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Odessa is one of the premier semi-rural communities in the Tampa Bay area, a place that has masterfully blended an affluent, equestrian lifestyle with its historic “Old Florida” roots. From my location in the nearby suburb of Citrus Park, I see Odessa as the northern extension of the desirable, large-lot lifestyle that defines this entire corner of Hillsborough County, stretching up into Pasco County.

Zip Codes: 33556

Latitude, Longitude: 28.1794° N, 82.5580° W

A Russian Connection in the Florida Pines 🇷🇺

Odessa’s origin story is one of the most unique in all of Florida. Its history is tied to the lumber industry and a fascinating Russian immigrant named Peter A. Demens (born Pyotr Dementyev), who was also instrumental in founding St. Petersburg. In the late 1880s, Demens was developing the Orange Belt Railway and established a large sawmill in this remote, pine-covered area.

In 1888, he founded a town to support the mill and named it Odessa in honor of his beloved hometown, Odesa, Ukraine, which was then a major port city in the Russian Empire. For decades, Odessa remained a small, rugged sawmill town, a place defined by the cypress forests and the hardworking people who logged them. After the lumber industry faded, it transitioned into a quiet, rural area of cattle ranches and citrus groves.

A Land of Lakes and Large Lots 🐴

The character of modern Odessa is defined by its commitment to preserving a spacious, semi-rural lifestyle. It’s a sprawling, unincorporated community that straddles the border of northwestern Hillsborough County and southwestern Pasco County. The landscape is a beautiful mix of horse farms, large custom-built estates, and dozens of sparkling lakes. It’s a place where you’re just as likely to see a neighbor on horseback as you are in a luxury car.

The Hillsborough County portion of Odessa, along with its neighbor Keystone, is protected by the Keystone-Odessa Community Plan, a resident-driven land-use plan that mandates large lot sizes and restricts commercial development to maintain the area’s country feel. The Pasco County side has seen more recent, rapid suburban growth, particularly along the Suncoast Parkway corridor, but still retains large areas of rural character. Odessa remains an unincorporated community in both counties.

Odessa by the Numbers 📊

There are separate Census-Designated Places (CDPs) for Odessa in both counties. The data below is for the more established Hillsborough County portion.

• Official Designation: Census-Designated Place (CDP)
• Counties: Hillsborough and Pasco
• Established: Founded in 1888.
• Named For: Odesa, Ukraine, the hometown of its founder, Peter A. Demens.
• Population (Hillsborough CDP): Approximately 7,500 residents.
• Area (Hillsborough CDP): About 5.7 square miles.
• Median Age: Roughly 48 years old, reflecting a mature, established population.
• Racial & Ethnic Composition:
  • White (non-Hispanic): ~78%
  • Hispanic or Latino: ~12%
  • Asian: ~5%
• Median Household Income: Approximately $118,000, making it one of the wealthiest communities in the region.

Landmarks and Local Favorites 🍻

The businesses and landmarks in and around Odessa reflect its upscale, rural, and community-focused lifestyle.

• Starkey Market: A hugely popular destination in the Pasco part of Odessa. What started as a simple produce market has evolved into a beautiful complex with a cafe, coffee bar, and a barn that hosts live music and events. It perfectly captures the modern, upscale-yet-rural vibe of the community.
• Old McMicky’s Farm: A beloved local institution located on the shores of Crescent Lake. This hands-on educational farm offers tours and events, making it a favorite for family outings and a throwback to the area’s agricultural roots.
• The Suncoast Trail: This 42-mile paved recreational trail runs directly through the heart of Pasco’s Odessa community. It’s a massive amenity for cyclists, runners, and walkers, connecting several neighborhoods and parks.
• Big Storm Brewing Co.: One of the Tampa Bay region’s most successful craft breweries, with a large brewery and taproom located in the Pasco section of Odessa. It has become a major social hub for the entire area.
• Keystone Korner: While technically in neighboring Keystone, this iconic, old-school deli is the de facto community hub and gathering spot for the entire Keystone-Odessa area. It’s a cherished local institution.