Experience Florida’s Sports Coast Opens Off-Site Visitor's Center

DADE CITY, FL — Experience Florida’s Sports Coast, the destination management organization for Pasco County, opened its first off-site visitor information center in partnership with the city of Dade City at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday.

Located off the Hardy Trail, The Spoke is a 1,100-square-foot public space for cyclists, families and outdoor enthusiasts to stop, grab a snack, tune up their bicycles and learn about Experience Florida’s Sports Coast's destinations.

“We are thrilled for The Spoke to be the first extension of the Sports Coast brand to physically stand and welcome visitors and locals within one of our main municipalities," said Adam Thomas, tourism director for Experience Florida’s Sports Coast. "The Spoke embodies who we are as a destination, one with rich natural assets perfect for outdoor loving travelers and residents.”

Paying homage to both Dade City’s rich railway history and modern trail development, the Spoke represents how Dade City came to be and how it’s moving forward. It sits on the corner of historic Church Avenue where a train depot once welcomed residents and visitors to the quaint Florida city. The Florida Cracker design of the building reflects the surrounding local architecture.

"I’m excited Pasco County, Florida’s Sports Coast and the city of Dade City were able to collaborate on The Spoke,” said Pasco County commissioner and Tourist Development Council chairman, Mike Moore. “Dade City is a popular place for cycling due to the rolling hills and all the trails, so we expect thousands of people to come through here and visit this bike hub.”

The Spoke is the first phase of a community park that was acquired by Dade City in late 2019. Future amenities for the park include a splash pad area, an outdoor amphitheater, walking trails and an inclusive Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible playground.

“This project is one that has been years in the making,” said Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez. “With the financial support of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast, the Tourist Development Council and Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, we now have a beautiful space for people to gather as they explore our incredible city.”

See related stories:

• Pasco County Tourism Branch Re-Branded As Florida's Sports Coast
• Pasco County Wins National Honors For Scalloping Tourism Video
• Pasco's New Tourism Brand Welcomes 1 Million Visitors