7 Shocking Facts About Southshore Bay Lagoon: Florida’s $35 Million Crystal Paradise

The Southshore Bay Lagoon has redefined what it means to live in a master-planned community, transforming a suburban landscape in Wimauma, Florida, into a Caribbean-like oasis. As of late 2025, this stunning amenity remains a centerpiece for the entire Hillsborough County region, attracting new residents and serving as a major recreational hub for the Tampa Bay area.

This massive, crystal-clear body of water is more than just a pool; it's a revolutionary recreational experience brought to life by the innovative engineering of Crystal Lagoons® technology. If you’ve heard the buzz, you’re likely curious about the sheer scale and the exclusive features that make this Florida lagoon a must-see destination.

The Essential Facts: Southshore Bay Lagoon at a Glance

The Southshore Bay community, developed by Metro Development Group (MetroPlaces), is the second community in the area to feature this transformative water amenity. It represents a significant shift in suburban living, offering a resort-style environment right outside your door.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

• Location: Wimauma, Hillsborough County, Florida (South Tampa Bay Area).
• Developer: Metro Development Group (MetroPlaces).
• Builders: D.R. Horton and Medley by Lennar are among the primary homebuilders in the community.
• Lagoon Technology: Crystal Lagoons® (Managed by MetroLagoons).
• Opening Date: Opened in 2022.
• Community Type: Gated, Master-Planned Community with Resort-Style Living.
• Homes Sold: Over 1,000 homes have been sold in the community since the amenity’s introduction.

The 7 Most Incredible Features That Define Southshore Bay Lagoon

The sheer scale and depth of the Southshore Bay Lagoon, combined with its unique array of activities, set it apart from any traditional community pool or water park. It’s an engineered wonder designed for endless recreation and relaxation.

1. The Shocking Scale: Nearly 5 Acres of Water

The Southshore Bay Lagoon is a massive 4.85-acre (or 5-acre) body of water, which is roughly the size of four football fields combined. This immense size is what allows it to host such a wide variety of activities without feeling crowded. It is a centerpiece amenity that provides a true coastal experience, complete with gentle lapping waves, in a landlocked location.

2. Extreme Depth: Up to 14 Feet Deep

Unlike a standard community pool, the lagoon boasts a significant depth, ranging from very shallow entry points perfect for toddlers and sunbathers to an impressive depth of up to 12 to 14 feet in its center. This variable depth allows for a full range of water sports, from simple wading to deep-water kayaking and paddleboarding.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

3. The Iconic Swim-Up Bar and Sandy Shores

A key feature that solidifies the "resort-style" experience is the inclusion of a dedicated swim-up bar. Patrons can enjoy beverages without ever leaving the crystal-clear water. Surrounding the lagoon are pristine, white sandy beaches, creating a genuine beachfront atmosphere that you would typically only find on the Gulf Coast or Atlantic Ocean.

4. Thrilling Inflatable Obstacle Course and Water Slides

For high-energy fun, the lagoon features a massive inflatable obstacle course floating on the water's surface, challenging guests to climb, balance, and slide. Additionally, giant water slides are part of the amenity package, offering exhilarating drops directly into the lagoon. Other family-friendly activities include bumper boats and a dedicated splash pad for younger children.

5. The Crystal Lagoons® Technology

The lagoon’s striking aqua blue color and clarity are maintained by patented Crystal Lagoons® technology. This system uses minimal amounts of chemicals and energy compared to traditional swimming pool filtration systems, keeping the water pristine and environmentally responsible. The technology allows for the creation of massive, sustainable, and crystal-clear recreational bodies of water anywhere in the world.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

6. Exclusive Access for Residents (With Public Ticket Options)

The Southshore Bay Lagoon is primarily a private amenity, exclusive to the residents of the master-planned community. This ensures the resort-style experience remains a premium benefit for homeowners who have purchased property from builders like D.R. Horton and Medley by Lennar. However, for non-residents, MetroLagoons occasionally offers public ticketed access, allowing visitors from the greater Tampa Bay area to experience the lagoon for a day.

7. A Hub for Community Events and Fitness

Beyond recreation, the lagoon serves as a central hub for community life. It hosts various events, from movie nights on the beach to fitness classes like paddleboard yoga and kayaking lessons. This focus on lifestyle and community engagement is what makes the Southshore Bay development a prime example of modern master-planned living in Florida.

The Lagoon's Impact on Wimauma Real Estate

The introduction of the lagoon has significantly boosted the appeal and value of the Wimauma area, specifically within the Southshore Bay community. The presence of such a high-value, unique amenity—which is Hillsborough County's only Lagoon Community—has driven strong home sales and created a highly desirable location for buyers seeking resort-style living. Home prices start from the high $200s, making this luxury amenity accessible to a wide range of buyers. The success of this project confirms the market demand for innovative, large-scale recreational amenities in suburban environments.