Welcome to the Town of St. Leo

In 1881, Judge Edmund Dunne began a foot-by-foot search of Florida for the perfect place to establish a Catholic Colony.  Homesteaders with descendants still residing today in Pasco County were here to welcome him. On the southern shores of Lake Jovita, among rolling hills and forest, he settled on the grounds of what is now Saint Leo Abbey.

Ten years later on June 4th, 1891, St. Leo became a Town, making it the oldest incorporated municipality in Pasco County.  It is located in eastern Pasco County along CR 52 between San Antonio and Dade City.  The Town is approximately 858 acres in size, much of which is Lake Jovita. The most recent population estimate is 2,462.

Named after Pope Saint Leo the Great, Judge Dunne's vision was realized with the formation of two Benedictine communities in 1889, Holy Name Priory and Saint Leo Abbey. In 2014, the Benedictine Sisters built a new Monastery that better suits their needs. In the Benedictine tradition of promoting education, the oldest Catholic College in Florida was formed in 1889.  Today it is known as Saint Leo University and is named one of the best regional colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report. The University offers more than sixty undergraduate majors, minors, and specializations in business administration, education, criminal justice, theology, and so much more.

St. Leo is also home to varied businesses. The Abbey Course is a traditional Florida golf course with hills and gently sloping terrain.  Adjacent from the Abbey course lies Tom’s Golf Shop. On Q Smokehouse Grill has satisfied restaurant and catering customers with traditional barbecue fare and delectable soups for years. A Cup of Organic is a drive-through coffee shop that offers organic muffins and cookies, in addition to coffee and tea. Also located within the Town is a successful automotive repair and maintenance business: Larry Hines Automotive. Scott Blackman Roofing specializes in tile roofs, and has been in business for over 20 years. The Pilgrim Gift Shop, operated by the St. Leo Abbey, is the largest of its kind in the central Florida area. Saint Leo University also hosts numerous eateries on-campus including Benedict’s Coffeehouse, FUZ Eatery, and Jon’s Gourmet at Café 36, which is open for students and the public. Saint Leo University recently opened its brand-new Wellness Center on campus; although primarily being for the students, the University also offers memberships to the people in the community.    

St. Leo is a small town with a huge history. June 4, 2021, marked its 130th year of incorporation. The Town's heritage, beauty, and integrity are all sources of pride for its residents.  The Town Commission’s emphasis has been on maintaining the Town's rural-residential character, ensuring the continuation of its alluring history and drive to do what’s best for its residents and the community.