This quiet country suburb had been for years hidden from the more popular areas around Tampa.  Now with the addition of Fishhawk Ranch thousands of families now understand the beauty of this area.

 

What initially drew attention to this ranch community was the crystal clear water of Lithia Springs a natural spring that remains 72 degrees year round.  Legend has that the Seminole Indians believed the water had a healing power.  Therefore they would travel along the Alafia River to the springs and camp so that their sick could be healed.

 

Growing up here as a boy, many stories were told of a fort that once stood at the end of Pelote Cemetery Road.  An attack by indians mortally wounded Reverend Pelote who was buried there, creating the now named Alderman-Pelote Cemetery.

 

As with most of Florida the cattle ranches sprouted.  Later, orange groves joined to create jobs and family businesses.  Phosphate was discovered in Polk and East Hillsborough County which contributes to this day jobs for many residence.

 

So if you are looking for a place to raise your kids and call home.  Lithia is definitely the place.  Maybe my opinion is a little biased, but it was great for me as a child and as a parent today.