If Monday's poll made you squirm a little — you're in good company. More than a third of Villages Pulse readers admitted they have no idea what their hurricane deductible actually is. Today we're turning that squirm into action, with an AI prompt that builds your complete storm plan in under 30 minutes. Plus: a bird's-eye look at the jaw-dropping growth happening in Middleton, Merritt Field, and beyond.

📨 If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

📆 1950 — On this day in 1950, North Korea crossed the 38th parallel and the Korean War began — a conflict that would last three years and shape a generation. For the many Villages residents who lived through that era, June 25th is no ordinary date.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Monday’s Poll Recap

🌀 Most of Us Don't Know What's In Our Hurricane Policy

And honestly, the results are a little unnerving 😅

🟩 "I honestly don't know" wins by a mile — 37% of voters
🟨 2% deductible comes in second — 30%
🟨 Flat dollar deductible ($500–$1,000) in third — 15%
🟨 5% deductible — 10%
🟨 No hurricane/homeowners insurance at all — 8%

The biggest story isn't the numbers — it's the comments.

👉 The poll itself prompted action — one reader admitted: "Never thought much about it until I saw this survey. Calling my insurance agent is at the top of my list for today." That's the Villages Pulse effect right there.
👉 Several readers learned something mid-vote — one checked her policy just to answer the question and wrote: "Well, truth be told, I didn't know until I looked it up — but now I do!"
👉 The 1% crowd showed up — multiple readers noted their deductible is actually 1% (not listed as an option), with one pointing out it came out cheaper than their previous state.
👉 The "I self-insure" contingent — one reader shared that on a second Florida property with no mortgage, they dropped wind coverage entirely and saved over $10,000 in premiums.
👉 And the most relatable comment of the week, from someone firmly in the "don't know" column: "I can't even THINK about all this insurance nonsense. It's sooooo depressing......."

The bottom line? Florida insurance is confusing, expensive, and apparently — for more than a third of us — a mystery we haven't fully cracked open yet. Hurricane season is here. Might be worth a 10-minute call to your agent. 🌀

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

Villages Development

🚁 The Villages Is Growing Fast — See It From Above

If you've been curious about what's rising up in the newest parts of The Villages, this week's drone footage from DD Aerial Photography gives you the ultimate bird's-eye tour. From the bustling restaurant row taking shape in Middleton to brand-new lots just hitting the market in Merritt Field, and homes going up street by street in Lakeview and Long Prairie — the growth happening right now is nothing short of remarkable. Whether you're thinking about building, just moved in, or simply love watching this community expand in real time, this one's worth a watch.

🎟️ AI for Everyday Life

Hurricane Season Doesn't Wait. Neither Should Your Plan

If Monday's poll got you thinking about your hurricane deductible, here's the follow-up question worth asking yourself: if a storm was 48 hours out, would you actually know what to do?

Most of us have good intentions. Few of us have a written plan. AI can fix that in one conversation.

Start here:

🏠 "I live in The Villages, Florida in a [villa / patio villa / designer home / courtyard villa]. I'm [age], live [alone / with a partner], and have [any pets, mobility considerations, or medical equipment that needs power]. Help me build a complete personal hurricane and emergency preparedness plan. Ask me questions first."

Let it ask. It'll want to know about your medications, whether you have a generator, your evacuation zone, and who your emergency contacts are. What comes back is a personalized checklist — not a FEMA pamphlet.

Then go deeper:

💊 "I take [list medications]. How should I store them and how far in advance should I refill prescriptions before a storm?"

📋 "What documents should I have ready in a waterproof bag or digital backup — insurance policies, IDs, medical records, etc.?"

🚗 "Build me a go-bag checklist for someone evacuating from Central Florida, including golf cart considerations and pet supplies."

One more worth doing right now:

🔌 "My [CPAP / oxygen concentrator / refrigerated medication] requires power. What are my options if I lose electricity for 3–5 days?"

Sumter County has an evacuation plan. Your neighborhood has a plan. The question is whether you have one.

Thirty minutes with AI today could be the most useful thing you do before the season gets serious.

Villages Briefs

🍹 Zunzibar is open — and Middleton has a new favorite

The coastal cuisine and craft cocktail concept just opened its doors in downtown Middleton, and Villagers are already raving. Early reviewers are calling it "the best food I've ever had in Florida," with standouts including the lobster roll, steak sandwich, chickpea shawarma, fresh oysters, and a frozen espresso martini that's showing up in nearly every review. One reviewer drove from Brownwood and said she'd do it again. The vibe, the service, and the waterfront setting are landing exactly as promised.

zunzibar.com

Upcoming Events

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

Events are light today, because it’s the dog days of summer!

USA World Cup Watch Party | Tiki Bar | Thu Jun 25 | 10 pm | Details

⛳️ Putting & Chipping Clinic | Sarasota | Fri Jun 26 | 8:30 am | Details

Hometown Market | Brownwood | Sat Jun 27 | 9 am - 1 pm | Details

Second Slice | Oxford Downs Tiki Bar | Sat Jun 27 | 7 - 10 pm | Details

Tribute to Phil Collins | Whispering Oaks | Jul 16 | Tickets

If you have an event you want to announce to 9,700+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Thanks!

That's your Thursday, Villagers. Now go call your insurance agent, forward this to the neighbor who doesn't have a hurricane plan, and enjoy the music this weekend. 🎶

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 9,700+ local Villagers? Reach out here.