Land O' Lakes is a fast-growing suburban community north of Tampa, named for the many lakes scattered across its rolling landscape.
The area now called Land O' Lakes grew out of several small settlements, including Ehren, Denham, and Gowers Corner. Ehren was named by German sawmill owners Frederick and Louis Muller; the word means "place of honor" in German. By 1910 the little community had a hotel, a school, and a busy pine lumber mill.
As the 20th century went on, these scattered communities gradually merged into one larger area that would take on a new name reflecting its most striking natural feature.
In 1950, following a public naming contest, the community was officially renamed Land O' Lakes on September 1. The name fit perfectly, with roughly 50 lakes dotting the area's 18 or so square miles.
Land O' Lakes is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place, not an incorporated city. It is governed by Pasco County, and it has no separate city government of its own.
Sitting just north of Tampa along U.S. Route 41, Land O' Lakes has become one of Pasco County's fastest-growing suburban areas. New neighborhoods, schools, and shopping have followed families drawn by its central location and green, lake-filled setting.
Even as it grows, the community keeps a relaxed, outdoors-oriented character, with its many lakes offering fishing, boating, and quiet waterfront views close to the conveniences of the greater Tampa Bay region.
Land O' Lakes appeals to families who want a little more space and greenery while staying within easy reach of Tampa's jobs, hospitals, and airport. Larger lots, nearby preserves, and a small-town feel set it apart from the busier city to the south.
The surrounding area is dotted with parks, nature trails, and recreation spots, and community events help neighbors connect throughout the year. Popular gathering places and youth sports fields give families plenty of room to play and put down roots. For many residents, Land O' Lakes offers the best of both worlds: a calmer, nature-filled home base with big-city amenities only a short drive away.
Land O' Lakes is part of the Responders First service area. If you serve — or have served — as a police officer, deputy, firefighter, paramedic, EMT, corrections officer, or in the military, and you live or work in or around Land O' Lakes, you and your immediate family are eligible for our free five-day wellness program and year-round counseling. Our core therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), can bring measurable results in as few as 1–5 sessions. No diagnosis, department referral, or paperwork is required, and your participation is never shared with your employer or agency.
Yes. Every service — the free five-day wellness program, year-round one-on-one counseling, and the Saturday peer-to-peer group — is 100% free and confidential for first responders, veterans, active-duty military, and their families in Land O' Lakes and the surrounding area. You are never billed or asked for insurance.
No. You do not need a diagnosis, a referral, or any paperwork from your department to take part. If you serve or have served — or you love someone who does — you are eligible.
No. Responders First operates independently of any department, agency, or branch. Your participation — and anything discussed during the program — is never shared with your employer, chain of command, or insurer.
Every service is free and strictly confidential. No diagnosis, referral, or paperwork required — a brief phone call is all it takes to start.