Day 1 of 117 on our "Go West, Young Man" Two Lane Adventure - 6/27/18

Today is Wednesday 6/27/18 and we departed home, passed by Zephyr Park on our way toward downtown Zephyrhills on CR 54, no SR 54. Yes, even to some that live here, it can be confusing … Zephyrhills is home to CR 54 and SR 54. Heading toward downtown, makes it sound like it is a real big city, it’s not … well, during the snowbird season it is a crowded place!  

Zephyrhills was first settled in 1882, home to a booming lumber and turpentine industry. It was originally called Abbott and later Abbot Station when the Seaboard Coastline Railroad established a depot there. In 1910 the town's name was formally changed to Zephyrhills when Howard Jeffries, a retired Union Army captain, established a retirement community for other veterans called the Zephyrhills Colony Company. It's said that the name was derived from the warm breezes, zephyrs, which blew across the rolling hills. 

The July 20, 1910 edition of the Tampa Morning Tribune reported that “Captain H. B. Jeffries, president of the Zephyrhills Colony Company, has engaged E. A. Nolan, of Tampa, to erect for him a house on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Eighth Street. The building will be two stories, with suitable porches.” This home was recently procured by the city and refurbished to its original glory. The 1950's and 1960's saw an influx of tourists, winter visitors and retirees, all lured by the warm winter weather, the low cost of living and the tranquil surroundings. Mobile home and RV Parks sprang up to accommodate these new residents. I guess that is how most of us ended up here! 

In 1961, Don Robinson took advantage of the areas good tasting water and established the Zephyrhills Water Corporation. The company started bottling the spring water and shipping it all over the state. The town soon became well-known as "The City of Pure Water." Zephyrhills Water is still bottled here, under the Nestle brand.

We turned onto US 301 and headed toward Dade City. Before there was Dade City, there was Fort Dade. The community of Dade City was established around 1884.

Outside of Dade City, along US 301, there is a new sidewalk. It follows US 301 from Dade City, until US 98 turns off toward Ridge Manor. There is a large amount of farm land and little business or residential in the area they built the sidewalk. Many locals call it the “sidewalk to nowhere.” The 5-mile sidewalk runs past a gun smithy, a Bar-B-Q joint, several pastures, a few ranches and a smattering of small houses. 

They feel it is a huge waste of taxpayer dollars. Whether a boondoggle or community resource, the miles-long sidewalk stirred debate in the tiny communities of Trilby and Lacoochee north of Dade City. It's supposed to connect Lacoochee to Dade City and Zephyrhills, but nobody's going to walk to Zephyrhills. The construction was part of a $6.9 million repaving of US 301. It was included in the project out of safety concerns and after the county balked at contributing $1 million toward a 12-foot-wide trail. Officials opted instead to add sidewalks to both sides of the highway. The cost was $625,000, paid for with state Department of Transportation funds.

Along US 98 in Ridge Manor, we ran into rain. Not an uncommon occurrence, this time of year in Florida, but it makes me chuckle when they sky is blue and beautiful and you are in a downpour!

At the intersection of US 98 and SR 50, we turned onto SR 50. At this intersection, you can enjoy some good southern BBQ, Bobo’s BBQ. It is owned by our friend, Buster. Hi Buster!

We crossed over the Withlacoochee River and under the Withlacoochee Trail. We had a friend that rode this trail for his 70^th birthday. He actually rode it a bit more than twice, as he rode 100 miles in one day for his 70^th birthday! The 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail is a true Florida experience for any trail riding. The Withlacoochee's length, popularity and proximity to numerous communities have given rise to five trailheads, information kiosks, colorful murals and convenient parks. Although the trail makes for a long journey, food and drink are never too far off the trail. For much of its length, the trail parallels the Withlacoochee River, a state-designated paddling trail. The heavily used Ridge Manor trailhead, just off US 98 & SR 50 has a state-of-the-art overpass leads safely across the congested roadway.

On SR 50 at the overpass of I-75 there is still construction … it seems like this construction has been going on forever! There is new bridge construction for I-75 happening now. We got to watch one of the new concrete pillions being hammered into place with a crane.

We took the truck route to get around the center of Brooksville. We have taken this route before, but I never noticed this place. It is Live Oak Theater Company. It’s a not-for-profit company. It exists to enrich families, individuals and the community as a whole by providing positive artistic experiences in the Performing Arts. They want to provide excellent, affordable, and educational family friendly entertainment, performance, and educational opportunities for theater patrons and participants of all ages. 

I never noticed it before, because it is in a new location! In fact, the ribbon cutting is tonight! The theater began a capital campaign earlier this year and successfully raised $300,000. And now the theater company’s new home on Cortez Boulevard, which was formerly occupied by Hernando County Utilities, is officially a performing arts theater. Their 2017-18 season included a production of Annie and they are currently hosting their annual theater summer camps.

We ended the day at Homosassa River RV Resort. We were lucky enough to spend a few hours this evening with our goof friends, Terry & Bette. Long day traveling … 70 miles … but it got us on the road and Charlie was ready to hit the road! Let the adventure continue!