🌅 Good Morning, Villages. It’s the last day of June! Today, in 1936, Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With The Wind was published. And, it’s National Social Media day.  In just a short time, social media has totally changed the game for how we connect, chat, and share moments with family, friends, and even the whole world. So todays Poll of The Week asks you what your favorite social media platform is.

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In today’s Villages Pulse:

• Poll of The Week

• History of The Villages: Chapter 3

• Mount Dora Day Trip

• Open House of The Week

Let’s dive in.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Poll Of The Week

Villages History

Chapter 3: Lake Sumter Landing Market Square – The Waterfront Wonder

The Story Marches On…

By the early 2000s, The Villages was booming, but Spanish Springs was getting crowded. In August 2004, Lake Sumter Landing Market Square opened off County Road 466 in Lake County, doubling the community’s social scene. This waterfront-themed square, built around a manmade lake, evoked a New England seaside village, complete with a lighthouse, boardwalk, and colorful clapboard shops. Nightly music filled the air, and golf carts lined up like a retiree regatta. The square’s opening coincided with a housing surge, pushing The Villages past CR 466 into Sumter County. By 2005, the population hit 50,000, and Lake Sumter became the new “center” of the community.

Quirky Facts & History

• Faux Seaside: The lake is artificial, and the lighthouse is purely decorative, but residents swear it feels like Cape Cod. One plaque claims a fictional “Captain Sumter” founded the town in 1830—pure Villages whimsy!

• Movie Magic: Lake Sumter has an Old Mill Playhouse showing indie films and classics. Its first screening was The Graduate in 2004, chosen because retirees loved the Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack.

• Infrastructure Feat: The square cost $15 million, funded by CDDs. It included 500,000 square feet of commercial space, and a movie theater

• Big Lake, No Fishing: It looks tempting, but the only ones allowed to fish Lake Sumter are the birds and the alligators

• Local Resistance: In 2002, Sumter County farmer Daniel Farnsworth fought The Villages’ expansion, citing water concerns. He lost, but his Oxford hay farm became a local legend, with “Farnsworth’s Folly” bumper stickers spotted on golf carts.

Impact on Success

Lake Sumter Landing cemented The Villages’ reputation as a retiree playground. Its waterfront vibe and free nightly entertainment drew newcomers, while its central location made it a hub for the growing “middle” of the community (between CR 466 and 466A). The square spurred a building boom, with 5,000 new homes sprouting nearby by 2006. Its golf cart-friendly paths and high-occupancy shops (98% by 2008) boosted the local economy, adding 5,000 jobs in retail and hospitality. The square also eased pressure on Spanish Springs, ensuring both hubs thrived.

The Land Before

The Lake Sumter site was once a mix of pine forests and wetlands, part of Sumter County’s cattle country. In the 1880s, it was near Sumterville, a bustling county seat with a stagecoach stop to Tampa. By the 1900s, the area was quiet, with small farms growing sweet potatoes and corn. Locals fished in nearby Lake Panasoffkee, known for its bass and gators. The land was so swampy that early settlers called it “Frog Hollow,” a name some old-timers still use.

Effect of the Square

Lake Sumter Landing gave The Villages a second social anchor, proving the town square model was scalable. Its nautical theme resonated with retirees dreaming of coastal life, and its amenities (shops, restaurants, theater) made it a one-stop destination. The square’s success fueled expansion south, shifting the community’s center of gravity and setting the stage for further growth.

Next week: Villages development accelerates southward to Brownwood

Missed Chapters 1 and 2? You can read one here, and two here.

Day Trips From The Villages

Mount Dora

For a nice summer day trip from The Villages, FL, Mount Dora (45 minutes, ~30 miles) offers a charming escape with indoor attractions to beat the heat. This historic town, founded in 1880, grew as a citrus hub and now boasts a New England-like ambiance with a rich past showcased at the air-conditioned Mount Dora History Museum ($5 donation). Stroll the compact downtown, where air-conditioned boutiques like Village Antique Mall and Barrel of Books and Games offer antiques, crafts, and gifts. For activities, enjoy a cool, narrated boat tour on Lake Dora with Premier Boat Tours ($25–$35, shaded boats, book ahead). Lunch at The Goblin Market, an air-conditioned gem with gourmet dishes like crab cakes ($15–$30), ensures comfort and flavor. Other dining options include Copacabana Cuban Cafe for lighter fare, and a refreshing Mojito! Key attractions include the Mount Dora Center for the Arts, featuring local art in a cool gallery. Summer events, like indoor art shows, can add additional fun—check the Mount Dora events calendar. Free parking is plentiful downtown, but arrive by 9 or 10 a.m. to secure spots near Donnelly Street. To stay comfortable in 90°F+ heat, visit indoor venues during midday, bring water, and wear hats for brief outdoor walks. Mount Dora’s blend of history, culture, and air-conditioned havens makes it an ideal summer retreat for those seeking a relaxed, enriching and fun day. And don’t forget to cool off with some ice cream from one of the six ice cream shops in town!

Open House Of The Week

16751 SE 84th Colerain Cir | Ask: $424,900 | Open House: July 1: 12:30 pm

The northern most area of the Villages never gets the love! So check out this one in the Briar Meadow South neighborhood — and best of all, NO BOND! This beautifully maintained Hibiscus model offers a spacious split floor plan that's perfect for entertaining, with stunning golf course views and no rear neighbors.

Highlights:

• 🌳 No Bond + private golf course view (Ashley Meadows Championship Course)

• 🛠️ New roof (2023), HVAC (2022), water heater (2022)

• 🍽️ Renovated kitchen with quartz counters, soft-close pull-out cabinets

• 🚿 Updated bathrooms (2023) with Jetta stone showers & counters

• 🚫 No carpet + non-skid driveway

• 🌞 Lanai with new Category II windows + outdoor patio & Sunset awning

• 🚗 Two-car garage with pull-down

• 🐕 Near dog park, pools, rec centers, and golf clubs

• 🛒 Close to Mulberry Grove Shopping Center, VA Center, dining & more

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Upcoming Events

🍽️Far Niente Wine Dinner | Brownwood Hotel | Aug 1 | Going VERY FAST 🔥 | Details

Shirley’s Senior Hold’em Tourney | Oxford Downs | Mon Jun 30 | 11:15 am | Details

Boozy Bingo | Back Porch Mulberry | Mon Jun 30 | 5 - 7pm | Details

🎾 Sunset Socials: Intro to Beach Tennis | Clarendon | Wed Jul 2 | 6pm | Details

Kickboxing Joanie Fit | Sawgrass Grove | Wed Jul 2 | 9 - 10 am | Details

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

⛳️ New To Golf School | Sarasota Practice Center | Jul 7 | 8 am | Details

🎤 Speaker Series: Nigel West | Rohan Rec | Jul 9 | 6 - 7:30 pm | Details

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

🏌️‍♂️ Glenview Champions Member/Member | Aug 9 & 10th | Details

🎙️ Just Two Old Friends | Tribute to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers | Belle Glade CC | July 17 | Details

Fourth of July Celebrations

🎇 Patriotic Spectacular | Savannah Center | Thu Jul 3 | Details

🎆 Freedom on The Waterfront Fireworks, Live Music | Mount Dora | Jul 3 | Details

Happy Birthday America Fireworks, Live Music | Wildwood | Jul 3 | Details

🎇 Star Spangled Spectacular | Leesburg | July 4 | Details | Best fireworks show in the area

All American Celebration | Brownwood | July 4 | 4 - 9 pm | Details

⛴️ Fourth of July Boat Cruise | Lake Sumter | Jul 4 | 4 - 8:30pm | Details

Business Briefs

The new Harry And The Natives construction is nearing completion, with the building set to be handed over in early July, paving the way for an August opening. Following the handover, the team will focus on hiring and training to ensure a warm welcome for the community, according to Harry’s owners. Their website is live and you can now apply for many open positions, from managers to bartenders, to dishwashers, and everything in between. You can apply online at https://www.nativesvillages.com/

Weather

Monday: 85 🌡️ 71| ⛈️ | 70% | 🌬️ SW 5 mph

Tuesday: 86 🌡️ 73 | ⛈️ | 60% | 🌬️ SW 5 - 10 mph, gusts to 20

Wednesday 86 🌡️ 74 | ⛈️ | 70% | 🌬️ SW 5 - 10 mph

Live Music Lowdown

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thanks!

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