Pasco County, Florida
Template:Short descriptionTemplate:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox U.S. county
Pasco County is a county located on the west central coast in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2024, the population of the county is 656,851, making it the tenth-most populous county in the state.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Its county seat is Dade City,<ref name="GR6">Template:Cite web</ref> and its largest city is Zephyrhills. The county is named after Samuel Pasco.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Pasco County is included in the Tampa Bay Area and historically has been a bedroom community for Tampa and St. Petersburg.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Though, recent companies are constructing major centers, such as Moffit Cancer Center's Speros campus, which is expected to bring over 11,000 jobs.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
It includes numerous parks and trails located along rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, lakes, and highway/railroad right-of-ways. Several nudist resorts are located in Pasco. It has become known as the "naturist capital of the United States," beginning with a development in 1941.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> West Pasco includes retirement areas, commercial fishing, and suburbs of Tampa. The Suncoast Parkway as well as U.S. 19, U.S. 41, U.S. 98, U.S. 301, and Interstate 75 all pass through Pasco. The county is directly west of Polk and Sumter counties, north of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, and south of Hernando County.
History
[edit]
Pasco County was created on June 2, 1887, from the southern third of Hernando County. The legislation was passed by former Governor Edward A. Perry to divide Hernando County into three counties.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> The legislation also created Citrus County from the northern third of Hernando County. The county was named after Samuel Pasco, who had just been elected to the United States Senate.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Dade City was named the temporary county seat with the same legislation to make Pasco County. It stayed temporary until March 14, 1889, when W.B. Lynch got a petition with 320 signatures to hold an election for the county seat. The board accepted the petition with the election for April 11, 1889. On April 16, 1889, Dade city won with 432 votes of the 765.<ref name=":1" />
As early as 1914, residents of the western part of the county proposed forming a separate county or merging with Pinellas County, as Dade City was not centrally located in the county.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The issue was finally resolved in 1979 with the construction of identical government centers in both Dade City and New Port Richey, now called West Pasco Government Center and East Pasco Government Center.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The earliest towns were Anclote, Blanton, Dade City, Earnestville, Fort Dade (not to be confused with Fort Dade on Egmont Key), Macon (Trilby), Lacoochee, St. Leo,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and San Antonio.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Citrus was an important industry when the county was formed, although a decline followed a freeze in 1895.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Several large sawmills operated in the county in the early part of the 20th century.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The county has experienced significant population growth since the 1970s, growing by over 600%.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The growth began along the Gulf coast but is now occurring most rapidly in areas north of Tampa.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Geography
[edit]According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of Template:Convert, of which Template:Cvt is land and Template:Cvt (14.0%) is water.<ref name="GR1">Template:Cite web</ref>
A portion of Eastern Pasco County contains rolling topography with elevations from Template:Cvt, along with San Antonio and St. Leo.
Adjacent counties
[edit]- Hernando County—north
- Sumter County—northeast
- Polk County—southeast
- Hillsborough County—south
- Pinellas County—southwest
Climate
[edit]The county has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) and average temperatures in Dade City range from 59.2 °F in January to 82.1 °F in July and August while in Port Richey they range from 59.0 °F in January to 82.2 °F in August.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Demographics
[edit]| Race | Pop 2010<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Pop 2020<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 372,239 | 392,375 | 80.1% | 69.83% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 19,010 | 31,601 | 4.09% | 5.62% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 1,236 | 1,388 | 0.27% | 0.25% |
| Asian (NH) | 9,609 | 16,408 | 2.07% | 2.92% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 223 | 308 | 0.05% | 0.05% |
| Some Other Race (NH) | 686 | 2,771 | 0.15% | 0.49% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 7,158 | 23,883 | 1.54% | 4.25% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 54,536 | 93,157 | 11.74% | 16.58% |
| Total | 464,697 | 561,891 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 561,891 people, 209,483 households, and 139,278 families residing in the county.
As of the census<ref name="GR8">Template:Cite web</ref> of 2000, there were 344,765 people, 147,566 households, and 99,016 families residing in the county. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 173,717 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. 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.
Government and politics
[edit]Template:PresHead Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresRow Template:PresFootThough the county seat is in Dade City, duplicate county government offices and court facilities are also located in the New Port Richey area on the west side of the county.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Pasco County was a swing county for much of the 20th Century. It has supported Republicans in every election since 2004 when it supported George W. Bush before swinging leftward in the 2008 election (though Democrat Barack Obama lost the county, it was only by less than 4 points). Since then, the county has trended more Republican in every election.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> With most recently, Donald Trump in 2024 breaking 61.87% of the vote for the first time since 1984.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Transportation
[edit]Aviation
[edit]- Zephyrhills Municipal Airport (ZPH)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Pilot Country Airport (X05)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Tampa North Aero Park (X39)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Hidden Lake Estates Airport (FA40, private airport near Moon Lake)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Bus service
[edit]Pasco County Public Transportation provides several bus services throughout Pasco County.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Routes
[edit]For detailed information on the routes, go to the Pasco County Public Transportation page.
As of May 2025, GoPasco has 11 routes that serve many areas in the county:<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>
Route 14
[edit]Route 14 serves the central-west side of Pasco County, with 65 stops, taking you from Elfers to Pasco-Hernando State College - West Campus. <ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Route 16
[edit]Route 16 serves the north-west side of Pasco County, with 61 stops, taking you from Moon Lake to Pasco-Hernando State College.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Route 18
[edit]Route 18 serves the south-west side of Pasco County, with 35 stops, taking you from New Port Richey to Tarpon Springs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The route also connects up to the Pinellas County Bus System (PSTA) and the Clearwater Jolley Trolley.<ref name=":4" />
Route 19
[edit]Route 19 serves the north-west side of Pasco County, with 53 stops, taking you from Bayonet Point to Tarpon Springs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The route also connects up to the Pinellas County Bus System (PSTA).<ref name=":4">Template:Cite web</ref>
Route 20
[edit]Route 20 serves the central-north side of Pasco County, taking you from Shady Hills to Hernando County.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The route also connects up to Hernando County Transit (TheBus).<ref name=":4" />
Route 21
[edit]Route 21 serves the north-west side of Pasco County, with 68 stops, taking you from Bayonet Point to Hernando County.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The route also connects up to Hernando County Transit (TheBus).<ref name=":4" />
Route 23
[edit]Route 23 serves central Pasco County, with 28 stops, taking you from Trinity to Hudson.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Route 25
[edit]Route 25 serves eastern Pasco County, with 48 stops, taking you from Holiday to Port Richey.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Route 30
[edit]Route 30 serves eastern Pasco County, with 66 stops, taking you from Zephyrhills to Lacoochee.<ref name=":0" />
Route 31
[edit]Route 31 serves north-east Pasco County, It has 40 stops, taking you in a loop, starting and ending in Dade City.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Route 54
[edit]Route 54 serves south Pasco County, with 59 stops, taking you from Elfers to Wesley Chapel.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Railroads
[edit]CSX operates three freight rail lines within the county. Dade City and Zephyrhills are served by the Wildwood Subdivision. The other two lines include the Brooksville Subdivision which runs close to US 41 and the Vitis Subdivision, which runs southeast into Lakeland. Amtrak formerly provided passenger rail service to Dade City on that line, but the stop was terminated in late 2004.<ref name="Amshack">Template:Cite web</ref>
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 Seaboard Air Line Railroad branch stretching from Zephyrhills to Trilacoochee, the former Tampa and Thonotosassa Railroad along the east side of US 301 that spanned from Sulphur Springs to Zephyrhills, part of the Orange Belt Railway which became the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad which ran from St. Petersburg and entered the county in what is today Trinity to Trilby (abandoned during the early to mid-1970s), and a branch of the Seaboard Air Line that ran through Holiday, Elfers and into New Port Richey.
The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad until 1957 ran the Southland through Trilby and Tarpon Springs, en route to St. Petersburg. The train was unusual for providing passenger service direct from Chicago (via the Pennsylvania), Cincinnati and Atlanta on a direct route through the western part of the Florida peninsula, bypassing Jacksonville.<ref>Pennsylvania Railroad, January 1954, page 9, Table C http://streamlinermemories.info/PRR/PRR54-1TT.pdf</ref><ref>Maiken, Peter. Night Trains, Johns Hopkins University Press, 1989, p. 142.</ref> The Seaboard Coast Line (a merged line from the Atlantic Coast Line and the Seaboard Coast Line) until 1971 ran a local train (the last passenger train for the region north of St. Petersburg and west of Dade City) through those towns from Jacksonville and Gainesville, bound for St. Petersburg.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Prior to the 1967 merger for the SCL that service had been the western branch of the ACL's Champion from New York City.<ref>April 1967 ACL Timetable, Table 14, reproduced http://www.thejoekorner.com/brochures/acl-timetable/</ref> Until 1968 the SCL ran its Sunland from Washington, DC and Portsmouth, VA to Tampa.<ref>Seaboard Coast Line timetable, December 31, 1967, Table 20</ref>
The SAL Tarpon Springs branch line from Tarpon Junction 14 miles west of Tampa to Elfers and thence to Newport Richey to New Port Richey was lost its passenger service and became listed as freight only between 1932 and 1938.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The freight branch was truncated to Elfers in 1943. The tracks from Elfers and Chemical (an industrial area in the extreme southwest part of the county along the Anclote River west of Holiday) to Tarpon Springs had its last freight train on December 24, 1986, leaving the western half of the county without freight rail service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Major roads
[edit]- File:I-75.svg Interstate 75 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.
- File:Toll Florida 589.svg Suncoast Parkway 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 54 (Exit 19), Ridge Road (Exit 25), SR 52 (Exit 27), and County Line Road (Exit 37).
- File:US 19.svg U.S. Route 19 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.
- File:Alt plate.svg
File:US 19.svg Alternate 19 is a former section of US 19 that runs closer to the Gulf of Mexico in Pinellas and southern Pasco County than US 19. - File:US 41.svg U.S. Route 41 (Land O' Lakes Boulevard) is the main south-to-north U.S. Highway through Central Pasco County. It enters the county from Lutz in Hillsborough County and serves as a commercial 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.
- File:US 98.svg U.S. Route 98 runs northwest and southeast from Hernando County to Polk County. Concurrent with US 301 between Trilacoochee and Clinton Heights.
- File:US 301.svg U.S. Route 301 (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 Park 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.
- File:Florida 39.svg State Road 39 runs northwest and southeast from Plant City into US 301 in Zephyrhills
- File:Florida 41.svg File:Pasco County 41.svg 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 CR 541.
- File:Pasco County Road 578 FL.svg 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.
- File:Florida 52.svg 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.
- File:Florida 54.svg 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 Zephyrhills.
- File:Florida 56.svg State Road 56 is an east–west route that extends from SR 54 near Land O' Lakes, to just east of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and the new campus of Pasco–Hernando State College in Wesley Chapel. The road was constructed in 2002, and is planned, Template:As of, to be extended to US 301 south of Zephyrhills.
- File:Florida 575.svg State Road 575 the northernmost state road in Pasco County.
- File:Florida 581.svg Bruce B. Downs Boulevard
- File:Pasco County Road 77 FL.svg Rowan Road/East Lake Road (CR 77)
- File:Florida 597.svg Dale Mabry Highway
- File:Pasco County Road 587 FL.svg Moon Lake Road/Decubellis Road/Massachusetts Avenue (CR 587) (N)
- File:Pasco County Road 587 FL.svg Gunn Highway (CR 587) (S) is a short north and south extension of Gunn Highway(SR 54) that runs through Northern Hillsborough County towards Dale Mabry Highway and Busch Boulevard.
- File:Pasco County Road 1 FL.svg Little Road (CR 1) is a major four to six lane county road in western Pasco County bypassing US 19 between southeast of Aripeka and Trinity.
- File:Pasco County Road 996 FL.svg Trinity Boulevard (CR 996)
Public safety
[edit]Pasco County: The Pasco County Sheriff's Office is the law enforcement agency responsible for Pasco County and is the county's largest law enforcement agency.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Pasco County Fire Rescue (PCFR) provides fire protection and emergency medical services throughout the county. Pasco County Fire Rescue has 30 stations placed around the county. Their headquarters, located in Land O' Lakes holds the administration, staff chief, public information, community risk reduction, and ambulance billing departments.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The ambulance billing department oversees all ambulance billing including Citrus County, and Hernando County fire rescue.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Pasco County Fire Rescue also has a mobile integrated health program to help those after an overdose. The program can help patients with medical and dental needs, mental health and therapy, transportation to medical appointments, withdrawal management, counseling, and shelter/housing.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The agency has two arson investigators and three fire investigators that determine the origin and cause of fires throughout unincorporated Pasco County. Pasco County Fire Rescue conducts all fire inspections within the unincorporated portions of the county.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Pasco County Jail is managed by the Pasco County Corrections Department.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
New Port Richey: The New Port Richey Fire Department provides fire protection services within the City of New Port Richey. The Department has 2 Fire stations located within the City.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Pasco County Fire Rescue covers all emergency medical services for the New Port Richey Fire Department.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref> New Port Richey Police Department is the responsible law enforcement agency within the City of New Port Richey.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Port Richey: The Port Richey Fire Department provides fire protection services within the City of Port Richey.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Department has 1 Fire station located within the City. Pasco County Fire Rescue covers all emergency medical services for the Port Richey Fire Department.<ref name=":2" /> Port Richey Police Department is the responsible law enforcement agency within the City of Port Richey.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Dade City: Dade City Police Department is the responsible law enforcement agency covering incorporated Dade City. Pasco County Fire Rescue covers all fire protection and emergency medical services for the City of Dade City.<ref name=":2" /> New Port Richey Police Department is the responsible law enforcement agency within the City of Dade City.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Zephyrhills: Zephyrhills Police Department is the responsible law enforcement agency within the City of Zephyrhills.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In September 2020, Pasco County Fire Rescue took over all fire rescue service responsibilities for the City of Zephyrhills.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Education
[edit]Public schools in the county are operated by Pasco County Schools.<ref>Template:Cite web - Text list</ref>
The county has seen explosive growth in 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year is 85,855 students with a total of 4,966 teachers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
High schools<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
[edit]- Anclote High School - Holiday
- Angeline Academy of Innovation - Land O’ Lakes
- Cypress Creek High School - Wesley Chapel
- East Pasco Education Academy - Dade City
- Fivay High School - Hudson
- Gulf High School - New Port Richey
- Hudson High School - Hudson
- J. W. Mitchell High School - New Port Richey
- Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation - Wesley Chapel
- Land O' Lakes High School - Land O' Lakes
- Pasco High School - Dade City
- Pasco eSchool
- River Ridge High School - New Port Richey
- Sunlake High School - Land O' Lakes
- Wendell Krinn Technical High School - New Port Richey
- Wesley Chapel High School - Wesley Chapel
- West Pasco Education Academy - Hudson
- Wiregrass Ranch High School - Wesley Chapel
- Zephyrhills High School - ZephyrhillsTemplate:Div col end
Middle schools<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
[edit]- Angeline Academy of Innovation - Land O’ Lakes
- Bayonet Point Middle School - New Port Richey
- Centennial Middle School - Dade City
- Charles S. Rushe Middle School - Land O' Lakes
- Chasco Middle School - Port Richey
- Crews Lake Middle School - Spring Hill
- Cypress Creek Middle School - Wesley Chapel
- Gulf Middle School - New Port Richey
- Hudson Academy - Hudson
- John Long Middle School - Wesley Chapel
- Kirkland Ranch K-8 - Wesley Chapel
- Pasco eSchool
- Pasco Middle School - Dade City
- Paul R. Smith Middle School - Holiday
- Pine View Middle School - Land O' Lakes
- R. B. Stewart Middle School - Zephyrhills
- River Ridge Middle School - New Port Richey
- Seven Springs Middle School - New Port Richey
- Skybrooke K-8 - Lutz
- Starkey Ranch K-8 School - Odessa
- Thomas E. Weightman Middle School - Wesley ChapelTemplate:Div col end
Elementary schools<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
[edit]- Achieve Center at Richey - New Port Richey
- Achieve Center at Wesley Chapel - Wesley Chapel
- Anclote Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Bexley Elementary School - Land O' Lakes
- Calusa Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Centennial Elementary School - Dade City
- Chasco Elementary School - Port Richey
- Chester W. Taylor Elementary School - Zephyrhills
- Connerton Elementary School - Land O' Lakes
- Cotee River Elementary School - New Port Richey
- 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
- Gulf Highlands Elementary School - Port Richey
- Gulf Trace Elementary School - Holiday
- Gulfside Elementary School - Holiday
- Hudson Academy - Hudson
- Hudson Primary Academy - Hudson
- James M. Marlowe Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Kirkland Ranch K-8 - Wesley Chapel
- Lacoochee Elementary School - Dade City
- Lake Myrtle Elementary School - Land O' Lakes
- Longleaf Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Mary Giella Elementary School - Spring Hill
- Mittye P. Locke Early Learning Academy - New Port Richey
- Moon Lake Elementary School - New Port Richey
- New River Elementary School - Wesley Chapel
- Oakstead Elementary School - Land O' Lakes
- Odessa Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Pasco Elementary School - Dade City
- Pasco eSchool
- Pine View Elementary School - Land O' Lakes
- Quail Hollow Elementary School - Wesley Chapel
- Richey Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Rodney B. Cox Elementary School - Dade City
- 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
- Skybrooke K-8 - Lutz
- Starkey Ranch K-8 School - Odessa
- Sunray Elementary School - Holiday
- Trinity Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Trinity Oaks Elementary School - New Port Richey
- Veterans Elementary School - Wesley Chapel
- Watergrass Elementary School - Wesley ChapelTemplate:Div col end
Special education centers
[edit]- Fred. K. Marchman Technical College - New Port Richey
- Harry Schwettman Education Center - New Port Richey
- James Irvin Education Center - Dade City
Charter schools
[edit]- Academy at the Farm (K-8) - Dade City
- Imagine School at Land O' Lakes<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Classical Preparatory School (K-12) - Spring Hill<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Magnet schools
[edit]- Angeline Academy of Innovation - Land O' Lakes<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Centennial Elementary School - Dade City<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- James M. Marlowe Elementary School - New Port Richey<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation - Wesley Chapel<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Kirkland Ranch K-8 - Wesley Chapel<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Sanders Memorial Elementary School - Land O' Lakes<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Wendell Krinn Technical High School - New Port Richey<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Private schools
[edit]- Academy at the Lakes (JK–12) - Land O' Lakes
- Bishop Larkin Catholic School (EC–8) - Port Richey
- Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School (9–12) - Spring Hill
- Center Academy (4-12) - Lutz
- East Pasco Adventist Academy (K–10) - Dade City
- First Christian Academy (K-8) - New Port Richey
- Genesis Preparatory School (6–12) - New Port Richey
- Saint Anthony Catholic School (K–8) - San Antonio
Colleges and universities
[edit]- Pasco–Hernando State College
- Rasmussen College
- Saint Leo University
- Trinity College of Florida
- Webster College
Museums
[edit]- Aripeka Historical Museum<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Museum of Archaeology, Paleontology and Science Museum<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- National Comedy Hall of Fame<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Pioneer Florida Museum<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Rao Musunuru, M.D. Museum & Library<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Zephyrhills Museum of Military History<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Zephyrhills Train Depot Museum<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Libraries
[edit]Pasco County Library Cooperative
[edit]The Pasco County Library Cooperative (PCLC) is the public library system that serves residents of Pasco County.<ref>Pasco County Library Cooperative. (2012). 2012-2015 strategic vision, www.pascolibraries.org/PascoLibraryStratPlanFinal2.pdf</ref> It consists of eight branch libraries and one cooperative partner, the Zephyrhills Public Library.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Pasco County Libraries operated on a budget of $6,205,291 for fiscal year 2016–2017. Pasco Libraries circulated 2,623,024 items during that period.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The head of library services reports to the Assistant County Administrator for Public Services.<ref>Pasco County Board of County Commissioners. (2012). Annual budget Pasco County FY 2013, http://www.pascocountyfl.net/Archive.aspx?ADID=644 Template:Dead link</ref>
Pasco County Library Cooperative Libraries
[edit]- Centennial Park Branch Library<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Hudson Library<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Hugh Embry Branch Library<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Land O' Lakes Branch Library<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- New River Branch Library<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Regency Park Branch Library<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- South Holiday Branch Library<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Zephyrhills Public Library<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
New Port Richey Public Library
[edit]The New Port Richey Public Library<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> is located in the New Port Richey area of Pasco County. It is the only public library in Pasco County that is not a part of the Pasco County Library Cooperative. Since the library is independent, it issues its own library cards. Cards are free for all Pasco County residents and for those who pay property taxes to the city of New Port Richey. Members of libraries which have reciprocal borrowing agreements with the NPR library are also issued free cards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Aripeka Library
[edit]While the Aripeka Library is small and is not a "public" library, it has over 5,000 books.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It is in the same building as the Aripeka Historical Museum.<ref name=":3" />
Parks and recreation
[edit]Pasco county has hundreds of recreational parks and activities, such as beaches, sports, historical, trails, playgrounds, recreational complexes and preserves. In total, Pasco County has 6,900 Acres of Environmentally Sensitive Land and 15,000 Acres of Park Land, Trails and Open Space.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Many are operated by Pasco County themselves, but many are also city and state operated:
State Parks<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
[edit]County Parks<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
[edit]Athletic Parks
[edit]- Arthur F. Engle Memorial Park
- John S. Burks Memorial Park
- Oakridge Park
- Pine Hill Park
- Samuel Pasco Athletic Park
- San Antonio Athletic Complex
- Starkey Ranch District Park
- W.H. Jack Mitchell JR. Park
Beach Parks
[edit]- Anclote River Park
- Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park
- Robert K. Rees Memorial Park
- Sunwest Park
Community Centers
[edit]- Dade City Armory
- Elsie Logan Memorial Park
- James Irvin Civil Center
- Land O' Lakes Heritage Park
- Odessa Community Park
Fresh Water Lakes
[edit]- Middle Lake Park (closed indefinitely for repairs)
- Moon Lake Park
Gulf Coast Parks
[edit]- Anclote Gulf Park
- Eagle Point Park
- Key Vista Nature Park
Historical Parks
[edit]- Oelsner Indian Mound
Neighborhood Parks
[edit]- Aloha Gardens Park
- Beacon Square Park
- Lake Lisa Park
- Peterson Park
- Stanley Park
- Trilby Park
- Turtle Lake Park
Preserves and Conservation Areas
[edit]Recreational Complexes
[edit]- J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex
- Land O' Lakes Recreational Complex
- Veterans Memorial Park
- Wesley Chapel District Park
.JPG){kind=link}
Wilderness Parks
[edit]City Parks
[edit]Dade City<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
[edit]- Hibiscus Park
- Naomi Jones Pyacantha Park
- Mickens Field
- Polly Touchton Park
- Price Park
- Watson Park
New Port Richey<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
[edit]- Cotee River Park
- Frances Avenue Park
- Grand Boulevard Park
- James E. Grey Preserve
- Jasmin Park
- Meadow Dog Park
- Peace Hall
- New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatics Center
- Sims Park and Orange Lake
- Sims Park Boat Ramp
Port Richey<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
[edit]- Brasher Park
- Nick's Park
- Oelsner Park
- Port Richey Waterfront Park
- Wilmslow Park
- Dog Enjoyment Center
San Antonio<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
[edit]- City Park
Zephyrhills<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
[edit]- Allice Halls Community Center
- Clock Plaza
- Depot Park
- Ellis Harrold Park
- Gunner Paw Park
- Hercules Park
- Krusen Park
- Shepard Park
- Transplant Park
- Veteran's Memorial Park
- Water Park
- Wickstrom Stage
- Zephyr Park
- Zephyrhills Skate Park
Trails
[edit]Pasco county has many trails, with over 65 miles of paved and 250 miles of unpaved trails in the county. The most notable paved trails are:<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Coastal Anclote Trail - 4.5 miles
- Starkey Boulevard Trail - 4.5 miles
- Starkey Gap Trail - 2.4 miles
- Starkey Wilderness Trail - 7.3 miles
- Suncoast Trail - 21.5 miles
- Withlacoochee State Trail - 2.9 miles
Communities
[edit]
| Name | Type of community | Population (2010) |
|---|---|---|
| Aripeka | Census-designated place | |
| Bayonet Point | Census-designated place | 23 467<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Beacon Square | Census-designated place | 7 224<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Connerton | Census-designated place | |
| Crystal Springs | Census-designated place | |
| Dade City | City | 6 437<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Dade City North | Census-designated place | |
| Elfers | Census-designated place | 13 986<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Heritage Pines | Census-designated place | |
| Holiday | Census-designated place | 22 403<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Hudson | Census-designated place | 12 158<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Jasmine Estates | Census-designated place | 18 989<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Key Vista | Census-designated place | |
| Lacoochee | Census-designated place | |
| Land O' Lakes | Census-designated place | 31 996<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Meadow Oaks | Census-designated place | |
| Moon Lake | Census-designated place | |
| New Port Richey | City | 14 911<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| New Port Richey East | Census-designated place | 10 036<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Odessa | Census-designated place | 7 267<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Pasadena Hills | Census-designated place | 7 570<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Port Richey | City | |
| Quail Ridge | Census-designated place | |
| River Ridge | Census-designated place | 13 494<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| San Antonio | City | |
| Shady Hills | Census-designated place | 11 523<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| St. Leo | Town | |
| Trilby | Census-designated place | |
| Trinity | Census-designated place | 10 907<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Wesley Chapel | Census-designated place | 44 092<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Zephyrhills | City | |
| Zephyrhills North | Census-designated place | |
| Zephyrhills South | Census-designated place | 5 276<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Zephyrhills West | Census-designated place | 5 865<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
Unincorporated communities
[edit]- Blanton
- Branchborough
- Darby
- Gulf Harbors
- Hudson Beach
- Jessamine
- Lumberton<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Richland
- Seven Springs
- St. Joseph
- Starkey Ranch
- Trilacoochee
- Vitis
Notable residents
[edit]- The Bellamy Brothers, country duo from Darby known for the hit "Let Your Love Flow"
- John Cena, actor and professional wrestler; resides in Land O' Lakes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Debbie Deb, freestyle singer; resides in New Port Richey
- Mudcat Grant, professional baseball player
- Brooke Magnanti, scientist and author of Secret Diary of a Call Girl, was born in New Port Richey.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref>
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- History of Pasco County (1943) by Jefferson Alexis Hendley.
- Horgan, James J., Alice F. Hall, and Edward J. Herrmann, The Historic Places of Pasco County, Pasco County Historical Preservation Committee, Pasco County, Florida.
External links
[edit]Template:Geographic Location Template:Pasco County, Florida Template:Tampa Bay Area Template:Geography of Florida