How a Florida town named for its rolling hills became a hub for skydiving
In short: Zephyrhills, Florida, is famous for its bottled water and its unique topography. Yet, beyond the springs, this city in Pasco County has evolved into a global destination for aviation enthusiasts, hosting one of the world's largest drop zones where thousands of skydives occur every single year.
Originally established as the town of Abbott in 1888, the community underwent several name changes before settling on Zephyrhills in 1910. The name reflects the area's distinct rolling landscape, a feature that sets it apart from the flatter terrain often associated with the region. Captain Howard B. Jeffries, a Union veteran of the Civil War, played a pivotal role in the town's development, purchasing 35,000 acres in 1909 with the intention of creating a dedicated colony for fellow veterans. The city was officially incorporated in 1914.
The city's history is preserved through several local landmarks. The Zephyrhills Depot Museum, housed in a restored 1927 Atlantic Coast Line building, offers a glimpse into the town's rail history. Additionally, the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History occupies a former World War II infirmary located at the municipal airport. This site served as a training facility during the war, and the infirmary remains the only structure from that era still standing on the airport grounds today.
Modern Zephyrhills is perhaps best known for its connection to the sky. The municipal airport is home to Skydive City, Inc., a facility established in 1990 by Joannie Murphy and Susan Perkins Stark. It currently holds the distinction of being the largest drop zone in the world owned by women. The operation is remarkably active, facilitating more than 70,000 skydives annually. While the city maintains its historical roots through its preservation efforts and annual Founders Day celebrations, these aviation activities have cemented its status as a significant hub for sport parachuting.
Demographically, the city has seen steady growth, with a population of 17,194 recorded in the 2020 census. The community is characterized by a significant population of older residents, with nearly 30% of the population aged 65 or older. Despite its growth, the city remains deeply tied to its past, maintaining a historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Zephyrhills, Florida
- Also: Wikidata — Zephyrhills · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/places-zephyrhills-florida.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Bodies of water · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics
