Florida's Sports Coast Tourism Office

Located on the Gulf of Mexico in the Tampa Bay area, Pasco is part of a nine-county region referred to as the "Nature Coast." Just 30 miles north of Tampa and about 50 miles west of Orlando, Pasco's central location makes it easy for visitors to enjoy all that West Central Florida has to offer! Encompassing more than 740 square miles, Pasco has six diverse cities, including the historic county seat of Dade City and the area's largest city, New Port Richey. Click the destination links above to explore and learn more about this unique vacation destination! Why is Pasco County called Pasco County? Pasco County was created in 1887 from the southern part of Hernando County. It was named for Samuel Pasco, who served in the Confederate Army, the state legislature and in the United States Senate from 1887 to 1899.