Lutz is an unincorporated community about 15 miles north of downtown Tampa that straddles the Hillsborough-Pasco county line, with US 41 running through its center and North Dale Mabry Highway, I-275 and the Veterans Expressway serving the area. Its four ZIP codes stretch from Lake Park and the Cheval golf community in Hillsborough north into southern Pasco County, where Tampa Premium Outlets sits near I-75 and State Road 56. The community is named for W.P. Lutz, credited with bringing the railroad to town.
Living in Lutz
Lutz grew up around a small depot on the Tampa Northern Railroad. The original depot was demolished in the late 1960s, and a replica was built in 2000 at US 41 and Lutz-Lake Fern Road. Lutz holds a traditional Independence Day celebration each July 4, with races, a parade and entertainment near the old depot. The day also includes the election of the "Guv'na of Lutz," an honorary title that goes to the candidate who raises the most money for community groups. Part of the film Edward Scissorhands was shot in the area.
Parks, lakes and trails in Lutz
Lake Park, a Hillsborough County park at 17302 North Dale Mabry Highway, has five lakes, an archery range, two horse arenas, a track used for BMX and radio-controlled car racing, and a fitness trail with workout stations. Marked wooded pathways serve hikers, runners, mountain bikers and horseback riders. About 3 miles west, Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve covers 1,121 acres with a marked 4.3-mile hiking trail. Nearby, the Upper Tampa Bay Trail's Lutz-Lake Fern Road trailhead connects to the Suncoast Trail.
Golf and shopping in Lutz
TPC Tampa Bay, on West Lutz Lake Fern Road, is a public, daily-fee course designed by Bobby Weed with Chi Chi Rodriguez that opened in 1991. The private Club at Cheval, with an 18-hole Steve Smyers course, is also inside Lutz. To the northeast, Tampa Premium Outlets, a Simon center that opened on October 29, 2015 with more than 100 stores, is about 5 miles from the Lutz depot.
Getting around and homes in Lutz
US 41 runs through the center of Lutz, with North Dale Mabry Highway and the Veterans Expressway to the west and I-275 and I-75 to the east. Homes range from gated golf-course properties in Cheval to single-family neighborhoods and larger lots across the rest of the area. Addresses in the Pasco County part of the ZIP codes still read Lutz, so confirm the county for any listing.
