Good morning, Villagers. Today’s issue is slightly abbreviated as I wrap up 10 days in St. Maarten. 611 of you weighed in on rec center usage — and the honesty was refreshing. Plus: how Villages homes evolved, what’s rising on the south end, and where the live music is this weekend.

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📅 On this day in 1809: Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky. From a one-room log cabin to the White House — quite the journey.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Monday’s Poll Recap

🏋️‍♂️ So… About That Rec Center You’re Paying For

611 of you came clean.

And the results? Let’s just say some of you are getting your money’s worth… and some of you are proudly sponsoring the pickleball courts.

🟩 Weekly (231)
This is the sweet spot. You’re active. You’re social. You know the front desk staff by name. You’ve at least considered joining another club.

🟨 Daily (55)
You basically live there. If someone loses you, we check the lap pool first. You are the reason the cardio machines actually get replaced.

🟨🟨 Monthly (94)
Ah yes. The “I should go more” crowd. You mean well. You fully intend to start going twice a week… next month.

🟨🟨🟨🟨 Rarely (175)
This is where things get interesting. You like knowing it’s there. That counts, right?

🟨 “I just pay for it” (56)
Honesty award. No excuses. No guilt. Just vibes and amenity fees.

What This Really Tells Us

The Villages sells the dream: golf carts, classes, clubs, dancing, sports.

But in reality?
About half of you are actually living the brochure.
The other half are financially supporting it.

And that’s okay. Every community needs investors.

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

Villages History

🏠 Villages Homes: Then vs Now

Part 3: Today’s Homes and What Comes Next

Today’s Villages homes look very different from their early counterparts — and not by accident.

Layouts now assume visitors, hobbies, remote work, and full calendars. Designs emphasize flexibility, comfort, and low maintenance without feeling small.

But the biggest change may be psychological.

Homes are no longer just a retirement landing spot. They’re long-term lifestyle hubs. People plan to live actively, host often, and stay engaged — and the homes reflect that.

Looking ahead, the trend is clear: smarter layouts, better flow, and homes that adapt easily as needs change. The Villages didn’t abandon its roots. It evolved with its residents.

And if history is any guide, the next generation of homes will quietly reflect the next shift in how Villagers choose to live.

Villages Development News

Big Moves in The Villages: Walmarts, Golf & South-End Growth

Local YouTuber Don Wiley (Gold Wing) is back with another boots-on-the-ground construction update, flying over the biggest projects shaping The Villages right now. He covers three new Walmart stores, four executive golf courses rising in CDD16, major Middleton progress, the new Chick-fil-A and Twisty Treat on 466A, plus a scenic shoreline flyover of Central Lake and Eastport to wrap it up.

Upcoming Events

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

🐎 Dressage Event | World Equestrian Center | Feb 12 - 15 | Details

Mardi Gras Festival | Lake Sumter Landing | Feb 13 | 4 - 9 PM | Details

Greg Warren Band | Oxford Downs Tiki Bar | Feb 13 | 7 - 10 PM | Details

⛳️ Ladies Putting/Low Chip Shots Clinic | Central Lake | Feb 13 | 1:30 pm | Details

Polo: Sweethearts Classic | Polo Club | Feb 13 & 15 | Details

🏌️‍♀️ New To Golf School | Central Lake | Feb 14 | 10 am | Details

If you have an event you want to announce to 9,200+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Thanks!

Thanks for reading. If you liked something today, please share this email with a friend or neighbor.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 9,200+ local Villagers? Reach out here.