Good morning, Villages! Inflation isn’t stopping anyone — it’s just making us sharper. Today we break down what 641 of you are actually changing… plus major development updates, new executive courses drawing crowds, and a golf cart bridge debate that’s heating up.

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📅 On this day in 1919, the Grand Canyon National Park was officially established — one of the best preservation decisions the country ever made.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Featured Event

Monday’s Poll Recap

💸 Inflation in The Bubble: Adjusting… Not Retreating

641 of you voted — and the takeaway is simple: inflation hasn’t derailed life here, but it’s changed behavior.

🟩 236 said “Somewhat.”
🟨 228 said “Not really.”
🟨 133 said “Yes, big time.”
🤷 44 haven’t noticed.

The middle wins. And that’s where the story is.

What’s Actually Changing

🍽️ Dining out is the first trim.
Restaurant tabs feel 20–30% higher. Drinks on the squares add up fast. Many of you are cooking more, hosting friends, and being choosier about nights out.

⛳ Golf prices sting.
Championship greens fees came up repeatedly. Some are cutting back rounds. One reader nailed it: “I moved here to golf — $80 makes you pause.”

🎟️ Entertainment gets filtered.
Higher ticket prices mean more free square music, more local alternatives, fewer impulse buys.

🛒 Groceries require strategy.
BOGOs, weekly ads, brand swaps. Not panic — just attention.

🚗 Gas and everyday creep.
Annoying? Yes. Disruptive? Not really.

The Real Headline

The tone wasn’t outrage. It was discipline.

Most of you can afford the increases — you just don’t like waste. You’re hosting more, golfing smarter, scanning for value, and trimming the fluff. Same lifestyle. Sharper execution.

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

Villages Development News

🚧 Big Builds, New Greens & A Golf Cart Showdown? ⛳🔥

Big changes are rolling across The Villages. Lake Deaton Plaza’s mystery build is officially a Mavis Tire, the new Walmart at 44 & Morse opens March 4 (and no, it won’t be golf cart accessible), Paradise Rec Center is rising from the ground with a larger, two-story design, and major road work on CR 470 and the US 301 bypass is reshaping traffic flow. Down south, the newly opened Honeysuckle and Beautyberry executive courses are already drawing crowds — and Don also tackles the hot debate: is a golf cart bridge over the Turnpike at 470 really needed… or just wanted?

Pulse Travel

Last week we wrote about booking cruises early, and repricing on price drops. If you’re flexible and don’t like booking early, you can also save money by booking late:

Cruise lines hate sailing with empty cabins. Inside 60 days, unsold rooms often turn into price drops, bonus onboard credit, or surprise upgrade offers.

If you’re flexible (and most of us are), this is where the deals live. Watch your preferred sailing — and be ready to jump when fares dip. The best cabins don’t always discount… but the best values almost always show up in that final two-month stretch.

Upcoming Events

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

⛳️ Ladies Basics of Golf: Grip, Stance, Setup | Central Lake | Feb 26 | 1:30 pm | Details

🐎 Polo Cup | Villages Polo Cup | Feb 27 & Mar 1 | Details

⛳️ Putting & Chipping Clinic | Sarasota | Feb 27 | 8:30 am | Details

🐎 Grand Oaks Classic | Grand Oaks Resort | Feb 26 - Mar 1 | Details

Villages Outdoor Expo | Everglades Rec | Feb 27 & 28 | Details

🏎️ The Motor Show (car show + Live Music) | Middleton | Feb 28 | 1 - 8 pm | Details

Weekends at the Winery, Tastings/Live Music | Lakeridge Winery | Feb 27 & 28

🐎 $200K Equestrian Grand Prix | World Equestrian Center | Feb 28 | 7pm

🎸 Permanent Vacation Live | Oxford Downs Tiki Bar | Feb 28 | 6 - 9 PM

On Sale This Week

The Commodores | The Tracy | April 25 | Details/Tickets

Hotel California Original Eagles Tribute | Savannah Center | Apr 29 | Details

And More….

If you have an event you want to announce to 9,300+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Pulse Classifieds

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Thanks!

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P.S. Want to get your business in front of 9,300+ local Villagers? Reach out here.