🌅 Good Morning, Villages. Florida was ranked the #1 state to retire in again this year by Wallethub. Like we didn’t know that already!? What was surprising? Minnesota coming in at #2. It seems they got a big boost due to healthcare rankings. On this day in 1943: President Roosevelt signs the Current Tax Payment Act into law, withholding tax from wages to be paid to the government. And they haven’t stopped since….

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In today’s Villages Pulse:

• Local Villages Business Brief

• ❓️ Poll of The Week

• 🌊 Beach Day Trip: NSB

Let’s dive in.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Business Briefs

Local businesses you should know.

StickemAll Vinyl Decals

I’m thrilled to spotlight StickemAll Vinyl Decals, a local gem crafting vibrant, custom golf cart decals right here in The Villages! Make your cart shine with durable, personalized designs—think flamingos, sports, States , and more. You can even choose from a wide variety of fonts and colors! Visit www.golfcartdecals.com to customize your ride and cruise The Villages in style. They'll even install them for you if you want to get it perfect! Thom, the owner, was nice enough to offer Villages Pulse readers 10% off with code Pulse10.

Have a favorite local business you want to give a shout out to? Hit Reply and let us know!

Poll Of The Week

What’s Your Favorite Country Club Restaurant?

Beach Day Trip #2: New Smyrna Beach

You’ve got to check out New Smyrna Beach, especially around Flagler Avenue! It’s this chill, artsy spot with soft white sand and gorgeous ocean views. Stroll the beach, chill out in your loungers, then hit Flagler’s vibrant scene—cute boutiques, cozy cafés, and spots like The Breakers for killer burgers and cold drinks. The vibe’s pure Florida, not too crowded, perfect for relaxing under an umbrella. It’s a beach day you won’t forget, all just an hour and half or so from The Villages.

How to get there: In google maps, search for Flagler Ave Beachfront Park. Take 42 to 44, left at S. Cooper St, then right on Flagler Ave to beach. There, you will find plenty of parking if you get there by 10 or 11 am on a weekday. Parking is $20 per day, and there are restrooms and showers right there. Driving/parking on beach is $30/day.

If you want to stretch it out to two or three days like I do, there is a fairly new SpringHill Suites right on the beach, with a pool, that can be fairly priced on weeknights. Use your Marriott points to save some cash. If you do spend a night or two, you can't go wrong with dinner at The Garlic, a funky dining experience with an amazing 1 pound meatball, or my fave, a 16 oz wood fire grilled NY Strip. Great atmosphere! Second choice: The Grill at Riverview, on the patio , or their dock. For a great beachfront breakfast diner patio, go to Toni & Joe's Patio.

Business News

Harry and The Natives Expected to Open in Fall

Harry and the Natives, a new waterfront restaurant in The Villages, is nearing completion at Lake Okahumpka. Construction is progressing slowly, with hiring supposedly starting this month. They are encouraging Villagers to apply, as they like the idea of “Natives serving Natives” approach. It will feature a 5,000-square-foot dining space, a 2,500-square-foot tiki bar, and an "Old Florida" vibe. Opening is expected in fall 2025. Here’s a link to their Hobe Sound location menu.

Upcoming Events

🂡🂱Shirley’s Senior (50+) No Limit Hold’em Tourney | Oxford Downs | Mon June 9 | 11:15am | Details

🧠 Rocket Trivia | Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Mulberry | Mon Jun 9 | 6:30 - 8:30 | Details

🍽️ Cooking Class | Prima Steakhouse | Mon Jun 9 | 12pm & 2:30pm | ←Register at link

🏌️ David’s Scoring Clinic | Lopez Legacy Golf Academy | Tue Jun 10 | 8:30 - 9:30 | Details

🏌️‍♀️ Nicole 4 Ladies Only Full Swing Clinic | Palmer Legengds | Tue Jun 10 | 9:30 am | Details 

🏹 June Sunset Socials: Intro to Archery | Tue Jun 10 | 6 - 8pm | Details

🦵 Joaniefit Cardio Kickboxing | Sawgrass Grove | Wed June 11 | 9 - 10 am | Details

🏓 Intermediate(<4.0) Pickleball Play | Oxford Downs | Wed Jun 11 | 6-9 PM | Register

Another Bourbon Dinner! | Belle Glade CC | Thu June 12 | 5:30 pm | Details

Jukebox Bingo Benefitting Humane Society of Sumter County | Wildwood Community Center | Fri Jun 13 | 6 - 8:30pm | Full Details

⛴️ Father’s Day Cruise | Lake Sumter Landing | June 15 | 4pm to Sunset | Details

Events Further Out

♠️ Duplicate Bridge Sectional Tourney | La Hacienda Rec | June 14 - 16 | 8am - 5pm | Details

🍽️ Cooking Class | Legacy Restaurant | Tue June 17 | 12 pm & 2:30 pm | <Register at link

🎹 Villagers 4 Veterans Dueling Pianos | Waterfront Hotel | June 17 | 5:30 PM | Tickets

🍷 Wine Tasting/Pairings | Legacy Restaurant | Sat June 21 | 1pm | Details + Register

🎹 Double Diamond Dueling Pianos | Belle Glade CC | June 19 | 5:30 PM | Details & Tickets

🤣 Dad Bods Comedy Show | Bonifay CC | Sat June 21 | 5:30 pm | Details & Tickets

🎙️ Elvis Blue Hawaii Concert with Sebastian Garland | Old MIll Playhouse | June 26 - 6pm | Details

Out of Town Events

🎸 Seaside Fiesta Music Festival | New Smyrna Beach | June 19 - 22 | Details

If you have an event you want to announce to 5,000+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Weather

Monday: 91 🌡️ 75 | 🌦️ | 40% | 🌬️ SW 5 - 10 mph

Tuesday: 93 🌡️ 73 | 🌦️ | 60% | 🌬️ SW 5 mph

Wednesday 91 🌡️ 74 | 🌦️ | 60% | 🌬️ S Light winds

Live Music Lowdown

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

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P.S. Want to get your business in front of 5,000+ Villagers? Email us at [email protected]