The Southshore Bay crystal lagoon in Wimauma opened in the fall of 2023, completing the trio of Metro Lagoon communities in the Tampa Bay region (joining Epperson in Wesley Chapel and Mirada in San Antonio). As of 2026, Southshore Bay is the most active new construction community in Wimauma and one of the most watched by investors and first-time buyers looking for value south of Tampa.
I have helped buyers evaluate Southshore Bay against competing communities since it opened. Here is an honest picture of what you get, what you give up, and whether the numbers work for buyers in 2026.
What Is Southshore Bay?
Southshore Bay is a master-planned community by Metro Development Group located along US-301 in Wimauma, Hillsborough County. The centerpiece is a crystal lagoon, a large man-made swimming amenity with beach-entry access, water sports rentals (kayaking, paddleboarding), live music events, and poolside dining. The lagoon is 7+ acres, making it one of the larger crystal lagoon installations in Florida.
Beyond the lagoon, the community includes a resort-style pool separate from the lagoon, a fitness center, a splash pad for younger children, playgrounds, dog park, sports courts, and trails. Lennar is the primary builder, with home prices starting in the low-to-mid $300Ks as of mid-2026.
How Southshore Bay Has Changed Since 2023
When the lagoon first opened in fall 2023, starting prices were in the high $200Ks and low $300Ks. By 2024-2025, prices moved up as phases sold out and available inventory shifted to later phases on slightly larger lots with premium features. As of mid-2026, Lennar's base starting price at Southshore Bay is approximately $320K-$350K for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with an attached 2-car garage.
The community has also grown significantly in phase count and resident population, which means the amenity center and lagoon see heavier use than they did in the first year. This is normal for a growing master-planned community and worth factoring into your expectations about quiet lagoon visits on weekends.
Southshore Bay vs. Berry Bay: Which Wimauma Community?
Berry Bay is Lennar's other major community on US-301 in Wimauma, located just south of Southshore Bay. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Southshore Bay | Berry Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Signature amenity | Crystal lagoon (7+ acres) | Resort pool, amenity center |
| HOA/CDD fees | Higher (lagoon maintenance) | Lower monthly cost |
| Price range (base) | $320K-$470K+ | $290K-$410K+ |
| Builder | Lennar (primary) | Lennar, D.R. Horton |
| Resale premium vs. non-lagoon | 10-15% premium typical | No lagoon premium |
| School zoning | Same Wimauma zone | Same Wimauma zone |
For buyers prioritizing the lowest possible monthly cost, Berry Bay or similar non-lagoon Wimauma communities make more financial sense. For buyers who want the lagoon lifestyle and can absorb the higher fees, Southshore Bay has a demonstrably different daily experience and stronger resale history based on the Epperson comparables in Wesley Chapel.
How Does Wimauma Compare to Riverview and Brandon?
Wimauma is the value play in the southern Hillsborough County market. New construction at Southshore Bay starts $50K-$100K less than comparable new builds in Riverview or Brandon. The tradeoffs are real:
Location: Wimauma sits further from Tampa than Riverview. The commute to downtown Tampa via I-75 or US-301 runs 40-55 minutes depending on traffic and origin point in the community. Riverview is 25-40 minutes to downtown.
Retail and dining: The immediate US-301 corridor in Wimauma has limited options compared to Brandon or Riverview. A Publix is accessible on US-301 north of the community, and the Ruskin town center is 10-15 minutes south. For the dining and retail concentration of Brandon Town Center or the Southgate shopping area, plan a 25-minute drive.
Schools: Wimauma's schools are served by Hillsborough County Public Schools. The area is zoned for Cypress Creek Elementary, Shields Middle School, and Sumner High School. Sumner High opened in 2021 and serves the growing US-301 corridor communities. Check current school ratings at fldoe.org for the most recent grades.
The Southshore Bay Crystal Lagoon: What Is It Really?
A crystal lagoon is a private amenity, not a public beach. Access is included for residents who pay the community HOA and lagoon fee. The lagoon is treated with a proprietary system that keeps water clear and blue without the chemical intensity of a traditional pool. It functions more like a beach club within a gated amenity than like a community pool.
The Southshore Bay lagoon offers beach-entry access (gradual entry like an ocean beach), deeper water sections suitable for swimming laps, a water sports rental area, and seasonal entertainment events. Residents purchase a lagoon membership as part of their HOA obligation. The fee is included in the overall community cost structure, not charged separately after purchase.
At Epperson in Wesley Chapel, which has operated the lagoon model the longest, residents consistently report that the lagoon delivers the lifestyle it promises for families with children and for buyers who use it regularly. Buyers who rarely use the amenity end up paying for something they do not use. Know which category you fall into before buying.
Insurance and Flood Zone Considerations
Wimauma is in a low-lying area of Hillsborough County. Flood zone status varies significantly by specific lot and phase within Southshore Bay. Some sections fall in Zone X (minimal risk, no flood insurance required), while others fall in Zone AE or X500, where flood insurance is required or strongly advisable.
Always request the specific FEMA flood zone designation for any lot you are considering at Southshore Bay. Pull the flood map at msc.fema.gov or ask the builder's sales agent for the flood zone certificate for that parcel. Flood insurance costs range from $800-$3,000+ per year depending on elevation and coverage level.
Homeowner's insurance in South Hillsborough County is higher than in the interior of the county due to wind exposure and proximity to Tampa Bay watersheds. Budget $3,500-$6,500 per year for a standard home in the Wimauma area. Get insurance quotes before making an offer, not after going under contract.
