Paradise Lakes Resort is the older sibling property to Caliente in the Tampa-area clothing-optional scene — both are in Pasco/Hillsborough County, both serve the same regional traveler, but Paradise Lakes has 25 more years of operating history and a different community feel. Founded by Fred Bischoff on April 11, 1980, the resort opened with a grand opening ceremony on August 16, 1980 that featured a water-ski show, naked sky divers, and an open bar.
Founder: Fred Bischoff
Bischoff was a minister, stockbroker, and Realtor who lived at the nearby Lake Como Family Nudist Resort but wanted to create a property where members could exercise clothing-optional choice rather than required nudism. He bought 42 acres and grew the property to 72 acres over the early years, adding a beach, y-shaped pool, whirlpool, three tennis courts, and a 4,000-square-foot clubhouse.
Ownership history
The resort has changed hands several times. In May 1999, Bischoff sold to Joe Lettelleir, who added the Fountains and Terraces condominium areas and the 81-space RV park. In July 2007, Lettelleir sold to John Forier, a retired Colorado developer and Paradise Lakes member of two years at the time. Each ownership era left its mark on the property's mix of hotel, condo, and RV inventory.
Adults-only and clothing-optional
Paradise Lakes is adults-only (21+) and clothing-optional throughout most of the property. The vibe is less party-driven than Caliente's busier takeover calendar. Designated zones for adult socializing exist; the property does not market itself as having on-site adult-play infrastructure to the degree Caliente does.
Florida regional context
Paradise Lakes and Caliente together form a Tampa-area cluster that gives Florida visitors two different formats: Paradise Lakes (older, adults-only, balanced naturist-and-lifestyle) and Caliente (newer, larger, more lifestyle-leaning). Some couples visit both over a long weekend road-trip.
How Paradise Lakes compares
Against Caliente, Paradise Lakes is smaller, older, and quieter. Against Caribbean resorts like Hedonism II, Paradise Lakes is US-domestic, weekend-friendly, and European-plan rather than all-inclusive.