Good Morning, Villages. From sunrise on the fairway to music under the lights — every hour in The Villages has its own magic. But one time of day just ran away with our latest poll! We’re also diving into a new golf cart safety story stirring conversation and a short-and-sweet Gulf Coast getaway that might inspire your next weekend plan.

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On This Day in 1987 – The Dow Jones plunged 22% in a single day. It’s still called “Black Monday.”

Let’s dive in.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Monday’s Poll Results

☀️ The Best Time of Day in The Villages

With 459 votes in Monday’s poll, Villagers made one thing crystal clear — we’re a morning crowd! 🕶️

☕ Morning coffee on the lanai brewed up a landslide win with 183 votes, proving there’s nothing better than that first sip while the world wakes up (and before the golf carts start rolling).

🌇 Evening at the square took the silver with 99 votes, when the bands strike up, the lights come on, and everyone’s got their dancing shoes on.

🌤️ Afternoon cruising came in next with 69 votes, because sometimes you just need to feel that breeze and let the day slow down a little.

🌞 Midday poolside and 🌄 sunrise on the golf course each earned some love, with plenty of readers calling it “the most peaceful part of the day.”

And a few night owls even chimed in for 🌙 late-night porch sitting — quieter, calmer, and often with a glass of wine in hand. 🍷

💬 One reader summed it up perfectly: “Every hour here has its own kind of magic — but mornings just feel like The Villages.”

Villages News

🚨 Golf Carts Gone Wild?
Even in paradise, a little too much speed can cause big headaches — especially when your golf cart hits 25+ mph. A new video from DD Aerial Photography takes a close look at the growing crackdown on speeding carts in The Villages. It explains what makes a cart street-legal, what can land you in court (yes, really), and why some South-of-44 residents could face $1,000+ fines if they’re not careful. It’s part cautionary tale, part public service — and a good reminder that even in our “adult playground,” there are still rules of the road.

Disclaimer: I haven’t fact-checked this video. Please do your own research

Pulse Travel

🌴 2-Night Beach Getaway – Siesta Key, FL

Need a quick escape that feels a world away? Siesta Key’s sugar-white sand, calm Gulf waters, and walkable beach village make it one of Florida’s most relaxing weekend retreats. Fall is the sweet spot — the Gulf’s still warm, humidity’s low, and prices are friendlier before the snowbird season hits.

🏨 Where to Stay

• Aloft Sarasota – Stylish, rooftop pool, and just 15 minutes from Siesta Key. You can get this in November for 35,000 points/night!

• Tropical Breeze Resort – Steps from Siesta Village, with bikes and tiki courtyards.

• Siesta Key Beach Resort & Suites – Across from the main beach, fun pool scene, walkable.

VRBO Options
Search Crescent Beach or Midnight Cove II for Gulf-view condos with full kitchens — great for couples or small groups who want a homey stay.

☀️ How to Spend 2 Days

Day 1: Arrive and hit Siesta Beach, famous for its powder-soft quartz sand. Watch sunset with a rum runner from The Daiquiri Deck, then dine at The Cottage or Summer House Steak & Seafood for an upscale evening.
Day 2: Paddleboard or kayak in the morning, lunch at The Hub Baja Grill, explore the shops of Siesta Village, and close the trip with happy hour at Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB).
Day 3: Enjoy breakfast at Another Broken Egg Café, then sneak in one last barefoot stroll before checkout.

🌅 Why Go Now

Warm water, cooler air, lighter crowds — Siesta Key in fall is everything you want in a quick Gulf getaway.

Pro Tip: Use your Marriott Bonvoy Card to earn free nights — or if you don’t have one yet, you can get 125,000 points + one Free Night Award with this card. That’ll get you 4 nights at Aloft Sarasota free!

Upcoming Events

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

🦞 Cousins Maine Lobster | Holy Sh’Mokes | TODAY | 12 - 8 PM | Details

🐎 Polo Tournament | Villages Polo Club | Oct 17 & 19 | Details

🎸 Permanent Vacation Live | Oxford Downs Tiki Bar | Fri Oct 17 | 6:30 pm | Details

🥞 Villagers 4 Veterans Pancake Breakfast | Old Mill | 8AM-12PM | Oct 18 | Details

Fused Glass Show & Sale | Ezell Rec | Sat Oct 18 | 9am | Details

Ike’s Fun Fusion Glass & Craft Show | Eisenhower | Oct 18 | Details

Medley of Crafts | Rohan Rec | Sat Oct 18 | 9 am | Details

Stamp Collectors Sale | Colony Cottage | Sat Oct 18 | 10 am | Details

🍷 Weekends @ The Winery | Lakeridge Winery | Sat: David Julia, Sun: Bobby Blackmon | Details

Davey Jones’s Locker Pub Crawl | Leesburg | Sat Oct 18 | 4-8 pm | Details

Junk in The Trunk | Brown’s Oxford | Sun Oct 19 | Details

🎭️ Artifice, a Comedy | Mulberry Grove Rec | Oct 17 - 20 | Details

On Sale This Week

4th Annual Christmas With Clark | Old Mill | Dec 2 | Tickets

KANSAS | The Tracy | Dec 14 | Tickets

Matt Fraser Psychic Medium | Savannah Center | Dec 16 | Tickets

Plus Many More Here

If you have an event you want to announce to 7,500+ Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Thanks!

That’s it for this round, folks — from coffee cups to golf carts, The Villages never stops rolling. ☕🚗 Keep sharing your feedback, story ideas, and poll suggestions — your replies keep The Pulse alive and local. Please share this with someone who’s cart goes 30 mph.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 7,500+ local Villagers? Reach out here.