That is where I've lived the past 25 years.
Coming from Michigan for 20 years prior, I could now never leave this place.
Brother lives in Ft Lauderdale, and while it is a nice place to visit, New Port Richey is still where I would rather call home.
Very quiet and laid back. Almost like Mayberry at times.
Woods and Country (not country music) are everywhere, yet you are never more than 10 to 30 minutes drive from major cities. I live less than a mile from Downtown NPR and have 14 acres of woods next to my home.
Two main rivers, Ancolote(?) and Cottie (Pithlachascottie?).
Park ramps at mouths of both. Cottie river ramp is next to Hooters. Several other ramps nearby. Never more than 15 minutes away from a ramp.
Shallow flats water. Pretty much need to go out about 20 miles to hit 45' to 60' of water.
Small islands within a couple miles of shore, suitable for camping, dot the area.
Current water temp as I type is 80 degrees.
(unheated and not enclosed inground swimming pool is 84)
Marina on the Cody river where buddy keeps his 22' CC with T-Top high and dry indoors is $200 a month (he just moved in there last month).
Tampa is about a 30 minute drive away, yet seems like hours..
Florida Keys about 8 hours away.
Bought my small 2 bedroom '70 1200sf home with garage for about 50k 3 years ago (pool added later). Home values have more than doubled in last year.
http://www.newportricheymainstreet.com/events.htm
http://www.chascofiesta.net/ (my favorite)
http://www.visitpasco.net/
http://www.gasparillapiratefest.com/ (my second favorite annual event happens in Tampa)
http://www.robstv.com/Files/McDonaldsDoc.jpg