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In today’s Villages Pulse:

• St. Patrick’s Day celebrations abound

• The Waffle House is open!

• Loads of music and event listings

Let’s dive in.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Dining Deals of The Day

Monday

🍝 Francesco’s St Patty’s Day Special | Corned Beef, Cabbage, potatoes, soup or salad $17.99, Guinness $3.50

Tuesday

🏛️ Amerikanos Grill | Taco Tuesday - Fish Tacos $10 and Tequila Tuesday $5.75 Margaritas

Wednesday

🗼Lighthouse Point Bar & Grill | 25% off for Military and First Responders

Village Spotlight

Village of Buttonwood

• Home types: Villas, cottages, Mediterranean-style homes

• Average home value: $472,000

• Great for: Golfing, shopping, dining, local attractions

The Village of Buttonwood is a retiree’s paradise for staying active, offering access to three executive golf courses—Redfish Run, Bonita Pass, and Tarpon Boil—with a small cart fee and free walking. The nearby Fish Hawk Recreation Center is a short stroll away, while Brownwood Paddock Square is a quick golf cart ride away, and boasts plenty of shops and dining options like Prima Italian, Harvest, and Bluefin Grill and Bar, all in a charming downtown layout with western theme.

This home, from Zillow, is probably the most expensive listing in the Village of Buttonwood at the moment, currently listed at $995,000. Full listing on Zillow.

Business News

🧇 Waffle House Opens Today!

The new Waffle House in Lady Lake, right in front of BJ’s is reported to be opening today, Monday March 17 at 7am! Waffle House began in 1955 when neighbors Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner opened a 24/7 diner in Avondale Estates, Georgia, focusing on “Good Food Fast.” Known for its late-night atmosphere, it’s a haven for night owls craving waffles, hash browns, and Southern comfort. With over 1,900 locations across 25 states, its popularity soared, especially in the South, earning a cult following for affordability and reliability. The chain’s always-open vibe even inspired the FEMA “Waffle House Index” for disaster assessment. Today, it’s a beloved cultural icon, serving up nostalgia and hearty meals around the clock. Here’s a link to the waffle house menu.

🍖Popular Wildwood Smokehouse Is Up For Sale

M&M Old Hickory Smokehouse, a Wildwood, Florida, barbecue gem, is up for sale after a decade of delighting locals with its smoky, slow-cooked meats. Owners Mark and Teresa, both U.S. military veterans, are ready to retire, listing the top-rated spot known for its ribs and secret spice rub. Mark, the pitmaster, and Teresa built a loyal following with their commitment to quality at 7993 NE Drive, next to the 75 Chrome Shop. The couple hopes new owners will preserve the restaurant’s award-winning flavors and community spirit, as noted in their social media statement. Priced for serious buyers (call 407-209-8063), this local institution leaves a legacy of Southern comfort and BBQ excellence that fans hope will endure.

🏅 Victory Sports Grill Now Open Near The Tracy

Victory Sports Grill at 2209 Dr. Randy McDaniel Way, in Sumterville opened with much fanfare last Friday, and is great for casual dining enthusiasts. The menu boasts a variety of crowd-pleasers, from juicy burgers and hearty sandwiches to zesty wings and

fresh salads, all crafted with a focus on bold flavors. Standouts like the smoked brisket and loaded nachos hint at a kitchen that knows its way around comfort food. Early patrons boast about the friendly service, with staff described as welcoming and attentive, creating a laid-back, family-friendly vibe. The late-night hours add appeal for those craving a bite after hours.

New Hawaiian Restaurant in Lake Sumter Landing

A new Hawaiian restaurant, Leahi Health, opens March 17 in Lake Sumter Landing. It will offer green smoothies for St. Patrick’s Day alongside a menu featuring fresh and healthy vegan dishes such as kombucha, smoothies, kale avocado tacos, and beet poke salad.

What’s Happenin’

Here’s some of the top events this week and further out as well:

☘️ St. Patrick’s Day Festival | Spanish Springs Square | Mon March 17 | 3pm - 9pm | Food trucks, vendors, and a parade

🧠 Rocket Trivia | Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Mulberry | Mon March 17 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Info

☘️ St. Patrick’s Day Bash | Sawgrass Grove | Mon March 17 | 12pm - 9pm | Festive drinks, entertainment, music and of course, green beer

🎸 Outdoor Concert Series | Fenney Recreation | The Mudds | Wed March 19 | 3 - 5 pm | FREE Bring your own chairs

💚 St Patrick’s Day Celebration | Evans Prairie Country Club | March 17 | live music with Gary & Judi 12-3pm, Woody & The Longboards 5 - 9pm | Irish inspired dishes, drink specials and live music! Details

🎩 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration | Orange Blossom Hills Country Club | Monday | 11am - 9pm | Live music: Dave Howell 12:30- 3:30pm & Ritchie-Q 4:30 - 8:30pm | Irish specials galore, $6 Guinness, $9 Irish Lemonade | More Details

🏫 Learn & Grow Expo | Ezell Recreation | Thu March 20 | 10am - 12pm | Meet Instructors and learn about 300+ course offerings | Registration for Spring/Summer courses begins March 24 @ 8:30am

🍖 2025 Farm to Table Dinner Series | Brown & Brown Farms | March 29 | 5 - 8pm | This event is a unique collaboration with the Rose Plantation, featuring Chef Ben Roche | Menu & Details

🐎 Let’s Go Show | Florida Horse Park | March 21 - March 24 | Horse show with English Driving, Western, and Ranch classes. Presided over by Mr. Brent Harnish. Located at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, FL. More Details

Civil News & Updates

Closures

• ^{Bacall Recreation Indoor and Outdoor facilities and Family Pool | Monday March 17}

• ^{Bradenton Recreation Pickleball Courts resurfacing | closed Mon March 17 - Monday March 24}

• ^{Captiva Recreation Indoor Facilities | Closed Mon March 17 - Fri March 21}

• ^{Eisenhower Rec Indoor, Outdoor and Sports Pool | closed Wed March 19}

• ^{Paradise Dog Park | Closed Mon March 17 - Fri March 21}

• ^{Spanish Moss Rec pool | Closed Tue March 18 - 7am - 2pm}

Weather

A nice cool down to start the new week, with nothing but sunshine. Just be sure to hold on to your hat today, it’s going to be windy.

Monday

67 🌡️ 45| ☀️ | 0% | 🌬️ NW 10 - 15 mph, Gusts 25

Tuesday

76 🌡️ 48 | ☀️ | 0% | 🌬️ NE 5 - 10 mph

Wednesday

80 🌡️ 51 | ☀️ | 0% | 🌬️ Light winds

Live Music Lowdown

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thanks!

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