Land O Lakes

About Land O’ Lakes

Land O’ Lakes is a census-designated community located 30 miles north of Tampa in Pasco County. More than 36,000 residents from retirees to families enjoy its many ponds, lakes, nature preserves, parks, and open spaces. The area was once made up of many smaller towns until a naming contest was held, and on September 1, 1950, residents began calling their home Land O’ Lakes.

Land O’ Lakes History

Native Americans lived in the area until the Seminole Wars. In the 1840s, a stagecoach line came through; then in 1907 railroad tracks were laid down along the stagecoach route. Sawmills and turpentine companies flourished until the 1930s when citrus-growing became dominant. An early tourist destination called Dupree Gardens is considered “Florida’s First Roadside Attraction.” The 25-acre botanical garden opened in what is now Land O’ Lakes in 1940, and featured a riot of color with azaleas, fragrant gardenias, and cypress trees hanging with moss among its lagoons. But World War II rationing soon put an end to road trips as well as Dupree Gardens. Today, its stone ticket booth and a marker near the Dupree Lakes development is all that is left of the Florida tourist industry forerunner.

Living and Working in Land O’ Lakes

Land O’ Lakes has seen tremendous growth since the 1990s as suburban Tampa moves steadily north. But it keeps its history in mind and preserves its natural wonders as it develops, though traffic is an ongoing challenge. Most residents own their own homes. New builds run the gamut from townhouses to lakefront or gated single-family houses, with a price point to fit many budgets. Local construction and service industry jobs are growing, while Tampa offers career paths in tourism, health care, finance, technology, education, and maritime.

Things to do in Land O’ Lakes

Land O’ Lakes Community Center and Heritage Park regularly hosts community events and concerts, as well as team sports and all-around play. Connor Preserve is great for hiking, biking, horse trails, and model-plane flying. Cypress Lakes Preserve offers tent camping, paddling, boating, and trails for short and long hikes, mountain bikes, inline skaters, and equestrians. Just outside town is the Suncoast Trail, one of Florida’s longest paved bike routes. Spend time at Starkey Wilderness Park nearby or head to Clearwater for a beach day on the Gulf of Mexico.

Land O’ Lakes Transportation

Land O’ Lakes is reliant on automobile travel. U.S. Highway 41 runs north-south through town, where it’s called Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. Interstate 75, Interstate 275, and the Suncoast Parkway tollroad are just outside its borders.

Resources for Moving to Land O’ Lakes

Check out the following utility providers: For electric, there’s Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Tampa Electric, or Duke Energy. For gas, Clearwater or TECO Gas. Individuals select from an open market for trash and recycling curbside pickup unless their HOA has already negotiated with a supplier. Contact Pasco County for the latest water and sewer service providers.

With its spacious and lush natural beauty, great schools, and growth opportunities, Land O’ Lakes is a wonderful place to call home for families, empty nesters, and retirees.