🌅 Good Morning, Villages. Happy Monday, welcome to a new week of non stop music and events. On this day in 1784, 13 year old Edward Warren made the first balloon flight in the U.S., in Baltimore, MD. I assume he didn’t have much air traffic to worry about.

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In today’s Villages Pulse:

• ❓️ New Poll of The Week

• Part II of The Villages History Series

• 🌊 New (and cool) Day Trip From The Villages

Let’s dive in.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Poll of The Week

I know, it’s the Villages, a retirement community, but what's keeping you busy these days? Share your work vibe in our fun poll below!

Business Brief

Highlighting Local Businesses You Need To Know About

Leprechaun Softwash

Folks, I can’t rave enough about Leprechaun Softwash! We all get fed up with summer algae and green grime coating our home in Florida’s hot, humid weather. Their eco-friendly soft wash transforms your roof, siding, and patio, leaving everything spotless without damage. Their professional, in-house team delivers top-notch service every time and it shows in their excellent (4.8*) Google rating! Over 20 years of expertise shows in their flawless work! Want your home to shine? Visit leprechaunsoftwash.com to book your cleaning—you won’t be disappointed!

Villages History

Part 2: Spanish Springs Town Square – The Villages’ First Heartbeat

By 1994, The Villages was sprouting, but it craved a soul. Enter Spanish Springs Town Square, opened in spring 1994 in Lady Lake. Legend says Gary Morse sketched it on a napkin with his wife, Sharon. With adobe shops, viga-studded walls, and a gazebo for nightly music, this Southwestern gem, designed by Universal Studios’ firm, evoked a fictional 1800s Spanish mission. Villagers danced under stars, shopped boutiques, and sipped coffee, pushing the population to 27,000 by 2001.

Quirky Facts & History

• Faux History: Plaques spin tales of imaginary pioneers, adding whimsical charm.

• Golf Cart Craze: By 1995, flame-painted carts almost outnumbered cars, birthing a Villages staple!

• First Band: The Villages Vagabonds, Elvis crooners, kicked off the square’s music.

• Infrastructure: Built for $10 million via CDD bonds, it boasts 30+ businesses and the Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center.

Why It Mattered
Spanish Springs transformed The Villages into a lifestyle haven. Free nightly music drew retirees, sparking community bonds and sales—10 new residents daily by 2001. Its walkable, golf cart-friendly design became the blueprint for future squares, feeling like a permanent vacation. Shops hit 97% occupancy by 2000, fueling the local economy.

The Land Before
Once a cattle ranch with live oaks, the site joined Lake County’s 1880s citrus boom, shipping oranges north. Lady Lake, founded in 1888, was linked by dirt roads. Prohibition moonshiners hid stills in the pines, smuggling via nearby railroads.

The Square’s Magic
Spanish Springs gave The Villages its identity. Its lively Southwestern vibe made retirees feel like movie stars. Proving Morse’s hunch—retirees want social hubs—it spurred new roads, pools, and golf courses, cementing The Villages as a retiree paradise.

Next Monday: The Villages expansion rapidly accelerates with the addition of the next (bigger and better?) square, Lake Sumter Landing.

Are you enjoying this history of The Villages feature? Hit reply, or email us at [email protected] and let us know what you think!

Day Trips From The Villages

Cool Off at Silver Springs State Park: A Perfect Summer Day Trip!

Beat the summer heat with a refreshing trip to Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, just 35 - 60 minutes from The Villages! This 5,000-acre gem, one of Florida’s largest springs, dazzles with crystal-clear waters and quirky history—think Tarzan and Creature from the Black Lagoon filmed here! Hop on a 30-minute glass-bottom boat tour ($15/adult) to spot fish, manatees, and sunken movie props through 30-foot-deep springs. Feeling active? Rent a kayak ($20/hour) or paddleboard to explore the Silver River, or hike the 1.3-mile Sinkhole Trail for shaded nature vibes. Prefer a chill day? Picnic by the springs or birdwatch for herons. The park’s open 8 a.m.–sunset, with $8/vehicle entry. Pro tip: Arrive early to snag parking and avoid crowds. Pack sunscreen, water, and snacks (café available). Educational bonus: Learn about Florida’s aquifer at the ranger station. Silver Springs is a cool, splashy escape perfect for our insanely hot summers! Share your adventure at [email protected] for a Villages Pulse feature. Visit floridastateparks.org/SilverSprings for details.

Upcoming Events

Shirley’s Senior (50+) Hold’em Tourney | Oxford Downs | Mon June 23 | Details

Advanced (4.0+) Pickleball | Oxford Downs | Tue Jun 24 | 6 - 9 pm | Details

🏌️‍♀️ Ladies Only Full Swing Clinic | Palmer Legends | Tue Jun 24 | 9:30 am | Details

Sunset Socials | Intro to Disc Golf | Everglades Rec | Jun 24 | 6 - 8 pm | Details

🦞 Cousins Maine Lobster | Holy Shmokes | Tue Jun 24 | 12 - 8pm | Details

🦵 Joaniefit Cardio Kickboxing | Sawgrass Grove | Wed June 25 | 9 - 10 am | Details

Intermediate(<4.0) Pickleball | Oxford Downs | Wed Jun 25 | 6 - 9 pm | Details

💃 Suzie Casta/Donna Moore 70’s Dance Party | Colony Cottage Rec | June 28 | Details

🎆 The Big Bang Independence Day Celebration | Lady Lake | Sat Jun 28 | Details

🏌️‍♀️Two Lady Summer Golf Series | Mallory Hill CC | Jul 3 | 7 am - 2pm | Details

Tickets Now On Sale

🎤 US2 - A Tribute to U2 Live | Whispering Oaks | July 10 | 7pm | Tickets + Details

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

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Live Music Lowdown

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading Villages Pulse today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves to kayak in the springs.

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