🌅 Good Morning, Villagers! This Monday edition is bubbling with goodness—from water wisdom for newcomers to a hidden pancake paradise near a legendary spring. We’re serving up history, house tours, Southern food gems, and day trip inspo that’ll make you want to pack a picnic and hit the road.

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In today’s Villages Pulse:

• 🚰Poll of The Week: Water Filters?

• 🛶 New Day Trip

• 5️⃣ Chapter 5 Of The Villages History Series

• and much more!

Let’s dive in.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Poll Of The Week

Reader-Inspired Poll: How Do You Handle Your Water at Home? 💧

We recently heard from future Villager Mark R., who’s moving here this August and had a great question: “What do people in The Villages use for their drinking water or in-home filtration?”

So now we’re asking YOU! Whether you sip straight from the tap or have a full-blown filtration setup, let us know how you handle your H2O. Your answers will help newcomers like Mark—and maybe inspire a few neighbors to rethink their own setups. 💬👇

Business Briefs

Local businesses you should know

Miz Kathi’s Cotillion Café & Sweetery

Step into Southern charm at Miz Kathi’s in Wildwood—where vintage décor, warm hospitality, and unforgettable comfort food come together. Famous for crispy fried chicken, mile-high cakes, and a rotating menu of Southern classics, this beloved spot has a 4.5-star Google rating and raving fans. Locals call it a “hidden gem” and “worth the drive.” Whether you're craving fried green tomatoes or banana cream pie, Miz Kathi’s is a must-visit culinary treasure. I would definitely recommend reservations, it’s not a big place.

Villages History

Chapter 5: Development Along the Turnpike and South of It

The Story Races South…

By the late 2010s, The Villages was unstoppable, crossing the Florida Turnpike and State Road 44—once declared the community’s southern limit by Gary Morse. Sumter County begged for more growth to fuel the economy, and Morse’s heirs obliged. The Villages of Southern Oaks and Fenney sprang up, with thousands of homes built by 2020. New amenities like the Water Lily Bridge (a golf cart overpass opened in 2021) and the Southern Oaks Bridge (2023) connected these southern villages. Sawgrass Grove, opened in 2022, wasn’t a traditional town square but a hybrid hub with a marketplace, golf, and entertainment. By 2023, The Villages spanned 33,000 acres, with 130,000 residents and 70,000 homes.

Quirky Facts & History

• Broken Promise: Gary Morse once vowed in his newspaper that The Villages would never cross SR 44. Locals still tease his heirs, calling the southern expansion “Gary’s Oops.”

• Gator Tales: Construction crews in Southern Oaks found alligator nests, delaying work. One gator, nicknamed “Big Al,” became a mascot, with his image on local T-shirts.

• Infrastructure Marvels: The Water Lily Bridge cost $5 million and features lily pad-themed railings. Residents hold annual “Cart Parades” across it, decking out golf carts with lights.

Impact on Success

The southern expansion turned The Villages into a metropolitan statistical area, one of Florida’s largest. The area south of SR 44 added 20,000 homes by 2025, fueling a 51% GDP growth ($2.1 billion) from 2007 to 2017. Sawgrass Grove’s hybrid model drew younger retirees (55–65), keeping the community fresh. New recreation centers, like the Aviary (opened 2020), and 649 golf holes cemented The Villages’ “active adult” brand. Golf cart bridges eased traffic, supporting the community’s car-free lifestyle. The expansion also created 13,900 jobs in retail and healthcare, boosting Sumter County’s economy.

The Land Before

South of the Turnpike was wilder than the north, with vast prairies and wetlands. In the 1800s, it was Cracker cowboy country, where cattle roamed free. Nearby Lake Panasoffkee was a fishing mecca, known for its bass and Seminole heritage. By the 1900s, the area had small farms and timber camps, with the Turnpike’s 1957 opening bringing modest growth. Wildwood’s railroad hub shipped citrus, but the land remained rural, with locals joking it was “where the pavement ends.”

Effect of the Expansion

Crossing the Turnpike gave The Villages room to grow, preventing stagnation. Sawgrass Grove’s multi-use design showed the community could evolve beyond traditional squares, appealing to new generations. The southern villages’ infrastructure—bridges, trails, and recreation centers—kept the lifestyle seamless, while job growth tied the community to the broader region. The expansion also sparked local tensions, with some Floridians grumbling about “outsiders” taking over.

Miss Previous Chapters? Read them here: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4

Day Trips From The Villages

Day Trip Spotlight: De Leon Springs – A Florida Gem Just 90 Minutes Away!

Looking for a unique day trip that combines natural beauty, hands-on fun, and a splash of history? De Leon Springs State Park is an easy 1 to 1.5 hour drive from The Villages and delivers a refreshing, memorable experience perfect for curious minds and adventurous spirits of all ages.

🌿 Why Go?

Once believed to be Ponce de León’s legendary Fountain of Youth, De Leon Springs offers more than just lore—it’s a lush natural paradise brimming with crystal-clear waters, shaded walking trails, and Old Florida charm. The star attraction? The 72-degree spring, where you can swim year-round in refreshing, clear water. It’s perfect for cooling off and recharging!

🥞 Must-Do: Flip Your Own Pancakes

The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle House is a beloved favorite. Here, you cook your own pancakes at the table on a built-in griddle! Choose from fresh stone-ground flour batters and toppings galore—this quirky, interactive dining experience is worth the wait (tip: get there early, as it’s first-come, first-served and lines can get long).

🛶 Things to Do:

• Swim in the Spring – Cool off in the 72 degree water!

• Rent Kayaks, Canoes, or Paddleboats – Paddle along Spring Garden Run to spot manatees, turtles, and tropical birds.

• Take the Fountain of Youth Eco History Boat Tour – A fascinating 50-minute narrated journey through history, ecology, and local wildlife.

• Visit the Visitor Center Museum – Learn about the area's Native American, Spanish, and Civil War-era roots.

🕘 When to Go:

Plan to arrive right when the park opens at 8 AM, especially on weekends, to beat the crowds. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather, though summer brings a lively, tropical energy. The park closes at sunset, so plan your day accordingly.

🎒 What to Bring:

• Swimsuit and towel

• Sunscreen and bug spray

• Change of clothes

• Water shoes (natural bottom in the spring)

• A cooler or picnic (or dine at the Sugar Mill)

💲Admission & Rentals:

• Park Entry: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people)

• Kayak/Canoe Rentals: Starting at $20/hour

• Boat Tour: $18 - $19 adults (reservations recommended)

This is one trip Villagers won’t want to miss—part nature, part nostalgia, and 100% Florida fun!

Got a fun, interesting day trip suggestion for our readers? Hit Reply to this email, or email us at [email protected].

Open House Of The Week

Open House Tuesday, July 15 – Don’t Miss This DeSoto Dream! Price Reduced $10K!

Step into style and serenity with this stunning, professionally decorated Sunflower model in the heart of the Village of DeSoto at 5746 Botner Dr.—one of The Villages’ most sought-after locations! From the moment you arrive to the newly custom-painted driveway, you’ll feel the care in every detail. Inside, high ceilings, designer lighting, quartz countertops, and a show stopping kitchen with a built-in coffee bar set the stage for elegant Florida living. You won’t have any trouble finding your driveway with those doors!

Relax in the enclosed lanai with panoramic lake views and palm-fringed sunsets, or stroll to Fenney Grill, Ednas, or Magnolia Plaza. And soon, enjoy a short golf cart ride to the newest Villages square, Eastport! This is Villages living at its finest!

Upcoming Events

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

Shirley’s Senior (50+) Hold’em Tourney | Oxford Downs | Jul 14 | 11:15 am | Details

🚂 Camp Villages: Train Show | Savannah Recreation | Jul 14 - 16 | Details

🍽️ Cooking Class | Legacy Restaurant | Tue Jul 15 | 12 pm | <Register at link

🏌️‍♀️ Ladies Basics of Golf | Palmer Legends | Tue Jul 15 | 9 am | Details

💃 Sounds of The Summer Picnic | Bridgeport Rec | Wed Jul 16 | 6pm | Details

🏌️ Joe’s Short Game Clinic | Sarasota Practice Center | Jul 17 | 7:30 am | Details

🎤 Speaker Series: Larry Cook, Obscure Presidents | Rohan Rec | Thu Jul 17 | Details

🎙️ Just Two Old Friends | Tribute to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers | Belle Glade CC | July 17 | Details

🌳 Bonsai Exhibit | Ezell Rec Center | Fri Jul 18 | 10 am - 3 pm | Details

🍷 Clermont Wine Stroll Tasting | Clermont | Fri Jul 18 | 5:30 - 9:30pm | Details

🎙️ Free: Kenny Rogers Tribute Show w/ Tim Sells | Grand Oaks | Jul 18 & 19 | Details

😆 Comedian Kevin Farley Live (Chris’s brother)+ Dinner | Joke Joint Summerfield | Sat Jul 19 | 8pm | Details

🤣 Stand Up Comedy Night | Old Mill Playhouse | Jul 19 | Tickets

Pickleball Intermediate Mixed Scramble | Oxford Downs | Sun Jul 20 | 8am | Details

⁉️Murder Mystery: Buying The Farm | Bistro Grand Oaks | Jul 24 | Tickets

🍷 Sip, Savor, and Song: A Wine Tasting, Food & Music Event | Lake Miona Rec | Jul 26 | Details

If you have an event you want to announce to 5,600+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

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Weather

Monday: 93 🌡️ 75| ⛈️ | 80% | 🌬️ NW 5 - 10 mph

Tuesday: 87 🌡️ 74 | ⛈️ | 80% | 🌬️ SE 5 mph

Wednesday 89 🌡️ 74 | ⛈️ | 80% | 🌬️ SE 5 - 10 mph

Live Music Lowdown

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thanks!

Thanks for reading Villages Pulse today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves swimming in cool springs.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 5,600+ local Villagers? Reach out here.