Tampa Bay Neighborhoods
Wesley Chapel
Overview
Wesley Chapel has been a major a straw that stirs the drink in the rapid growth of Pasco County, 38th fastest-growing county in the nation and retains much in the reserve of wildlife. Also as of July 2007, a new county park opened at the southwest corner of Boyette and Overpass roads. State Road 56 is currently slated to extend east from its current terminus at Bruce B. Downs Boulevard to a terminus at US 301 in Zephyrhills, of which the first phase has begun March 2008. Wesley Chapel was also listed as one of the "8 boomtowns of 2008" by the Gadberry Group's annual list. Wesley Chapel has a new hospital called Florida Hospital at Wesley Chapel, and Pasco-Hernando State College's latest campus, Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.
Living
This is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pasco County, Florida. Wesley Chapel is considered part of the Tampa Bay Area metro. As at 2010, the population was 44,09. In 2003, certain inhabitants of Wesley Chapel pioneered a movement to integrate the community (including areas not in the official CDP). This "city, would have been their largest and most populous in Pasco County today, but never materialized. Originally called Double Branch for the area's twin creeks, the community was named for the Methodist chapel that stood on the northwest corner of SR 54 and Boyette Road. A popular alias for the area was "Gatorville." Since 2000, Wesley Chapel has experienced rapid growth and development. Newcomers from in and out of state have populated new luxury communities such as the Enclave at Wiregrass Apartments, Preserved at Quail Woods by Southern Crafted Homes, Lexington Brooksville, Oaks, Saddlewood, Bridgeview, Watergrass, Villages of Wesley Chapel, Seven Oaks, Country Walk, Chapel Pines, Northwood, Bridgewater, Meadow Pointe, Saddlebrook and Citrus Trace. Several town-home developments have been built in Saddle Creek and Santa Fe. A new retirement community is planned by Del Webb.
Schools, Health & Transportation
To its credit, the area has two middle schools and two high schools, half of which are brand new. Two of three planned malls have now opened, including the Shops at Wiregrass and a big box mall called The Grove on the northern perimeter. Wiregrass is known for its well-reviewed cafes. Development plans for Cypress Creek Town Center are underway. Two new schools have also been built, Dr. John Long Middle School and Wiregrass Ranch High School (which was built to relieve overcrowding at Wesley Chapel High School). The newest of the two high Schools and middle schools is situated in a community called Meadow Pointe.