Zephyrhills, Florida

Known as the "Friendly City" and the "City of Pure Water," semi-rural Zephyrhills offers the vistas of hills and gentle breezes off the Gulf of Mexico from its vantage point northeast of Tampa in the southeast corner of Pasco County. Close to major cities yet distant from the hustle and bustle, the city is known for its pastoral cattle ranches, colorful citrus groves, and productive poultry farms as well as its community events, shopping opportunities and recreational activities. Zephyrhills Bottled Water, pure spring water drawn from seven wells and bottled and sold around the world, has put the city on the map to those who've not been exposed to its winter warmth. Others have come to know Zephyrhills through its year round excellent skydiving facilities. Several newspapers serve the city with its own weekly paper supporting the community for nine decades.

The second largest city in Pasco County, with a popu­lation of 51,000 year-round area residents, this Tampa Bay community is just 35 miles from down­town Tampa. US Hwy 301 runs through the center of the city, connecting the city to the county seat, Dade City, nine miles to the north. A 15-minute drive connects residents and businesses to Interstates 4 and 75 and US 98, which provide easy access to Orlando, 84 miles to the northeast, and to Clearwater and St. Petersburg, respectively 40 miles and 50 miles to the southwest. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico and its sandy beaches are less than an hour's drive to the west. Through responsible government, concerted civic planning, a friendly and safe atmosphere, warm climate, and the ready access to plentiful restaurants and other shopping opportunities, Zephyrhills welcomes new and old alike to savor its charms.