Good Morning, Villages. What a lineup today: music nostalgia, a peek at The Villages’ future growth, our adorable Pet of the Month (Megan 😻), plus a dream trip to Marco Island.

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Let’s dive in.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Monday’s Poll Results

🎶 Which Decade Had the Best Music?

Wow — this one struck a chord! With 671 votes, the results prove Villagers love their tunes:

• 🕺 1970s — Disco fever & classic rock took the crown with 248 votes

• 🎸 1960s — Beatles, Motown & Woodstock followed close behind at 243 votes

• 🎤 1980s — Big hair, big hits pulled in 119 votes

• 🎷 1950s — Rock ’n’ roll is born held strong at 52 votes

• 🎧 1990s — Grunge, hip-hop & boy bands trailed at 9 votes

💬 What readers said:
Many couldn’t choose just one. “The 60s changed music forever — Beatles, Motown, Woodstock — timeless!” wrote one Villager. Another said, “The 70s were just as important — disco, Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac!” Some split the difference: “Mid-60s to mid-70s… both unbeatable.” A few gave love to other genres: “Classic country for me — Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn!”

Takeaway 🎧

The 60s and 70s dominated — not just in votes, but in memories. Readers linked those decades to high school, first concerts, and dancing until the lights went out. And while the 80s and 90s had their fans, it’s clear the golden age of music in Villagers’ hearts runs from Woodstock to Studio 54.

Villages Development News

🏗️ Villages Construction Update – Don Wiley (Gold Wingnut)
If you want the inside scoop on what’s really happening across The Villages, this latest update from Don Wiley—better known as Gold Wingnut—is a must-watch. From the big renovations at Spanish Springs to the exciting new projects rising in Eastport, Middleton, and the brand-new neighborhoods of CDD16, Don takes you on a guided tour of changes that will shape the community over the next 12–18 months. Always detailed, always educational—this is the update every Villager should see.

🐾 Pet of The Month

Pulse Travel

🌴 3 (or more!) Days in Marco Island: Gulfside Paradise with an Everglades Twist

Under four hours south of The Villages, Marco Island delivers that “old Florida luxury” feel — sugar-white sand, turquoise waters, beautiful homes on canals, and a laid-back pace that begs you to slow down.

Day 1 – Beaches & Sunset
Check into a beachfront resort like JW Marriott Marco Island for full service luxury, a low cost hotel, or browse VRBO homes for a homey, budget-friendly stay with several friends, or even rent a huge luxury home on the water! Spend your afternoon on Tigertail Beach, a local favorite with a tidal lagoon and prime shelling. End the day with a Gulf sunset and cocktails at Sunset Grille.

Day 2 – Island Eats & Water Fun
Start with breakfast at Doreen’s Cup of Joe (very popular, and busy!). Book a dolphin-spotting boat tour or kayak through mangroves. Lunch on fresh grouper at Snook Inn, then explore South Marco Beach for softer sand and calm waters. Or, rent a beautiful and fast pontoon boat and explore the area by water all day ( We’ve used Dolphin Cove Marina and highly recommend them!) Evening calls for Italian coastal flavors at Sale e Pepe $$$.

Day 3 – Everglades Adventure
Take a side trip — just 45 minutes inland — for a classic Everglades airboat ride (we’ve used Captain Jack’s) , gliding past gators, egrets, and endless sawgrass as well as hearing about the very interesting Everglades bootlegging history. Back on the island, stop at Fin Bistro for one last seafood feast before heading north.

✨ Tips & Tricks

• Parking fills fast at public beaches — go early.

• Bring water shoes for Tigertail’s lagoon crossing.

• Everglades tours book up quick — reserve ahead.

Marco Island blends barefoot beach days with wild Everglades thrills and tons of beautiful homes lining canals — the perfect 3-7 day reset.

Upcoming Events

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

🐎 Regional Hunter/Level 3 Jumper Series | WEC | Today - Sun | Details

🐎 Paso Fino Grand National Show | WEC | Today - Sat | Details

🏈 Villages Charter Buffalo Football vs Crystal River | Oct 3 7pm | Tix

🐎 Polo Sun Kool Cup | Villages Polo Club | Oct 3 & 5 | Details

Junk in The Trunk | Browns | Sat Oct 4 | 7:30 am | Details

Weekends @ The Winery | Lakeridge Winery | Sat: Robbie Litt, Sun: Marti the Guitar Guy | Details

Fall Craft Show | Various Rec Centers | Oct 4 | 9 am - 2pm | Details

🖼️ Fine Art Society Exhibit | Seabreeze Rec | Oct 4 | 4pm | Details

🍸️ Mixology Class | Legacy | Sat Oct 4 | 12 pm | Register

🐂 Sumter Country Pro Rodeo | Oct 4 and 5th | Details and Tickets

Cooking Class | Prima Steakhouse | Oct 6 | 12 PM or 2:30 PM

On Sale This Week

Stevie Wonder Tribute Live | Whispering Oaks | Oct 23 | Details + Tickets

Steinway Artist Series: Elena Ulyanova | The Sharon | Nov 18 | Tickets

Timeless Classic Rock Icons | Savannah | Dec 1 | Details + Tickets

All McCartney Live | Savannah | Dec 2 | Details + Tickets

Comedian Bob Marley | The Sharon | Jan 25 | Tickets

If you have an event you want to announce to 7,300+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Brought to you by: First Class Rides

Private Airport Transfers — First Class, Every Time
Skip the stress and ride in comfort. First Class Rides offers direct, private service from your door in The Villages to Orlando, Sanford, and Tampa airports — all in a comfortable Mercedes GLC300.

Text or call your flight info to 443‑604‑6292 — we’ll confirm your pickup time.

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Thanks!

That’s the pulse for today! Share this with a neighbor and spread the word. Villagers who read together, stay in the know together.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 7,300+ local Villagers? Reach out here.