According to the genealogical research done by Michael C. Boyette, a resident and business owner, Wesley Chapel was originally part of Hernando and was settled in the mid 1800’s when land was granted to Edward Boyette Sr., his 4 sons and others in the Armed Occupation Act. Wesley Chapel was named after the church honoring the founder of Methodism John Wesley. This church stood across from the present site of Double Branch Baptist Church in the 1890’s. Thomas Boyette, Edward’s grandson named the area Double Branch for the twin creeks which flowed through his property.
Wesley Chapel had its own post office from September 1897 until September 1902 when it was combined with Abbott Station, the current Zephyrhills. Cash crop farming, logging, citrus and cattle ranching were the principal activities in Wesley Chapel from its founding into the advent of the interstate system in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Since then it has become first a rural, then a suburban escape from the rapid growth of the Tampa Bay area.
Recreation
The Pasco County Recreation Division has developed beautiful facilities for its residents to enjoy. On the west side, Wesley Chapel residents can enjoy the Land O’Lakes Recreational Complex on Collier Blvd., which includes an Olympic sized pool, sports fields and tennis courts. On the east side, the Hercules Aquatic Center on SR 54 in Zephyrhills provides a swimming pool, an exercise/walking area and picnic grounds. Wesley Chapel Youth Sports and the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association represent the children of Wesley Chapel in recreational programs
Education
Wesley Chapel offers several schools within the Pasco County School System. Along with Sand Pine Elementary School, Quail Hollow Elementary School, Wesley Chapel Elementary, and Seven Oaks Elementary, Wesley Chapel will soon be welcoming Wiregrass High School, John Long High School as well as a new Middle School to the area.
Along with the outstanding achievements of each Wesley Chapel School, Weightman Middle School has been designated as one of the Professional Development Schools in the state. Its partnership with the University of South Florida enables teachers to stay at the leading edge of their professions. The school also prides itself in its technology programs and its strong athletic tradition with their competitive sports teams in football, soccer, basketball, volleyball and track and field.
Wesley Chapel High School boasts successful athletic teams, as well as outstanding scholars every year. Its innovative educational system includes four learning communities:
• Arts & Communication
• Business Finance & Technical Sciences
• Environmental sciences, Health and Human Services
Saddlebrook High School is a private school in the area. Wesley Chapel is situated in close proximity to excellent institutions for higher education including University of South Florida (USF), The University of Tampa (UT), Pasco Hernando Community College (PHCC), Hillsborough Community College and St. Leo University. Each of these fine schools is located with a 35-minute drive or less.
© The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce 2007
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