First-Ever Lazy River Concept Unveiled at Sandal Key
During a Spring Break celebration at Sandal Key, Metro Development Group unveiled plans for the first lazy river of its kind in the Tampa Bay area. The reveal marks a milestone as the company continues expanding in Hernando County along Florida’s growing Nature Coast. The concept reflects Metro’s continued focus on innovation, introducing new lifestyle experiences designed to evolve how residents live, gather and connect.
The event brought together prospective homebuyers, neighbors, families and Realtors for a first look at Sandal Key’s amenities. It also marked the public reveal of the lagoon, the centerpiece feature of the property. The celebration was free and open to the public, giving families a hands-on experience of the Sandal Key lifestyle, complete with activities designed to showcase how residents can enjoy the community for a day.
The lagoon will feature the first-ever lazy river inside a Metro lagoon setting, creating a one-of-a-kind experience in the region. The amenity will be the first of its kind not just in Hernando County, but across the Tampa Bay area. The lagoon groundbreaking is planned for late 2026.
The lazy river is integrated into Sandal Key’s multi-acre lagoon, offering a flowing water feature designed for relaxation and enjoyment while expanding the resort-style lifestyle experience.
“Sandal Key represents an exciting step forward as Metro expands in Hernando County,” said Lisa Gibbings, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Metro Development Group. “The lagoon and lazy river combine everything people love about Florida living, including water, sunshine, recreation and connection, in what is being called inland coastal living.”
As part of the event, all homebuyers who signed a contract were eligible to receive a $3,000 gift card to Mirada Lagoon, another Metro lagoon property in the Tampa Bay region. One buyer took advantage of the offer, purchasing a KB Home for his growing family, which includes his wife, two children, and four foster children.
Guests at the Spring Break celebration enjoyed live music, complimentary food and drinks, children’s activities, bounce houses and tours of model homes while exploring the Sandal Key property.
Separately, Metro Development Group celebrated the groundbreaking of future pickleball courts, adding another opportunity for activity and social connection.
“Sandal Key is designed to bring neighbors together and provide families with unique experiences,” Gibbings added. “Between the future lagoon, lazy river and amenities designed to encourage outdoor activity, there is something for everyone along the Nature Coast.”
Located at the corner of Eagle Shore Drive and U.S. 19 in Brooksville, Sandal Key spans 872 acres and will include more than 3,000 homes from builders including D.R. Horton and KB Home, with Lennar opening model homes soon. Homes start in the high $200s.
Sandal Key is Hernando County’s first lagoon property, combining a resort-style water feature with modern infrastructure and the natural beauty of Florida’s Nature Coast. The community is designed to encourage outdoor living and wellness, with wide sidewalks and connected pathways that support walking, biking and electric cart travel throughout the neighborhood. Amenities include ULTRAFi high-speed internet and solar-powered Streetleaf streetlights, with preserved areas like Whitehurst Pond, a 75-acre seasonal wetland with scenic walking trails.
The location offers a peaceful yet connected lifestyle with convenient access to Spring Hill, Brooksville and Tampa. With nearby U.S. Route 19 and the Suncoast Parkway, commuting to the Tampa Bay area is easy while still enjoying parks, preserves and Gulf Coast beaches.
