Good morning Villages. As Veterans Day approaches, The Villages pauses to honor the men and women who’ve worn the uniform — many of them our own neighbors and friends. Their service and sacrifice shape the freedoms we enjoy every day, and this week offers a chance to show our gratitude in simple, meaningful ways.

Visit Veterans Memorial Park to reflect among more than 15,000 engraved tribute bricks, or stop by Eisenhower Recreation Center to see the powerful displays of local veterans’ stories and memorabilia. However you choose to honor them, take a moment to say thank you.

Two astute readers caught my glaring mistake about the formation of the Marines last Thursday. Due to a mix up, I got the date wrong! So here it is again this morning on the correct date!

On this day back in 1775, a few good men gathered at a tavern in Philadelphia — and the U.S. Marine Corps was born. Here’s to the Marines past and present who’ve kept our nation strong. 🦅

📨 If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Poll Of The Week

We’re always curious how you read your Pulse! Some folks scroll with coffee on the porch, others catch up between rounds or while waiting at the square. Take a second to tell us what screen you’re reading on — it helps us make the Pulse even better for you.

Got a fun idea for a future poll? Hit reply and let me know — Are most popular polls are reader-suggested polls!

Villages History

Katie Belle’s

Chapter 1: The Birth of a Legend

When The Villages built its first town square, Spanish Springs, the developers wanted more than shops and music — they wanted a story. That story took shape inside the grand Van Patten House on Alonzo Avenue: Katie Belle’s, a two-story supper club named for founder Harold Schwartz’s mother.

It opened in the 1990s and quickly became the community’s crown jewel — live bands, ballroom dancing, and the hum of Villagers in their element. It wasn’t open to outsiders. You needed a Villages ID to walk through those swinging doors, making it feel like the community’s private stage.

Inside, you’d find an upstairs balcony overlooking a packed dance floor, a live band every night, and servers rolling out the now-famous “salad wheel” — a giant wagon wheel spinning with lettuce, veggies, and toppings. It was quirky, charming, and purely Villages.
For nearly two decades, Katie Belle’s was the place where new neighbors met, anniversaries were toasted, and more than a few romances began. It was the beating heart of Spanish Springs — and for many, the very definition of The Villages’ magic.

🏡 House of The Week

6126 Mulligan Run | Reduced $75k !! | $825,000

Look familiar? We first featured this stunning lakefront designer home back in July when it dropped to $999,000 — after a $66,000 reduction. Now it’s back after several more price cuts, down $75,000, to $825,000. If you missed it the first time, this might be your chance to grab one of the most unique, high-end homes in all of Southern Oaks.

✨ Highlights:

• 🌅 Waterfront views from a massive glass-walled Florida room (872 sq ft addition with panoramic lake views, roller shades, and 3 mini-splits)

• 🍳 Chef’s kitchen with two double ovens, gas cooktop, quartz counters, and endless white cabinetry

• 🛏️ Expansive primary suite featuring a jumbo walk-in closet, dual vanities, and oversized shower

• 🏠 Elegant finishes throughout: crown molding, sealed porcelain tile, shiplap accents, plantation shutters

• 🚗 Dream garage with mini-split A/C, extra insulation, attic lift, and golf-cart bay

• 🌿 Outdoor living: flagstone patio with lighting, lake view, and room for a pool

👉 Still listed as one of the cleanest, best-kept homes in all of The Villages. With this new price, it might not stay that way for long.

🌿 Villages Walk of the Week

🦩 Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve

If you want to see what “Old Florida” looked like before The Villages arrived, this is the spot. Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve feels worlds away from golf carts and town squares — yet it’s just minutes south of Brownwood. Expect wide skies, boardwalk paths over marshland, and a peaceful setting that draws birdwatchers, photographers, and anyone craving quiet.

Details & tips:
📍 Location: Park at Atlas Canine Park
🕕 Hours: Dawn to dusk
🚶‍♀️ Trail length: About ¾-mile round trip boardwalk with side paths and overlook decks
🦩 Wildlife: Herons, egrets, ospreys, an occasional gator, and plenty of turtles sunning on logs
🌿 Facilities: Small parking lot, benches, and shaded pavilion near the trailhead
💡 Best time: Early morning or golden hour before sunset — the lighting over Lake Deaton is incredible for photos

Pulse Travel

🚢 Pulse Travel Partners with Vacationeeze

We’re excited to introduce our new travel partner — Kelsey Caballero of Vacationeeze, part of a family-run agency that’s been helping people “eeze” into unforgettable getaways for years. Vacationeeze is known for its personal touch, award-winning service, and knack for finding hidden travel deals that big booking sites miss. Kelsey’s now bringing that same expertise — and exclusive offers — to Villages Pulse readers. 🌴

First up: Virgin Voyages, an adults-only cruise line designed for grown-up fun. Think top-tier dining, live shows, and no kids on board — just a relaxed, modern vibe. 🍸 And here’s where it gets good: when at least eight cabins are booked through Pulse Travel, the whole group unlocks special perks — up to 10% off fares, a group dinner at one of Virgin’s restaurants, and as much as $300 in onboard Bar Tab credit depending on the length of the trip.

Kelsey also has early access to Black Friday deals, so Pulse readers can snag the best rates before the rest of the world even sees them.

👉 Take a look at these 3 amazing Virgin Voyages sailings and see what kind of deal you can catch:

• Aruban Sights & Antiguan Nights

• Picturesque Panama Canal

• French Riviera, Italy, Rome & Ibiza | July 4-11, 2026

🩺 Screening Spotlight

Sponsored By Life Line Screening

Villages Pulse Reader Elizabeth shared this with me recently: “I did not see your poll on carotid artery screening but everyone should do it. I did and it saved my life. I had 97% blockage. Just saying it can make all difference. That was in 2013!!!”

Macular Degeneration Exam

Protecting central vision

This eye disease damages the retina, affecting reading and driving. Eye exams with retinal imaging or dilation can detect it.

✅ Who should consider it: Adults 55+, especially with family history or smoking history.

👉 Where/Who/Prescription: Done by optometrists or ophthalmologists. No prescription required.

💡 Takeaway: Regular exams preserve independence and vision.

Upcoming Events

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

Veterans Day Poker Tournament | Oxford Downs | Nov 11 | 10:15 am

Lady Lake Farmers Market | Rolling Acres Sports Complex | Nov 11

Veterans Day Ceremony | Villages Veterans Memorial Park | Nov 11 10 am

Veterans Free Breakfast Buffet | Eaton Beach | Nov 11 | 9 am | Details

Veterans Day Boat Cruise | Lake Sumter | Nov 11 | 1pm to sunset

Parady’s 13th Annual Tribute to Veterans | Brownwood | Nov 11 | 5pm

🎷 Jazz Lovers Presents Greg Parnell | Laurel Manor Rec | Nov 11 | 6 pm

Brandon Santini Band | Everglades Rec | Nov 11 | 6 - 8:30 pm | Details

Tai Chi in Squares | Brownwood/Spanish Springs | Nov 12 - 13 | 10 am

Golf Cart Safety Clinic | Saluki Rec | Nov 12 | 9 am | Details

Joaniefit Kickboxing | Sawgrass | Wed Nov 12 | 10 am | Details

🦞 Cousins Maine Lobster | Holy Shmokes | Nov 13 | 11 am | Details

⛳️ Veterans Full Swing Clinic | Sarasota | Nov 13 | 9 am | Details

⛳️ Putting & Chipping Clinic | Sarasota | Nov 14 | 8:30 am | Details

Have an event you want to announce to 7,900+ local Villagers? Email us the details and a link to [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thanks!

Thanks for reading! If you found something useful please share it with a veteran.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 7,900+ local Villagers? Reach out here.