Major Area Projects
East Pasco Major Projects
East Pasco is growing at an unprecedented pace, with new housing communities, transportation improvements, and road expansions shaping the future of our region. For business owners, these projects are more than construction—they are opportunities. Each new neighborhood brings potential customers and employees, while every road improvement creates stronger connections for commerce and logistics. By staying informed and engaged, businesses can anticipate change, adapt to construction impacts, and position themselves to thrive as East Pasco continues to expand.
Housing & Mixed-Use
Two Rivers (master-planned community; Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel area)
Large, multi-builder community adding thousands of homes over multiple phases; active villages and new releases continue along the SR-56 corridor. Expect long-run household growth and demand for services, retail, healthcare, and staffing. Two Rivers+2Two Rivers+2
What it means for business: rising customer base and workforce pool; consider pre-leasing, second locations, and targeted hiring within 3–5 miles.
Abbott Park & District vicinity (Zephyrhills)
Ongoing single-family buildout by MetroPlaces/D.R. Horton near Dean Dairy/Kossik with supporting road work historically tied to the area. Metro Development Group+2D.R. Horton+2
What it means: steady inflow of new residents; align outreach with builder welcome packets, HOA events, and new-mover campaigns.
Cottages at Abbott Station (Build-to-Rent; Zephyrhills)
$20.8M “missing-middle” rental community under construction, aimed at attainable market-rate housing—good fit for service employers needing nearby workforce. Douglas Company
Dade City—large entitlements under review/adjustment
Recent actions around major proposals (e.g., Crosswinds 2,500 units) illustrate active growth pressure and shifting approvals; monitor Planning/Development Review for timelines and conditions. Yahoo+1
What it means: stay close to city planning to time openings and understand off-site improvement requirements that may affect access and visibility.
Transportation & Roads
SR 56 Extension (US-301 → US-98) – Study Phase
FDOT’s SR-56 eastward extension would create a new east-west route allowing regional traffic to bypass downtown Zephyrhills, improving freight and commuter movement across southern Pasco (study active; factsheet updated July 15, 2025). FDOT Tampa Bay+2FDOT District 7 Studies+2
Business impact: faster crosstown travel and delivery reliability; downtown foot-traffic patterns may shift—plan signage/wayfinding and destination marketing accordingly.
US-301 (Gall Blvd) Widening & Downtown One-Way Pair (Zephyrhills)
Project will widen US-301 and create paired one-way couplets from Corey St. to CR-54, adding bike lanes/sidewalks and improving flow through downtown. Construction staging will matter for curb access and parking. FDOT Tampa Bay
Business impact: long-term accessibility gains; short-term construction disruption—coordinate driveway access, delivery hours, and construction communications with FDOT/City.
Overpass Road / I-75 Interchange (Completed 2023)
New interchange and widened Overpass Rd improve connectivity between I-75, US-301, and eastern Pasco job centers (flyover ramp, bike lanes, sidewalks). FDOT Tampa Bay+2Middlesex Corporation+2
Business impact: larger trade area and tighter logistics windows; opportunity to recruit customers/employees from north Hillsborough/Wesley Chapel faster.
MPO TIP Priorities (2025–2029) – East Pasco Items
County TIP highlights intersection and corridor priorities including Wire Rd & US-301 and other East Pasco links—useful for anticipating turn-movement changes, signal timing, and access management. Revize
Business impact: minor construction windows but improved safety/turns; watch for temporary detours.
SR-52 East Extension PD&E & County Capital Program (context)
Regional plans continue to program lane additions and studies in east/central Pasco that ultimately influence freight routes and commute sheds. FDOT EWP+2OpenGov+2
Industrial, Freight & Aviation (Business Infrastructure)
Zephyrhills Airport Industrial Park (335 acres)
Pasco EDC “Ready Sites” location adjacent to CSX; 84 acres sold to Bauducco Foods (403k sq ft; ~600 jobs). Signals strong industrial demand on the east side. Pasco Economic Development
MiTek Manufacturing (North Tampa Bay Industrial Park, Zephyrhills)
~$80M / 480k sq ft steel connector plate & builder-products plant bringing ~150 jobs; anchors the US-301/SR-56 growth corridor. Pasco Economic Development+2Business Observer+2
Zephyrhills Municipal Airport—Runway Extension (Permitting Dashboard)
State-funded project to extend Runway 1-19 to ~6,200 ft plus taxiway work to support economic development and larger aircraft; FDOT profile notes current runway lengths and capabilities. Permits+1
Business impact: better corporate aviation access, air cargo potential, and site-selection appeal for manufacturers and distributors.
Quick Actions for Business Owners
-
Stay in the loop (construction & access): Subscribe to FDOT District 7 project updates (SR-56/US-301), and track the Pasco MPO TIP for staging windows that could affect deliveries and customer access. FDOT Tampa Bay+2FDOT Tampa Bay+2
-
Leverage growth: Align hiring and hours with new-home move-ins at Two Rivers and Abbott Park; consider introductory offers tied to CO (certificate of occupancy) surges. Two Rivers+1
-
Plan for construction impacts: Prepare alternate parking/delivery plans and customer messaging during US-301 one-way pair work; use the Chamber & CRA channels for signage and wayfinding support. FDOT Tampa Bay+1
-
Explore incentives & sites: Engage Pasco EDC for Ready Sites, job grants, and supplier opportunities around MiTek and airport-area growth. Pasco Economic Development
Other Links for Information
