Happy New Year Villagers! 🎉 We skipped the usual Thursday send thanks to the holiday, so here’s a short and sweet Friday edition to get you caught up on live music, events, and a few quick community updates heading into the weekend.

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📅 On this day in 1960: Senator John F. Kennedy announced his run for President, kicking off a historic election year.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Monday’s Poll Survey Recap

🏆 Most Popular Rec Centers

Seabreeze barely edged out Eisenhower to take the top spot — and the reasons were remarkably consistent. Readers praised open layouts, great pools, scenic views, and a relaxed but social vibe. Many mentioned that Seabreeze “just feels right,” especially for swimming, meeting friends, or lingering a little longer after an activity.

Eisenhower fans weren’t far behind, pointing to top-notch facilities, variety, and energy. Several readers said it’s their go-to because “there’s always something going on,” from fitness to social gatherings.

1️⃣ Seabreeze — 14 votes (Winner)
2️⃣ Eisenhower — 13 votes (very close second)
3️⃣ Everglades — 7 votes (tied)
3️⃣ Fenney — 7 votes (tied)

Everglades and Fenney earned strong followings for their outdoor feel, newer designs, and less crowded atmosphere, while First Responders and Olympia were frequently described as modern, clean, and well-designed, especially appealing to those who like newer amenities.

Big takeaway: Villagers clearly value space, pools, scenery, and flexibility — not just the number of courts. The best rec centers don’t just host activities; they invite people to stay awhile.

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

Villages Development News

A Morning Flyover of Eastport: The Views, the Progress, the Reality

If you’ve been curious how Eastport Town Center is really coming along, this aerial tour is worth a few minutes of your time. Shot on a crisp Florida morning, the video gives you a clear, honest look at what’s open, what’s still taking shape, and how the area is starting to feel as a walkable town center — from the new hotel and golf areas to restaurants, shops, and recreation spaces. It’s a relaxed flyover with helpful commentary, perfect for anyone who likes tracking Villages growth without the hype.

Non Couples Dinner Club

Still Time to Register For The Dinner Club
Our next Villages Pulse Dinner Club is coming up January 14, and spots are going fast. If you’re up for good food, easy conversation, and making new friends, this one’s for you. Registration closes January 12 at 5:30 PM, so be sure to grab your spot while there’s still room.

Pulse Travel

Cruise Deal Pick - Barcelona To Rome on Oceania

This one’s been popular with Villages Pulse readers! So here it is one last time:

Mediterranean Cruise, Fall 2026 🚢
Set sail aboard Oceania Sirena on a gorgeous 7-night Mediterranean voyage, sailing Barcelona to Rome.

Ports of call include: Palamós, Marseille, Corsica, Cinque Terre, Sardinia, Naples

For Villages Pulse readers:
• Exclusive perks: $250 ship credit, 3 bottles of wine, Gratuities included, free wifi, unlimited drinks or $800 shore excursion credit!
• Reduced deposit of just $250

Perfect fall weather, iconic ports, and small-ship luxury. If Europe by sea has been on your list, this is a strong one.

See the full itinerary & grab your spot → Mediterranean Escape on Oceania 🚢

Upcoming Events

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

🍓 U-Pick Strawberries | Browns Farms | Jan 2 and 4th | 10 am - 2 pm

Duckie’s No Limit Hold’em | Oxford Downs | Jan 2 | 10:15 am | Details

🎸 🍷 Weekends at The Winery | Sat: Scott Davidson and Sun: Bobby Blackmon

Junk in The Trunk | Browns Farms | Jan 3 | 7:30 am - 1 pm | Details

🚗 Wheels and Coffee | Saluki Rec | Jan 3 | 8 - 9 am | Details

Grand Oaks Short Format | Grand Oaks Resort | Jan 3 - 4 | Details

🎸 Greg Warren Band | Oxford Downs Tiki Bar | Jan 3 | 7 - 10 PM | Details

🏌️‍♂️New To Golf School | Sarasota | Jan 5 | 9 am | Details

🏌️ Full Swing Clinic | Lopez Legacy | Jan 5 | 10:30 am | Details

V4V The Amazing Canine Circus | Old Mill Playhouse | Jan 5 | Details

🎻 Villages Ensemble Concert | New Covenant Church | Jan 8 | Details

12th Annual Vintage Collectible Sale | Savannah Rec Center | Jan 24 | 9am-3pm

On Sale This Week

So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience | Savannah Center | Feb 24 | Details

Second Helping: Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute | Savannah Center | Feb 27 | Details

Blue Oyster Cult | The Tracy | Feb 21 | Details

Billy Ocean | The Tracy | Feb 27 | Details

And More….

If you have an event you want to announce to 8,300+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Thanks!

That’s it for this quick Friday Pulse. Enjoy the weekend, catch some live music, and we’ll be back to the regular rhythm next week. As always, thanks for reading and sharing Villages Pulse.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 8,300+ local Villagers? Reach out here.