Wimauma is a largely rural community in southeastern Hillsborough County, about 25 miles from downtown Tampa, where U.S. 301 meets State Road 674. Founded on the railroad in 1902 around Lake Wimauma, it mixes farmland and large nature preserves with new master-planned neighborhoods. This page covers ZIP code 33598, which includes Little Manatee River State Park and the mountain-biking entrance to Balm Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve.
Wimauma's history
Capt. C.H. Davis established the town in 1902 and named it by combining the first letters of his daughters' names, Will, Maude and Mary. The town grew around Lake Wimauma (formerly Lake Tiger) and a railroad depot built in 1903, which served passengers until 1968. Wimauma incorporated in 1925 as the county's fourth municipality, but its city government stopped functioning in the 1930s.
Parks, rivers and trails in Wimauma
Little Manatee River State Park, on Lightfoot Road, follows 4.5 miles of a blackwater river designated an Outstanding Florida Water. It has:
- a canoe and kayak launch
- riverside picnic pavilions
- a full-facility campground with equestrian camping
- more than 15 miles of equestrian and multi-use trails in the park's southern half
The 6.5-mile North Trail and the Oxbow Nature Trail have been temporarily closed since November 15, 2024. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily, for $5 per vehicle.
Balm Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve covers 5,723 acres. Its south entrance on County Road 672 serves about 25 miles of mountain-bike trails, from beginner to expert.
New communities in Wimauma
Southshore Bay, on State Road 674 just east of U.S. 301, is a gated community built around a roughly 5-acre swimmable lagoon with a sandy beach, kayaking and swim-up bars. It also has a dog park and walking trails, with homes by D.R. Horton, Lennar and Skymor.
Berry Bay, off U.S. 301 south of State Road 674, covers about 1,100 acres. Its amenity center has a resort-style pool, clubhouse, sports courts and dog parks, with homes by Perry Homes, Ashton Woods, M/I Homes and D.R. Horton.
Outside the new neighborhoods, Wimauma keeps its older town center around Lake Wimauma and working farmland.
Getting around Wimauma
U.S. 301 runs north about 19 miles to the Brandon area, through Riverview, and southwest about 24 miles to Bradenton. State Road 674 runs west about 5 miles from the town center, past Sun City Center, to I-75 at Exit 240. Southshore Bay's developer notes a Publix, a Walmart and an Aldi a short drive away.
