railroad
Seaboard Air Line Railroad
The Seaboard Air Line Railroad , which styled itself "The Route of Courteous Service," was an American railroad whose corporate existence extended from April 14, 1900, until July 1, 1967, when it merged with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, its longtime rival, to form the Seaboard Coast Line...
branch stretching from Zephyrhills to Trilacoochee, another line along the east side of US 301 that spanned from Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs, Tampa, Florida
Sulphur Springs is a neighborhood and district located within the city limits of Tampa, Florida. As of the 2000 census, the neighborhood had a population of 6,308. - Description :...
to Zephyrhills, part of the Orange Belt Railway which ran from St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is known as a vacation destination for both American and foreign tourists. As of 2008, the population estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau is 245,314, making St...
and entered the county in what is today Trinity
Trinity, Florida
Trinity is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,279 at the 2000 census. It is now speculated that the Trinity area has grown to almost triple the size with a probable population of 13,298...
to Trilby(abandoned during the early-to-mid 1970's), and a branch of the Seaboard Air Line that ran through Holiday
Holiday, Florida
Holiday , is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. It is a suburb included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 21,904 at the 2000 census.The name Holiday, like the names of many towns, comes from a spark...
, Elfers
Elfers, Florida
Elfers is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 13,161 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Elfers is located at ....
and into New Port Richey. This line was truncated to Elfers in 1943, and eliminated during the 1980s.
Major roads
Interstate 75Interstate 75 in FloridaInterstate 75 is a part of the Interstate Highway System and runs from Hialeah, Florida, a few miles northwest of Miami to Sault Ste. Marie in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan...
runs north and south across the eastern part of the county. Once a major connecting point with Tampa, I-75 has been made obsolete for western residents of the county by the Suncoast Parkway.
Suncoast ParkwayState Road 589 (Florida)The Veterans Expressway and Suncoast Parkway is a north–south toll road near the Florida Gulf Coast. Maintained and operated by Florida's Turnpike Enterprise, this transportation corridor extends from State Road 60 in Tampa, north to U.S. Route 98 near Chassahowitzka...
enters the county in the south halfway between Gunn Highway and US 41, and ends in the far northern part of the county at County Line Road (Exit 37), The Suncoast Parkway is a recently-constructed toll road that connects Pasco County with Hillsborough County, where it becomes the Veterans Expressway and heads directly into Tampa International Airport before reaching Interstate 275. SR 589 has four Pasco County exits: SR 54State Road 54 (Florida)State Road 54 is located in the Tampa Bay Area, north of Tampa itself, and runs from US 19 in Holiday in the west to US 301 in Zephyrhills, in the east...
(Exit 19), Ridge Road Extension (Future Exit 24), SR 52State Road 52 (Florida)State Road 52 is the major east–west road through Northern Pasco County, Florida. The road begins in Bayonet Point at US 19 , passes through San Antonio, runs past Saint Leo University, in Saint Leo, and terminates in Dade City, at US Truck Route 98 & 301.-Route description:State Road 52...
(Exit 27), and County Line Road(Exit 37).
U.S. Route 19U.S. Route 19 in FloridaU.S. Route 19 in Florida runs along Florida's west coast from an interchange with U.S. Route 41 in Memphis, Florida, south of Tampa, and continues to the Georgia border north of Monticello, Florida....
is a major commercial center running beside to the Gulf of Mexico on the western edge of the county, and used as a primary connecting route to cities down the west coast of Florida, including Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg to the south, as well as Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee, Homosassa and Crystal River to the north.
Alternate 19U.S. Route 19 Alternate (St. Petersburg, Florida)Alternate U.S. Route 19 is the former section of U.S. Route 19 from St. Petersburg, Florida to Holiday.Beginning at the intersection of 4th Street N Alternate U.S. Route 19 is the former section of U.S. Route 19 from St. Petersburg, Florida to Holiday.Beginning at the intersection of 4th Street N...
is a former section of US 19 that runs closer to the Gulf of Mexico in Pinellas and southern Pasco County than US 19.
U.S. Route 41U.S. Route 41U.S. Route 41 is a north–south United States Highway that runs from Miami, Florida to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Until 1949, the part in southern Florida, from Naples to Miami, was U.S...
(Land O' Lakes Bouelvard) is the main south-to-north US Highway through Central Pasco County. It enters the county from Lutz in Hillsborough County and serves as a commerical strip through most of Land O' Lakes. Further north the road becomes more rural, passing through Gowers Corner, and eventually enters Masaryktown at the Hernando County Line.
U.S. Route 98U.S. Route 98U.S. Route 98 is an east–west United States highway that runs from western Mississippi to southern Florida. It was established in 1933 as a route between Pensacola, Florida and Apalachicola, Florida, and has since been extended westward into Mississippi and eastward across the Florida...
runs northwest and southeast from Hernando County to Polk County. Concurrent with US 301U.S. Route 301 in FloridaU.S. Route 301 in Florida runs from the Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area northeast to the Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Area. The road is a spur of U.S...
between Trilacoochee and Clinton Heights.
U.S. Route 301U.S. Route 301 in FloridaU.S. Route 301 in Florida runs from the Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area northeast to the Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Area. The road is a spur of U.S...
(Fort King Highway/Gall Boulevard) is the main south-to-north U.S. highway in eastern Pasco County. It enters the county from Hillsborough River State ParkHillsborough River State ParkHillsborough River State Park is located in the northeast corner of Hillsborough County, Florida near Zephyrhills which is itself in Pasco County. It is a popular park due to its proximity to the city of Tampa....
in Hillsborough County and becomes the main road in Zephyrhills, Clinton Heights, and Dade City. North of Dade City, the road runs through Trilacoochee and Trilby before it enters Ridge Manor in Hernando County at a bridge over the Withlacoochee River.
State Road 39 runs northwest and southeast from Plant CityPlant City, FloridaPlant City is a city in Hillsborough County, Florida, in the United States, approximately midway between Brandon and Lakeland along Interstate 4. The population was 34,721 at the 2010 census....
into US 301 in ZephyrhillsZephyrhills, FloridaZephyrhills is a city in Pasco County, Florida. The population was 10,833 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2004 estimates, the city had a population of 11,854. It is a suburb of the Tampa Bay Metropolitan Statistical Area...
County Road 41 (Fort King Highway/17th Street/21st Street/Blanton Road) begins as a hidden state road along US 301 until it branches off to the northwest as a county road in Zephyrhills and runs parallel to US 301 until it reaches Dade City. From here it moves further to the west through Blanton and Jessamine, and after crossing over I-75 curves back north into rural Hernando County where it becomes HCR 541.
County Line Road (CR 578) is a major county road running entirely along the border with Hernando County beginning at US 19, intersects the Suncoast Parkway, and ends at US 41. Due to increased congestion, it is planned to be upgraded from two to four lanes, and possibly upgraded from a county road to a state road.
State Road 52 (Colonel Schrader Memorial Highway) an east-west route that runs primarily through the center of the county from US 19 in Bayonet Point to US 98-301 in Dade City.
State Road 54 (Gunn Highway/Fifth Avenue) another east-west road that runs through southern Pasco County, from US 19 near Holiday to US 301 in ZephyrhillsZephyrhills, FloridaZephyrhills is a city in Pasco County, Florida. The population was 10,833 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2004 estimates, the city had a population of 11,854. It is a suburb of the Tampa Bay Metropolitan Statistical Area...
.
State Road 56 a 2002-constructed road between SR 54State Road 54 (Florida)State Road 54 is located in the Tampa Bay Area, north of Tampa itself, and runs from US 19 in Holiday in the west to US 301 in Zephyrhills, in the east...
and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in Wesley ChapelWesley Chapel, FloridaWesley Chapel is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. Wesley Chapel is considered part of the Tampa Bay Area metro. The population was 44,092 at the 2010 census. In 2003, some residents of Wesley Chapel started a movement to incorporate the community...
. Planned to be extended to US 301 south of ZephyrhillsZephyrhills, FloridaZephyrhills is a city in Pasco County, Florida. The population was 10,833 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2004 estimates, the city had a population of 11,854. It is a suburb of the Tampa Bay Metropolitan Statistical Area...
.
State Road 575 the northernmost state road in Pasco County.
Bruce B. Downs Boulevard
Rowan Road/East Lake Road (CR 77)
Dale Mabry Highway
Moon Lake Road/Decubellis Road/Massachusetts Avenue (Pasco CR 587) (N)- Gunn Highway (CR 587) (S) A short north and south extension of Gunn Highway(SR 54) that runs through Northern Hillsborough County towards Dale Mabry HighwayDale Mabry HighwayDale Mabry Highway is a north–south road in Tampa, Florida. The majority of its length consists of three lanes each direction plus a central turn-lane and often includes a right-turn lane. It begins at the MacDill Air Force Base entrance in South Tampa and ends by merging with US 41 just...
and Busch Boulevard. 
Little Road (CR 1) Major four to six lane county road in western Pasco County bypassing US 19 between southeast of Aripeka and Trinity.
Trinity Boulevard(Pasco-Pinellas CR 996)
Education
Public schools in the County are operated by Pasco County SchoolsPasco County Schools
Pasco County Schools is a school district in Land O' Lakes, Florida, United States, which serves Pasco County, Florida.-Schools:...
.
Pasco County has seen explosive growth in its student enrollment, increasing from 46,458 students in the 1999-2000 year to 65,126 in the 2007-2008 year, an increase of 18,668 or 40.2%. The projected enrollment for the 2007-2008 was 64,674, so the actual enrollment was 452 students over the projection. http://plan.pasco.k12.fl.us/Pages/pdf_files/ADM_Proj.pdf http://plan.pasco.k12.fl.us/Pages/pdf_files/adm.pdf Yearly, the school district has grown 2,489 or 5.4%, which leads to building one new school a year.
High schools
- Anclote High SchoolAnclote High SchoolAnclote High School is a public high school in Holiday, Florida. The school opened in August 2009 with grades 9 through 11; the first graduating class will be in 2011...
- Holiday - Fivay High SchoolFivay High SchoolFivay High School is located in Pasco County, Florida on Florida State Road 52 and opened in 2010. It was built for 1,870 students with 1,200 expected in its first year and will house students from Hudson High School, Ridgewood High School, and River Ridge High School...
- Hudson - Gulf High School - New Port Richey
- Hudson High School - Hudson
- Land O Lakes High SchoolLand O Lakes High SchoolLand O' Lakes High School is a four-year public high school in Land O' Lakes, Florida. It is a part of the District School Board of Pasco County. The school mascot is the Fighting Gators.- History :...
- Land O' Lakes - J. W. Mitchell High SchoolJ. W. Mitchell High SchoolJ. W. Mitchell High School is a public high school in New Port Richey, Florida, and is next to Seven Springs Middle School. The current principal is Mr. Jim Michaels and the school is one of the largest in Pasco County Schools. After the opening of Anclote High School in the 09-10 school year the...
- New Port Richey - Pasco High School - Dade City
- Ridgewood High SchoolRidgewood High School (Florida)Ridgewood High School is a four-year public high school serving residential suburbs in New Port Richey, Florida on the Gulf of Mexico. It is part of the Pasco County Public School System in Pasco County, Florida...
- New Port Richey - River Ridge High SchoolRiver Ridge High School (Florida)River Ridge is a public middle/high school complex founded in 1991 in New Port Richey, Florida. It was Florida's first joint middle/high school complex and is a part of the Pasco County School System. Both schools have their own classrooms, media center, and administrators, and share the cafeteria...
- New Port Richey - Sunlake High SchoolSunlake High SchoolSunlake High School is a public high school in Pasco County located in the Concord Station development in Land O' Lakes, Florida. It is adjacent to Charles S. Rushe Middle School, both of which opened in August 2007. Sunlake did not open with a senior class and it relieved overcrowding at Land O'...
- Land O' Lakes - Wesley Chapel High SchoolWesley Chapel High SchoolWesley Chapel High School is a Pasco County, Florida secondary school located in Wesley Chapel, Florida. It is one of the largest schools in the rapidly growing Pasco County School District. It is next to Wesley Chapel Elementary School and Thomas E. Weightman Middle School, which are both feeder...
- Wesley Chapel - Wiregrass Ranch High SchoolWiregrass Ranch High SchoolWiregrass Ranch High School is a Pasco County public school in Wesley Chapel, Florida, USA. It was the first new high school in Pasco County in seven years and was built to relieve overcrowding primarily at Wesley Chapel High School...
- Wesley Chapel - Zephyrhills High SchoolZephyrhills High SchoolZephyrhills High School is a high school in Zephyrhills, Florida, United States. Its principal is Steve Van Gorden.-History:Zephyrhills High School was created from the consolidations of one-room schools in the Zephyrhills area and opened in September 1910 at the corner of Seventh Avenue and Sixth...
- Zephyrhills
Middle schools
- Bayonet Point Middle School - New Port Richey
- Centennial Middle SchoolCentennial Middle SchoolCentennial Middle School is a middle school in the Snohomish School District in Snohomish, Washington And in Boulder County in Boulder, Colorado U.S.A....
- Dade City - Crews Lake Middle SchoolCrews Lake Middle SchoolCrews Lake Middle is a Pasco County Public School which finished construction in 2008 and located in Shady Hills, Florida, adjacent to Mary Giella Elementary School. It was opened in August 2008, and is currently a school for about 700 students. It serves students in grades 6 through 8 and drew...
- Spring Hill (Opening August 2008) - Chasco Middle School - Port Richey
- Gulf Middle School - New Port Richey
- Hudson Middle School - Hudson
- Dr. John Long Middle School - Wesley Chapel
- Pasco Middle SchoolPasco Middle SchoolPasco Middle School is located in Dade City, Florida. Its first building was completed in 1898. It was a two-story brick building with many classrooms and served as the local high school until 1970. At the time the school only contained two grade levels, eighth and ninth. In 1987 the school changed...
- Dade City - Pine View Middle School - Land O' Lakes
- River Ridge Middle School - New Port Richey
- Charles S. Rushe Middle School - Land O' Lakes
- Seven Springs Middle School - New Port Richey
- Paul R. Smith Middle School - Holiday
- Raymond B. Stewart Middle School - Zephyrhills
- Thomas E. Weightman Middle School - Wesley Chapel
Elementary schools
- Anclote Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Calusa Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Centennial Elementary School - Dade City
- Chasco Elementary School - Port Richey
- Cotee River Elementary School - New Port Richey
- R. B. Cox Elementary School - Dade City
- Cypress Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Deer Park Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Denham Oaks Elementary School - Lutz
- Double Branch Elementary School - Wesley Chapel
- Fox Hollow Elementary School - Port Richey
- Mary Giella Elementary School - Shady Hills
- Gulf Highlands Elementary School - Port Richey
- Gulfside Elementary School - Holiday
- Gulf Trace Elementary School - Holiday
- Hudson Elementary School - Hudson
- Lacoochee Elementary School - Dade City
- Lake Myrtle Elementary School - Land O' Lakes
- Longleaf Elementary School - New Port Richey
- M. P. Locke Elementary School - New Port Richey
- J. M. Marlowe Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Moon Lake Elementary School - New Port Richey
- New River Elementary SchoolNew River Elementary SchoolNew River Elementary School is located in the foothills of the Sonoran Desert, 20 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona. New River Elementary School is the oldest school in the Deer Valley Unified School District. It began as a one room school with eight students in 1934. It was first known as the Sierra...
- Wesley Chapel - Northwest Elementary School - Hudson
- Oaksted Elementary School - Land O' Lakes
- Pasco Elementary School - Dade City
- Pine View Elementary School - Land O' Lakes
- Quail Hollow Elementary School - Wesley Chapel
- Richey Elementary School - New Port Richey
- San Antonio Elementary School - Dade City
- Sand Pine Elementary School - Wesley Chapel
- Sanders Memorial Elementary School - Land O' Lakes
- Schrader Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Seven Oaks Elementary School - Wesley Chapel
- Seven Springs Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Shady Hills Elementary School - Spring Hill
- Sunray Elementary School - Holiday
- C. W. Taylor Elementary School - Zephyrhills
- Trinity Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Trinity Oaks Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Veterans Elementary School - Wesley Chapel (Opening August 2008)
- Wesley Chapel Elementary School - Wesley Chapel
- West Zephyrhills Elementary School - Zephyrhills
- Woodland Elementary School - Zephyrhills
- Watergrass Elementary School - Wesley Chapel
Special education centers
- James Irvin Education Center - Dade City
- F. K. Marchman Technical Education Center - New Port Richey
- Moore Mickens Education Center - Dade City
- Harry Schwettman Education Center - New Port Richey
Colleges / universities
- Pasco-Hernando Community CollegePasco-Hernando Community CollegePasco–Hernando Community College is the youngest two-year community college in Florida. With four campuses in Brooksville, Dade City, New Port Richey and Spring Hill, PHCC serves Pasco and Hernando counties in the central west coast of Florida....
- Saint Leo UniversitySaint Leo UniversitySaint Leo University is a private, non-profit, Roman Catholic liberal arts university established in 1889 and located in Saint Leo, Florida, 35 miles north of Tampa. The University is associated with the Holy Name Monastery, a Benedictine convent, and Saint Leo Abbey, a Benedictine monastery...
- Trinity College of Florida
- Webster CollegeWebster CollegeWebster College is a private, for profit, two-year and four-year degree granting College with campuses in Ocala, Florida, and Holiday, Florida, an Online Division and formerly of Fairmont, WV...
- Rasmussen CollegeRasmussen CollegeRasmussen College is a 110-year old for-profit private college offering Bachelor's and Associate's degrees at multiple campuses in Minnesota including Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Bloomington, Lake Elmo, Mankato, Moorhead and St...
Parks and recreation
Recreational areas include Hudson Beach, The New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center, Veterans Memorial Park, J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex F/K/A Holiday Rec Complex, the Jay Starkey Preserve, Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State ParkWerner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park is a Florida State Park located in Pasco County, Florida near Port Richey, Florida along the Gulf of Mexico. An entrance to the park is at the intersection of Scenic Drive and Cinema Drive, one mile west of the intersection of Cinema Drive/Ridge Manor Blvd. and...
, a section of the Suncoast Trail, a section of the Withlacoochee State Trail
Withlacoochee State Trail
Withlacoochee State Trail is a long paved, multi-use, non-motorized rail trail in Florida located in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties.-The route:The southern terminus is at U.S. 98/301 south of Trilby, then runs north where it crosses over U.S...
, Conner Preserve
Conner Preserve
Conner Preserve is a natural area in central Pasco County, Florida preserved for water management since 2003. The landscape includes steep sandhill ridges, marshes, cypress sloughs and pine flatwoods and is "part of a wildlife habitat corridor envisioned by Pasco County and the Southwest Florida...
, Cypress Creek Preserve
Cypress Creek Preserve
Cypress Creek Preserve is a park in Pasco County, Florida at 8720 Pump Station Road in Land O' Lakes, Florida....
, Withlacoochee River Park
Withlacoochee River Park
Withlacoochee River Park is located in Pasco County, Florida. The property is and is located at 12449 Withlacoochee Boulevard in Dade City. It includes a canoe launch, dock, of hiking trails, as well a bicycling, bird watching, picnic facilities, camping, fishing, an observation tower, and a...
, and Crews Lake Wilderness Park
Crews Lake Wilderness Park
Crews Lake Wilderness Park is located off Shady Hills Road in Pasco County, Florida. The park includes hiking trails, a short paved bike trail, playground, wooden tower, athletic fields, and a narrow gauge railroad. Rides on the railroad are offered the second Saturday of every month...
. Kayaking, canoeing, sailing, power boating, jet skiing, and fishing are popular along the coast and large tracts are preserved from development.
Pasco County, with its accommodating laws, is home to a number of Florida's nudist parks and resorts. While there is not a clothing-optional beach in the county, there are no fewer than 8 nudist parks. The oldest is Lake Como Club just north of Tampa, while a world-class resort known as Caliente, was opened several years ago, The nudist industry and its related tourism is a significant source of tax revenue for the county.
Government links/Constitutional offices
- Pasco County Board of County Commissioners
- Pasco County Supervisor of Elections
- Pasco County Property Appraiser
- Pasco County Sheriff's Office
- Pasco County Tax Collector
- Pasco County Office of Emergency Management
- Pasco Mosquito Control
- Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service
- Pasco County Public Transportation
- Pasco County Library System
Special districts
Judicial branch
- Pasco County Clerk of Courts
- Public Defender for the 6th Judicial Circuit serving PinellasPinellas County, FloridaPinellas County is a county located in the state of Florida. Its county seat is Clearwater, Florida, and its largest city is St. Petersburg. This county is contained entirely within the telephone area code 727, except for some sections of Oldsmar, which have the area code 813...
and Pasco Counties - Office of the State Attorney, 6th Judicial Circuit
- Circuit and County Court for the 6th Judicial Circuit of Florida