Thonotosassa is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The population was 15,238 at the 2020 census, up from 13,014 at the 2010 census. History The name "Thonotosassa" comes from the Seminole-Creek words "flint" and "some", meaning the place was a source of valuable flint. Following the establishment of Fort Brooke in 1824 in what is now Tampa, a road that ran northwest of Lake Thonotosassa was built between Fort Brooke and Fort King in Ocala. This road became known as the Fort King Road, which today is crossed in several locations by U.S. Route 301. Nevertheless, the presence of a Seminole village largely discouraged whites from moving into the area. After the Second Seminole War ended in 1842, whites began to settle. In 1893, the Tampa and Thonotosassa Railroad opened a route between the two growing communities. This line today no longer extends into Thonotosassa, its northern tracks having been removed along with the town depot by the 1980s, but its southern portion remains a busy industrial spur, joining with the CSX main line at Neve Wye. Among other areas for recreation for the youth is the Morris Bridge Road area and its Nature's Classroom. Geography Thonotosassa is located in northeastern Hillsborough County at (28.056135, -82.292663). It is bordered to the southwest by East Lake-Orient Park, and to the south by Mango and Seffner. The unincorporated community of Antioch is on the eastern edge of the CDP. The Hillsborough River forms the northern edge of the CDP, Interstate 4 forms the southern edge, and Interstate 75 forms the western edge. I-4 leads east to Lakeland and west to downtown Tampa, while I-75 leads north to Ocala and south to Bradenton. U.S. Route 301 travels through the northern part of Thonotosassa, leading northeast to Zephyrhills and south to Riverview. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of , of which are land and , or 6.51%, are water. It is above sea level. Plant City is to the east. Demographics As of the census of 2000, there were 6,091 people, 2,178 households, and 1,616 families residing in the community. The population density was . There were 2,532 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the community was 90.63% White, 4.94% African American, 0.51% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.79% from other races, and 1.72%