Welcome back, Villagers. Monday’s poll was a monster, Eastport is glowing like the next big thing, and the Pet of the Month might be the cutest tuxedo you’ll see all year. Let’s get into it.

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On this day in 1972, Apollo 17 astronauts took the famous “Blue Marble” photo of Earth. It became one of the most shared images in human history and changed how people viewed our planet.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Monday’s Poll Recap

🛒 Where do Villagers shop most?

Monday’s grocery poll drew 759 votes and the results were clear.

🥇 Publix 324
🥈 Walmart 212
🥉 Aldi 133
🏪 Club Stores (Costco/BJ’s/Sam’s) 60
🍎 Fresh Market 19
🌱 Sprouts 11

Publix was the top choice with many praising convenience, friendly staff and BOGO deals.
Walmart followed for price and one stop shopping.
Aldi fans love produce prices and simplicity, often pairing it with a second store trip.
Fresh Market won compliments for meat and seafood, and Sprouts has a small but loyal crowd.

And to the folks who asked about Winn Dixie. Good catch. I left it off because there is only one remaining location in The Villages, and traffic is much lower than the others. Still noted and appreciated.

The big takeaway. Most Villagers shop more than one store depending on price, produce and deals. Thanks for voting and for the lively feedback.

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

Villages Development News

Eastport After Dark: The Villages’ Next Big Thing

Eastport at night is starting to look electric. This quick evening tour shows off The Villages’ newest 2025 hotspot glowing with lights, waterfront views, and that unmistakable Villages buzz. If you want a feel for what this future entertainment district will be like after dark, this video gives you the best sneak peek yet.

🐾 Pet of the Month: Meet This Little Tuxedo Sweetheart!

This four-month-old black-and-white cutie from Marion County Animal Services is pure charm. He’s neutered, social, loves being held, and has the wide-eyed “take me home” look mastered.

Currently in FOSTER, he’s getting extra love and is more than ready for a forever family. If you want playful energy, soft purrs, and a loyal little shadow, this guy is your match.

Go meet him and let him win your heart. 🐾💙

Pulse Travel

Cruise Deals - Lisbon To Athens!

Picture yourself sipping wine on the deck, watching the sun slip into the Mediterranean — that’s what this 11-day cruise aboard Oceania Regatta promises. You’ll sail from Lisbon to Athens, stopping in charming cities like Barcelona, Rome, and Amalfi, with gourmet dining, elegant staterooms, and spa-style comfort included. Plus: Villages Pulse readers get a bonus $250 shipboard credit + 3 bottles of wine on us, in addition to 20% discount on select categories.

See the full itinerary & grab your spot → Mediterranean Escape on Oceania 🚢

Upcoming Events

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

U-Pick Strawberries | Browns Farms | Dec 11, 12 | 9 am - 1 pm

🦞 Cousins Maine Lobster | Holy Shmokes | Dec 11 | 11 am - 7 pm

7th Annual SantaCon | Sawgrass | Dec 13 | 11:30 AM | Details

Villages Christmas Parade | Polo Fields | Dec 11 | 12 PM | Details

❄️ Winter Wonderland | World Equestrian Center | Nov 28 - Dec 23

40 Years 2 Late | McCall’s Tavern | Dec 13 | 6:30 PM | Details

Junk in The Trunk | Browns Farm | Sat Dec 13 | 7:30 am | Details

 Premier Hunter/Jumper Series | WEC | Dec 11 - 14 | Details

U Pick Orange Grove | Lady Lake | Starts Sunday | Details

 🏌️‍♂️ Full Swing Clinic | Lopez | Dec 15 | 10:30 am | Details

Holly Jolly Arts & Crafts Festival | Sumter Landing | Dec 13 & 14 | 10 am

Jingle Bell Ruckus Murder Mystery | Grand Oaks | Dec 17 | Details

On Sale This Week

Beginnings: Ultimate Chicago Tribute | Savannah Center | Feb 5 | Details

Meatloaf: Ultimate Tribute | Savannah Center | Feb 12 | Details

Frankie Avalon | The Tracy | Feb 7 | Details

And More….

If you have an event you want to announce to 8,260+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Thanks!

Thanks as always for opening, voting, and chiming in. See you Monday with more Villages updates. Pass this email on to your favorite neighbor.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 8,260+ local Villagers? Reach out here.