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Port Richey, Florida

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. As of 2020, the city had a population of 3,052.

History
In 1883, Aaron M. Richey arrived from St. Joseph, Missouri, and settled near the mouth of the Pithlachascotee River. He established a post office in his home on July 9, 1884.

Port Richey was incorporated as a municipality in 1925, in response to the incorporation of New Port Richey the previous year. The name Port Richey is older than the name New Port Richey, as the post offices were established in 1884 and 1915, respectively.

Singer Johnny Cash owned a home along the Pithlachascotee River from 1979 until 2002. Cash and his wife June Carter Cash inherited the house from Maybelle Carter after her death, and they sold it in 2002 shortly before their deaths in 2003.

The population of Port Richey has remained small, and proposals to abolish the city have gone before the voters several times.

On February 21, 2019, Mayor Dale Massad was taken into custody by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with assistance from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office and the local SWAT team on charges of practicing medicine without a license. He also later was charged with two counts of attempted homicide for opening fire on officers as they attempted to serve the warrant. The next day, Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order to remove Massad from office. Three weeks later, Acting Mayor Terrence Rowe was arrested for several charges, including obstruction of justice and use of a two-way communication device to facilitate the commission of a crime. The charges were described as an "offshoot" of the charges against Massad. DeSantis removed Rowe from office on March 20, which left the city with no one to serve as mayor. The three remaining members of city council were unable to agree on a replacement. State Senator Ed Hooper and Representative Amber Mariano sought to dissolve the city in response. This effort was later dropped.

Geography
Port Richey is located at 28.27472°N, -82.72306°W (28.274651, –82.723009).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.7 sqmi, of which 2.1 sqmi is land and 0.6 sqmi (22.99%) is water.

Climate
The City of Port Richey is part of the humid subtropical climate zone with a Köppen Climate Classification of "Cfa" (C = mild temperate, f = fully humid, and a = hot summer).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,052 people, 1,429 households, and 754 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 2,671 people, 1,454 households, and 709 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,021 people, 1,424 households, and 770 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,433.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,746 housing units at an average density of 828.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.13% White, 0.63% African American, 0.60% Native American, 1.09% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.36% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.88% of the population.

In 2000, there were 1,424 households, out of which 15.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.1% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.9% were non-families. 37.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.02 and the average family size was 2.61.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 14.8% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 27.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.1 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $27,404, and the median income for a family was $40,050. Males had a median income of $30,473 versus $22,139 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,711. About 9.1% of families and 16.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.6% of those under age 18 and 3.1% of those age 65 or over.

Public Safety
The City of Port Richey is served by the Port Richey Police Dept. and the Port Richey Fire Dept. Ambulance Service is provided by Pasco County Fire Rescue. There is a hospital within walking distance of the fire department.

Points of interest

 * Gulf View Square, an enclosed shopping mall, located north of Port Richey.

title: Port Richey, Florida


text:
San Antonio, Florida

San Antonio, or unofficially "San Ann" or "San An" as the locals call it, 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, much more commonly known as the Tampa Bay Area. It lies within Florida's 12th congressional district. The population was 1,297 at the 2020 census.

It was established as a Catholic colony by Judge Edmund F. Dunne. The city derives its name from Saint Anthony of Padua. Saint Leo University is located nearby.

History
San Antonio was founded by Edmund F. Dunne, an Irish American who had previously served as chief justice of the Arizona Territory. In June 1881, Dunne was a legal counsel involved in the Disston Land Purchase, and as his commission, received 100,000 choice acres (400 km2) of land out of the 4,000,000-acre (16,000 km$2$) purchase. The following year on February 15, 1882, while surveying the Disston Purchase with his cousin, Captain Hugh Dunne, he came upon a previously unsurveyed lake with crystal-clear water. Seeing in a prayer book that it was the feast day of St. Jovita, he named the lake and settlement after the early Christian martyr.

Judge Dunne selected the city's location on Lake Jovita's western shore and began settling it in earnest. He intended for the city to be the center of a Roman Catholic colony in Florida, then a heavily Protestant state. Dunne planned several other villages for the surrounding area including St. Thomas, Villa Maria, Carmel and San Felipe, but only the rural community of St. Joseph survives today.

In San Antonio's early years, Dunne only permitted practicing Roman Catholics to settle in the colony. The earliest settlers were mostly of Irish descent, but San Antonio's numbers were soon bolstered by German immigrants, who came to form about half the city's population by the mid-1880s. There was also a French community and, in later years, a minority of Florida cracker Protestants. As late as the 1900s, African Americans were not permitted to settle in San Antonio; in 1902, a Black American man was lynched in San Antonio for the alleged rape of a white woman.

The "Town of San Antonio" was officially incorporated as a municipality on August 7, 1891.

In June 1889, the Benedictines established the monastery of St. Leo and St. Leo College on Dunne's former homestead and farm land, later incorporating the area as part of a separate town, St. Leo, Florida. Earlier that year five Benedictine sisters established Holy Name Convent in the center of San Antonio. The nuns had come to teach at two local schools (St. Anthony School and St. Joseph School), as well as to establish Holy Name Academy. The sisters had the convent and the academy physically moved by oxen to a 40-acre parcel in St. Leo overlooking the southwestern shore of Lake Jovita in 1911. The nuns remained at St. Anthony School until the end of the 2009–2010 academic year.

At the time of its founding San Antonio was located in the southern third of Hernando County, as Pasco County was not created until June 1887. The Orange Belt Railway first began service to San Antonio in November 1887.

On June 2, 1926, the city officially changed its name to the "City of Lake Jovita" in an attempt to capitalize on the Florida Land Boom. The city also changed many of its street names, replacing explicitly Catholic names with secular ones. On May 23, 1931, the city changed its name back to the "City of San Antonio"; the secularized street names remain.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the City of San Antonio is located at 28.33667°N, -82.275°W (28.336649, −82.275011).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.2 sqmi, all land.

San Antonio has a rolling topography with elevations varying from a low of 110 feet on the western edge of the city to as high as 183 feet on a hill overlooking Lake Jovita on the eastern edge of town.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the City of San Antonio has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,297 people, 447 households, and 342 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 1,138 people, 414 households, and 302 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 655 people, 270 households, and 180 families residing in the city. The population density was 532.2 PD/sqmi. There were 286 housing units at an average density of 232.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.25% White, 1.07% Asian, 0.31% from other races, and 1.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.41% of the population.

In 2000, there were 270 households, out of which 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.8% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.3% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.03.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 27.2% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $43,125, and the median income for a family was $58,750. Males had a median income of $39,375 versus $27,031 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,287. About 9.8% of families and 10.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.7% of those under age 18 and 14.6% of those age 65 or over.

Controversial 2000 census data
In a story that wound up on the front page of The New York Times, many of the 2000 census numbers were disputed by the City Clerk of San Antonio based on the fact the city had 336 residential water customers at the time. The Clerk further asserted that most of the residents received their mail via post office box, which the US Census Bureau would not send forms to. City officials speculated that the population that year was probably closer to 900, which would be more consistent with the growth reflected in data collected in other cities throughout the county, as well as Pasco County as a whole. The 2010 census count of 1,138 residents was considered to be much more accurate.

Education
San Antonio is home to two schools. Saint Anthony Catholic School (grades PreK–8) traces its roots to the Fall of 1883 when local widow Cecilia Morse began teaching colony children in her home. By April 1884 it was officially established as a Catholic school and is by far the oldest school of any kind in Pasco County. In fact it actually predates the county by several years. San Antonio Elementary (grades K–5) was founded 98 years later in 1981 and though its campus lies entirely within San Antonio's city limits, its mailing address is actually Dade City, Florida. Holy Name Academy (grades 1–12) was established in 1889 as an "all-girls" boarding school by the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, but moved to the neighboring town of St. Leo in 1911.

Notable people

 * Chris Arnade, former Wall Street trader and documentarian, grew up in San Antonio

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: San Antonio, Florida


text:
Shady Hills, Florida

Shady Hills is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 7,798 at the 2000 census. It is in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area and home to a pigeon racing group.

Geography
Shady Hills is located at 28.40556°N, -82.5475°W (28.405633, -82.547369).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 27.4 sqmi, of which 26.2 sqmi is land and 1.2 sqmi (4.49%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,798 people, 2,811 households, and 2,144 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 298.0 PD/sqmi. There were 3,060 housing units at an average density of 116.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.83% White, 0.56% African American, 0.62% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.62% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.90% of the population.

There were 2,811 households, out of which 34.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.7% were non-families. 17.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 26.8% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $34,564, and the median income for a family was $40,090. Males had a median income of $26,805 versus $23,657 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $14,686. About 10.8% of families and 13.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.0% of those under age 18 and 16.3% of those age 65 or over.

Pigeon racing
Shady Hills is one of the premier areas for pigeon racing and hosts the Gulfcoast Homing Club, a group that races homing pigeons and hosts an annual Gulfcoast Classic competition. The event included $250,000 in prize money in 2011. Races can challenge the birds to cover 600 miles back to their home lofts. The Highlands subdivision (off Shady Hills Road in an area just south of the Hernando County line) is the center of activity for the pigeon racing participants and is home to the 200 member club and about 100 owners of homing pigeon.

title: Shady Hills, Florida


text:
St. Leo, Florida

St. Leo is a town in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The town is a suburb included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is more commonly known as the Tampa Bay area. It is best known as the home of St. Leo University, Holy Name Monastery and St. Leo Abbey. The population was 2,362 at the 2020 census. Vincent D'Ambrosio currently serves as the commission-elected mayor of the town, elected in 2022.

History
In 1889, the Benedictines established the monastery of St. Leo and St. Leo College on Judge Edmund F. Dunne's former homestead and farm land east of San Antonio, Florida on the shores of Lake Jovita, later incorporating the area as part of a new town called St. Leo.

Dunne was a legal counsel involved in the Disston Land Purchase of 1881, and as his commission, received 100,000 choice acres (400 km2) of land out of the 4,000,000 acre (16,000 km$2$) purchase. The following year on February 15, while surveying the Disston Purchase with his cousin, Captain Hugh Dunne, Dunne selected the area around Lake Jovita, which he named after St. Jovita, as his commission and began settling it.

He first established the Catholic colony of San Antonio in 1882, and later added the surrounding villages of Saint Joseph, Saint Thomas, Villa Maria, Carmel, and San Felipe. Only the rural community of Saint Joseph survives today.

The area of what is now the Town of St. Leo, although originally platted as another village by Dunne, did not receive its name until after the arrival of the Benedictine monks. The present name is derived from Pope Leo IX.

Geography
St. Leo is located at 28.33806°N, -82.25333°W (28.337929, –82.253265).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.9 sqmi, of which 1.6 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi (13.90%) is water.

St. Leo contains rolling hills with elevations from 100 ft to 180 ft.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the Town of St. Leo has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,362 people, 20 households, and 8 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 1,340 people, 106 households, and 75 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 595 people, 41 households, and 30 families residing in the town. The population density was 369.8 PD/sqmi. There were 44 housing units at an average density of 27.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 85.38% White, 8.57% African American, 1.85% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, 0.67% from other races, and 3.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.91% of the population.

In 2000, there were 41 households, out of which 43.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.1% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.4% were non-families. 22.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.10.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 5.5% under the age of 18, 77.0% from 18 to 24, 6.4% from 25 to 44, 6.2% from 45 to 64, and 4.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 20 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $37,917, and the median income for a family was $39,583. Males had a median income of $35,000 versus $7,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $8,384. About 11.4% of families and 19.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.8% of those under age 18 and 26.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: St. Leo, Florida


text:
Trinity, Florida

Trinity is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 10,907 in 2010, according to the most recent census. The Trinity Community is named after Trinity College of Florida, a Bible college founded in 1932, when it relocated to the first occupied site in the communities developed by James Gills in the late 1980s. The main plaza is found near the high school, known as Mitchell Ranch Plaza. Trinity is located at the junction where Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties meet. The community of Longleaf is located in Trinity and it is believed that the “Welcome Plank” originated in Longleaf.

Geography
Trinity is located at 28.17778°N, -82.67111°W (28.177854, -82.671139).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.7 sqmi, all land.

Trinity is a community just north of the Pinellas and Hillsborough county borders in West Pasco County. It is currently considered part of the New Port Richey area.

The town of Trinity consists of higher priced single family homes and two luxury apartment complexes. A majority of Trinity is the Trinity Communities, which is made up of Champions Club, Trinity Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Wyndtree, Chelsea Place, Natures Hideaway, Foxwood, Trinity West and East, Heritage Springs and The Villages Of Trinity Lakes. Pasco County Fire-Rescue Station #17 covers most of Trinity and Station #15 has some areas. The Pasco County Sheriff's office is the primary law enforcement agency, with the Florida Highway Patrol covering some major roadways.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,279 people, 1,683 households, and 1,479 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 906.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,863 housing units at an average density of 394.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.03% White, 0.68% African American, 1.71% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.42% from other races, and 0.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.83% of the population.

There were 1,683 households, out of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 82.6% were married couples living together, 4.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.1% were non-families. 9.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 2.71.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 20.6% under the age of 18, 2.8% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 31.7% from 45 to 64, and 20.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $68,883, and the median income for a family was $72,365. Males had a median income of $57,375 versus $31,384 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $31,187. About 1.8% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 1.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The public schools serving the Trinity area belong to the Pasco County School District. The serving school district elementary schools include Trinity Elementary School, Trinity Oaks Elementary School, Longleaf Elementary School, Odessa Elementary School, and Athenian Academy of Technology and the Arts (charter school). Kids also attend Seven Springs Middle School and J.W. Mitchell High School. Trinity private schools include Elfers Christian School, Genesis School, Solid Rock Community School and Genesis Preparatory School. Trinity College of Florida, a 4-year private Christian college, is also located here.

Airport
Trinity once shared a small airport with Odessa, FL. The Tampa Bay Executive Airport, at the corner of Trinity Blvd and SR 54, closed in 2004. Today, residents must use either Tampa International Airport or St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport.

title: Trinity, Florida


text:
Wesley Chapel, Florida

Wesley Chapel is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 64,866 at the 2020 census. It is a suburb in the Tampa Bay area.

History
Wesley Chapel originated in the mid-1800s as a cohesive community of settlers. Evidence of Native American presence in the area has been documented as early as 10,000 BC. Lumber harvesting and turpentine production became prominent industries, while cash-crop farming, citrus, and livestock ranching provided sustenance for the pioneer settlement. Charcoal kilns, gator hunting, and moonshine stills supplemented incomes and spawned legends. The community was also identified by the monikers Gatorville, Double Branch, and Godwin. From 1897 to 1902, Wesley Chapel boasted its own post office, two sawmills, and a general store. Primitive roads left residents with an informal town nucleus, and services shifted to surrounding towns until the late 20th century, when postal service and incorporation emerged, and the lumber trusts of John D. Rockefeler, Otto Hermann Kahn, and Edwin Wiley morphed into sizable ranches. The pioneer Boyett(e), Gillett(e), Godwin, and Kersey families received land grants in the area in the 1840s. The real influx of settlers, however, began around the Civil War when the Stanleys and Coopers arrived. The population was 44,092 at the 2010 census, making it the most populous community in Pasco County. In 2003, some residents of Wesley Chapel started a movement to incorporate the community as a city (including areas not in the official CDP), but these plans never materialized.

Originally called Double Branch for the area's twin creeks, the community was named for the Methodist church that stood on the northwest corner of SR 54 and Boyette Road. A popular nickname for the area was "Gatorville".

Wesley Chapel has been a major catalyst in the rapid growth of Pasco County, the 38th fastest-growing county in the nation. and retains much in the way of wildlife.

Geography
Wesley Chapel is located at 28.17861°N, -82.35056°W (28.178688, -82.350676).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 6.1 sqmi, of which 6.1 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (0.49%) is water. The elevation is about 100 ft, combined with an inland location, creates more temperature variation in the humid subtropical climate.

Residents choose the area because of its proximity to Interstate 75 and Interstate 275, 25 mi north of Downtown Tampa, and other major locales. Adjacent to its south is the region of New Tampa, part of incorporated Tampa.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 64,866 people, 20,251 households, and 15,315 families residing in the CDP.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 44,092 people, 14,491 households, and 10,650 families residing in the CDP.

In 2010, there were 15,745 households, out of which 40.19% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, 10.75% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.8% were non-families. 18.58% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.13% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.22.

In 2010, in the CDP, the population was spread out, with 28.27% under the age of 18, 4.69% from 20 to 24, 32.58% from 25 to 44, 23.36% from 45 to 64, and 8.86% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.2 years..

Growth
The area has 3 middle schools and 3 high schools, most of which are new as well as 3 charter schools. Three planned malls have now opened, including the Shops at Wiregrass, Tampa Premium Outlets, and a big box mall called The Grove on the northern perimeter. The Grove also hosts a small outlet mall called KRATE at the Grove. Wiregrass is known for its well-reviewed restaurants, bars & shops. Cypress Creek Town Center & Tampa Premium Outlets are now open (2016–17) and continuously growing. Two new schools were built in 2007 and 2008, Dr. John Long Middle School and Wiregrass Ranch High School.

In 2016, Wiregrass Elementary opened its doors next to JLMS. In 2017, Cypress Creek Middle School and Cypress Creek High School opened as the 3rd middle school and high school in the town. Pasco Hernando State College-Porter Campus has been open since 2013 next to WRHS. Wesley Chapel has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Florida according to Public School Review.

As of July 2007, a new county park opened at the southwest corner of Boyette and Overpass roads. In March 2008, State Road 56 was extended east from its then terminus at Bruce B. Downs Boulevard to a temporary terminus at Meadow Pointe Boulevard. In late 2019, it was extended further east to its final terminus at US 301 in Zephyrhills. Wesley Chapel was also listed as one of the "8 boomtowns of 2008" by the Gadberry Group's annual list. Wesley Chapel has a new hospital called Advent Health (formerly Florida Hospital) at Wesley Chapel, and Pasco-Hernando State College's latest campus, Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

title: Wesley Chapel, Florida


text:
Zephyrhills, Florida

Zephyrhills is a city in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was counted at 17,194 in the 2020 census. The city is the headquarters of the Zephyrhills bottled water company. The current mayor is Melonie Monson.

History
Zephyrhills began as the town of Abbott on April 18, 1888, and consisted of 280.74 acres. A voting district was established in 1893 followed by a post office in 1896. In 1909, Captain Howard B. Jeffries, a Civil War Union veteran from Pennsylvania, purchased 35,000 acres and created the Zephyrhills Colony Company with a plan to create a community for Civil War veterans. In 1910 the town voted to change its name to Zephyrhills; it was incorporated in 1914.

In 1941, one resident reported that Zephyrhills had a sundown town policy forbidding Black people from living within the city limits. The city created a historic district in 1999; in 2001 the Zephyrhills Historic District was nominated for and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A Founders Day celebration is held annually in March.

Geography
Zephyrhills is known for its rolling topography, hence the name.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and warm, generally dry winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Zephyrhills has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,194 people, 7,178 households, and 4,174 families residing in the city.

Of the total population in 2020, 4.4% were under 5 years old, 18.1% were under 18 years old, and 35.7% were 65 years and over. 54.9% of the population were female. There were 1,548 veterans living in the city and 8.0% were foreign born persons.

In 2020, 89.8% of households had a computer and 81.6% of households had a broadband internet subscription.

In 2020, 18.1% of the population under the age of 65 lived with a disability and 20.1% of that same population did not have health insurance.

In 2020, the median household income was $36,799 and the per capita income was $21,848. 17.8% of the population lived below the poverty threshold.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 13,288 people, 5,977 households, and 3,643 families residing in the city.

Arts and culture

The Zephyrhills Public Library was founded in 1912. According to the city's website, "The Library provides open and equal access to the resources and services of the library. The Library seeks to encourage reading and the use of technology for life-long learning and the enhancement of the community's quality of life."

Library personnel also staff the city's Depot Museum. The library is managed by a Library Advisory Board and is a member of the Pasco County Library Cooperative. A new library was built in 2014 just north of the old library.

The Zephyrhills Depot Museum originated with the 1989 purchase of the 1927 Atlantic Coast Line Depot from CSX Railroad by the City of Zephyrhills. The original depot was relocated 200 ft west of its original location. Restoration of the 2700 sqft building began in 1997 with a Grant from the State Department of Transportation. The Historical Preservation Committee and the Zephyrhills Historical Association worked together to complete the restoration. The Zephyrhills Depot Museum opened on October 20, 1998.

Major roads

 * is the main road through Zephyrhills running north and south through the city.
 * runs northwest and southeast from Plant City into US 301 in Zephyrhills, and joins US 301 as a "hidden state road".
 * is an extension of SR 41, which is a hidden state road along US 301 from the Hillsborough County Line.
 * is the main east–west road that runs through southern Pasco County, from US 19 near Holiday to US 301 in Zephyrhills. A County extension (CR 54/Eiland Boulevard) from the intersection of SR 54 and CR 579 to U.S. Route 98 in Branchborough also exists, and a western extension to CR 577 in Wesley Chapel is planned for construction.
 * is a 2002-built road between SR 54 and runs to US 301 south of Zephyrhills.
 * Pasco County Road 579 FL.svg County Road 579 (Morris Bridge Road/Eiland Boulevard/Handcart Road) is a bi-county extension of State Road 579 that runs from northern Tampa, through the western edge of the city, to west of Dade City. County Road 54 overlaps CR 579 north of SR 54 until it branches off to the east.
 * Pasco County Road 535 FL.svg County Road 535 (Chancey Road/Old Lakeland Highway) runs along the southern and eastern edge of the city and north into County Road 35 Alternate in Vitis.

Public transportation
Zephyrhills is served by Pasco County Public Transportation on routes #30, #33, and #54.

Airport
The city is served by Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. It was also once served by the 1927-built Zephyrhills Depot on the Atlantic Coast Line, which is now the Zephyrhills Depot Museum at a city park near the airport. More than 70,000 skydives are performed annually on the airport at Skydive City, Inc., the largest woman-owned drop zone in the world, founded in 1990 by Joannie Murphy and Susan Perkins Stark.

Railroads
CSX Transportation's Wildwood Subdivision goes through the eastern parts of Zephyrhills.

Public safety
The Zephyrhills Police Department consists of about 35 officers that cover the incorporated City of Zephyrhills. In September 2020, Pasco County Fire Rescue took over all fire and rescue service responsibilities for the City of Zephyrhills.

Notable people

 * Domonic Brown, baseball player
 * Dave Eiland, former Major League Baseball pitcher
 * Bobby Geudert, soccer player (died in Zephyrhills)
 * Prince Iaukea, pro wrestler (born Michael Hayner)
 * Ramiele Malubay, American Idol finalist (attended Zephyrhills High School until 2002)
 * Jessica Meuse, American Idol finalist, briefly lived in Zephyrhills
 * Tracy Negoshian, fashion designer
 * Stephen Perry, writer for the animated series ThunderCats and Silverhawks
 * Ryan Pickett, defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers, graduated from Zephyrhills High School in 1998
 * Buzzie Reutimann, race car driver
 * David Reutimann, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver
 * Carl Tanzler (aka Carl von Cosel), person who stole and preserved the corpse of Elena Milagro Hoyos

title: Zephyrhills, Florida


text:
Zephyrhills North, Florida

Zephyrhills North is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,544 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Zephyrhills North is located at 28.25°N, -82.16556°W (28.250083, -82.165528).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.1 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,544 people, 1,298 households, and 842 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,360.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,889 housing units at an average density of 1,752.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 94.34% White, 1.14% African American, 0.67% Native American, 1.38% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.06% from other races, and 1.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.30% of the population.

There were 1,298 households, out of which 13.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.7% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.1% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.96 and the average family size was 2.37.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 12.9% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 14.6% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 47.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 64 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $29,462, and the median income for a family was $32,897. Males had a median income of $28,214 versus $20,529 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $16,344. About 6.6% of families and 10.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.2% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Zephyrhills North, Florida


text:
Zephyrhills South, Florida

Zephyrhills South is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,435 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Zephyrhills South is located at 28.21639°N, -82.1875°W (28.216394, -82.187413).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.9 square miles (5.0 km$2$), all land.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 4,435 people, 2,199 households and 1,451 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,311.9 PD/sqmi. There were 3,651 housing units at an average density of 1,903.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup was 96.05% White, 0.74% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.59% from other races, and 1.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.64% of the population.

There were 2,199 households, of which 11.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. 28.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.02 and the average family size was 2.39.

11.7% of the population were under the age of 18, 3.9% from 18 to 24, 15.1% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 47.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 63 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.2 males.

The median household income was $23,483 and the median family income was $29,681. Males had a median income of $26,771 and females $20,395 for. The per capita income was $14,905. About 8.1% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.9% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Zephyrhills South, Florida


text:
Zephyrhills West, Florida

Zephyrhills West is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,242 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Zephyrhills West is located at 28.23278°N, -82.20472°W (28.232755, -82.204859).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.7 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,242 people, 2,803 households, and 1,749 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,973.4 PD/sqmi. There were 4,133 housing units at an average density of 1,555.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.60% White, 0.23% African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.40% from other races, and 0.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.08% of the population.

There were 2,803 households, out of which 8.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.4% were married couples living together, 4.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.6% were non-families. 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 25.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.87 and the average family size was 2.31.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 9.0% under the age of 18, 2.2% from 18 to 24, 11.8% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 56.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 68 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $26,195, and the median income for a family was $29,451. Males had a median income of $27,663 versus $21,346 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,921. About 8.4% of families and 10.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.5% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Zephyrhills West, Florida


text:
Bay Pines, Florida

Bay Pines is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,931 at the 2010 census. The community is home to Bay Pines Veterans Hospital and Bay Pines National Cemetery.

Historic district
The Bay Pines Veterans Administration Home and Hospital Historic District is a U.S. historic district located at 10000 Bay Pines Blvd. in Bay Pines, Florida. The district contains prehistoric aboriginal sites, and 14 Mediterranean Revival style hospital buildings constructed from the 1930s.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 27, 2012.

Geography
Bay Pines is located at 27.81917°N, -82.77667°W (27.819235, -82.776658).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.8 km$2$ (2.2 mi2), of which 3.6 km$2$ (1.4 mi2) is land and 2.2 km$2$ (0.9 mi2) (38.22%) is water.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 3,065 people, 1,465 households, and 879 families in the CDP. The population density was 851.4/km$2$ (2,198.9/mi2). There were 1,728 housing units at an average density of 480.0/km$2$ (1,239.7/mi2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.91% White, 0.23% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.46% from other races, and 0.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.35%.

Of the 1,465 households 17.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.0% were non-families. 33.6% of households were one person and 19.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.09 and the average family size was 2.66.

The age distribution was 15.8% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 22.5% from 25 to 44, 26.0% from 45 to 64, and 31.4% 65 or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.6 males.

The median household income was $32,456 and the median family income was $38,412. Males had a median income of $31,447 versus $24,886 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,041. About 1.2% of families and 3.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.0% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Bay Pines, Florida


text:
Belleair, Florida

Belleair is a town in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area, also known as the Tampa Bay area. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 4,273.

History
Belleair traces its origins to 1896 as a planned resort town with the construction of the Belleview Hotel by railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant. Originally known as Belleair Heights, the village consisted of a few dozen homes, livestock stables, and a famed 200-seat coliseum where bicycle races and political rallies were held. Over 300 acres of land were cleared and streets platted. However, real estate development in the community did not meet expectations, and the population remained small.

The former village of Belleair Heights fizzled out in the mid-20th century as urban sprawl blurred the lines between communities; the area stopped being referred to as Belleair Heights during the 1930s. Following the acquisition of the hotel by the John McEntee Bowman's Biltmore corporation in 1919, management began purchasing large tracts of land south of the resort. The Florida Land Boom was in full swing in 1924, when the company's vice president and hotel manager Earl E. Carley announced a new real estate venture of Belleair Estates.

Belleair Estates was designed by famed landscape architect John Nolen and was intended as Florida's most exclusive winter residential colony. The town initially incorporated in late 1924, though was re-incorporated in 1925 under the current name of Belleair. Development continued until the real estate bubble burst in 1926, which subsequently aided in the national Great Depression three years later. Following World War II, Belleair began to develop in earnest, with over two-thirds of the town's residences built after 1950.

The Eagles Nest Japanese Gardens was a tourist attraction in the town. It opened in 1938, but closed in 1952.

Geography
The exact coordinates for the Town of Belleair is located at 27.935°N, -82.81°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.8 sqmi, of which 1.8 sqmi is land and 1.0 sqmi (36.30%) is water.

Government
The Town of Belleair has a Commission-Manager form of government. The Town Manager in 2023 is currently Gay Lancaster.

The current mayor and commissioners in 2023 are:

 * Mayor – Michael Wilkinson
 * Deputy Mayor – Tom Kurey
 * Commissioner – Tom Shelly
 * Commissioner – Coleen Chaney
 * Commissioner – Thomas Nessler

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,273 people, 1,779 households, and 1,230 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 3,869 people, 1,702 households, and 1,025 families residing in the town.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 4,067 people, 1,973 households, and 1,225 families in the town. The population density was 2,265.8 PD/sqmi. There were 2,263 housing units at an average density of 1,260.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.35% White, 0.15% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.20% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.53%.

Of the 1,973 households in 2000, 17.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 5.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.9% were non-families. 34.2% of households were one person and 21.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.04 and the average family size was 2.58.

In 2000, the age distribution was 16.2% under the age of 18, 2.5% from 18 to 24, 20.1% from 25 to 44, 28.5% from 45 to 64, and 32.6% 65 or older. The median age was 53 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.1 males.

In 2000, the median household income was $63,267 and the median family income was $96,400. Males had a median income of $61,548 versus $31,313 for females. The per capita income for the town was $59,164. About 1.4% of families and 4.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.7% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Joseph P. Cleland, U.S. Army major general
 * Mary R. Grizzle, Florida state legislator
 * Hulk Hogan, professional wrestler and reality television star
 * Nigel Mansell, Formula One and CART driver
 * Dean Young, cartoonist of Blondie

title: Belleair, Florida


text:
Belleair Beach, Florida

Belleair Beach is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is part of Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area, more commonly known as the Tampa Bay Area. The population was 1,633 at the 2020 census.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the City of Belleair Beach is located in Central Florida at 27.92475°N, -82.83938°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.5 km2, of which 1.2 km2 is land and 3.2 km2 (72.12%) is water.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers, and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the City of Belleair Beach has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,633 people, 689 households, and 444 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 1,560 people, 678 households, and 481 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,751 people, 825 households, and 545 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,037.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,144 housing units at an average density of 1,984.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.74% White, 0.23% African American, 0.17% Native American, 1.37% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 1.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.86% of the population.

In 2000, there were 825 households, out of which 13.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.9% were married couples living together, 3.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.9% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.12 and the average family size was 2.54.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 11.9% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 20.0% from 25 to 44, 38.3% from 45 to 64, and 25.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 52 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.2 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $63,529, and the median income for a family was $90,282. Males had a median income of $56,354 versus $46,583 for females. The per capita income for the city was $61,569. About 4.0% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.6% of those under age 18 and 2.4% of those age 65 or over.

Government
The City of Belleair Beach operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is the legislative body of the city and is empowered by the charter to make policy which is then communicated to the City Manager for implementation. The City Council is composed of a Mayor and six councilmembers who are elected at large on a nonpartisan basis, which includes the Vice Mayor.

title: Belleair Beach, Florida


text:
Belleair Bluffs, Florida

Belleair Bluffs is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area, more commonly known as the Tampa Bay Area. The population was 2,311 at the 2020 census.

Geography
The exact coordinates for Belleair Bluffs is located at 27.91955°N, -82.81646°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.6 sqmi, of which 0.5 sqmi is land and 0.2 sqmi (25.40%) is water.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the City of Belleair Bluffs has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,311 people, 1,057 households, and 564 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 2,031 people, 1,185 households, and 557 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census, there were 2,243 people in 1,327 households, including 609 families, in the city. The population density was 4,857.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,503 housing units at an average density of 3,255.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.95% White, 0.18% African American, 0.98% Asian, 0.18% from other races, and 0.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.25%.

Of the 1,327 households in 2000, 9.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.9% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 54.1% were non-families. 48.5% of households were one person and 29.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 1.69 and the average family size was 2.34.

The age distribution in 2000 was 8.8% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 18.2% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 44.1% 65 or older. The median age was 60 years. For every 100 females, there were 76.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.4 males.

In 2000, the median household income was $32,528 and the median family income was $48,421. Males had a median income of $40,987 versus $25,658 for females. The per capita income for the city was $31,329. About 1.2% of families and 6.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Belleair Bluffs, Florida


text:
Belleair Shore, Florida

Belleair Shore is a town in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The town is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area, more commonly known as the Tampa Bay area. It was officially established and incorporated as a municipality in 1955. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 73.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the Town of Belleair Shore is located at 27.915°N, -82.84611°W, along the Gulf of Mexico.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.5 sqmi, of which 0.1 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi is water.

One of Florida's smallest and thinnest incorporated towns, Belleair Shore is located entirely on the west side of Gulf Boulevard, bounded by the Gulf to the west, Belleair Beach to the north and east, and Indian Rocks Beach to the south.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the Town of Belleair Shore has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 73 people, 42 households, and 35 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 109 people, 29 households, and 21 families residing in the town.

2000 census
The census of 2000 incorrectly reported that the population of the town was 0.

title: Belleair Shore, Florida


text:
Clearwater, Florida

Clearwater is a city and the county seat of Pinellas County, Florida, United States, west of Tampa and north of St. Petersburg. To the west of Clearwater lies the Gulf of Mexico and to the southeast lies Tampa Bay. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 117,292. It is the smallest of the three principal cities in the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metropolitan area, most commonly referred to as the Tampa Bay area.

Clearwater Beach is part of the city of Clearwater, but is separated from it by the Intracoastal Waterway. Cleveland Street is one of the city's historic avenues, and the city includes BayCare Ballpark and Coachman Park.

The Church of Scientology owns the majority of property in the Clearwater downtown core district.

History
Present-day Clearwater was originally the home of the Tocobaga people. Around 1835, the United States Army began construction of Fort Harrison, named after William Henry Harrison, as an outpost during the Seminole Wars. The fort was located on a bluff overlooking Clearwater Harbor, which later became part of an early 20th-century residential development called Harbor Oaks. University of South Florida archaeologists excavated the site in 1962 after Mark Wyllie discovered an underground ammunition bunker while planting a tree in his yard.

The area's population grew after the Federal Armed Occupation Act of 1842 offered 160 acre to anyone who would bear arms and cultivate the land. Early settlers included the Stevens, Stevenson, Sever and McMullen families, who claimed and farmed large tracts of land. Prior to 1906, the area was known as Clear Water Harbor. The name "Clear Water" is thought to have come from a fresh water spring flowing from near where the City Hall building is located today. There were many other freshwater springs that dotted the bluff, many in the bay or harbor itself.

Originally part of Hillsborough County, the first road joining Clearwater and Tampa was built in 1849, which dramatically reduced the prior day-long commute between the cities.

During the American Civil War, Union gunboats repeatedly raided the community's supplies, as most of the able-bodied men were away fighting for the Confederate Army. The town began developing in the late nineteenth century, prompted by Peter Demens' completion of the first passenger railroad line into the city in 1888. Clearwater was incorporated in 1891, with James E. Crane becoming the first mayor. The area's popularity as a vacation destination grew after railroad magnate Henry B. Plant built a sprawling Victorian resort hotel named Belleview Biltmore just south of Clearwater in 1897.

By the early 1900s, Clearwater's population had grown to around 400, ballooning to nearly 1,000 in the winter. Clearwater's oldest existing newspaper, the Clearwater Sun, was first published on March 14, 1914. Clearwater was reincorporated, this time as a city, on May 27, 1915, and was designated the county seat for Pinellas County, which broke from Hillsborough County in 1912. In 1915, a bridge was built across Clearwater Harbor, joining the city with Clearwater Beach to the west. Clearwater Beach, although located on a separate barrier island, belongs to the city of Clearwater and fronts the Gulf of Mexico. A new, much higher bridge now arcs over the bay, replacing the former drawbridge; the connecting road is part of State Road 60 and is called Clearwater Memorial Causeway.

During World War II, Clearwater became a major training base for US troops destined for Europe and the Pacific. Virtually every hotel in the area, including the Belleview Biltmore and the Fort Harrison Hotel, was used as a barracks for new recruits. Vehicle traffic was regularly stopped for companies of soldiers marching through downtown, and nighttime blackouts to confuse potential enemy bombers were common practice. Pre-development Sand Key was used as a target by U.S. Army Air Corps fighter-bombers for strafing and bombing practice.

Timeline

 * 1888
 * Settlement of Clear Water Harbor founded.
 * "Narrow-gauge railroad" begins operating.
 * 1891
 * Town of Clear Water Harbor incorporated.
 * 1894 – Orange Belt Railroad begins operating.
 * 1897 – Belleview Hotel in business in nearby Belleair.
 * 1900 – Population: 343.
 * 1905 – Population: 610.
 * 1906 – Clear Water Harbor renamed "Clearwater".
 * 1911 – Clearwater Yacht Club formed.
 * 1912 – Clearwater designated seat of newly created Pinellas County.
 * 1914
 * Clearwater Evening Sun newspaper begins publication.
 * Tampa and Gulf Coast Railroad begins operating.
 * 1915 – City of Clearwater incorporated.
 * 1916 – Public library and bridge to Clearwater Beach built.
 * 1918 – Pinellas County Courthouse built.
 * 1920 – Population: 2,427.
 * 1921 – Capitol Theatre in business.
 * 1923 – Peace Memorial Church built.
 * 1926 – Fort Harrison Hotel rebuilt.
 * 1930 – Population: 7,607.
 * 1948 – WTAN radio begins broadcasting.
 * 1950 – Population: 15,581.
 * 1953 – Palm Drive-In cinema in business.
 * 1959 – WAZE radio begins broadcasting.
 * 1970 – Population: 52,074.
 * 1972 – Marine Science Center established.
 * 1976
 * Church of Scientology headquartered in Clearwater.
 * Countryside Six cinema in business.
 * 1978 – May 4: Tornado occurs.
 * 1980 – Population: 85,170.
 * 1984 – Regional Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority formed.
 * 1998 – City website online (approximate date).
 * 2004 – Clearwater Public Library new building opens.
 * 2005 – Clearwater Memorial Causeway opens.
 * 2010 – Population: 107,685.
 * 2012 – George Cretekos becomes mayor.
 * 2013 – Church of Scientology's Super Power Building dedicated.
 * 2017 – Charlie Crist becomes U.S. representative for Florida's 13th congressional district.
 * 2018 – The shooting of Markeis McGlockton receives national attention and triggers a debate regarding stand-your-ground laws.

Geography
The approximate coordinate for the City of Clearwater is located at.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 101.6 km2, of which 66.2 km2 is land and 35.4 km2 (34.86%) is water.

Downtown
Clearwater's downtown has been undergoing major redevelopment in recent years. General beautification has been done along with completion of several high-rise condos and a large marina. New bars, restaurants, and other amenities are coming to the area, renamed the "Cleveland Street District". Royalty Theatre is also slated to be renovated.

Climate
Clearwater has a humid subtropical climate. Clearwater is far enough south that it lies in the broad transition zone from subtropical to tropical climates. As such, Clearwater is mostly warm to hot year round, with few nights of frost. Most of the annual rainfall comes in the wet season (June through September), when daily thundershowers erupt due to the strong solar heating. The dry season starts in October and runs through May, at which time the weather is sunny, dry, and there is little change in daily weather.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 117,292 people, 48,211 households, and 27,233 families residing in the city.

In 2019, the city's population was spread out, with 18.7% under the age of 18, 59.4% between the age of 18 and 64, and 21.9% who were 65 years of age or older.

Between 2014 and 2018, the median income for a household in the city was $47,070, and the median income for a family was $46,228. 15.9% of the population fell below the poverty line.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 107,685 people, 46,264 households, and 26,317 families residing in the city.

Languages
As of 2000, speakers of English as their first language were 84.43% of residents, Spanish as a mother tongue was 8.55%, Greek accounted for 1.16%, French made up 1.00% of speakers, German at 0.97%, and Italian speakers comprised 0.85% of the population.

Economy
Clearwater's economy employs nearly 50,400 people. Major employers include Morton Plant Hospital, Tech Data, and Honeywell. Employment in Clearwater grew 1.84% from 2015 to 2016 with 50,345 people in the workforce. The most common job groups include Service, Sales & Office, Science, and Business. As of 2020, the median household income for Clearwater was $50,335, which is below the average for both the United States as well as the state of Florida.

Art and culture
In 2012, the city was listed among the 10 best places to retire in the U.S. by CBS Money Watch.

Clearwater Public Art and Design Program
The Clearwater Public Art and Design Program, adopted by City Council in 2005, is funded through a 1% allocation on all city capital improvement projects valued at more than $500,000. The program commissions an average of 2–3 new projects per year.

Capitol and Royalty Theatre
Pre-Capitol Theatre, a bandstand stood at 405 Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater, where the community gathered to listen to music. The names of locals serving in World War I were etched on the wall of the adjacent Clearwater Sun building; this "Panel of Honor" was obscured when the original Capitol Theatre was built but uncovered when the newspaper building was torn down in 2013.

The Capitol Theatre opened March 21, 1921. It was built by Senator-elect John Stansel Taylor. The theater's architect was Lester Avery and the contractor was John D. Phillipoff. Avery is known for his architecture in Miami. Philipoff also built the Coachman Building (1916), the Donald Roebling Estate in Belleair (added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979), the old Pinellas County Courthouse (added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992), other historical homes which have been saved, and did work at the Belleview Hotel.

Groundbreaking was December 6, 1920. The "New Capitol Theatre" was damaged in a storm on October 26, 1921 (so it had been completed). A theatre organ was installed in 1922, to accompany silent films with music. The organ was made and installed by the Robert Morton Organ Company.

Donald Roebling was a frequent patron, having his own double seat installed at the theatre.

The theatre was managed by various movie companies (EJ Sparks, Paramount, ABC-Southeastern Theatres, and Plitt Southern) and played the most recent movies of the day. The theatre also offered vaudeville on Friday nights in the 1930s. Headliners included Sally Rand, Fred Stone and his daughter, and Lum and Abner (of radio). The theatre was renovated in 1962. The Morton theatre organ was most likely removed during this renovation. When Plitt Southern did not renew their contract in 1979, Bill Neville and Jerry Strain tried to save the theatre with film classics and reduced prices. However, the theatre closed its doors on October 28, 1980.

Royalty Theater Company signed leases with the Taylor family in February 1981, when it then became known as the Royalty Theater (Clearwater, Florida). The building was renovated with Ron Winter of Winter Associates as the contractor and Scott Musheff as the architect.

During the renovations, Bill Neville's murdered body was found in the balcony.

The theatre remained in the Taylor family estate until it was sold in 1996. In July 2008, the building went into foreclosure.

In January 2009, the City of Clearwater and Ruth Eckerd Hall joined forces to purchase the theatre (renamed Capitol Theatre) as well as the neighboring Pat Lokey building as part of a renovation and revitalization of the historic Capitol Theater. Fowler Associates Architects, Inc. was selected for the renovation of the Capitol Theatre. The $10 million renovation and expansion began in 2012 and was completed in 2013. In 2019, a $2.5 million donation renamed the building the Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre.

Clearwater Public Library System
In 1911, the city of Clearwater witnessed a vast population increase as well as acquiring telephones, electricity, paved streets and an ice factory. It is during this time that the Clearwater Library Association opened a subscription library on the second floor of the local People's Bank. Its popularity and support led to the request of $10,000 from the Carnegie Foundation to build a public library. The building was designed by Tampa architect F.J. Kennard. In its first year, the library had over 1,277 visitors and 2,792 books borrowed. As a vacation town, the library provided free access to materials for all residents and winter visitors.

During the Depression, the Clearwater Public Library faced many of the same threats seen at other libraries seen throughout the United States. This includes increased patron usage and dwindling budget. In the 1940s, the Clearwater library increased its staff from three assistants to five assistants. The library's collection also grew from 18,047 to over 100,000. To account for this increase, the Librarian and Board President Traver Bayly made an appeal to the City Commission for additional space.

As a result of segregation, the Clearwater Public Library was for White patrons only from its founding in 1911 to the mid-twentieth century. In 1950, the City Commission agreed to the building of the North Greenwood library. Designed by Architect Eugene Beach, the new library allowed access for the city's African American population to many information sources. This library was renovated in 1984. The new Main library was rebuilt beginning in 2000. It opened in May 2004.

As the population continued to increase throughout the late twentieth century, the library system continued to grow. The Clearwater Public Library System now includes five libraries: Clearwater Main, Countryside, North Greenwood, Beach, and East. In recent years, the Clearwater Public Library System has become increasingly digital, providing patrons with access to computers, online databases, and an online library catalog. This was made possible by the Greater Clearwater Public Library Foundation, Inc. which formed in 1984. As a part of the library's Centennial Celebration, a project is commencing to add makerspaces to the libraries. The Main library's makerspace is the "Studios at Main" and targets creative arts making.

The Clearwater Public Library System is a contributor to the Pinellas Memory Project. This system of libraries is part of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative which seeks to provide patrons with access to information and programs to benefit the community.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a small non-profit aquarium. Opening in 1972 on Clearwater Beach, the aquarium is most famous for Winter the dolphin. Rescued as a calf in 2005, Winter was one of the first dolphins to have been fitted with a prosthetic tail after losing it due to entanglement in a crab trap. The aquarium is also home to other dolphins, otters, pelicans, nurse sharks, and turtles among several species of fish and other marine life. CMA also assists in animal strandings and other emergencies regarding sea life. Animals that have stranded are rehabilitated, and if possible, released back into the wild once they have made a full recovery. It has been featured as the main setting of the American family movie series Dolphin Tale.

Sports
BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater is the spring training home of Major League Baseball's Philadelphia Phillies, as well as their Low-A affiliate, the Clearwater Threshers.

Parks and recreation
Moccasin Lake Nature Park is a 51 acre with a 5 acre owned and operated by the city. The preserve also features the Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, which offers environmental education classes, programs and camps. The Center features live rehabilitated birds of prey, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic wildlife. It opened in 1982. The City of Clearwater contains five pools: Ross Norton, North Greenwood, Morningside, the Long Center, and Clearwater Beach. Swim lessons are offered throughout the year to patrons, and the pools have both a recreation summer pool league and the Clearwater Aquatics Team. These pools have participated in the World's Largest Swim Lesson.

Government
The City of Clearwater is administered by a council-manager form of government, and the city manager serves as the chief executive and administrative officer of the city.

The Clearwater City Council comprises the mayor and four council members, each of whom serves a four-year term. The council is responsible for setting policies and making decisions on local government issues including tax rates, annexations, property code variances and large contract awards. The city manager and city council are supported by the various city departments.

Education

 * St. Petersburg College
 * Everest University
 * Clearwater High School
 * Clearwater Central Catholic High School
 * Ultimate Medical Academy
 * Clearwater Academy International
 * Clearwater Christian College
 * Nova Southeastern University

Airport
Tampa International Airport serves Clearwater and the rest of the Tampa Bay Area as the primary means of air travel. St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport has also seen its usage increase. The city owns Clearwater Air Park.

Public transportation
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus service is currently Pinellas County's only general public transit. The service offers approximately 35 local routes, two express routes which cross Tampa Bay to the east, and a beach trolley that runs north and south along the county's roughly 25 mi chain of barrier islands.

The city was formerly served by Amtrak at Clearwater station.

Notable people

 * Kirstie Alley, television and film actress
 * Austin Aries, professional wrestler
 * Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, Inc. and a minority owner of the Atlanta Hawks
 * Donald Byrd (born 1949), modern dance choreographer
 * Ricky Carmichael, supercross/motocross racer
 * Ken Climo, professional disc golfer, 12-time PDGA Professional Open World Champion and three-time PDGA Professional Masters World Champion
 * Carter W. Clarke, U.S. Army General who oversaw the Venona project and much of the post-war investigation into the intelligence failure that lead to the Pearl Harbor Attack spent his retirement in Clearwater
 * Chick Corea, jazz pianist
 * Tom Cruise, actor and film producer
 * Jared Frayer, American freestyle wrestler, competed at 2012 Summer Olympics for Team USA
 * Jeremiah George, former American football player
 * Raquel Gibson, model and actress, and Playboy Playmate of the Month (November 2005)
 * Joseph W. Hatchett, Florida Supreme Court Justice
 * Hulk Hogan, professional wrestler
 * Howard Johnson, 1986 World Series Champion with the New York Mets, Major League Baseball third baseman
 * Evel Knievel, stuntman
 * Nigel Mansell, 1992 Formula One World Champion, resident during early 1990s
 * Clark Mills, creator of international Optimist dinghy (first sailed in Clearwater)
 * Kirstjen Nielsen, former United States Secretary of Homeland Security
 * Tilian Pearson, musician, lyricist, and vocalist for post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance
 * Lisa Marie Presley, former resident
 * Gary Puckett, singer
 * Jimmy Roselli, singer-pianist, WWII veteran
 * Melanie Safka, singer-songwriter
 * Juliet Simms, musician, Scientologist, contestant on The Voice, resident from 1994 to 2006
 * Lynn D. Stewart, co-founder of the Hooters restaurant chain
 * Elsie Thompson, supercentenarian
 * Keith Thurman, professional boxer

Church of Scientology
The Church of Scientology's "spiritual headquarters" are located in downtown Clearwater. The Church refers to Clearwater as its "Flag Land Base".

The Church of Scientology owns several historical landmark buildings including the Fort Harrison Hotel and the Clearwater Bank Building. As of 2019, Scientology had purchased so much property in downtown Clearwater that it owned most of the commercial buildings in the downtown core, many of which remained vacant. According to an investigation by the Tampa Bay Times, "The [Church of Scientology], its members and companies they control now own 185 properties that cover 101 acres in the center of downtown. Half the properties were bought since January 2017. ...Seventy-three percent of the property is [now] tax-exempt for religious purposes." By 2024, the count was up to 210 parcels purchased since 2017, including the office tower where city government offices were located, and leaving only seven remaining commercial property owners who are not associated with Scientology or government.

Beginning in the 1970s under the code-name Project Normandy, the Church of Scientology began targeting Clearwater in order to "establish area control" of the city and county. The operations were exposed in a Pulitzer Prize winning series of articles in the Clearwater Sun. Gabe Cazares, who was the mayor of Clearwater at the time, went so far as to call it "the occupation of Clearwater" and later characterized it as a "paramilitary operation by a terrorist group". The Church of Scientology targeted Cazares, attempting to entrap him in a sex scandal. Scientology also staged a phony hit-and-run accident with Cazares in an attempt to discredit him. Cazares and his wife sued the Church of Scientology for $1.5 million. The church settled with Cazares in 1986.

Sister cities
Clearwater has city partnerships with the following cities:

 * 🇯🇵 Nagano, Japan
 * 🇬🇷 Kalamaria, Greece
 * 🇦🇺 Wyong, New South Wales, Australia

title: Clearwater, Florida


text:
Dunedin, Florida

Dunedin is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The name comes from Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Dunedin is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metropolitan area and is the fifth largest city in Pinellas County. The population was 36,068 as of the 2020 census.

Dunedin is home to several beaches, including Dunedin Causeway, Honeymoon Island, and Caladesi Island State Park, which is consistently rated among the best beaches in the world. Dunedin is one of the few open waterfront communities from Sarasota to Cedar Key where buildings do not completely obscure the view of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico beyond; a 1 mi stretch of Edgewater Drive (also known as Alternate US 19) south of downtown offers views of St. Joseph Sound, Clearwater Beach, and Caladesi Island. Downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach are a 6 mi drive south on Edgewater.

History
Richard L. Garrison was the first person given a land grant in Dunedin in 1850. The settlement was originally named "Jonesboro" by George Jones, the owner of the area mercantile. Two Scotsmen, J.O. Douglas and James Somerville, later named the settlement Dunedin after applying for the first post office in northern Pinellas County. The name is taken from Scottish Gaelic Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic for Edinburgh. With a dock built to accommodate larger sailing vessels, Dunedin became an important trading center and at one time it had the largest fleet of sailing vessels in the state.

In 1899, it was incorporated as the "Town of Dunedin" mainly as a response to numerous complaints about pigs running rampant in the settlement, leading to a still-standing ban on livestock within city limits. By 1913, the town had a population of only 350. It became incorporated as the "City of Dunedin" in 1926.

Dunedin and the Roebling Alligator
During and shortly before World War II the Food Machinery Corporation (FMC) factory in Dunedin (now demolished) was the primary site for the production of the Landing Vehicle Tracked (LVT) developed by FMC Dunedin's Engineers and Donald Roebling of Clearwater from Roebling's own Alligator.

Initial training on the LVT was done at the FMC factory under the auspices of the first Amphibian Tractor School, led by Major William W. Davies. Until barracks and maintenance facilities were completed, the school and its students were housed in the Hotel Dunedin. After training, the Marines from the first Amphibian Tractor School were sent to flesh out the 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion, which has served with distinction since. In mid-1944, the Marine unit in Dunedin was transferred to Camp Pendleton, California.

Geography
The City of Dunedin is located at 28.0254°N, -82.77535°W, which is the approximate geographic center of the city. The middle of downtown (intersection of Main Street and Douglas Avenue) is located at 28.0118°N, -82.7879°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 28.2 sqmi. 10.4 sqmi of it is land and 17.8 sqmi of it (63.20%) is water.

Dunedin is bordered by the city of Clearwater to the south and east, the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and by Palm Harbor (a census-designated place and unincorporated community of Pinellas County) to the north.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the City of Dunedin has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 36,068 people, 17,794 households, and 9,370 families residing in the city.

In 2020, there were 3,335 veterans living in the city. 8.4% were foreign born persons. 3.3% of the population were under 5 years old, 10.6% were under 18 years old, and 36.3% were 65 years and older. 54.3% were female persons. There were 1.95 people per household.

In 2020, the median value of owner-occupied housing units was $248,200. The median gross rent was $1,178. 92.1% of households had a computer and 84.0% had a broadband internet subscription. 94.7% of the population aged 25 years or older had a high school degree or higher. 36.3% of the population aged 25 years or older had a bachelor's degree or higher. The median household income was $55,729. The per capita income for 12 months was $39,646. 9.7% of the population lived below the poverty threshold.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 35,321 people, 16,431 households, and 9,257 families residing in the city.

Administration
The City of Dunedin currently operates under a nonpartisan commissioner-manager form of government. The commission comprises four commissioners and a mayor, who are elected by the registered voters under a staggered system.

The chief executive officer, known as the city manager, oversees the ten departments and the annual budget.

The city government is made up of ten departments with various divisions and sections. The departments are Administration, Human Resources, Information Services, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Fire, Library, Community Services, Economical Development, Planning/Development and Finance. The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) oversees downtown projects and the needs of downtown Dunedin merchants and tourism.

Dunedin boasts an extensive Volunteer Services section, and enables all citizens the chance to have their opinions expressed and tended to. Currently, there are 39 boards and committees that serve as advisory groups to the city manager and the City Commission.

Law enforcement and fire
Dunedin Fire Department has 48 firefighters split into 16 members over three shifts. The department has 3 fire stations proving fire protection for Dunedin.

Pinellas County Sheriff Office's North District Patrol provides law enforcement for Dunedin.

Economy
Dunedin previously hosted an office of Nielsen Media Research. In 2003, the company consolidated its employees in a new complex in Oldsmar, Florida, with workers from Dunedin and other areas in Pinellas County moving into the Oldsmar Building.

Until early 2005, Dunedin was the home of Nielsen Media Research's production operations.

TD Ballpark and Englebert Complex are used by the Dunedin Blue Jays and spring training facilities for the Toronto Blue Jays since 1977. TD Ballpark was built on the former Grant Field c. 1930.

The downtown business district is notable for its absence of large commercial signage, corporate franchise restaurants or chain retail stores. The Pinellas Trail, a 39 mi bicycle and pedestrian trail that traverses all of Pinellas County, bisects downtown Dunedin. A large portion of the trail lies on the former roadbed of the Orange Belt Railway, the first railroad in Pinellas County, which arrived in 1888.

Controversy
Dunedin has been accused of draconian fining of its residents. In one case, it sued a former resident to collect over a hundred thousand dollars for yard and swimming pool maintenance. There are cases where the city has charged tens of thousands of dollars over uncut grass or aesthetic city code violations. The city has a $250 to $500 per day accruing violation policy per city code § 22-79(d). "In 5½ years, the city has collected nearly $3.6 million in fines, sometimes tens of thousands at a time, for violating laws that prohibit grasses taller than 10 inches, recreational vehicles parked on streets at certain hours or sidings and bricks that don't match." The case was dropped about a month after it was initiated (in 2019) due to intense national scrutiny over the matter.

Traditions
The sister city of Dunedin is Stirling, Scotland, and it has maintained and embraced its Scottish roots. Once a year, Scottish clans descend upon the city for the Dunedin Highland Games. Both Dunedin High School and Dunedin Highland Middle School have competition-level pipe and drum bands. The high school's marching band is known as the Scottish Highlander Band, and both teen and adult members make up the City of Dunedin Pipe Band.

In addition to the Highland Games, Dunedin hosts many other annual festivals. The most popular among these is Dunedin's Mardi Gras celebration, during which thousands of visitors descend on the small town.

City Hall
Located on 737 Louden Avenue, the Dunedin City Hall house the offices of the City Commission, City Manager, City Clerk, Communications, Community Development, Economic & Housing Development, Engineering, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Utility Billing. The new city hall, opened in 2023, replaced the old city hall located at 542 Main Street. The new Dunedin City Hall is designed with a concept based on a wave, suggesting Dunedin’s identity as a coastal city. This design also aligns with the city’s branding, which features a wave/nautical flag design. The building materials include natural limestone panels and manufactured ledgestone. The curtainwall across the front of the Commission Chambers reflects the "transparency of government."

Historic buildings
Located on Edgewater Drive, the Fenway Hotel is a historic hotel that saw many famous guests throughout its lifetime.

Other historic structures in Dunedin:

 * Andrews Memorial Chapel, built in 1888
 * J. O. Douglas House, built in 1880
 * Willis S. Blatchley House, built in 1916
 * Dunedin Golf Club 11th Hole Bridge, 1926

Recreation

The city of Dunedin contains a Parks & Recreation Department, which provides low-cost recreation programming to the city's residents. The city operates four recreation facilities, each one designed to provide resources for a specific age group.

In 2007, Dunedin opened its newest and largest recreation facility, the Dunedin Community Center at a cost of just over $10 million. The project was mostly paid for by the "Penny for Pinellas" tax. The St. Petersburg Times wrote that Marston "figured that since the county needs recreation programs of its own and the city needs a new community center, why not ask the county to pay for the project in exchange for access to the new facility." Marston's proposal marked a turning point for the city as it saved Dunedin taxpayers millions, and allowed Dunedin officials to replenish vital strategic reserves. The center features classrooms / multi-purpose rooms, dance and exercise rooms, fitness center, gymnasium, kids area, gaming room, library, playground, rental facility, stage.

The Dunedin Fine Art Center (DFAC), opened in 1975, has grown to be one of the most renowned centers for visual art instruction and exhibition in the southeastern United States. At nearly 40,000 sqft, DFAC houses five galleries, 15 studio classrooms, the Gallery Gift Shop, the Palm Cafe and the DLM Children's ART Museum. Tampa Bay Times writer Lennie Bennett says that DFAC is "the artistic equivalent of a village square," offering quality experiences to people of all ages.

Since 1977, Dunedin has been the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays, as well as the class-A Dunedin Blue Jays of the Florida State League. In April and May 2021, the Toronto Blue Jays played their regulation games at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, due to COVID-19 cross-border restrictions. Dunedin is one of the smallest communities used by Major League spring training teams, although surrounded by a large metropolitan area. TD Ballpark is situated next to the Dunedin Public Library a few blocks south of downtown on Douglas Avenue, and is just two blocks east of Edgewater Drive. The stadium was built as a replacement to Grant Field, the Blue Jays' first spring training ball park. The library was founded in 1895 and is the oldest public library in Pinellas County.

Other recreation facilities includes:

 * Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center – classrooms, game room, gymnasium, outdoor basketball courts, picnic area, playground, rental space, skate park, teen room
 * Hale Seniors Activity Center – ballroom event rooms, classrooms, meeting rooms, exercise room, computer room, game room, gift shop, rental rooms
 * Dunedin Nature Center
 * Highlander Pool Complex/Kiwanis Spraygrounds – outdoor pool open from April to September
 * Dunedin Country Club – a semi-private golf course with memberships available and the course is open to the public. The course was deeded to the city of Dunedin for recreational purposes in 1930 by the Contract Investment Company.

The city has a large athletic base, with community soccer, baseball, hockey, and softball teams. Dunedin reflected the Gaelic origins of its name by playing host to a short lived American shinty club, Dunedin Camanachd, in the mid-2000s.

In 2011, the City of Dunedin passed ordinance 2011-04 which authorized the street-legal use of golf carts across approximately 60% of the city.

City owned parks include:

 * Achieva Paw Park
 * Amberlea Park and Playground
 * Dunedin Recreation Center and Playground
 * Eagle Scout Park
 * Edgewater Park and Playground - waterfront park with marinas and kayak launch area
 * Elizabeth Skinner-Jackson Park and Playground - features a basketball court
 * Hammock Park and Playground - located next to baseball fields used by Greater Dunedin Little League
 * Happy Tails Dog Park (closed February 2019)
 * Highlander Park
 * Josiah Cephas Weaver Park and Playground
 * Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center and Playground
 * Scotsdale Park and Playground
 * VFW Playground

Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island State Park are located in Dunedin along St. Joseph Sound on the west side.

The city-owned Dunedin Marina has 194 boat slips and is one of the finest municipal marinas on the West Coast of Florida. The marina is located on the Intracoastal Waterway between Dunedin Causeway and Clearwater Causeways. It is home to the Dunedin Boat Club, one of Florida's oldest Sailing Clubs.

Library
The Dunedin Public Library has two branches, the Dunedin Main Library (located at 223 Douglas Ave) and the Friends Branch Library (located at 1920 Pinehurst Road), which opened in 2007. The library is considered the oldest library in Pinellas County. In 1895, Christopher B Bouton, a resident from Cleveland, gave the city of Dunedin 200 books for public use. Mr. Bouton's brother owned the town's meeting hall but gave ownership of it to the Dunedin Library Association to house the public library and a reading room. The building became known thereafter as Library Hall. Belle Culton (Mrs. S. Arthur) Davies was named Dunedin's first librarian in 1920 after the Dunedin Woman's Club took over the running of the library. By this point, the library's collection had grown from 200 books to over 2,000.

In 1935, the City of Dunedin took over the Library when the collection grew to be 7,000 titles. As the population of Dunedin and the usage of the library grew, the facility was in need of more space. Two new libraries were built, one in 1956, on Louden Avenue and another in 1964, on Main Street. Mary (Mrs. William Lovett) Douglas, who was appointed as head librarian in 1935, retired and was replaced by Annie Elizabeth (Mrs. W. Dwight) Niven in 1957. Niven would later be officially appointed as library director in 1959 as the collection continued to grow. In late 1972, Niven retired and was originally going to be replaced by Elizabeth Bradley, but was later replaced by Lucy Eddy in early 1973. After serving for a little over a year, Eddy was replaced by Sydniciel Shinn in July 1974.

In 1976, the Library leased and moved into a vacant space in the Douglas Plaza Shopping Center, which was purchased by the City of Dunedin for the Library in 1986. After Shinn’s retirement in March 1988, Julia J. (Mrs. Raymond L.) Noah was appointed as the new library director after working as a library employee for 10 years. In 1989, the estate of Franklin Chase Milliken, a retired attorney, was left to the City of Dunedin to benefit the Dunedin Public Library. After years of planning, the City Commission approved funding for a 38,000 square foot building in 1994, costing approximately $3.5 million. Beginning in 1992, the library paved way to the introduction of the internet and new technologies. They began to replace old systems with new public computers and converted their library services, such as the catalog and circulation checkouts, to be available online. Noah later retired as director in July 1994, replaced by Wendy (Mrs. James P.) Foley in October of that year. Soon after the Library's centennial in April 1995, the collection was moved into trailers while the old building was torn down and a new one was built in the same location. The new building opened to the public on September 3, 1996.

As part of their offerings and services, the Dunedin Public Library offers monthly delivery service to homebound residents of Dunedin. Other offerings include a seed library where patrons can check out seeds for gardening, a knitting and crocheting group, and genealogy assistance. The Dunedin Public Library initiated a Little Free Library movement in Pinellas County. There are currently thirteen Little Free Libraries within Dunedin. The Literacy Council of Upper Pinellas, Inc., which promotes adult literacy in North Pinellas County, serves the Dunedin Public Library.

Dunedin Public Library is currently a part of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative (PPLC), a coalition of all public libraries within Pinellas County, Florida.

Infrastructure
Dunedin's major highway US Route 19 Alternate connects the city with the rest of Florida, while Main Street and Pinellas County Road 1 provides local connections.

The closest airport is St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport located southeast of Dunedin.

Notable people

 * Clayton Andrews, former MLB pitcher
 * Nadia Azzi, classical pianist, child prodigy
 * Sean Burnett, former MLB relief pitcher
 * Mike "Pinball" Clemons, football player and coach of the Canadian Football League Toronto Argonauts; born and raised in Dunedin, and graduated from Dunedin High School
 * Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida
 * Sylvia Earle, oceanographic explorer and marine biologist
 * John G. Hanna, sailboat designer, designed the Tahiti ketch
 * Jim Hendry, special assistant to the New York Yankees, former GM of the Chicago Cubs
 * Doron Jensen, restaurateur and co-founder of Homestyle Buffet
 * Michael D. Knox, psychologist, antiwar activist, and scholar
 * George Lowe, TV actor best known for playing Space Ghost on the comedic animated TV series Space Ghost Coast to Coast
 * Daniel Norris, MLB pitcher for the Detroit Tigers
 * David Nutter, TV director for numerous series, including Game of Thrones and The X-Files; graduate of Dunedin High School
 * Donnie Scott, former MLB catcher
 * Frank Sprogell, professional golfer and golf course architect
 * Lari White, country singer
 * Mike White, head coach for the Georgia Bulldogs men's basketball team
 * Henry S. Whitehead, author of weird fiction, fantasy, and horror stories, mainly published in Weird Tales magazine
 * Bobby Wilson, former MLB catcher; catching coordinator for the Texas Rangers
 * Don Zimmer, former MLB baseball player, coach and manager for Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays

title: Dunedin, Florida


text:
East Lake, Pinellas County, Florida

East Lake is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It was one of the last areas in the densely populated county to develop and often confused with East Lake in neighboring Hillsborough County. The population was 32,344 at the 2020 census.

Geography
East Lake is located at 28.1°N, -82.69722°W (28.099957, -82.697220). The unincorporated community is located just north of Oldsmar and east of Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 81.8 sqkm, of which 74.9 sqkm is land and 7.0 sqkm (8.50%) is water.

The closest beach is Honeymoon Island State Park. The closest county park is John Chesnut Sr. County Park, which covers approximately 255 acre off the east shore Lake Tarpon.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 32,344 people, 13,495 households, and 9,158 families residing in the CDP.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 30,962 people, 13,195 households, and 8,654 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 29,394 people, 11,854 households, and 8,914 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 381.1 /km2. There were 13,339 housing units at an average density of 172.9 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 94.87% White, 1.11% African American, 0.14% Native American, 2.31% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.58% from other races, and 0.98% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.72% of the population.

As of 2000, there were 11,854 households, out of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.1% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.8% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.88.

In 2000, in the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.8% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 94.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.4 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the CDP was $67,546, and the median income for a family was $79,029. Males had a median income of $61,625 versus $32,289 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $36,206. About 3.1% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.

Schools
East Lake High School has managed to rate equivalently with Palm Harbor's University High School (both A+ rated), despite not having the attraction of an International Baccalaureate program like Palm Harbor University High. Additionally, East Lake is home to an engineering magnet middle school (East Lake Middle School) and two large elementary schools (Brooker Creek Elementary and Cypress Woods Elementary).

Public Library
The East Lake Community Library is the public library that services the East Lake and greater Pinellas County area. It is a member of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative. The library itself is a result of community initiative which resulted in the ELCL opening a physical building November 1, 1999.

In 2013 the ELCL "became an independent library with its own taxing district, thereby providing a new revenue stream for operational expenses and enhancements to the building. This also resulted in an increase in hours, staffing, programs, services, and collections."

The library's outdoor space is designated as a Florida Butterfly Garden. As of January 2015, the library has established a special collection area for local, self-published authors to submit their works for circulation and display.

In 2016, then Governor Rick Scott passed the Florida State Budget granting the ELCL a $1,000,000 in funding for expansion of the library. On November 20, 2017, the library broke ground on the phase 1 of the expansion which aimed to expand the library by 2,600 square feet.

title: East Lake, Pinellas County, Florida