Pasco County

Pasco County is situated along the "Nature Coast" of Florida overlooking the beautiful blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

US Highway 19 runs through the county, which lies just north of Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Pasco County is also conveniently located for trips to Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens, Sea World and Universal Studios.

In Pasco County you'll enjoy comfortable winters, the January temperatures range in the 60's and summertime hovers near 90 degrees. Gentle Gulf breezes keep things pleasant, a relief from sizzling summer temperatures found elsewhere in the South.

Pasco County claims a population of 389,776. Municipalities located here include: New Port Richey with a population of 16,334; Zephyrhills, population 11,828; Dade City, population 6,615; and Port Richey, which has 3,167 residents.

Pasco County was created from parts of Hernando County in 1887. The name honors Florida’s United States Senator, Samuel Pasco. The county's first courthouse was completed on January 3, 1910 and it recently underwent a $2.3 million renovation effort to restore it to its original glory.

The landscape in Pasco presents a unique blend of plants, animals, winding rivers and wetlands, all waiting to be explored.

The shady, slow-moving rivers, natural springs, a Gulf shoreline and moss-draped oaks lend themselves to great bird watching, horseback riding and hiking expeditions. One of the best ways to explore Pasco’s natural beauty is take a stroll or bike ride along the Suncoast Trail. Or take a hike on a number of trails throughout the county including Withlacoochee River Park.

Travel back in time on The Dade City Trolley Tour, or walking tours through New Port Richey and Zephyrhills. Join residents in celebrating Pasco’s cultural diversity and experience Florida’s citrus history at the Citrus History Museum.

With 20 miles of shoreline and numerous lakes and rivers, fishing in Pasco County is a popular pastime. Spend the morning fishing or charter a trip where everything has been taken care of, including tackle, bait and licensing.

Pasco is home to many fresh and saltwater species of fish including: largemouth bass, catfish, Spanish mackerel, snook, tarpon, cobia, trout, redfish, and grouper.

Other activities include enjoying a game of golf at Lake Jovita or Saddlebrook Resort. Leading tennis magazines rate Saddlebrook as one of the top resorts in the USA.

Pasco County boasts more than 30 visitor-friendly parks and preserves scattered throughout the county. At Sims Park, bask in the sunshine on one of the many benches edging the river and bird watch. Perhaps you may even see a gentle manatee.

A visit to Withlacoochee River Park brings foot trails, a fishing dock, picnic shelters and playgrounds and a canoe launch. Pasco County’s only state park, Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, is brand new and open for public enjoyment.

The James E. Grey Preserve is 50 acre of wetlands and 30 aces of uplands with an exceptional array of wildlife on a prehistoric hunting camp by American Indians.

You can also enjoy lounging in the Florida sun or swimming in the Gulf waters at the Anclote River Park, Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park or Robert K. Rees Memorial Park

Pasco County's coast also offers some of the best diving in Florida. From 10 to 35 miles offshore, at depths of 20 to 90 feet, divers can observe numerous fish species in all colors, shapes and sizes and explore diverse sunken treasures.

There are several ledges with colorful sponge gardens to discover, as well as a sunken freighter and crane. Experienced divers can challenge their senses at Hudson Grotto, a Gulf Coast sinkhole with 110-foot walls.

Annual events in Pasco County include: Pioneer Day, Bluegrass Festivals, Jazz Concerts, the Will Mclean Festival, the San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival, the Florida Old Time Music Championships, and the Zephyrhills AutoFest.