Waning Sands

What we know about Waning Sands

Waning Sands was first revealed in the game's first trailer, where its name briefly appears on a road sign in Vice City pointing north (1:07). It is also shown directly in an overlooking shot of the area from inside a Tulip, with a shopping mall sign displaying the city's name, confirming that the mall and its surroundings are located within Waning Sands (1:00). The presence of Leonard County Sheriff vehicles in the scene indicates that the area is also located in Leonard County.

Sourced from Rockstar's trailers and official material via the community knowledge base (gta.wiki, CC BY-SA). Cross-checked against official material.

Real-world inspiration analysis

Waning Sands appears to be inspired by various areas in southern Broward County, Florida, such as Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, and Cooper City, while also appearing to draw inspiration from parts of northern Miami-Dade County, Florida, including North Miami Beach, and possibly Aventura. The name references the high rate of beach erosion occurring in many coastal areas and beach cities of Broward County, literal "waning sands". The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has designated Broward County as a critical area of erosion.