Pasco County is becoming the Land of Lagoons.
Joining its sister lagoon in the nearby Epperson community in Wesley Chapel, Mirada Lagoon in San Antonio officially opened its sandy shores and expansive waterways to its Mirada residents, as well as the public, on June 2.
At 15 acres of water, Mirada Lagoon is the largest human-made lagoon in the country. It has a 5,100-foot perimeter, 17.2 million pounds of sand and 33 million gallons of water.
“We have something for everyone,” said Jonathan Kelly, Mirada lagoon general manager. “And we’ll just add more, such as a few things still needed to get put in — more food trucks, the volleyball court — but as the largest lagoon in the nation, we want to have the best amenities to offer residents and visitors.”
Mirada Lagoon, 1 Mirada Blvd., San Antonio, is indeed built for the residents of the Mirada Community, which is a 2,000-acre master-planned community just off the new State Road 52. The community features approximately 4,500 residential homes, with prices ranging from $200,000 to nearly $1 million.
The community, and lagoon, is managed and owned by MetroPlaces and MetroLagoons, which also owns and operates the Epperson Lagoon and Community that opened in 2017.
Mirada Lagoon boasts a number of amenities. It also offers a limited number of visitor day passes.
The attraction offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, as well as the opportunity to book about 45 minutes of play on the floating obstacle course, AquaGlide. There’s a waterpark playground for kids and a water slide for older youths and adults.
Additionally, there are beach areas with complimentary, first-come, first-served beach seating, but also beach umbrella rentals, as well as cabanas.
There also is Gasparilla Island — a sandy beach island surrounded by clear blue shallow water.
“That is quite popular to grab a spot and just spend the day for sun and fun,” Kelly said.
There are four concession stands, as well as permanent food trucks on the grounds. There’s also a resort-style swim-up bar, where patrons can order beverages. The lagoon also has The Hub, which will live music, events and entertainment.
There’s also Cabana Cove, which is the exclusive, 21-and-up area where residents and visitors to Mirada Lagoon can rent lounging chairs and even floating cabanas known as AquaBanas — an inflatable experience for up to eight people.
“When those are available to rent, they go really quick,” Kelly added. “That’s a really popular attraction we have here.”
Mirada Lagoon
Where: 31461 Mirada Blvd, San Antonio, FL 33576
When: Sunday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Day passes start at $20
Details: The Mirada lagoon, with its 15 acres of water, is the largest human-made lagoon in the country. It offers daily public access, as well as activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, an obstacle course, water slides, a swim-up bar, lounging and beach play, a playground, concession stands and will have food, permanent trucks and events.
Info: MetroLagoons.com/lagoon/mirada
Grand Opening Celebration: The grand opening celebration is scheduled for June 24 and June 25, from 11 a.m to 8 p.m.
Published June 14, 2023
