Pasco County was named for Samuel Pasco (1834-1917). Pasco came to Florida in 1850 from Charlestown, Mass. He entered the Confederate Army as a private, was wounded and captured at Mississippi Ridge and stayed in prison until 1865. Pasco was then released on parole with the rank of a sergeant and returned to Florida. From 1866 to 1868 Pasco served as clerk of the circuit court in Jefferson County. In 1887, Pasco was elected as a U.S. Senator. Hernando County, at this time, was filling rapidly with a number of settlers, many who tired of the long trips to Brooksville, the county seat, to take care of business matters. The best way to relieve this journey was to enact a county division. The original name that was thrown around for Pasco County, was Banner County, however, it appeared that the name Banner County was not favored among the people. On June 2, 1887, Governor Perry signed a bill to divide the County of Hernando and make Citrus and Pasco Counties. Today, Pasco County, Florida has grown to be the home of cities such as Zephyrhills, Bayonet Point, Gulf Harbor, Beacon Square, Shady Hills, Elfers, Trinity, Wesley Chapel, St. Leo, Shady Hills, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Land O' Lakes, San Antonio, Dade City, Holiday, Hudson and Lacoochee. Located on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, Pasco County offers an abundance of water fun. Whether it's a lazy day of sun bathing, snorkeling, paddling, diving or fishing, Pasco County provides the haven that many have been searching for. From Beacon Woods Golf and Country Club in Bayonet Point to Meadow Oaks Golf and Country Club in Hudson, some of the State of Florida's most amazing golf courses help to enrich Pasco County. A day in Zephyrhills will provide you with one of the few places in Florida where you can enjoy their year round skydiving facilities. For student jumpers, your first jumps will be tandem with a freefall videographer capturing the experience for you. A day of fun and thrill rides at Busch Gardens or splashing around at Adventure Island in Tampa is only an hours’ drive away. For a quick two hour trip you can spend the day with Mickey and Minnie at Walt Disney World, MGM Studios, Epcot, or Universal Studios in Orlando. With Pasco County situated along Florida's Nature Coast, the opportunities for real estate are endless. If you’re looking for a place to retire or a place to raise a family, Pasco County provides all that you're searching for. From the small rural community of Lacoochee with a population of less than 1,500 people, to the bustling county seat of Dade City, Pasco County's adversities are endless. Waterfront homes with Grand Oaks located in New Port Richey, offer homeowners the opportunity to enjoy the beauty that the waters surrounding Pasco County have to offer. The upscale neighborhoods of Wesley Chapel provide all of the conveniences of modern homes with a short commute to Tampa for the city workers that are looking for the serenity of a small community after the hustle and bustle of a work day in Tampa. San Antonio offers that 'home town feel' with a population of less than 1,000 people, its incredible community festivals bring you right back in time to the 'good ol' days' of Florida. Most famous for its Annual Rattlesnake Festival in October which provides a snake show, live entertainment and Gopher Turtle Races! Relocating to Pasco County can provide a wonderful place to enjoy your life to its fullest. With it's amazing array of people, places, history and things to do, Pasco County offers opportunities to learn, laugh and make memories that will stay with you forever.