Good Morning, Villagers! Poll results are in, and let’s just say Villagers are packing their bags (and sunscreen). But which cruise line will sail to the top? That’s for you to decide in today’s follow-up poll. We’ve also got a jaw-dropping drone tour of Eastport & Edenfield, some big restaurant news, and plenty of events to fill your calendar. On this September 11th, we remember.

Let’s dive in.

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— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Monday’s Poll Results

🗳️ Poll Recap: What’s Your Favorite Way to Vacation?

You spoke loud and clear: Villagers are cruise people!
Out of 533 votes, nearly 190 readers (36%) said a vacation just isn’t complete unless it’s on the high seas.

🏆 Cruises (190 votes)

• From world cruises to Caribbean hops, readers love it all. One shared: “We prefer really long cruises—took Royal’s 274-night world cruise!”

🥈 All-Inclusive Beach Resorts (112 votes)

• Resorts came in strong, with mentions of timeshares in Mexico and that endless frozen-drink-by-the-pool vibe.

🥉 “Every day is a vacation in The Villages” (75 votes)

• Many said they don’t need to leave: “I can’t see the need—except maybe for the ocean, which is a day trip away!”

🌍 Other picks included DIY international trips (40), Vegas/NYC fly-and-stays (36), river cruises (27), guided tours (27), bus trips (11), and road-trip style adventures under “Other.”

Bottom line: Villagers travel in style, but cruises and all-inclusive resorts are clear favorites.

⚓ Follow-up Poll: What’s Your Favorite Cruise Line?

Cruises are the #1 Villager getaway—now it’s time to crown a champ! Do you sail with Royal Caribbean, love Disney’s flair, or prefer Viking’s river vibes? Cast your vote and let’s see which line rules the seas in The Villages.

Villages Development News

🚁 Eastport & Edenfield From Above

See The Villages’ growth in action with this brand-new 4K drone tour. Starting at McNeill Drive and Corbin Trail, showing off fresh construction in Oak Hollow, Edenfield, and even a sneak peek at the new Blanchard Rec Center and pool. You’ll spot designer homes, villas, pickleball courts, and the championship golf course taking shape around Edenfield. It ends with a run over the Eastport Square construction on the main street.

Business News

New Japanese Restaurant Coming To Middleton

Haru, a new full-service Japanese restaurant with a lively bar and seating for around 150, is slated to open in Middleton in April 2026 . It’s the brainchild of Kevin Guo, owner and manager of the acclaimed (and one of my personal favorites) Sakura restaurants in The Villages and Lady Lake, known for their fresh sushi, hibachi, and generous hospitality . Buoyed by Sakura’s success, Guo is expanding his vision—Haru promises to add bold new flavors and energy to Middleton’s dining scene.

Court Approves $68M Sale of The Villages Health

The Villages Health System (TVHS), serving more than 55,000 patients, has been in turmoil since filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July. The system admitted to $350 million in Medicare overpayments tied to improper billing codes—errors it blamed on documentation lapses rather than fraud.

On Tuesday, September 9, a bankruptcy judge approved the $68 million sale of TVHS to CenterWell, a Humana subsidiary. The price climbed from an initial $50 million bid after federal officials and insurers pressed for stronger terms to ensure accountability and preserve the government’s ability to pursue claims against insiders. Insurers including Florida Blue and UnitedHealthcare accuse TVHS of years of overbilling, with UnitedHealthcare alleging $183 million was diverted to the Morse family, owners of The Villages.

For patients, the immediate message is care continuity. CenterWell is set to assume operations by October 31, keeping clinics open and staff in place. But as the transition unfolds, patients may see adjustments to insurance coverage and doctor networks. Longer term, the system will likely face tighter compliance and oversight. For now, though, appointments and providers remain stable.

Upcoming Events

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

Cliff Dorsey Live | Oxford Downs Tiki Bar | Fri Sept 12 | 7 PM | Details

🖼️Boutique Art Show | Colony Cottage Rec | Sat Sept 13 | 9 am | Details

🍷 🎸 Weekends at The Winery | Lakeridge Winery | Sat: Dave Capp, France Neil, Sun: Zack Denby Duo | Details

Ssnakeyez | McCalls Tavern | Sat Sept 13 | 6:30 pm | Details

🏌️ New To Golf Full Swing Follow-up | Sarasota | Mon Sept 15 | 8:30 am | Details

🏌️ New To Golf School | Palmer Legends | Mon Sept 15 | 9 am | Details

🍽️ Cooking Class | Prima Steakhouse | Mon Sept 15 | 2:30 pm | Register 🔥 

🍽️ Cooking Class | Legacy Restaurant | Tue Sept 16 | 12 pm| Register 🔥 

🎹 Johnny Nicks Dueling Pianos | Old Mill Playhouse | Sept 16 | Details

🎨🍷Paint & Sip | Legacy Restaurant | Sept 18 | 12 PM | Register 🔥 Sells Out Fast

🍷 Wine Class - Italian Wines| Legacy Restaurant | Sept 20 | 1 pm | Register

🎸 Given To Fly: The Pearl Jam Experience | Reilly Center | Oct 4 | Details

Out of Town

Pitmasters & Pourers Event Bourbon and BBQ | Mount Dora | Sat Sept 13 | 3 - 8 pm | Details

On Sale This Week

🎭️ Triple Espresso - A Highly Caffeinated Comedy | Sharon | Jan 22, 2026 | Details

☘️ A Taste of Ireland | The Sharon | Feb 3, 2026 | Details

If you have an event you want to announce to 7,000+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Thanks!

That’s it for today’s Pulse! If you smiled, learned something new, or added a night out to your calendar, hit that forward button and share with a neighbor — the more Villagers in the know, the better.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 7,000+ local Villagers? Reach out here.