KIDS & PETS
Another Year of Unconditional Love Together
This issue holds a special place in my heart. Children are more than just the future—they are the heartbeat of our communities today. Their laughter, their curiosity, and their potential shape the world in ways we can’t fully measure.
As parents and caregivers, we put so much effort into nurturing their growth, teaching them, and investing in their futures. But let’s not forget that children also shape us—they bring joy, laughter, and meaning to our everyday lives.
But we also cannot overlook the powerful role pets play in our families. They offer unconditional love and teach us valuable lessons in empathy, responsibility, and companionship. The bond between kids and their pets can be transformative, fostering deep emotional connections that last a lifetime.
This year is especially impactful for me as my one and only child graduates high school and spreads their wings at college, becoming more independent every day. My fur babies are incredibly important to me as I navigate a newly empty nest.
At the core of both children and pets is a simple truth—they need us. Our care and attention shape who they become, and in turn, they shape us. This issue is dedicated to celebrating the kids and pets who fill our homes with joy and love.
This month is doubly important as New Port Richey City Lifestyle celebrates our second year of publication! We hope each month you find new inspiration, but this month we hope you are inspired to pour a little extra love into the children and pets in your life. They are the ones who remind us of the simple joys and the importance of unconditional love.
Here’s to another year together, our little (and not so little) ones, and the pets who make everything better.
Cheers!
JOANN CHANG, MANAGING EDITOR
@NEWPORTRICHEYCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Amy Walters | amy.walters@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
JoAnn Chang | joann.chang@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Michelle Numann | michelle.numann@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
JoAnn Chang, Amy Walters, Michelle Numann
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Magical Memories Photography, JoAnn Chang, Wild Artistry Photography, MetroLagoons, YMCA of the Suncoast
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.
With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online.
Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.
business monthly
The Care You Deserve When It Matters Most
Starkey Ranch ER & Hospital, located in the heart of Odessa, is redefining emergency care through a patient-first approach and exceptional clinical excellence. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our state-of-the-art, physician-owned facility delivers compassionate, concierge-level care with minimal wait times. Patients have access to comprehensive emergency services, advanced imaging, on-site laboratory testing, and expert pediatric care - all under one roof. You can count on Starkey Ranch ER & Hospital.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
At Kiddie Academy of Lutz, learning goes beyond the classroom. Through its Life Essentials® curriculum, children are encouraged to explore, create, and grow in a nurturing environment inspiring confidence and curiosity. Serving families throughout Lutz and the surrounding communities, Kiddie Academy provides educational childcare programs for infants through school-age children. With passionate educators, a focus on character development, and a commitment to preparing children for future success, Kiddie Academy is helping shape tomorrow’s leaders today.
Helping You Feel Your Best
Family Chiropractic Center for Wellness has been helping Pasco County families live healthier, more active lives. With six convenient locations throughout the region, their experienced team provides personalized chiropractic care focused on pain relief, mobility, wellness, and long-term health. From pediatric and prenatal care to treatment for injuries and chronic conditions, Family Chiropractic is committed to helping patients of all ages feel their best through compassionate care, education, and a holistic approach to wellness.
Photography by Family Chiropractic Center for Wellness
Photography by Kiddie Academy of Lutz
Photography by Starkey Ranch ER & Hospital
ARTICLE BY AMY WALTERS
BUILT for BELONGING
Helping every generation live healthier, happier, and more connected lives
There are very few places left in our community where a toddler learning to swim, a teenager discovering independence, a parent pursuing wellness goals, and a grandparent staying active can all find themselves enjoying activities under the same roof. The James P. Gills YMCA in Trinity is one of these places.
The YMCA is much more than a gym. The YMCA is a cornerstone of life for families and individuals throughout West Pasco. Many people recognize the Y for its fitness programs, swimming lessons and youth activities. But the real impact the YMCA has on its members is something that is felt more than what the eyes can see.
Executive Director Michael Whitten describes the YMCA as the “heartbeat” of the community and a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together with a shared purpose to live healthier, stronger, and more connected lives.
“If our community did not have the YMCA, there would be a huge void,” Whitten said.
Walking through the doors on any given day, the facility is filled with activity. Young children and their parents splashing in the pool. Little ones playing in the Kids Zone, parents participating in group fitness classes. The beauty of the YMCA is that every member of the family can find something meaningful to focus on within its walls.
For the younger family members, the Y can be the first place they learn water safety and how to swim. As they continue to
grow, there are several options for youth sports and recreation programs and summer camps. All of these programs help build confidence, encourage teamwork and promote healthy habits from an early age.
As children grow, so do the opportunities and activities available to them. The YMCA’s after-school programs and teen offerings provide a welcoming space where young people can connect with peers, explore leadership opportunities, and receive guidance from trusted adults. For many parents, these programs provide peace of mind, knowing their children are spending time in a positive environment that encourages personal growth and responsibility.
One of the other unique qualities of the Y is the ability to serve members at every stage of life. It is not uncommon to see three generations of a family enjoying their time together. This sense of togetherness is one of the reasons the organization continues to have such a profound impact on the community.
The facility recently completed several upgrades that were thoughtfully planned to enhance the member experience. The most visible improvement is the brand new, state-of-the-art Wellness space that reflects the YMCA’s ongoing commitment to health and wellness.
Stepping into the facility, you can see immediately the total transformation of the wellness center. This includes innovative
“Our goal is to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be part of our family.”
Photo Credit: Magical
EGYM equipment that helps members of all fitness levels achieve their goals through guided workouts and personalized programs. This technology provides real-time feedback on form, technique, and progress, creating an experience that is both approachable for beginners and beneficial for experienced athletes.
“This is truly for everyone,” Whitten explained. “Whether you’re brand new to fitness or someone who’s been working out for years, the system helps meet you where you are.”
The new equipment removes much of the intimidation that people sometimes feel when beginning a fitness journey. Members receive guidance throughout their workouts, helping them build confidence while working toward improved strength, mobility, and overall health.
Another exciting addition is the pickleball courts. Families of all ages can enjoy time learning the game on one of the four courts available for members to play. This is one of the many activities that are inclusive for everyone, regardless of their skill level.
For active older adults, the YMCA continues to expand wellness opportunities that support healthy aging and social engagement. Programs such as Silver Sneakers, Enhanced Fitness, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, and a Cancer Survivorship Program in partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center demonstrate the YMCA’s commitment to supporting health beyond traditional fitness offerings. These programs not only improve physical wellbeing but also help combat isolation by creating opportunities for meaningful connection.
Whitten believes these relationships are just as important as the workouts themselves. “We’re here for all,” he said. “Our goal is to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be part of our family.”
That mission is evident throughout every corner of the facility. Walking through the YMCA, you will see neighbors greeting one another by name. You can see parents
“This is truly for everyone. Whether you’re brand new to fitness or someone who’s been working out for years, the system helps meet you where you are.”
Photo Credit: Magical Memories Photography
smiling watching their children succeed in a new activity. You’ll see teenagers learning leadership skills and older adults encouraging one another to stay active. This is community in action.
As a parent myself who has experienced the YMCA with my son, I understand why so many families continue to return year after year. The memories I have with my son extend far beyond the sports programs; the Y has become part of our story. The lessons learned, the friendships that formed during sports programs, and the sense of belonging found carried beyond leaving for the day.
In a time when genuine connection can feel increasingly difficult to find, the YMCA continues to provide something invaluable, a place where people can come together, support one another, and thrive. Yes, the YMCA offers swimming lessons, sports leagues, wellness center, pickleball and after-school care. Perhaps its greatest achievement is something far less tangible, the community it has created where everyone belongs. This is why the James P. Gills YMCA will remain the heartbeat of West Pasco.
Photo Credit: YMCA of the Suncoast
Photo Credit: YMCA of the Suncoast
Photo Credit: YMCA of the Suncoast
Paw Perfect
Grooming isn’t all about looks - for some dog breeds it’s essential for good health
Dogs are very good at masking their discomfort. They don’t tell us when their nails hurt, when matted fur is pulling their skin, or when an ear infection is brewing. These issues are usually caught during routine grooming appointments, making regular grooming one of the most overlooked aspects of keeping dogs healthy, comfortable, and thriving.
At Bay Paws Pet Resort Trinity, General Manager Ally Masut and Dog Groomer Marcia King see the difference regular grooming can make every day. While pet owners may notice a cleaner coat or a fresh haircut, grooming appointments often reveal much more. They provide an opportunity to address routine maintenance needs and ensure our pets remain comfortable.
Grooming starts with the basics that some pet owners don’t always think about. Skin care, ear cleaning, and nail maintenance are all essential components of proper grooming. Overgrown nails can become painful, and skin concerns can hide beneath even the healthiest-looking coats. “When I’m blowing out a dog, I can see right down to the skin,” King says. “So I can see if they’ve got any skin infections, if they’ve got fleas, or any kind of issues.”
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE NUMANN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
MAGICAL MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHY
Some breeds simply require more grooming than others. According to King, Shih Tzus, Doodles, and Golden Retrievers are among the breeds she sees most often. Golden Retrievers shed heavily, while Shih Tzus can develop issues when hair grows into their face and around their eyes. Doodles present a different challenge. “Their fur is just inconsistent, so it just mats so easily,” says King. While every dog’s needs are different, the average grooming schedule is typically every four to six weeks.
A typical grooming appointment includes a bath, a blowout, a nail trim, an ear cleaning, and a customized haircut. Groomers also trim paw pads, clean sanitary areas, and carefully brush out tangles before they become problematic.
Many pet owners try grooming at home, but there’s a reason professional groomers exist. Grooming involves much more than a bath and a haircut. From safely handling nervous dogs to using the right tools and products for different coat types, professional groomers
have the training and experience to keep dogs comfortable while achieving the best results.
At Bay Paws Pet Resort in Trinity, wellness extends beyond the dog spa. The facility offers daycare, boarding, and enrichment programs designed to meet dogs where they are. Whether they’re energetic puppies or more relaxed seniors, one of the most popular features is the splash pad, where daycare dogs can cool off and play during Florida’s warmer months. The experience provides both physical and mental benefits, helping dogs stay active while enjoying new sights, sounds, and experiences. Parents can even watch the fun unfold through Bay Paws’ live camera system.
With the holidays around the corner, Masut encourages families to think ahead. Grooming appointments
and boarding reservations fill quickly around Thanksgiving and Christmas, making early planning essential. “The earlier the better,” she says. “If you know you’re going to take a vacation, you know your family’s coming over, and you’re going to want your pup groomed and fresh for them, getting that on the schedule as soon as possible is definitely number one.”
Whether it’s a routine groom, an afternoon at the splash pad, or a comfortable stay while the family is away, every service at Bay Paws is designed with one goal in mind: helping dogs live healthier, happier lives. At the end of the day, grooming isn’t just about how a dog looks when they leave. It’s about how good they feel long after they get home. Visit www.baypaws.com/trinity to learn more.
farm fresh
The Shaggy Cow Lounge engages kids with an “udderly” fantastic farm animal experience
We are creatures of habit. Thriving on routine, it’s easy to settle into one as a family. For our children, it’s school, homework, maybe a sport or other extracurricular activity, then bed and back at it again the next day. While routines can be beneficial, we forget that we also lose something in that routine. Rewards often become screen time. Rarely do we set aside time to get out in nature –and spending time interacting with animals on a farm is nearly unheard of in today’s urban environment. But carving out time to get out of your routine and having a farm experience with your family can reap dividends.
One of the most noticeable benefits of spending time with animals is how it lowers stress levels. Between school commitments and social pressure, stress levels are high for children. Research has shown that interacting with animals can help lower stress levels by reducing cortisol and increasing oxytocin, often referred to as the body’s ‘bonding hormone’. Animals are also a great way to help connect our kids to the natural world while also building emotional strength. Research published by the American Psychological Association and other organizations suggests that regular interaction with animals may
ARTICLE BY JOANN CHANG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILD ARTISTRY PHOTOGRAPHY/JOANN CHANG
help children develop empathy, emotional awareness, and social skills. Taking on tasks like grooming and feeding animals also builds confidence and teaches responsibility. It’s also a lot of fun – and a great way for families to create memories together.
That’s where experiences like The Cowabunga Camp make an impact. They offer opportunities to engage with animals in a farm setting, providing an educational experience in a fun way. “It brings a lot of confidence because our animals are very friendly. It brings them off iPads and computers and educates them. A farmer told me he was trucking a bunch of sheep across the US, and this family peeked in. They’re like, ‘Look at all the pigs’, and they were all sheep,” explained Hannah Davis, owner of The Cowabunga Camp, highlighting the knowledge lost as our society has become more urban.
The Cowabunga Camp was established as an opportunity to provide a more interactive farm experience after years of hosting farm photo shoots. “I’ve been doing photography for 10 years now. As much as I loved it, I wanted to give more of an experience for families, instead of just coming for a 30-minute photo shoot. They can bring their own cameras,” shared Davis. Hannah worked with her farm partners across the nation to bring The Cowabunga Camp to life.
There are several experiences offered at The Cowabunga Camp, but one of the most popular is The Shaggy Cow Lounge experience. It goes beyond the typical petting zoo, bringing both animals and people together in a cool boho lounge atmosphere. Tickets offer an hour in the lounge with a cup of feed to offer to the many animals wandering the space. “We have a shaggy style station, which has boho hats and ponchos that everyone can wear for photos. It’s a time where you can really engage and hang out with animals,” said Davis. While the animals are the star of the show, the photos capturing the experience are top-notch. “We have little selfie stations. Our staff is trained to get as many selfies of you as possible,” Davis added.
The lounge atmosphere and extra enhancements really set it apart from a typical farm experience. “Everything is set up to get the cutest pictures sitting on the chairs and with the umbrellas, and everything is really thought out,”
CONTINUED >
shared Davis. Those at the lounge may get a surprise visit from an alpaca in a tuxedo making a pizza delivery or a passing goat dressed as a cowboy. “It’s just a little bit different because we cater more to helping people get as many cute pictures as possible.”
Those who want to enhance their experience can upgrade to a larger feed bucket with extra snacks for your new fluffy friends or even brushes and bows to interact with the animals in other ways. If an hour isn’t enough time to explore, you could also book a VIP cabana, offering your own private space and the entire afternoon to spend with the animals. Soon, several locations will also offer overnight camping opportunities. “We are
“I wanted to give more of an experience for families.”
having a ton more overnight stay opportunities popping up around the US. In Mayo, Florida, we will have a new crazy retro experience, a lot of vintage campers to stay in with chickens walking around,” offered Davis. In a world of packed schedules, screens, and theme-park lines, setting aside an hour to slow down with shaggy cows and sun-drenched pastures may be exactly the reset families need. At The Shaggy Cow Lounge, kids trade iPads for bottle feeds and boho hats, parents trade to-do lists for belly laughs and selfies, and everyone walks away with a story that feels bigger than a typical Saturday. “I want them to feel like they went out of the country, feel like they went somewhere and did something unique,” said Davis. For many Tampa Bay families, that might just be the kind of core memory worth planning around.
Get Down at The Shaggy Cow Lounge
The Shaggy Cow Lounge offers animal engagement in a retro-cool lounge environment. Learn more and book your tickets and add-on experiences at thecowabungacamp.com
Best of Pasco Awards
GREATER PASCO CHAMBER CORNER
2026
OF PASCO AWARD FINALISTS
HORSING Around
Equestrian youth sports can help your child build skills that last a lifetime
ARTICLE BY JOANN CHANG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAGICAL MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHY
When it comes to finding the perfect sport or extra-curricular activity for your child, many look to popular activities like soccer, Little League, or gymnastics. But for some, the most rewarding activity can be found on the back of a horse. Equestrian sports are incredibly popular and yield impacts that last a lifetime.
That has certainly proven to be the case for Emma Banks, owner and trainer at Hazelwood Stables. Emma started riding at 7-years-old. Her mother rode horses, so it was natural for Emma to ride as well. When Emma was 16, they had two horses and she was spending most of her time outside of school at the barn, exercising horses and assisting with summer camps and more. When the stable owner asked Emma’s mother about taking over the stable, it came as a shock. “I wanted to have horses, but I never thought of being a trainer. It never crossed my mind,” shared Banks. But that decision changed the trajectory of her life. Emma and her mom now run Hazelwood Stables. When Emma turned 18, she went pro and now guides many young equestrians in the sport.
Hazelwood Stables focuses on jumping as well as hunt seat, saddle seat, western pleasure and more. At Hazelwood, the focus is first on learning the basics: how to post and steer and navigate, how to brush a horse properly, not walk behind them and other essential skills. It then grows naturally based on each individual. “It can just be for pleasure. I always allow kids to tell me where they want to go when they’re doing the sport, that they’re not obligated to compete,” Banks explained.
For Jacqueline Elliott and her daughter Maddie, equine sports started as therapy after Maddie was diagnosed with a pediatric autoimmune disease syndrome at 4-years-old. Equine therapy was recommended as a way to help manage her condition. Nine years later, Maddie is riding and competing with a horse of her own. It’s now gone beyond therapy, establishing a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility in her young daughter. “A lot of 12-year-olds are not out there every day, cleaning stalls, taking care of animals. It’s one thing to do your sport, but on top of this is a lot of responsibility. That has carried on to all the other things she does,” explained Elliott.
Hazelwood has been a perfect fit for the Elliotts, becoming a second family. Kids of all ages work and learn side by side, mentoring each other as well as bonding over their love of the animals. Emma’s training has been a game changer for Maddie. “Emma is just one of those people that just wants the best for all of
“I always allow kids to tell me where they want to go when they’re doing the sport.”
her kids. She has always been so supportive of Maddie’s goals. The harder Maddie works, the more Emma wants it for her. We would not have these amazing opportunities if it wasn’t for Emma providing wonderful horses and wonderful training,” shared Elliott.
Beyond the show ring, Emma sees horses quietly shaping how kids move through the world. In a barn full of thousand-pound teachers, kids learn not just how to ride, but how to read a room, manage emotions, and build trust—skills that last far beyond the pasture fence.
I’m talking to you- the Keeper.
The Provider, the Caretaker, the ProtectorMom and Dad.
You are irreplaceable.
You have worked SO hard to build a beautiful life for your family.
Sometimes things happen, unfortunate things. Should the unexpected happen, you can do something to leave a legacy for your family.
You can prevent financial struggle. You want them to continue the path you had planned for them, right?
You can do that with a life policy.
It’s more affordable than you think!
Your family will be able to continue to pay bills, keep the house, pay for college, pay for a future wedding.. all of those things you planned for them.
It’s not a fun thing to think about, so think about it once. Once is enough to make the decision to protect your family.
We can help you with that conversation. Set up a life appointment with our office and we can talk through ALL of your options and help you make the best decision.
You insure your car and home- it’s time to insure your biggest asset- YOU.
Ed Burke State Farm 727-807-5989
Accounting Without the Confusion
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
JANIE
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
ARTICLE BY JOANN CHANG PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOANN CHANG & METROLAGOONS
“It’s a day at the beach without driving all the way to the beach. No jellyfish, sharks or red tide.”
Lagoon Life
As the summer days get hotter, finding ways to cool off and connect as a family become more important. In Florida, we are blessed with a wealth of options. Beaches, springs and rivers surround us. In recent years, a new option has been added to that list – a day at a local lagoon!
Lagoons are a recent trend, brought to the United States by Metro Development. The first lagoon built in the United States was in Wesley Chapel at the Epperson development in 2018. It was so successful, Lagoons were built at other Florida communities including Southshore Bay in Wimauma in 2022, Mirada in San Antonio in 2023, Brightwater in North Fort Myers in 2025 with additional Lagoons planned for Angeline in Land O’ Lakes and Seaire in Parrish in coming years. These large artificial swimming lagoons are managed by the team at MetroLagoons. “It’s an immersive getaway right in their backyard,” explained David Heaton, MetroLagoons Vice President of Operations.
While these large resort-style amenities were created for local communities, what many may not realize are these lagoons are also open to the public to enjoy. For the price of a ticket, you can cool off and enjoy one of the largest swimming pools in the country, complete with a swim up bar and water activities. “It’s a day at the beach without driving all the way to the
beach. No jellyfish, sharks or red tide,” shared Heaton.
A perfect balance is struck between the host community and the public. “We do a lot of community events and host them at the property. We’ll do movie nights during the week. We’ll do seasonal events during Easter, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July. Launching fireworks over these properties is absolutely breathtaking,” Heaton said. Residents are often offered designated seating areas for these activities, allowing them to feel at home with their neighbors while allowing the public to enjoy the experience as well. They also keep a close eye on attendance, limiting ticket sales on peak days so everyone can enjoy the lagoon without overcrowding.
The lagoon experience has much to offer. Small children enjoy playing in the sand, wading and splashing in the shallow areas and playing in the kids splash zone. Those looking for a bit more adrenaline will enjoy the water slide, large water obstacle course, as well as exploring the lagoon on paddle boards or kayaks. Those who prefer more low-key activities have options too. “The swim up bar is wildly popular. Just to be able to cool off on a hot Florida day, sipping your cocktail or frozen drink in the water is a plus,” Heaton shared.
The next time you’re looking for a beach day, head to the Lagoon CONTINUED >
“The swim up bar is wildly popular. Just to be able to cool off on a hot Florida day, sipping your cocktail or frozen drink in the water is a plus.”
Those looking for exclusivity and luxury by the water can find that as well. “Each property has our Cabana Cove area, where you can rent your cabanas. It has its own designated swimming area and bar with large screen televisions. You can scan a QR code, and your favorite cocktail or frozen drink is hand delivered right to you. It’s really the best way to have that kind of privacy, exclusivity and top-notch level of service when you visit,” shared Heaton. Cabana Cove offers both traditional cabanas with comfortable seating and loungers as well as Aquabanas that float right on the lagoon.
Above all, a day at the lagoon lets you leave your worries behind and focus on a cool day on the water. Whether it’s spending time as a family or treating out-oftown guests to a fresh slice of Florida, the lagoon experience offers something for everyone, turning an ordinary Florida afternoon into a resort-style escape just minutes from home.
ENJOY A DAY OF LAGOON LIFE
Planning your lagoon day starts at www. metrolagoons.com . You can pick the right lagoon to fit your needs, purchase admission tickets, add splash passes for water activities, and reserve seating lagoon side or even a cabana or Aquabana in Cabana Cove.
Guests should bring their towels and sunscreen, but leave the coolers at home. Each lagoon offers a wide variety of food and beverages to enjoy on your lagoon day. Be sure to check the FAQ about what to bring to enhance your day and what to leave at home.
