The Villages never slows down — literally. 😎 Thursday’s issue hits the gas with your hilarious golf cart confessions, a quick look at Lake Sumter Landing’s coming waterfront transformation, and a sun-soaked Ft. Lauderdale beach guide you’ll want to bookmark.

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Let’s dive in.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Monday’s Poll Results

🏎️ Poll Recap: How Fast Is Your Cart, Really?

Well, Villagers — you answered Monday’s poll loud and clear: most of you aren’t exactly putting around out there. Out of 520 votes, a full 63% admitted their carts hit between 20–25 mph, even if it might take a little downhill help and a tailwind. 😏

About 22% say they’re keeping it “strictly by the book” at 20 mph, while a brave 10% confessed to 25–35 mph — or as one reader put it, “fast enough to make the grandkids scream.” A small but proud 3% are true turtle-mode cruisers under 18 mph, enjoying the slow lane with zero regrets. 🐢

Reader feedback rolled in with plenty of laughs and a few confessions:

• “My husband says it’s 20, but his hair says otherwise.”

• “GPS says 26... but who’s counting?”

• “I added a governor just to stop myself.”

• “It’s not about speed — it’s about style (and a good playlist).”

Whether you’re Team Turtle or Team Turbo, one thing’s clear: Villagers take their golf carts seriously.

💡 Your Turn: What should we poll next? What do you want to know about life in The Villages? Hit reply and tell me your poll idea — it might show up in next week’s issue!

Villages Development News

🌅 Lake Sumter Landing’s Next Big Splash

Something exciting is coming to The Villages’ most iconic waterfront. Lake Sumter Landing is getting a full refresh — with expanded boardwalks, shaded seating, easy kayak launches, and new spots to enjoy those famous sunsets.

🎥 Watch this short video for a first look at the Waterfront Revitalization Project and see how it’s transforming one of The Villages’ favorite gathering places.

Pulse Travel

🏖 Ft. Lauderdale Beach Getaway: 3 Nights of Sun, Style & Seaside Vibes

Perfect for Villagers who want an easy, drivable beach escape with a bit more cosmopolitan flair than your typical Gulf retreat. Ft. Lauderdale Beach blends walkable luxury, laid-back sand time, and top-tier dining — without Miami’s chaos or prices.

🌞 When to Go

Right now. Late October through early December is shoulder season — warm ocean temps, fewer crowds, and lower hotel rates before the holiday surge. Midweek stays score the best deals, but weekends are still lively along Las Olas and A1A.

🏖 What to Do

• Stroll the Promenade: The wave-patterned brick walkway along A1A is one of Florida’s prettiest beachfront strolls. Grab coffee at Nanou French Bakery and people-watch.

• Cruise the Canals: Take a boat tour of the Intracoastal Waterway to see the stunning waterfront mansions of the rich, famous — and not-so-famous. You’ll glide past mega-yachts, palm-lined estates, and get a peek into “Venice of America” living.

• Las Olas Boulevard: Boutiques, art galleries, and great dining — a must-do evening.

• Optional Day Trip: 30 minutes south to Hollywood Broadwalk for old-school beach vibes and live music.

🏨 Where to Stay

• Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa – Classic beachfront luxury with private sand, poolside cabanas, and stellar service. Worth the splurge for oceanfront rooms.

• Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Beach – Prime location across from the sand with balcony views and a rooftop pool at a more reasonable price.

VRBO Favorites:

• Oceanview condo on Galt Ocean Mile – high-rise views, walkable to beach cafes.

• Intracoastal townhouse with dock – perfect for couples or two friends traveling together.

🍽 Where to Eat

• Casual Lunch: Coconuts – dockside seafood, killer views, and their “Scoobies” garlic blue crabs are famous.

• Dinner Splurge: Cafe Martorano – Italian-American comfort food and a little nightlife flair.

• Affordable Gem: Elbo Room for classic beach bar drinks; Louie Bossi’s on Las Olas for pasta and pizza under twinkle lights.

• Breakfast: The Wild Sea Oyster Bar at the Riverside Hotel — upscale but relaxed.

✨ Why Go

Because Ft. Lauderdale nails that rare balance: walkable beach, great food, stylish hotels, and just enough nightlife to keep things interesting. It’s ideal for Villagers who want something livelier than the Gulf but not as intense as Miami.

💡 Pro Tip

If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, use your free night award or points — this is one of the best-value beach redemptions in Florida during shoulder season. Don’t have enough points? Get 125,000 points + one Free Night Award with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card! That would get you 5 nights free at the Marriott Courtyard Ft Lauderdale Beach.

Upcoming Events

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

🎸 Damon Flower & Friends Live | Eisenhower Rec | Today | 6pm | Details

Villages Fall Golf Expo | Various | Oct 24-25 | 10 am - 3 pm | Details

⛳️ Putting & Chipping Clinic | Sarasota | Oct 24 | 8:30 am | Details

🐎 Polo Tournament | Villages Polo Club | Oct 24 & 26 | Details

Falloween Fest | Browns Farm | Oct 25 - 26 | Details

🍷 Weekends @ The Winery | Lakeridge Winery | Sat: Jeff Whitfield, Sun: Maria Salerno | Details

40th Annual Mt Dora Craft Fair | Oct 25 - 26 | Details

🖼️ Fall Fine Art Show | Eisenhower Rec | Oct 25 | 9 am - 3 pm | Details

Villagers4Veterans Quarterly Bingo | Lake Miona Rec | Oct 25 | 6pm | Details

🐕️ Growl-O-Ween | Brownwood Square | Oct 26 | 9 am - 10 am | Details

Fall Craft Market | Browns | Sun Oct 26 | 10am - 4pm | Details

The Joe Breidenstine Quartet | Laurel Manor Rec | Oct 26 | 6pm | Details

🏌️‍♀️ New To Golf School | Palmer | Oct 27 | 9 am | Details

Small Group Lessons | Manatee Rec | Tue Oct 28 | 8 - 10 am | Details

👻 Halloween Dance Party w/ Clark Barrios, Dawn DiNome | Oct 30 | Details

On Sale This Week

Spirit of the Season 2025 | The Sharon | Dec 14 | Details + Tickets

The Platters, w/ Guests The Coasters | Savannah | Dec 22 | Tickets

Beetlejuice The Musical | The Sharon | May 22-23 | Tickets

AND SEVERAL MORE….

If you have an event you want to announce to 7,600+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Thanks!

Thanks for reading! Please share today’s email with that friend who wants to buy a mega yacht in Ft. Lauderdale.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 7,600+ local Villagers? Reach out here.