homes in central florida: The Villages Recreation Guide
- 09/07/26 05:13 AM
People sometimes ask me what there is to do once you move to The Villages. Well, this little paper sitting in my lap is a pretty good place to start.
It's the Recreation & Parks Publication, it comes out every Thursday, and you can pick one up at any recreation center. If you're not here yet, you can also read it online. Just go to DistrictGov.org, find the Recreation page and click “See the Schedule.”
What's interesting is you may not even know what your next hobby is. You might see something in here you've never tried, show up one day just to … (2 comments)
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homes in central florida: What Does “AI Content” Mean on My Posts?
- 09/06/26 02:25 PM
You may have noticed the words “AI Content” appearing underneath my name on some of my Facebook posts. Since I write something every day, I thought it might be worth explaining what that means when you see it on one of mine.
AI doesn't wake up in the morning and decide what I'm going to write about. The ideas usually come from living in The Villages, showing homes, conversations with people or questions readers ask me. Yesterday it was a crazy toilet I saw while showing homes. Sunday’s article about zero-entry pools came from a reader asking about her mom.
I do use … (5 comments)
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homes in central florida: Oxygen: Essential for Healing and Recovery
- 09/06/26 09:00 AM
SOZO Wellness Clinic
Oxygen is essential to every cell in the body and plays a vital role in energy production, circulation, tissue repair, and recovery. When tissues receive adequate oxygen, the body is better equipped to support normal healing processes and maintain healthy cellular function. Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides a pressurized environment that may help increase oxygen availability throughout the body. Unlike hospital-based hyperbaricoxygen therapy, which may use 100% medical oxygen at higher pressures, the mild hyperbaric chamber available at SOZO Wellness Clinic uses a lower-pressure environment and is not considered pure-oxygen therapy. For Villagers and surrounding communities, this wellness option … (2 comments)
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homes in central florida: You Mean There’s a Club for That? Clowns
- 09/05/26 04:11 AM
With more than 3,500 clubs in The Villages, I keep finding ones that make me stop and say, “You mean there’s a club for that?” This week it’s The Villages Clown Alley #179.
Yes, we have an actual clown club, and this one has been around awhile. The group became a Villages lifestyle club in 2004 and was named the World Clown Association’s Alley of the Year in both 2022 and 2023.
The members don’t just get together and clown around. They entertain at community events, work with children, make balloon art and even use their own clown names. The group is … (1 comments)
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homes in central florida: Things Only a REALTOR® Notices: A Toilet
- 09/04/26 11:53 AM
I was out showing homes the other day to a couple from New York when Kindal, a REALTOR® on my team, discovered something that left both of us at a loss for words. It was a toilet, but definitely not one either of us had seen before.
Black with gold trim and marble looking accents, it matched the bathroom floor and was certainly making a statement. The buyers walked in, took one look and their response was immediate: “Oh, no way!”
After 26 years in real estate, I’ve walked through thousands of homes and seen plenty of interesting decorating choices. That’s actually part … (7 comments)
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homes in central florida: Weeds, Weeds, WEEDS!
- 09/02/26 02:20 PM
Oh, I love living in the Sunshine State, the weather, the green landscaping year around, did I mention the weather? One thing I don’t like as a homeowner, the weeds! I swear I think if you stared at the ground long enough they would grow before your eyes!
We enjoy landscaping and planting flowers and plants, have a few waiting for us to plant. Things do grow quickly here and next thing you know you have weeds in your landscaping beds. Another problem is Saint Augustine grass which we have and it shoots out runners that enter your beds. So I … (5 comments)
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homes in central florida: Zero-Entry Pools and Aquatic Access
- 09/02/26 05:52 AM
After writing about the 128 swimming pools in The Villages, I’ve gotten quite a few questions about the different pools and what they offer. Yesterday Laura asked me something I hadn’t really thought about. Her mom has trouble getting in and out of a regular pool, and she wanted to know if The Villages had a zero-entry pool, where you can simply walk gradually into the water.
They do. Both Fenney and Riverbend pools is a resort-style zero-entry pool, which could make getting into the water much easier for someone who struggles with steps.
There’s something else I think is worth knowing. The … (5 comments)
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homes in central florida: Michelle Shares About Compression Socks
- 09/01/26 05:46 PM
Michelle wanted to share her feelings about compression socks. She is very proud of her new neon pink socks. I did some research about compression socks and the average age of Villagers and this is what I found:
Compression socks can be especially helpful for seniors because circulation in the legs may become less efficient with age. Gentle compression helps blood move back toward the heart, which can reduce swelling, aching and tired legs. They may also help lower the risk of blood clots during periods of prolonged sitting.
As Michelle mentioned we are flying in a few week and the past few … (2 comments)
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homes in central florida: Kissing Lanais: Would This Bother You?
- 09/01/26 05:16 AM
If you’ve spent any time looking at homes in The Villages, you may have heard the term “kissing lanais.” It’s certainly not an official real estate term, but people here know exactly what it means.
Basically, it’s when the lanai on one house backs up pretty darn close to the lanai on the house behind it. You may be sitting outside having your morning coffee while your neighbor is sitting just a short distance away doing the same thing.
For some people it’s no big deal. Landscaping, shrubs or screening can help create some separation, and I’ve met plenty of people who actually … (5 comments)
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homes in central florida: Weather, Joints & Motion Is Lotion
- 08/31/26 01:20 PM
Have you ever noticed your knees, hips, back, or other joints aching when a storm rolls in? You’re not imagining the connection. Changes in barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity may influence how some people perceive joint stiffness and discomfort, especially in joints already affected by arthritis, previous injuries, or limited mobility.
But here’s the important part: don’t let the weather stop you from moving!
When joints become stiff, inactivity can make them feel even tighter. Gentle exercise encourages circulation, maintains flexibility, activates supporting muscles, and helps joints move through their normal range of motion.
That’s why I frequently remind my patients and followers: Motion is Lotion!
Doc JT
352-720-6270
PickleFitDoc@gmail.com
Pickle … (5 comments)
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homes in central florida: Motion-Sensor Lights: A Small Upgrade I Noticed
- 08/30/26 10:45 AM
I was in a new listing the other day and entered the home alone. As I walked through, I started noticing something interesting. When I stepped into certain rooms, the lights automatically came on. The homeowners had installed motion-detecting light switches in places like the bathrooms, closets and hallways. Walk in and the light comes on. After you leave, it shuts itself off.
It’s certainly not a major home improvement, but I thought it was pretty clever. In a closet, you don’t have to reach around looking for a switch. In a bathroom at night, you can walk in without fumbling for … (5 comments)
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homes in central florida: What Kind of Oak Tree Is That?
- 08/29/26 05:13 AM
One thing we certainly have plenty of in The Villages is oak trees, but have you ever wondered what kind you're looking at?
Central Florida is home to several types of oaks, including live oak, laurel oak, water oak and turkey oak. They don't all behave the same either. Some hold their leaves longer, some drop them seemingly overnight, and the size and shape of the leaves and acorns can vary quite a bit.
Here's a little trick I use when I'm curious about a tree or plant. Take a picture with your phone and use Google Lens. It will compare your photo … (2 comments)
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homes in central florida: Love Photography? There’s a Club for That
- 08/28/26 05:47 PM
One of the things I enjoy about living in The Villages is discovering just how specific some of the resident clubs can be.
If photography is your thing, you have options here whether you own thousands of dollars in camera equipment or simply enjoy taking pictures with your phone. The Villages Photography Club, for example, describes itself as a “learning club” for all skill levels. Members participate in presentations, mentoring, field trips and photo critiques, and they specifically point out that an expensive camera isn’t required.
There are other photography groups too, including clubs geared toward casual and intermediate photographers. Some offer … (3 comments)
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homes in central florida: Moving to The Villages Alone Doesn’t Mean Living Alone
- 08/28/26 11:00 AM
When I met Michelle in 2011, she was already living in The Villages and I was living in Ocala. She had moved here on her own, which got me thinking about something I hear from people considering The Villages today: “What if I’m moving there by myself?”
That can be a pretty big step, especially if you don’t know anyone here yet, but The Villages makes it pretty easy to get involved. There are now more than 3,500 resident-run clubs covering just about every interest you can imagine, including plenty for singles.
Then add golf, pickleball, pools, neighborhood get-togethers, volunteering, classes and … (2 comments)
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homes in central florida: Great Italian Food Delivered From Leesburg?
- 08/28/26 04:11 AM
Tonight Michelle and I decided to try someplace new and ordered from My Italian Pizza in Leesburg through DoorDash. I didn't realize when I placed the order just how far the restaurant was from our house, but they delivered it with no extra delivery charge. Once I figured out how far the driver had come, I did give him an extra tip!
Michelle ordered the 10-inch gluten-free pizza with pepperoni and mushrooms, and we also had the Classic Caprese Salad with extra balsamic glaze. Both were fabulous, and the gluten-free pizza was especially good.
My Italian Pizza is located at 1707 South Street … (4 comments)
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homes in central florida: Eye Health it is Very Important
- 08/27/26 05:18 PM
The other day Michelle shared about her vertigo and she suggested my detached retina story. You really need to watch the video to hear the whole story. A few years ago, I experienced a detached retina and Michelle has her side of the story which is well worth your time hearing. I hope by me sharing somebody will realize sometimes you need to quickly get medical attention. In my story I waited too long but you don’t have to. We shared Michelle had a scare and did the right thing.
Eye health is something we take for granted, yes we can go … (5 comments)
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homes in central florida: Arthritis: Keep Moving, Keep Living
- 08/26/26 07:02 AM
Arthritis, especially degenerative osteoarthritis, occurs when joint cartilage gradually breaks down, contributing to stiffness, inflammation, reduced motion, and pain. The goal is to protect the joint and keep it moving.
Regular chiropractic care can help improve joint mobility, flexibility, posture, and overall movement patterns. Combine that with good nutrition, hydration, strength training, and appropriate supplementation.
Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, collagen, glucosamine/chondroitin, magnesium, and vitamin D when needed may support joint and bone health.
At PickleFit Doc, my philosophy is simple: Prep • Play • Recover.
Keep your joints moving, nourish your body, and give yourself every opportunity to stay active for years to … (4 comments)
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homes in central florida: Do You Really Need Two Cars in The Villages?
- 08/26/26 04:15 AM
People sometimes ask how Michelle and I manage with only one car, especially since I’m a busy REALTOR®. The answer is pretty simple. We also have a golf cart, and we’ve been a one-car, one-golf-cart household for about six years.
Living in The Villages changes how you think about transportation. Shopping, restaurants, recreation centers, golf, entertainment and plenty more can be reached by golf cart. In fact, I’ve seen plenty of couples move here with one car and one golf cart, only to discover that what they really want isn’t a second car. It’s a second golf cart.
Of course, there are times … (7 comments)
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homes in central florida: When Vertigo Turns Your World Upside Down
- 08/24/26 04:56 PM
Vertigo can come on suddenly and make something as simple as standing up, walking across the room or turning your head feel completely different. In this week’s Living Well in The Villages, Michelle shares her experience with vertigo and what she has learned along the way.
One of the reasons we started these conversations was to talk about the things that become part of everyday life as we get older. Sometimes it’s exercise or nutrition, and sometimes it’s dealing with something you never expected.
Michelle isn’t offering medical advice. She’s simply sharing her own experience and what has helped her understand what was … (2 comments)
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homes in central florida: Would You Buy Near Pickleball Courts?
- 08/24/26 03:55 AM
Pickleball and The Villages almost go hand in hand. In fact, The Villages currently lists pickleball at 46 recreation locations throughout the community. For many buyers, having courts close to home is a benefit. If you play regularly, being able to walk or take a short golf cart ride to a game might even influence which neighborhood you choose.
But there can be another side to that convenience: the unmistakable pop, pop, pop of a pickleball hitting a paddle. Earlier this year, residents near Saluki Recreation Center petitioned for noise mitigation from nearby courts. Some residents complained about the repetitive sound, while … (6 comments)
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