🌞 Good Morning, Villages🌴. Whether you’re checking your generator fuel, eyeing your next golf cart, or scouting open houses — today’s issue has you covered. We’ll look at how The Villages keeps growing, where to find the best boozy ice cream, and why Clermont’s Citrus Tower still has locals talking 60+ years later.

On this day in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the U.S. National Park Service — protecting America’s most treasured landscapes for generations.

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Let’s dive in.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Poll Of The Week

⚡️ What’s your plan if the power goes out? 🔦 

Today’s poll was suggested by Pulse subscriber and new Villages resident, Mandy. She wants to know what her neighbors do for power back up. Florida storms don’t ask permission. When the lights go dark, what’s your backup at home?

My setup is a 6500 watt portable gas/propane generator with transfer switch panel. It keeps the important stuff running like lights, ceiling fans, fridge, garage freezer, and even the pool pump so I can drain the pool if necessary.

⛳ Golf Cart Dealer Poll Update
Last week’s golf cart dealer poll sparked a lot of feedback—and several readers pointed us toward a nearby certified Yamaha dealer with a strong reputation. They noticed the buzz and reached out to Villages Pulse about a potential partnership that could mean exclusive savings for our readers. With better pricing, warranties, and veteran/first responder discounts than what’s typically found here in The Villages, this could be a game-changer for anyone eyeing a new Yamaha cart, stock or custom. Stay tuned!

Business Briefs

Local businesses you should know

Mystic Ice Cream

Looking for a sweet (and sometimes boozy) treat? Mystic Ice Cream is a local favorite with unique handmade flavors—half are alcohol-infused like Kahlua Fudge and Cherry Amaretto, while the rest are classics like Peanut Butter Crunch. Beyond ice cream, they’re known for fun events like trivia and karaoke, making it more than just a dessert stop.

📍 Route 466A, 1217 W Miller St, Fruitland Park
📍 314 W Main St, Leesburg
📍 16770 US-441, Summerfield
📍 3941A County Rd 201, Oxford

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

Villages Family History

Chapter 5: The Villages: Still Growing, Still Innovating

The Morse family shows no signs of slowing. Vast stretches of land are already in the pipeline, and they project The Villages will nearly double in size as new generations of retirees arrive. Baby boomers — and soon Gen X — continue fueling demand, and the ceiling hasn’t been hit.

To manage that growth, the family is sticking with the proven formula — town centers, golf courses, recreation — while adding new features for the next wave of retirees. Think advanced wellness centers, nature trails, a state-of-the-art performing arts theater, and more upscale dining. The message is clear: The Villages won’t just stay the same, it will keep evolving to stay attractive.

One big shift: the Morse’s are building an adjacent community for younger families and workers. With schools, parks, and affordable housing for teachers, healthcare staff, and service employees, it ensures the people who support The Villages can actually live nearby. That means better services for retirees and a stronger local economy overall.

Infrastructure is also top of mind. New bridges, widened roads, added medical clinics, and more public safety services are rolling out to keep pace with growth. Residents trust the family to maintain what matters most — cleanliness, safety, and neighborliness.

The leadership torch is already passing to the fourth generation, reinforcing that this is a long-term family commitment. As the Morse’s like to remind everyone: “This is not the final chapter.”

👉 The Villages is still on track to remain the nation’s premier retirement destination for decades to come.

Miss the previous Chapters? Read them here: Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch.3, Ch. 4

🏡Open House

3745 Causey Ct – Now $374,900, reduced again $20k
📅 Friday, August 29 | 10 AM – 12 PM

We featured this home on May 29, when the price was $429,900. If you liked it then, you’ll LOVE it now! This gorgeous 3-bed, 2-bath Tupelo model is in the Hammock at Fenney Village in the southern area of the Villages. Bright, spacious, and full of upgrades—this one won’t last long now.

Day Trips From The Villages

Clermont Citrus Tower

If you’re craving a throwback to Old Florida, the Clermont Citrus Tower delivers pure roadside nostalgia just 45 minutes from The Villages. Built in 1956 as a tribute to Florida’s booming citrus industry, this 226-foot observation tower was once surrounded by endless orange groves. While the groves have largely given way to suburban sprawl, the tower still offers panoramic views of rolling hills, lakes, and even glimpses of Orlando’s skyline on a clear day.

An elevator whisks you to the top, where you can soak in scenery rarely found in flat Florida. Downstairs, you’ll find a retro-style gift shop with local souvenirs, citrus candy, and old postcards that’ll make you feel like you stepped back into the 60s.

The real charm here is the nostalgia — it’s a quirky, affordable stop that takes less than an hour to explore, making it perfect for a morning outing or an add-on to nearby Mount Dora or Winter Garden.

📍 Clermont Citrus Tower
141 N. Hwy 27, Clermont, FL 34711
🎟️ Admission: Seniors 55+ $10
🌐 citrustower.com

Bring your camera — this hidden gem makes for a unique snapshot of Florida’s past.

🩺 Screening Spotlight

🦴 Bone Density Scan (DEXA): Protecting Your Bones Before They Break

Quick test, big impact on fracture prevention

Osteoporosis can progress silently until a sudden fracture. A bone density scan (DEXA) measures bone strength and identifies osteoporosis early.

Best for women 65+, men 70+, or anyone over 50 with fracture risks. It’s painless, quick, and uses very low radiation.

👉 Where to get it: DEXA scans are usually offered at hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and many specialty clinics. In The Villages area, most larger health systems and radiology centers provide the test.

👉 Do you need a prescription? Yes — a doctor’s order is typically required for insurance coverage. Some screening services also offer self-pay scans without a prescription, usually ranging from $100–$200.

💡 Takeaway: Early detection lets you strengthen bones before they fail. Talk with your primary care provider about whether it’s time for your scan.

Business News

Renee’s French Bakery Opens

Say bonjour! Renee’s French Bakery just opened last week in Brownwood Paddock Square (2754 Brownwood Blvd, The Villages, FL 32163). From flaky croissants to tiramisu and key lime pie, this spot is already drawing rave reviews for its decadent French flair. Stop in for a taste of Paris in The Villages.
👉 Visit Renee’s French Bakery Facebook Page

Upcoming Events

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

💎Estates Road Show | Waterfront Inn | Mon - Fri | Details

🏌️‍♀️ Ladies Basics of Golf | Palmer Legends | Tue Aug 26 | 9 am | Details

⛳️New To Golf Follow up Putting Chipping | Palmer | Aug 26 | 11 am | Details

Village Honor Flight Support | Legacy Restaurant | Tue Aug 26 | Details

Joaniefit Kickboxing | Sawgrass | Wed Aug 27 | 9 am | Details

🏌️‍♀️ Ladies Full Swing Clinic | Palmer Legends | Wed Aug 27 | 9:30am | Details 

🦞Cousins Maine Lobster Truck | Holy Sh’Mokes | Wed Aug 27 | 12 - 8 PM | Details

The Shaelyn Band Villages Blues Society | Eisenhower Rec | Thu Aug 28 | 6 PM | Details

💃Free Beginner West Coast Swing Dance Class | Everglades Rec Center | Wed Sept 3 | 11 am | Details

Firehouse Hot Glass Fusion Show & Sale | Rohan | Sept 6 | Details

🎸The Boss Project: Bruce Springsteen Tribute | Reilly Center | Sept 6 | Details

🎸Completely Unchained: Van Halen Tribute | Whispering Oaks | Sept 11 | Details

🍀Halfway To St. Patrick’s Day Party | McCracken’s Irish Pub | Sept 13 | Details

Have an event you want to announce to 6,650+ local Villagers? Email us the details and a link to [email protected]

Brought to you by: First Class Rides

Direct, private service from your door in The Villages to Orlando, Sanford, and Tampa airports — all in a comfortable Mercedes GLC300.

Text your flight info to 443‑604‑6292 — we’ll confirm your pickup time.

Live Music Lowdown

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P.S. Want to get your business in front of 6,650+ local Villagers? Reach out here.