Odessa (Florida)

Odessa is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,173 at the 2000 census and more than doubled to 7,267 in 2010. Northwest of Tampa, Odessa had been an area of open spaces, ranching, and horse properties. More recently it has seen many suburban property developments as Tampa's population expands.HistoryOdessa was founded in the 1880s by Peter Demens, a Russian immigrant who established the community through the Orange Belt Railway. Demens also founded St. Petersburg, Florida and named both communities after places he used to go to in his native country.There was once a large sawmill in the area providing employment. This sawmill replaced some smaller ones and was burned in a fire in 1922.The area is rapidly being developed as Tampa expands.Odessa was home to Tampa Bay Executive Airport until 2004.GeographyOdessa is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the Census Designated Place lies entirely in Pasco County, Florida, and has a total area of 5.6sqmi of which 5.3sqmi is land and 0.3sqmi is water.