JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A beach getaway without leaving the neighborhood — that’s the vision behind a new lagoon community breaking ground in Jacksonville.
And for residents of the Westside, it could mean a resort-style experience right in their own backyard.
“You really do feel like you’re in a resort. Like you’ve taken a vacation when you’re really in the backyard of your own neighborhood,” said Lisa Gibbings of Metro Development Group.
What’s being built
Metro Development Group broke ground on the 17-acre Diamond Springs Lagoon, a new centerpiece for a master planned community off Normandy Boulevard near Cecil Airport.
It will be the first lagoon community in Duval County.
At the heart of the development is a 4-acre lagoon designed to bring the beach experience closer to home, with swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and even a swim-up bar.
Plans also include a floating obstacle course, a children’s splash pad, volleyball, bumper carts, food trucks and spaces for community events.
How much water does it take?
With 4 acres designated strictly for the lagoon, News4JAX asked just how much water a project like this requires.
“Every lagoon is different. Some of our lagoons in the Tampa Bay area are upwards of 33 million gallons of water. But every lagoon is different and that will vary depending on when the time comes,” Gibbings said.
Representatives say they are still in the planning process for where the water will come from saying it could be well water, water purchased from the city or a combination of both.
Homes are already selling
Some of the homes in the community are already built, listed and sold and for some buyers, the lagoon is a key reason they chose Diamond Springs.
“I want to be someplace where there’s going to be something for my kids. Like, why would my kids want to come down and visit me in Florida? And what are the grandkids going to be able to do? If you go into a new community, it’s great — maybe there’s a park, maybe there’s something like that. But this has just got everything,” said Bert Copple, a homeowner.
What’s next
Construction is expected to wrap up in late 2027.
And the lagoon won’t just be for residents, day passes are planned, meaning visitors from outside the neighborhood will also be able to experience it.
Metro Development Group says they will continue to release updates and more information as the construction process moves forward.
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