Good Morning, Villages. Today’s issue has a little of everything: Halloween poll fun, new drone views of favorite villages + Eastport & Middleton, a laid-back escape to Cedar Key, and a poll on where YOU want to cruise next. Dive in!

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On this day in 1940 — John Lennon was born in Liverpool, forever changing music with The Beatles and beyond.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

FEATURED EVENT

Monday’s Poll Results

🎃 Poll Recap: How Villagers Are Celebrating Halloween

Halloween in The Villages is always a mix of spooky, silly, and social — and our latest poll proved it! With 340 votes, here’s how the community is planning to spend October 31st:

• 👻 House parties – 50 voters are driveway-hopping with friends.

• 🎶 Town squares – 93 plan to dance and people-watch downtown.

• 🍸 Bars & restaurants – 19 are hitting costume contests and cocktails.

• 🏠 At home – 19 will hand out candy or host a few friends.

• 🚗 Outside the bubble – 17 are off to other celebrations.

• 🚫 Not celebrating – 142 readers say they’ll skip it this year.

💬 What readers said:

• “The costume contest at City Fire is the best — so much creativity!”

• “Golf cart parade through the village, stopping at driveway parties!”

• “I’ll be thrilling the crowd with Thrill the Villages dancing to ‘Thriller!’”

• “I don’t dress up, but I love watching everyone else.”

👉 Whether you’re dancing at Lake Sumter, parading through your neighborhood, or skipping it altogether, Halloween in The Villages always brings out the community spirit.

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Villages Development News

📹 Drone Video: Top Villages + Middleton & Eastport!

We found a fascinating YouTube drone video from DD Aerial Photography ranking the top 5 villages to buy in The Villages. (Not my picks — just one videographer’s take.)

It’s worth a watch: from $250K villas to $1.4M premiers, plus a bird’s-eye view of Middleton and Eastport taking shape — with tips on lifestyle, amenities, and resale value.

👉 Even if you’re not house-hunting, it’s an eye-opening perspective.

Pulse Travel

🌴 2-Night Getaway to Cedar Key, FL

Looking for low key “Old Florida” charm without the crowds? Cedar Key, tucked on the Nature Coast, is a laid-back fishing village perfect for a short, slow-paced escape. Think art co-ops, clams, kayaks, and sunsets.

🗓️ When to Go

Best in fall through spring when the weather is mild. Summer can be hot and buggy.

🚗 Getting There

Cedar Key is just over 90 minutes from Brownwood. Take SR-24 west until the road literally ends at the Gulf. Once you’re there, park the car — walk, bike, or rent a golf cart to get around.

🛏️ Where to Stay

Skip chains — Cedar Key is all about quirky homes and cottages via VRBO. Other favorites include the historic Island Hotel, Harbour Master Suites, or the funky Low-Key Hideaway.

🍽️ Eats

Seafood rules here. Try Tony’s (world-famous clam chowder **may be closed right now), Steamers Clam Bar, or grab fresh shrimp at Robinson’s Seafood. Dock Street is the main dining strip.

🗺️ What to Do

• Day 1: Stroll Dock Street, browse local art shops, and watch sunset from the pier.

• Day 2: Paddle to Atsena Otie Key for hiking and history, explore Cedar Key Museum State Park, and walk the Cemetery Point Boardwalk for bird-watching.

• Optional side trip: Manatee Springs State Park (40 minutes away).

💡 Tips

Cedar Key has only a tiny public beach, so think kayaking, not lounging. Check tides if heading out on the water. Bring bug spray and be ready to unplug — cell service can be spotty, but that’s part of the charm.

🌊⛴️ Travel Pulse Poll

Cruises came out on top in a recent poll. Now we’re curious: if Villages Pulse arranged a group cruise (with special perks and pricing), where would you most want to sail?

💡 We’ll share results soon — and your vote could help inspire a future Pulse trip!

Upcoming Events

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

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

🎨 🍷 Paint & Sip | Prima Steakhouse | Oct 10 | 12 pm | Details

🏈 Villages Charter Buffalo Football vs Titusville | Oct 10 7pm | Tix

🐎 Polo Tournament | Villages Polo Club | Oct 10 & 12 | Details

🎨 Fall Art Show | Rohan Rec | Oct 11 | 9am - 3pm | Details

Ocala Pet Palooza | World Equestrian Center | Oct 11-12 | Details

Thrill The Villages | Edna’s On The Green | Oct 11 | 5 PM | Details

🍷 Weekends @ The Winery | Lakeridge Winery | Sat: Dale New, Sun: Billy Buchanan | Details

New To Golf School | Sarasota Practice | Mon Oct 13 | 9 am | Details

New To Golf School | Palmer Legends | Mon Oct 13 | 9 am | Details

Full Swing Clinic | Palmer Legends | Tue Oct 14 | 10:30 am | Details

On Sale This Week

The NY Tenors Celebrating Christmas | Savannah | Dec 3 | Details + Tickets

Crazy Train: Ozzy Osborne Tribute | The Sharon | Feb 2 | Tickets

More Shows On Sale This Week

If you have an event you want to announce to 7,400+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Thanks!

Thanks for being part of the Pulse! Got a fun poll idea, a favorite getaway, or an event tip? Hit reply — your suggestion could make the next edition.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 7,400+ local Villagers? Reach out here.