Mirabay Neighborhood Guide

MiraBay Frequently Asked Questions

We've gathered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding MiraBay and provided answers below.

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Where is MiraBay?

MiraBay is located in the city of Apollo Beach, FL, Hillsborough County, just outside of Tampa.
Click the map to the left for a larger view.
Click here for an interactive aerial image of the project (click and drag inside the map).
Click here for a demographic profile.
Click here for weather averages.

What Amenities does MiraBay offer residents?

• Marine
  • 135-acre lagoon with 20,000lb Boat lift to saltwater canals provides deep-water acces to Tampa Bay.
  • Basic to intermediate sailing classes
  • Kayak tours of the Nature Preserve
  • Deep sea fishing excursions
  • Boat and kayak usage
  • Fishing gear and bait
  • backwater fishing guides
  • Water activities for young people (i.e., casting contests, fishing tournaments and sailboat races)
  • Guest speakers from local fishing guides on snook, redfish, and tarpon fishing
  • Guest speakers from law enforcement on rules and regulations on Florida waters
• Watersports
  • The Outfitter's; a bait-and-tackle shop on the lagoon provides bait, rods and hundreds of lures for purchase.
  • On-site captain provides information about water activites for residents, fishing advice and small craft rentals.
  • 1,000 acre Nature Preserve is ideal spawning habitat for countelss fish species - snook, redfish and bass.
• Pool Pavilion
  • Zero-entry pool
  • Lighthouse waterslide
  • JR Olympic lap pool features six dedicated swimming lanes
  • The Dockers area features a children's pool complete with its own lounge deck.
• Fitness / Racquet
  • Full Fitness Center featuring Nautilus Nitro aerobics and weight-training equipment
  • Elliptical, recumbent and stationary bikes, treadmills and steppers.
  • Plasma TV's keep you entertained
  • Complete locker room facilities also feature saunas.
  • Resident personal trainers offer programs for weight loss, golf conditioning, teen fitness, flexibility and strength training.
  • The Studio offers ballet bar, low-impact wood flooring and sound system offers step, body toning, spinning, Pilates and Tai-Chi classes.
  • The Racquet Club provides five Chapionship Lighted Hard Courts
  • Events are organized by the Tennis Pro throught the year including clinics, lessons, leagues and tournaments.
• Activities Director
  • Coordinating events at the Club, on teh water or nearby in Tampa and Sarasota, the Activities Director keeps you entertained!
• Dining
  • The Admiral's Lounge provides Sparkling views of the lagoon and a seasonal menu sure to delight!
  • The Galley Cafe offers a casual seaside theme--bathing suits and big appetites are welcome!
• Spa and Beauty
  • On-Site spa and beauty treatments are availabe in teh Fitness Center.
  • Swedish, Therapeutic, Deep tissue, Foot and Hot Stone Massages are available.
  • Facials, cleansing treatments, men's facials, waxing treatments, spa manicure and pedicures are also available.
• Meeting Facility
  • The second floor of the Club offers up to 4,000sq.ft. for meetings and banquets.
• MyMiraBay.net online community Forums

What about the school system?

Hillsborough County public schools are often cited as among the nation's best. 10 of Hillsborough County's 23 high schools were listed in Newsweek's 2005 America's Best High Schools. In addition, Hillsborough County students consistently score at or above the national average at every grade level on math exams, and district 8th graders have scored the highest average on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Writing Test every year since 2000. Also, Hillsborough County's music programs were ranked among the top 100 in the country for the fourth time in 2005.

MiraBay children will attend Apollo Beach Elementary; Eisenhower Middle School and East Bay High School.

Check out the county published Parents Guide which answers many school related questions.

You can verify which school your children will attend by entering an address into the School Locator.

Detailed information on MiraBay's school "grades" is available here.

What is MiraBay's contact information?

The MiraBay sales center is located on your left as you enter the community.

Online: www.mirabay.com

MiraBay Information Center
205 Manns Harbor Drive
Apollo Beach, FL 33572

Phone: (813)645-1000
Toll-Free: (866) 647-2229
E-mail: mirabay@newlandcommunities.com

Where can I see a Brochure of MiraBay?

Who is Newland Communities?

Newland Communities has ben creating desirable, livable communities across the nation (overview map) for nearly four decades. With expertise in creating a special sense of community, Newland Communities brings to life the unique history, culture and traditions of the land they develop. Local projects include:

($$)FishHawk Ranch

Carefully developed on 3,000 acres, this community will contain nearly 5,000 residences upon completion.
Satellite Image/Map Website

($$$)MiraBay

MiraBay is an award-winning, 750-acre community offering a variety of Old Coastal Florida homes on and off the water in the SouthShore area of Hillsborough County in west central Florida. A focus of MiraBay's subtropical lifestyle is its 135-acre lagoon and 3.5 miles of saltwater canals that provide deep-water access to Tampa Bay.
Satellite Image/Map Website

($)Covington Park

A 394-acre master-planned community developed in southern Hillsborough County, Covington Park is expected to provide 1200 single-family residences upon completion.
Satellite Image/Map Website

($$)Waterset

Opening in Spring 2009, Waterset will offer unique architecture and amenities in a real town setting. Gathering places, like the Lakeside Club, and the 12'-wide Esplanade will connect people and places throughout the community. Waterset is a place that celebrates a rich, diverse community life. All homes and amenities will be certified by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC). Satellite Image/Map Website

What is the best way to find homes for sale in MiraBay?

I'm not ready to buy. Can I rent a home in MiraBay?

What are MiraBay's Property Taxes and Community Association Fees?

The sales tax in Hillsborough County is 7.00% (6% state, 1% local). There is no State Tax on personal income or property.

Taxes are based on the ASSESSED value of the property. The Property Appraiser establishes the taxable value of real estate and tangible personal property. Known as the Homestead Exemption, the state constitution of Florida allows up to $25,000 to be deducted from the assessed value of a primary residence.

The tax rate is (generally) the same, no matter where you live in Hillsborough County. You may also pay City taxes if you live in an Incorporated area, and you may pay "non-ad valorem" assessments which may vary by community. These assessments are imposed by residents of neighborhoods for specific benefits such as recreation or general maintenance.

MiraBay does not require a "club membership" to use any of it's facilities. MiraBay is part of a Community Development District (CDD) and each homeowner is assessed an annual CDD fee. This fee is billed annually in advance and covers the cost of the community infrastructure, (roadways, utility installation, amenities, etc.) and also includes fees for maintenance and upkeep of the community common areas and amenities. MiraBay's CDD is billed with your taxes under "non-ad valorem" assessments. The following non-ad valorem assessments are paid at the end of the year with your property taxes and can be rolled into your mortgage.

The MiraBay Homeowners Association is responsible for administering the rules and deed restrictions of the community. The Homeowners association fee only covers administration and staff, not actual community operation expenses. The following fees are billed annualy and paid directly to the HOA, not the Tax Collector.

What is the difference between a CDD and HOA?

Most planned communities have a Homeowners Association. Many are also setup as a Community Development District. Here are the key differences between a Community Development District (CDD) and Homeowners Association (HOA):

Where can I find information about the Community Developement District and the HOA?

CDD information can be found from The Harbor Bay CDD website.