Citrus Park, FL
Citrus Park is an unincorporated suburban community in Hillsborough County, Florida, just northwest of Tampa. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, it's a residential area anchored by the large Citrus Park Town Center and is home to the renowned Big Cat Rescue sanctuary.
About Citrus Park
Official Status and Administrative Division
Citrus Park is an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP) located in northwestern Hillsborough County, Florida, United States . This means it does not have its own municipal government but is administered directly by the county. It is situated approximately 15 miles (24 km) northwest of the downtown area of Tampa, the county seat and a major city on Florida's Gulf Coast . Hillsborough County is a central part of the Tampa Bay area, a large and populous region known for its vibrant economy, cultural attractions, and beautiful Gulf Coast beaches.
Historical Names and Nicknames
Unlike many historic cities, Citrus Park does not have a long list of former official names. Its identity is closely tied to its development as a suburban hub.
- A Suburban Destination: The area is primarily known as a family-oriented community and a major retail destination. It is frequently described as having a "family-friendly atmosphere" .
- Mall Anchor: The community is so well-known for its large shopping center that the mall's name, "Citrus Park Town Center" (formerly "Westfield Citrus Park"), is often used as a central point of reference for the area .
Founding Date and Age
Citrus Park is a relatively young community compared to Florida's historic coastal cities. Its development as a defined suburban area began in the late 20th century, with significant growth occurring after the 1990s. A key milestone was the opening of the Citrus Park Town Center mall on March 3, 1999, which catalyzed the area's development into a major commercial and residential hub . The population has grown significantly, from 20,226 in 2000 to 28,178 in 2020, reflecting its status as a modern suburban boomtown .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Citrus Park is located in West-Central Florida, inland from the Gulf of Mexico.
- Geographic Coordinates: The area is centered approximately at 28.073° N, -82.5628° W .
- Positioning: It lies in a flat, coastal plain region, typical of western Florida. The terrain is low and characterized by numerous small lakes, wetlands, and pine flatwoods. The center of the CDP is at an elevation of just 43 feet (13 meters) above sea level .
- Setting: It is a suburban community surrounded by other unincorporated suburbs like Keystone, Carrollwood, and Westchase . It is not located directly on the coast, but is within a short drive of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
City Type and Economic Specialization
Citrus Park functions primarily as a residential suburb and a commercial hub for the northwestern part of the Tampa metropolitan area .
- Commercial & Retail Center: Its economy is heavily driven by retail and services. The Citrus Park Town Center, a 1 million square foot super-regional mall with over 200 stores and major anchors like Dillard's, JCPenney, and Macy's, is the economic heart of the community .
- Tourism & Attractions: While not a primary tourist destination itself, Citrus Park is home to one significant attraction: Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit sanctuary for large cats (lions, tigers, leopards, etc.) that is open to the public for tours and has gained international recognition .
- Residential Base: A vast majority of its workforce commutes, with nearly 82% driving alone to jobs in the wider Tampa Bay area, underscoring its role as a bedroom community .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, Citrus Park had a population of 28,178 .
- Size Classification: It is considered a medium-sized suburban community or a large census-designated place.
- Demographics: The community is diverse and reflects the broader demographic trends of the Tampa Bay area. The 2020 census data shows a significant Hispanic or Latino population (39.11%), alongside a non-Hispanic White population (42.48%) and smaller communities of Black or African American (7.17%) and Asian (6.45%) residents .
"Visiting Card" (In a Nutshell)
Citrus Park is the quintessential suburban hub of northwest Tampa, offering a blend of family-friendly residential neighborhoods and major retail convenience. Visitors come primarily for the shopping at the expansive Citrus Park Town Center or to visit the world-famous Big Cat Rescue sanctuary, while its location provides easy access to the greater Tampa Bay area's attractions via the Veterans Expressway .
Transportation
Major Highways
The primary transportation artery for Citrus Park is Florida State Road 589, the Veterans Expressway . This limited-access toll road runs north-south through the CDP, providing a crucial high-speed link to Tampa International Airport (TPA) and downtown Tampa to the south, and to the northern suburbs and the Suncoast Parkway beyond.
Public Transportation
Public transit options in Citrus Park are limited, reflecting its car-dependent nature .
- Bus Service: The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) authority provides some bus service to the area, with routes that stop at the Citrus Park Town Center and other points within the community . However, the area has a low Transit Score, indicating minimal transit options .
- Commuter Patterns: An overwhelming majority of residents, about 81.6%, drive alone to work, and the average one-way commute time is 29.6 minutes, longer than the US average. Only 0.8% of residents use mass transit for their commute .
Airports
Citrus Park is well-situated for air travel, located between two major airports .
- Tampa International Airport (TPA): The closest and most convenient major airport, located approximately 15-20 minutes south via the Veterans Expressway. It is a primary hub for domestic and international flights.
- St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE): Located to the southwest across the bay, this airport is a significant alternative, serving many low-cost carriers and charter flights.
Climate and Weather
Type of Climate and General Characteristics
Citrus Park has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) under the Köppen climate classification, typical of Florida's Gulf Coast . The weather is characterized by long, hot, and extremely humid summers and short, mild, and relatively drier winters . It is a very sunny location with abundant sunshine year-round .
Average Temperatures
Temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year .
- Hottest Months: July, August, and September are the warmest, with average daily mean temperatures around 28°C (82-83°F) . Average high temperatures in the summer months are around 32°C (90°F) . Extreme highs can occasionally reach 36°C (96°F) .
- Coolest Months: January is the coolest month, with average daily mean temperatures of 16°C (61°F) . Average high temperatures in January are around 21°C (70°F) , with lows averaging 11°C (52°F) . Temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
Precipitation and Humidity
Rainfall is abundant but highly seasonal .
- Wet Season: A distinct wet season runs from June through September. This period is marked by frequent, often torrential afternoon thunderstorms. July and August are the wettest months, each seeing an average of over 265 mm (10.4 inches) of rain and up to 28 days with measurable precipitation .
- Dry Season: The dry season runs from October through May. November is typically the driest month . The average annual precipitation is about 1348 mm (53.1 inches) .
- Humidity: Humidity is very high year-round but becomes oppressive during the summer months, making the heat feel even more intense .
Sunshine and UV Index
- Sunshine: Citrus Park is very sunny, enjoying an average of 3,556 hours of sunshine per year . April, May, and July are the sunniest months .
- UV Index: The UV index is high to extreme for much of the year. It reaches extreme levels of 11-12 during the late spring and summer months (April through August), making sun protection essential .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March to May): This is an excellent time to visit. Temperatures are warm but not yet at their peak, and the humidity is lower. It's one of the sunniest and most comfortable periods of the year .
- Summer (June to September): This season is hot, humid, and rainy. Expect daily thunderstorms and very high humidity. While indoor activities are fine, outdoor sightseeing can be uncomfortable.
- Fall (October to November): Another great time to visit. The rains subside, humidity drops, and temperatures become milder. October and November offer very pleasant weather .
- Winter (December to February): This is the mild, dry season. Days are generally sunny and warm, perfect for outdoor activities, although evenings can be cool. It is the peak season for "snowbirds" escaping northern winters .
Local Attractions and Landmarks
Big Cat Rescue
The most famous attraction in Citrus Park is Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to providing a permanent, humane home for exotic cats like lions, tigers, leopards, and cougars . Located off Citrus Park Drive, it is open to the public for guided tours, offering an up-close look at these magnificent animals and educating visitors on conservation issues. It has been featured in various media, including the Netflix documentary series "Tiger King," which brought it international attention.
Citrus Park Town Center
This is the central commercial and social hub of the community. The Citrus Park Town Center (formerly Westfield Citrus Park) is a large, enclosed super-regional mall that opened in 1999 . With over 200 stores and services, including major department stores like Dillard's, JCPenney, and Macy's, as well as a cinema and a family entertainment center (Elev8 Fun), it serves as a primary destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment for residents and visitors alike .
Nearby Parks and Recreation
While Citrus Park itself has local community parks, it is also near several larger recreational areas in Hillsborough County and Pinellas County .
- Lake Rogers Park: A nearby county park offering fishing, picnicking, and nature trails around a beautiful lake .
- John Chesnut Sr. Park: Located on the shores of Lake Tarpon, this park provides boating access, fishing piers, hiking trails, and camping.
- Brooker Creek Preserve: A large environmental lands preserve in nearby Tarpon Springs, offering extensive trails for hiking and bird-watching through a variety of Florida ecosystems .
Historical Sites Nearby
As a modern suburb, Citrus Park has few historical sites of its own, but it is within a short drive of several significant locations in the Tampa Bay area .
- Tampa Theatre (Tampa): This beautifully restored 1926 movie palace is a historic and architectural landmark, showing classic and independent films .
- Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks (Tarpon Springs): This historic district, about 20 miles away, is a major tourist attraction where visitors can learn about the area's Greek sponge-diving heritage, buy natural sponges, and enjoy Greek cuisine .
- Tocobaga Temple Mound (Safety Harbor): Located in Philippe Park, this is a prehistoric temple mound built by the Tocobaga Native American people, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient history .
- Old Lutz School (Lutz): A historic one-room schoolhouse built in 1927, now serving as a community center and museum, located just east of Citrus Park .