AREA
   The Groves is located in Central Pasco County, which is the southern most county of Florida's Nature Coast. This area is known as Land 0' Lakes. The entrance to The Groves is on US 41 between Hwy 52 on the North and Hwy 54 on the South, It's just twenty-two miles to downtown Tampa. The new Suncoast Parkway with direct access to Tampa is three miles west of The Groves. The Groves is adjacent to the proposed "New Town" of Connerton, which is expected to change the face of Central Pasco County over the next 20 years. Its town center is some two miles east. The Groves is accessed from I-75 five miles to the east and US 19 sixteen miles to the west.

One of the advantages of living at The Groves is its close proximity to all the features and benefits of the big city while living outside the "hustle and bustle". The Groves semi-rural location provides a lifestyle of serenity in the country. Some features of the surrounding area and the Tampa - St. Petersburg metro district are described below.

SHOPPING
Two neighborhood shopping centers are six miles south at the intersection of US 41 and Hwy 54. These centers provide numerous services and are anchored by U-Save and Publix markets, Walgreen Drug and Walmart. Eleven miles south on Dale Mabry Blvd. abundant shopping of all types is available including Carrollwood Mall, Tampa's University Square Mall with Burdines, Dillards, Sears, JC Penney, and Montgomery Ward plus Brandon's Town Center Mall are just 20-30 minutes away. Several smaller convenience markets are also nearby.

AIR TRANSPORTATION
The Tampa International Airport (TIA) is located 22 miles south of the Groves. All major airlines have flights from TIA to most cities plus international connections to Europe and South America. The airport is approximately a 35 minute drive from our gate. A little further away, just off the Courtney Campbell Causeway, is the St Pete / Clearwater International Airport, which is a full service facility attracting more than a million passengers a year. There are also several private air fields in the area.

CULTURAL
The Tampa - St. Pete area has a fascinating history as a haven for pirates. Today the Community by the Bay is vibrant with activities. Major sports franchises now call the area home. They include the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the NHL Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Major League Baseball Tampa Bay Devil Rays. At the Florida Aquarium and the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center Broadway hits, Operas and orchestral performances are attractions and cultural opportunities open all year round. The University of South Florida, fifteen miles to the south, is one of Florida's most renowned centers of education specializing in Business & Education. Closer to home, the "New Town" of Connerton is the planned location of a new Pasco County Junior College and already existing Pasco Community College West where continuing education opportunities will be available to everyone.

CLIMATE
Many choose to live in the Land O' Lakes area because of the temperate climate which gives them the opportunity to enjoy Florida sun with a hint of northern coolness. The average Spectacular Summer temperature is 85 and the average Wonderful Winter temperature is 67. The sunniest months are April & May.

GULF BEACHES
For a fun day at the beach, pack your picnic basket and travel only 15 miles to Hudson Beach. There are boat ramps, boardwalks, fishing access and picnic areas with shelters. Other beaches close by are Robert K. Rees Park in New Port Richey and Anclote River Park in Holiday. The average Gulf breezes and water temperature are ideal during spring and summer at 80 degrees. Tarpon Springs, Clearwater, Indian Rocks, Redington, Madeira, Treasure Island and St. Petersburg Beaches line the Gulf Coast and are within 45 mins. - I hour away.

GULF FISHING AND MARINAS
Daily fishing charters are available at the nearby beaches in Port Richey, New Port Richey and Hudson. Remember, if you have your own boat, The Groves has an RV & boat storage area.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
If you're not in the mood for the beaches, lakes and golf course a short ride will get you to the following: Busch Gardens, Lowry Park Zoo and the Florida Aquarium only 20 minutes away. Disney World and their other theme parks are only 90 minutes away. Local activities include fascinating events year round such as rodeos, fairs, music festivals, horse racing and Jai-Lai.

MEDICAL
General service medical care is available in nearby Land 0' Lakes. Only 20 minutes away University Community Hospital, located adjacent to the University of South Florida, is a major complex and one of the state's most highly rated medical facilities. This 430-bed hospital includes "Centers of Excellence" in Diabetes, women's and senior's care, orthopedics and the Pepin-Vascular Wing. The Lee Moffet Cancer Clinic and a full service VA Hospital are also located in the complex. East Pasco Medical Center with 120 beds featuring a cardiac catherization center is 35 minutes away. For emergencies, there are two EMS stations within 6-8 minutes of The Groves.

HOUSES OF WORSHIP
For your spiritual guidance, there are many diverse Houses of Worship.