Introducing Dade City:
- Located In: Pasco County
- Population: 6,188 (Source: U.S. Census 2000)
- Community Type: Residential-commercial
- Size: 3.4 square miles
- Zip Codes: 33523, 33525 and 33526
- Government: Five city commissioners are elected at-large for staggered four-year terms; a mayor is elected by the city commission.
History of Dade City:
Incorporated in 1889, Dade City blossomed due to its close ties to agriculture, particularly the citrus industry. The city’s central landmark at the heart of its historic downtown district is the original Pasco County Courthouse, built in 1909.
The county seat of Pasco County, the Greater Dade City area includes San Antonio, Darby, St. Leo, St. Joe, Lacoochee, Trilby and Ridge Manor.
Things To Do In Dade City:
Dade City’s multitude of antique malls and stores specializing in vintage collectibles clustered in the historic downtown district draws many visitors annually. Frequent antique events and an annual antique fair provide an opportunity for the city to show off its Southern hospitality.
Dining In Dade City:
- George & Gladys’ Bar-B-Que, 19215 U.S. Highway 301
- Kafe Kokopelli, 37940 Live Oak Ave.
- Lunch On Limoges, 14139 Seventh St.
- Osceola Tavern, 13941 Seventh St.
- Tom’s Real Burgers, 15323 U.S. Highway 301
What Makes Dade City Special:
The Tampa Bay area may not immediately evoke images of scenic, rolling hills and nostalgic main street settings, but Dade City, found in Eastern Pasco County, boasts both types of vistas as well as a host of antique dealers collected in the city’s charming downtown district. The city’s shops and restaurants attract weekend visitors from nearby Tampa and Lakeland and around the state.
The city’s downtown district was, in fact, an early participant in the Main Street Program. Dade City hosts a number of community-sponsored events, including the Kumquat Festival, Church Street Christmas, Classic Car Cruise-in, Battle of Brilliance bicycle race and the Country Christmas Stroll as well as an annual antique fair.