Metro Development Group wins award for vision of broadband technology in its "Smart Gigabit Community"

TAMPA, Fla. (April 27, 2016) – Metro Development Group recently received a Cornerstone Award from Broadband Communities Magazine for its vision of broadband technology as the key to the sustainable communities of tomorrow. Broadband Communities is the leading source of information on digital and broadband technologies for buildings and communities.

Metro was recognized for its plans to create and implement a “Connected-City Corridor” in Pasco County, Fla. – the nation’s first planned “Smart Gigabit Community” to be built from the ground up with a fiber network providing Gigabit internet access. To develop the community, Metro is partnering with Pasco County and was also recently recognized by US Ignite, a non-profit organization that fosters the creation of next-generation internet applications in communities across the country.

“Congratulations to the Metro Development Group for their recognition as the recipient of the Cornerstone Award,” said Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader. “Quality job creation within the technology sector will enhance the smart growth policies of Pasco County for future generations.”

The 7,800-acre “Connected-City Corridor” is expected to attract tech-savvy businesses, retailers and residents to an area built around Gigabit-enabled applications and services that promise to deliver new advances in education, healthcare, public safety, energy, and transportation.

“The Connected-City Corridor promises to bring high-tech jobs in a high-quality community to Pasco County, as Pasco continues to become known as a place to live, work and play,” said state Sen. Wilton Simpson. “Having cutting-edge internet access is a must today, and leveraging that to attract quality companies and residents is the right thing to do.”

Metro Development Group is also building two Crystal Lagoons in the “Connected-City Corridor” that will be multiple acres in size and provide a unique amenity to the residents. The first Crystal Lagoons to be built in the U.S., they will offer crystal clear waters and will be large enough to use a kayak, canoe or small sailboat.

The annual Cornerstone Awards are given to industry leaders with outstanding accomplishments in broadband technologies and telecommunications. Winners are selected by a distinguished committee of analysts, editors, writers and other industry leaders. The award is given to a select few developments, municipalities, communities and individuals each year. This year’s awards were presented at the 2016 Broadband Communities Summit in Austin, Texas, on April 6.

About Metro Development Group

Founded in 2003, Metro Development Group is a Tampa, Florida-based company that specializes in the management of land acquisition, zoning, permitting, and developing residential communities. Working with a vast network of investors and builders, MDG has been involved in 70 residential and commercial projects, spanning Central Florida from coast to coast.

Metro Development Group is the exclusive developer of the ULTRAFi Community, and is committed to bringing some of the most innovative technologies and amenities to home builders and home buyers. With the introduction of ULTRAFi, Metro continues to be the gold standard in the development of master planned communities.

Metro Development Group also recently launched Metro Places, its consumer-facing brand for its communities. For more information, visit www.MetroPlaces.com or www.MDGFlorida.com.

Contact:

Leah Saunders

B2 Communications

(727) 895-5030 x 104 (o)

(813) 924-0367 (c)

Leah@B2communications.com