Carrollwood, FL

Lake Carroll, Lake Ellen, Lake Lipsey, White Trout Lake, and Boat Lake cluster along Carrollwood’s eastern side, giving water a more visible role here than in many Tampa suburbs. The census-designated place combines the unincorporated communities of Carrollwood and Carrollwood Village in northwestern Hillsborough County, about nine miles north-northwest of downtown Tampa. Its 2020 population was 34,352. Federal census names and boundaries have changed over time: a related area appeared as Lake Carroll in 1970 and 1980, was divided for the 1990 count, and was called Greater Carrollwood in 2000. Two public institutions give the area locally specific gathering places. Hillsborough County converted the former Dale Mabry wastewater plant site into Carrollwood Village Park through a $10 million project.

Its paved trails, exercise equipment, splash pad, skate park, dog areas, playground, picnic shelters, bike repair station, and outdoor chess and table-tennis areas support several kinds of recreation on one property. The county-owned Carrollwood Cultural Center occupies a former church complex renovated with the nonprofit Friends of the Carrollwood Cultural Center and opened in 2008. Its 26,000-square-foot main building includes a stage, dance floor, studios, computer lab, and meeting rooms, while a separate studio expands space for classes and performances. Current programming spans ceramics, visual art, dance, music, and theater, alongside concerts, exhibitions, and community festivals.