Good morning, Villagers. Costco steamrolled this week’s poll, LaGrange keeps filling in fast, and Florida’s license plate panic finally got put to bed. Let’s get into it.

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On this day in 1966, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! aired on TV for the first time. Still a holiday staple nearly 60 years later.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Monday’s Poll Recap

🛒Favorite Club Store

This one was a blowout. Out of 710 votes, Costco dominated with 405 votes, easily topping Sam’s Club (183) and BJ’s (79). Even 43 readers said they’ll never step foot in a club store at all.

Why Costco ran away with it
Reader comments kept repeating the same themes:

• Better overall quality, especially meat and bakery

• Strong value for the quality, not just bulk for bulk’s sake

• Clean stores, good layouts, and great prepared foods

Several readers said some version of “Once Costco arrived, there was no going back,” and many agreed it should have come to The Villages way sooner. Seems like Costco slept on The Villages a little too long.

Sam’s & BJ’s
Sam’s Club loyalists love Scan & Go and easy checkouts.
BJ’s fans mostly cited convenience and location.

The holdouts
The non-club crowd says bulk buying isn’t worth the crowds or storage anymore.

Bottom line
Costco didn’t just win, it took over.

Thanks for voting and keep those poll ideas coming — hit reply if you’ve got a fun one for next week!

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Villages Development News

👀 What’s Filling In Around LaGrange

Take a smooth aerial tour of the Village of LaGrange and see what’s really happening on the ground. This video flies over new construction, open lots, golf courses, and nearby hotspots like Eastport, Olympia Rec Center, and Edenfield, giving you a clear picture of how fast this area is building out. If you’re curious about where LaGrange is headed, what’s still available, or just enjoy seeing The Villages from above on a crisp Florida morning, this one is worth a watch.

🚘 License Plate Frame Panic? Let’s Clear This Up.

If your Facebook feed has been flooded with posts claiming all license plate frames are now illegal in Florida, you’re not imagining things. Police agencies, commenters, and armchair lawyers across the state turned this into a full-blown debate over the past few weeks.

Here’s the actual truth.

On December 12, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issued a clarification letter stating that normal license plate frames are still legal. The rule is simple: as long as the plate number and the registration sticker are fully visible, you’re good.

No, you don’t need to rip off every frame.
No, this is not a statewide frame ban.
Yes, frames that cover numbers or the decal can still get you pulled over.

That’s it. Visibility is the key.

👉📄 You can read the official FLHSMV letter here.

After weeks of online panic, we’re curious… how many of you actually grabbed a screwdriver?

Non Couples Dinner Club

Dinner Club Reminder
The second Villages Pulse Dinner Club is picking up steam and seats are filling up. If you want in on Jan 14 — meeting new neighbors, sharing good food, and starting something fun — make sure you’re signed up before the Jan 12 at 5:30 PM deadline. Don’t miss your seat at the table! 🍽️

Pulse Travel

Cruise Deal Pick - Barcelona To Rome on Oceania

Mediterranean Cruise, Fall 2026 🚢
Set sail aboard Oceania Sirena on a gorgeous 7-night Mediterranean voyage, sailing Barcelona to Rome.

Ports of call include: Palamós, Marseille, Corsica, Cinque Terre, Sardinia, Naples

For Villages Pulse readers:
• Exclusive perks: $250 ship credit, 3 bottles of wine, Gratuities included, free wifi, unlimited drinks or $800 shore excursion credit!
• Reduced deposit of just $250

Perfect fall weather, iconic ports, and small-ship luxury. If Europe by sea has been on your list, this is a strong one.

See the full itinerary & grab your spot → Mediterranean Escape on Oceania 🚢

Upcoming Events

Want a Featured Event with a poster/image? Reach out.

🏌️‍♂️Short Game High Pitch Clinic | Sarasota | Dec 18 | 12:30 am | Details

❄️ Winter Wonderland | World Equestrian Center | Dec 18 - Dec 23

Kojo Prince Comedy Show | Francesco’s | Dec 18 | 5:30 pm | Details

Duckie’s No Limit Hold’em | Oxford Downs | Dec 19 | Details

Spirit of The Horse | Grand Oaks Resort | Dec 19 & 21 | Tickets

U-Pick Strawberries | Browns Farms | Dec 20, 21 | 9 am - 2 pm

40 Years 2 Late | Oxford Downs Tiki Bar | Dec 20 | 6:30 PM | Details

Scooter’s Christmas Pajama Bash | Brownwood Square | Dec 20 | 4 pm

12th Annual Vintage Collectible Sale | Savannah Rec Center | Jan 24 | 9am-3pm

On Sale This Week

Shadows Of The 60’s | Savannah Center | Feb 11 | Details

Direct from Sweden: Music of ABBA | Savannah Center | Feb 20 | Details

Jay Leno & Arsenio Hall | The Tracy | Feb 28 | Details

The Righteous Brothers | The Tracy | Mar 1 | Details

And More….

If you have an event you want to announce to 8,300+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Thanks!

Thanks for reading, voting, and keeping things lively. See you Monday with more Villages updates. Forward this to a neighbor who still thinks Sam’s won.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 8,300+ local Villagers? Reach out here.