Although geographically in the central part of the state , usually the west central coast , including Hillsborough , Pinellas , Pasco , and Hernando counties , is considered the Tampa Bay area or the Suncoast , rather than a part of Central Florida .
The west central coast , including Hillsborough , Pinellas , Pasco , and Hernando counties , is the Tampa Bay Area or the Suncoast .