The Sandcastle Resort, a beloved landmark on Lido Beach, will soon be demolished following extensive damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. While the owner had previously planned to redevelop the property, the severe storm damage has accelerated the timeline for demolition.

For many visitors, the news marks the end of an era. Among them are Bryan and Lowis Metz, who first discovered the resort as newlyweds in 1978. “I thought it was the most beautiful thing ever, and this place just screamed Florida,” Bryan recalled, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “It’s sad. It’s hard to see it like this. I’m standing here, and half of me is really not seeing this. I still see what I used to see.”

Over the past 45 years, the Metz family has made the Sandcastle their second home, returning 30 times and sharing the experience with their children and grandchildren. Their final visit came in July, mere months before Hurricane Helene struck. “I’m so thankful to God that we were here, just here in July. This place is so special. It’s hard to describe just how special it is to us,” Lowis reflected.

Looking ahead, plans are already in motion for a new development on the site. The Opal Sandcastle, scheduled to open in 2027, will carry the legacy forward. Bryan remains optimistic about the future: “It will be another chapter of The Sandcastle, and it will be great and magnificent.”

Though the Metz couple won’t be able to celebrate their upcoming 47th anniversary at their beloved Sandcastle this May, they’ve made arrangements to stay nearby, keeping their tradition of visiting Lido Beach alive.

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(Image credit: Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)