Metro Development Breaks Ground on Jacksonville Lagoon Community

The 17-acre Diamond Springs Lagoon project brings a resort-style beach experience to Duval County.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Construction

Wide-angle view of a large, excavated sandy basin for a new lagoon community in a coastal Florida landscape. — Metro Development Group has broken ground on the 17-acre Diamond Springs Lagoon project in Jacksonville, introducing a resort-style residential community to Duval County. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Metro Development Group has officially broken ground on Diamond Springs Lagoon, a new 17-acre residential community in Jacksonville. Located near Cecil Airport, the project represents the first lagoon-centered development in Duval County.

Why it matters

The development seeks to offer residents a permanent resort-style beach experience directly within their community. By incorporating a massive centerpiece lagoon, the project aims to establish a unique lifestyle destination for local residents and visitors alike.

The Diamond Springs Lagoon site spans 17 acres, featuring a 4-acre lagoon as its primary centerpiece. The development marks the first of its kind in Duval County.

The players

Metro Development Group

This real estate firm specializes in developing large-scale master-planned communities and resort-style amenities.

The details

Situated off Normandy Boulevard, the site will eventually house amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course, and a dedicated splash pad. While designed for residents, the development will also open access to outside visitors through a day-pass program.

October 28, 2026: Groundbreaking occurred for the lagoon community.
Late 2027: Construction is expected to be completed.

Market Landscape

This project follows a pattern set by the nationwide rise of Crystal Lagoons-anchored residential communities by integrating large-scale water features into suburban housing. The move positions the firm to capture demand for resort-style residential amenities in the Jacksonville market.

Prospective residents can currently list or purchase homes within the community, though external visitors will need to wait for the completion of the project to buy day passes. Local residents should expect increased activity near Normandy Boulevard during the construction phase.

The takeaway

Large-scale amenity-focused communities are increasingly common as developers seek to differentiate suburban housing inventory. Interested buyers should monitor the project's timeline closely as the construction phase progresses toward the expected 2027 completion date.