St. Anthony of Padua Church
Historical marker location:
32832 Massachusetts Avenue (St. Anthony Way), San Antonio, Florida
( Marker is on Massachusetts Avenue (St. Anthony Way) west of Joe Herrmann Drive, on the left when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 2011
Established 1883. Second Oldest Catholic Church on Floridas West Coast
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The Florida Keys, a chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida, were once a notorious pirate haven. Many famous pirates, including Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, are said to have frequented the area.
About Pasco County
Pasco County Timeline
Pasco County, Florida has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, particularly the Tocobaga and Seminole tribes. These tribes thrived in the region thanks to the abundant natural resources available, including fertile land and access to the Gulf of Mexico for fishing.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area and established several missions. The area was then ceded to the United States in 1819 as part of the Adams-Onís Treaty, which ended Spanish control in Florida. However, it wasn't until the mid-19th century that settlers began to populate the region. Pasco County was officially established in 1887 and named after Samuel Pasco, a prominent Florida politician.
The late 1800s saw the rise of agriculture as the main industry in Pasco County. Farmers cultivated crops such as citrus, tobacco, and vegetables, utilizing the county's fertile soil. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s further boosted the agricultural economy and allowed for the transportation of goods to other markets.
In the mid-20th century, Pasco County saw significant population growth and development. With the construction of the State Road 54 and Interstate 75, the county became more accessible, leading to the establishment of residential communities and commercial centers. Today, Pasco County is known for its rapidly expanding population and diverse economy, with sectors such as healthcare, education, tourism, and manufacturing playing a significant role in its growth.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area and established several missions. The area was then ceded to the United States in 1819 as part of the Adams-Onís Treaty, which ended Spanish control in Florida. However, it wasn't until the mid-19th century that settlers began to populate the region. Pasco County was officially established in 1887 and named after Samuel Pasco, a prominent Florida politician.
The late 1800s saw the rise of agriculture as the main industry in Pasco County. Farmers cultivated crops such as citrus, tobacco, and vegetables, utilizing the county's fertile soil. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s further boosted the agricultural economy and allowed for the transportation of goods to other markets.
In the mid-20th century, Pasco County saw significant population growth and development. With the construction of the State Road 54 and Interstate 75, the county became more accessible, leading to the establishment of residential communities and commercial centers. Today, Pasco County is known for its rapidly expanding population and diverse economy, with sectors such as healthcare, education, tourism, and manufacturing playing a significant role in its growth.
Pasco County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Pasco County, Florida.
- 1887 - Pasco County is established on June 2.
- 1889 - Dade City is established, becoming the county seat.
- 1901 - Land O'Lakes is founded by Charles and Mollie Johnson.
- 1905 - Zephyrhills is incorporated as a town.
- 1921 - New Port Richey is incorporated as a city.
- 1924 - The first courthouse is built in Dade City.
- 1931 - The first bridge connecting the county to Pinellas County is completed.
- 1945 - Port Richey is incorporated as a city.
- 1952 - The second courthouse in Dade City is completed.
- 1956 - The first hospital, Pasco General Hospital (now called Bayfront Health Dade City), opens.
- 1974 - The new Pasco County Government Center is built in New Port Richey.
- 1981 - The Suncoast Parkway (State Road 589) opens, providing a direct route from Pasco County to Tampa.
- 1991 - Land O'Lakes High School wins the National Football Championship.
- 2000 - Pasco County population reaches over 344,000.
- 2004 - Pasco-Hernando State College is established.
- 2018 - Pasco County celebrates its 131st anniversary.