Jimmy Buffett's brand is taking over the Texas coast, one project at a time. Minto Communities on Thursday announced it will bring Latitude Margaritaville, an active adult community with locations in Florida and South Carolina, to Texas City with a grand opening tentatively set for 2028.
Latitude Margaritaville comes from a collaboration of Minto, a Florida-based developer, and Margaritaville Holdings, the larger lifestyle and hospitality company co-founded by Buffett back in 1985. The development's announcement comes on the heels of news that Margaritaville at Sea, the company's cruise brand, will begin deploying from Galveston in 2027, and amid the ongoing development of the Margaritaville mixed-use development on the East End of the island destination.
The plan calls for approximately 3,500 residences including single-family homes, plus villas and cottages, across a 1,318-acre property between state Hwys. 3 and 146 and north of the Emmett F. Lowry Expwy.
Latitude Margaritaville will also have a town square with a bandshell; a fitness center; a restaurant and theater; plus a pool; bocce, tennis and pickleball courts; and a pet spa.
There are a lot of Buffett song references and puns, too: For example, the theater is called the "Last Mango" Theater, named after the singer's 1985 album Last Mango in Paris.
"Margaritaville has a strong commitment to Texas, and Galveston Bay is a perfect place to bring the Latitude Margaritaville lifestyle to life," President of Development at Margaritaville Jim Wiseman said in a statement. "There's something special about life along the Gulf-the water, the energy, the music, and that unmistakable sense that you're never too far from a good time."
The announcement came a day after Texas City commissioners approved plans for the project. According to the Galveston Daily News, former Mayor Dedrick Johnson stopped negotiations for Latitude Margaritaville almost two years ago, citing issues with infrastructure and costs to taxpayers. This time, Texas City officials voiced excitement over what is expected to bring 1,746 permanent jobs and $1.6 million in annual sales tax revenue to Texas City.
"We know this development will bring new residents to our city, create jobs and generate revenue that will benefit our community," said Texas City Mayor Abel Garza Jr. "We're proud Texas City was selected for the first Latitude Margaritaville community in Texas and look forward to the positive impact this development will have for years to come."
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This article originally published at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville brand expands Texas footprint with development.