Readers select Pasco's best

Simply the best. Pasco Tribune readers took advantage of several opportunities to nominate their favorites as the Best of Pasco. The unscientific results have been tabulated and you've selected your picks.

From A - air conditioning and heating professionals - to V - veterinarians - you chose the businesses, professional and civic clubs that you deem the best of Pasco. We'll share your picks inside these pages. In addition, we'll share some stories about Pasco's great parks and fine boutiques - things that make living in Pasco special.

Pasco is famous for its antiques - particularly the Dade City area, but a central Pasco "treasure" snapped up first place - Famous Treasures, 4312 Land O' Lakes Blvd. Longtime business Lori Anne's, 14135 Seventh St., Dade City, was named runner-up by our readers.

It was a battle of the east side auto dealerships as Jarrett Ford Lincoln Mercury, 38300 Dick Jarrett Way, Dade City, claimed the top spot with Pasco Motors, 14341 Seventh St., earning runner-up.

The Zephyrhills Bealls store, 7425 Gall Blvd., was named by readers as the best boutique, but a business catering to Pasco's nudist resort visitors and residents, Under the Sun, 1703 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Land O' Lakes, nabbed runner-up honors.

In the child care category, Sugar N Spice, 26312 Lexington Oaks Blvd., Wesley Chapel, claimed the top spot, and Kids Korner, 5814 Eighth St., Zephyrhills, came in second among our voters.

St. Anthony Interparochial Catholic School in San Antonio, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2009, was the Best of Pasco winner for private school, and Academy at the Lake on Collier Parkway in Land O' Lakes was runner-up.

Longtime jewelers Nabers was honored for its fine collection and offerings. It's at 6951 Gall Blvd. It was founded in 1933 in Dade City, according to its website. Kiefer Village Jewels offers two locations, 37850 Meridian Ave., Dade City, and 24144 State Road 54, Land O' Lakes, and claimed runner-up honors.

One restaurant stood out on the list: Piccola Italia. It was named Best Kept Secret, Kid Friendly, Fine Dining and Casual Dining by Pasco Tribune readers. It's at 37502 S.R. 54, Zephyrhills. The restaurant offers lunch fare such as pizza, grinders and pasta, and for dinner it offers steaks, veal, seafood, poultry and many pasta dishes.

So whatever you think "the best" may be, go out and test some of the winners. You might discover a new favorite.