Good morning, Villagers. We’ve got fresh poll results, a revealing LaGrange aerial update, a powerful local nonprofit spotlight, and plenty happening around town this week. Let’s dive in.

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On this day in 1935, Elvis Presley was born. Hard to imagine American music — or Las Vegas shows — without him. Fitting for a place that still loves a good tribute concert.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Monday’s Poll Recap

🛺 Golf Cart Insurance: Most Villagers Don’t Roll Without It

Golf carts are basically our second cars — and most Villagers insure them like one.

On Monday we asked if you currently have golf cart insurance, the answer was clear:

👉 84% said YES.
Out of 898 votes, 752 readers reported having coverage. Just 123 said no, and a small group wasn’t sure.

Reader comments filled in the why. The most common reason? Liability. Many said they’re less worried about damage to the cart and more about protecting themselves if someone gets hurt. A few were blunt: “Why wouldn’t you?” and “No way would I go without it.”

Cost came up too — and it surprised people. Several readers reported paying $10–$20 per month, or $120 to $200 per year, often bundled with auto insurance. In other words: cheaper than expected.

As for insurers, Progressive dominated the comments, with State Farm also mentioned frequently. Some noted carts are insured under specialty or motorcycle-style policies, which explains why the topic feels confusing.

The takeaway:
In a cart-heavy community like The Villages, most residents see insurance as inexpensive peace of mind — not an optional extra.

Monday’s poll will dig a little deeper on this topic.

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

Villages Development News

🏗️LaGrange in Motion: New Homes, Eastport Growth & What’s Ahead

LaGrange is moving fast — and this week’s aerial update makes that crystal clear. In the latest drone video from DD Aerial Photography, you’ll see new homes rising from slabs to rooftops, fresh activity stretching toward Eastport, and a glimpse of what’s next along Corbin Trail. There’s also some practical insight on build quality and a few real-world notes you’ll appreciate if you live nearby or have a home on the way.

Villages Community Spotlight

A Forever Home for Villagers Who Need It Most

My Special Place (MSP) is a local nonprofit formed by parents and family members who all share the same concern: what happens to our adult children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) when we’re no longer here?

Right now, The Villages has no dedicated residential housing for adults with IDD, even though hundreds of families are quietly facing this reality. My Special Place exists to change that.

Their mission is to create safe and engaging high-quality residential options—an inclusive community where residents can live with dignity, independence, and lifelong care. The vision includes social and recreational opportunities, access to day programs and employment, and the peace of mind families deserve after decades of caregiving.

MSP is actively working to acquire and renovate assisted living real estate in the Spanish Springs area to create housing for 44 adults, ensuring they can live full, connected lives now and well into the future.

This effort is powered by community support. If your heart has been touched by this need, your support can make a tremendous difference. Please consider donating to My Special Place:

Donate online at myspecialplacethevillages.com
Or mail a check to:
My Special Place
3174 Spanish Moss Way
The Villages, FL 33163

For more information you can contact:
Kristy Sullivan, My Special Place President
309-253-7827

Approved 501(c)(3) Charity, Registration CH80412

Open House This Weekend:

Saturday, January 10 | 2:00–5:00 PM
1475 El Camino Real

Come see the vision, ask questions, and spread the word.

Non Couples Dinner Club

Registration closes Monday, January 12 at 5:30 PM, so grab your seat before tables close. Take the quick quiz, get matched with fellow Villagers, and come make some new friends. Note: we can’t accommodate couples for this yet. 🍽️

Pulse Travel

A Villages Group Viking Christmas on the Rhine — December 2026

Join fellow Villagers for a magical Viking Christmas on the Rhine River Cruise, hosted by Villages resident Michelle Iglehart and planned by her daughter, travel advisor Ashley Ridgeway.

This festive group journey sails Basel to Amsterdam, stopping in Europe’s most charming Christmas market towns like Strasbourg, Cologne, and Amsterdam — all glowing with lights, music, mulled wine, and holiday tradition.

As part of the Villagers group, you’ll enjoy exclusive group pricing, added perks, and hosted support, plus Viking’s adults-only, all-inclusive experience with included shore excursions, regional cuisine, and wine and beer with meals.

These Christmas market sailings are extremely popular and stateroom availability can disappear quickly, so it’s smart to take a look sooner rather than later.

If Europe’s Christmas markets are on your bucket list, this is a special way to experience them together with fellow Villagers, at a great price.

Upcoming Events

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

🐎 Hunter/Jumper Series | World Equestrian Center | Jan 8 -11 | 8:30 am | FREE

Jiffy Feet Live | Back Porch Mulberry | Jan 9 | 5 PM | Details

🏇 Orlando Dressage | Grand Oaks Resort | Jan 10 & 11 | Details

Patio Nights Live Music & Cocktails | Brownwood Hotel | Jan 10 | 5 PM

$4,000 Guaranteed Texas Hold’em | Oxford Downs | Jan 11 | 11:15 am | Details

Charity Cox Live | Oxford Downs Tiki Bar | Jan 11 | 2 - 5 PM PM | Details

🎷 Dan Jordan Quartet Jazz | Laurel Manor Rec | Jan 13 | 6 PM | Details

🎨 🍷 Paint & Sip | Legacy Restaurant | Jan 15 | 12 pm | Register 🔥 

12th Annual Vintage Collectible Sale | Savannah Rec Center | Jan 24 | 9am-3pm

On Sale This Week

The Ultimate Elvis Concert! | Savannah Center | Mar 1 | Details

Stayin’ Alive: Bee Gee’s | Savannah Center | Mar 6 & 7 | Details

Sing Along A Show Tunes Night Petrina | Old Mill Playhouse | Mar 28 | Details

And More….

If you have an event you want to announce to 8,500+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Thanks!

Appreciate you reading, voting, and supporting the people and places that make The Villages what it is. As always, hit reply if you’ve got a poll idea, event tip, or something we should be paying attention to next.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 8,500+ local Villagers? Reach out here.