PANAMA CITY BEACH − The booming Jimmy Buffett-themed community in Bay County reached a milestone this week.
About two years since its homes hit the market in May 2021, Latitude Margaritaville Watersound opened the first phase of its Town Square on Thursday, giving residents access to The Fins Up! Fitness Center, two pools, the amphitheater, and the two-story Latitude Bar & Chill restaurant with the rooftop Overlook Bar.
The Town Square sits within the heart of the Latitude, which is located of State 79, north of Panama City Beach in unincorporated Bay County. Geared toward residents at least 55 years old, the community is being developed through a partnership between the St. Joe Company, Minto Communities USA and Margaritaville Holdings.
“The demand has been through the roof since Day One, with people literally waiting to get in here, but it’s really not about the (homes),” said David Pisano, director of sales for the community. “What they’re really buying is that Town Square and the lifestyle that it brings to this community. The house is simply the ticket to entry.”
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The community is Latitude’s third location, with others in Daytona Beach and Hilton Head, South Carolina. It offers four styles of homes that range from about 1,200 square feet to more than 2,500 square feet. The cheapest models cost more than $300,000.
As of Thursday, the local Latitude had sold more than 1,300 homes, almost 700 of which already are occupied by residents, Pisano said.
About 3,5000 homes currently are planned for the community, though officials have said there is room in the surrounding area to expand in the future.
According to Brian Cale, vice president of land development for the community, construction of the Town Square’s second phase is slated to break ground toward the beginning of next year. It will boast additional amenities, including a theater and arts-and-crafts area.
Like Pisano, Cale said Thursday marked an important day for the local community, which he noted “has gotten off to a better start” than the other two Latitude locations. He believes this accomplishment stems from two key factors: the community brand becoming more well known, and the natural beauty of the Emerald Coast.
“It’s going to be nice to turn this (Town Square) over to our residents,” Cale said. “They’ve been waiting for it for a long time. We’re very proud of it, and I know they’re going to love it.”