lifestyle in the villages: Get Ready, Set, Potbelly!
- 01/15/25 06:12 PM
For my Chicagoland friends you know about Potbelly Sandwich Works and locally The Villages, Florida is about to learn around Potbelly! The first store is about to open on 441 and Rolling Acres Road next to Starbucks. According to published reports the franchise owner plans on four more locations in Lake, Sumter and Marion Counties so maybe one coming closer to you! Don’t know about Potbelly you will learn quickly.
Back in 1996 Bryant Kell bought Potbelly and over the next 12 years they open 250 shops. From the company website: From the comforting, melty cheese of a toasted sandwich made with … (6 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: Drive a Golf Cart? Seat Belts Please!
- 01/14/25 06:03 PM
This the season for golf cart accidents, it is all year round, but this is the peak! Local news apps regularly have pictures of golf cart accidents and many times the driver or the passenger are ejected from the cart. Many carts have the seat belts, but folks don’t use them, me when I am in a golf cart I am looking for the seat belt. Many times, we are just running up to the postal center or a few blocks and don’t bother buckling up, we need to always buckle up, you do in car.
Michelle was a hairstylist at a … (6 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: Well, Here I Go Again
- 01/09/25 05:51 AM
Over the weekend I have a past client I am working with made an offer on a 1998 Villa and after a few counters she got it. Great location, great view with a pool but, the home looks like it did in 1998 as far as needing updating. Bring in the “Guy List” we got plenty to do, the home is vacant, and we worded the contract that tradesman can come into the home for estimates and ordering material. No work can start until closing the middle of February, so we are getting ready.
The buyer rented a home until the end … (12 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: Don’t Worry, Be Happy
- 01/08/25 08:40 AM
I did it to myself yesterday, in speaking with a client I said, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and the rest of the day that song was playing in my head! I was letting my client know I got this and will work for her best interest, and she can just relax knowing I am doing my best. I hung up the phone and here it goes, “Here’s a Little Song I Wrote”.
If you need a reminder here it is:
Here's a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry Be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But … (8 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: Painting Vinyl Siding Homes
- 01/07/25 02:10 PM
Yes it can be done, and you can expect about 10 to 12 years of life out of painted vinyl siding. Recently working with a flipper, he bought a home built in 1995 here in The Villages, Florida with vinyl siding. It was that faded blue you see around the area and was doing a complete remodel inside and decided to go with a different color outside. While at it they removed all the gutters, downspouts and fascia and sprayed a fresh coat of white, it looked brand new!
Here is how Mario the Painter (my guy list) did the job. Once … (6 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: When do You Start Rubbing it In?
- 01/06/25 04:07 PM
When you are new to the Sunshine State you like to send pictures of your surroundings, maybe you playing golf or Pickleball, floating around the pool to your family and friends up north. Yesterday would be a good day to do that, we recorded a high of 78º before the cold front roared through in the afternoon. I am sure they will love your pictures as temps drop well below average in the north and dealing with the latest snowstorm.
I know a picture of you with a shovel complaining about shoveling sunshine or find a place with a part shadow and … (8 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: Super Bowl Hosted by Dick Betts
- 01/05/25 05:44 PM
The problem with Super Bowl Parties is some want to watch the game others are there for socializing, watching commercials and Halftime Show. We decided we have a solution, 3 different viewing areas including an Outdoor Experience. Another problem with Super Bowl Parties is a bunch of people in a small area, we have room for at least 130 people with 3 viewing areas. Think Football Food and bring it to share, think Beer we will have a keg and if you would like a different adult beverage, bring it. We will need some chairs depending on the area you decide … (8 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: GFWC of The Villages, FL
- 01/04/25 07:30 PM
There are so many clubs in The Villages, Florida that support local charities but wanted to share one that has a long list. General Federation of Women’s Club of The Villages is that social club. You need to check out their website gfwcthevillages.com and I good work they do and the fun they have while doing it. Here is what they do:
GFWC The Villages is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service.
We are a group of dedicated women living in The Villages, Florida with diverse interests and talents, … (3 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: Ever Attended Gasparilla in Tampa, Florida?
- 01/03/25 05:36 AM
Looking for a fun day trip? You need to attend Gasparilla and easy trip from The Villages to Tampa, places to park and catch a bus into the city. I have done it twice and will share my two visits, everything you need to know is on their website GasparillaPirateFest.com:
Who is Jose Gaspar, and what is the legend behind Gasparilla?
Jose Gaspar, or Jose Gasparilla as he is also known, is the famed Spanish Pirate who invaded the coast of Florida hundreds of years ago. A former member of the Spanish Navy, Gasparilla was well-educated and intelligent. During his pirating years, he … (4 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: First of The Year Time to Refresh My Numbers
- 01/02/25 03:19 PM
I field plenty of questions online and in person and try to keep up with all the latest developments of The Villages, Florida. Until I get all this stuff memorized here is my reference sheet.
From The Daily Sun (Villages newspaper)
Number of Residents 157,000
Number of Pickle ball courts 259
Number of Bocce courts 251
Total number of recreation facilities 120
Number of shuffleboard courts 247
Total holes of golf 792
From Data USA
The 5 largest ethnic groups
White (Non-Hispanic) 84.3%
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) 6.76%
White Hispanic 2.77%
Older Hispanic 1.55%
Two + Hispanic 1.43%
From Census Reporter
74% of Villages are married.
26% of Villagers are not married.
Miscellaneous from different resources
Median price … (6 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: Cold Front Coming to The Villages, Florida
- 01/01/25 05:03 PM
Have you noticed recently I shared about golf cart heaters and covering plants to protect from frost and freezing? There was a reason, the reason is coming next week. Starting next Tuesday low of 33º and highs only low to mid 50’s, oh my!
My first year in Florida, 2008 I was watching local news and they had reporters out all over the place reporting how temperatures in the low 30’s was affecting the area. I’m from Pennsylvania the reporters there don’t even react to temps unless going below 0 or expect feet of snow!
First year here? Expect people in parkas, gloves … (8 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: New Year’s Resolutions
- 12/31/24 08:15 AM
I promise starting tomorrow I will get serious about Lifestyle and Real Estate in The Villages, when you write 365 articles a year I believe I can goof off now and then!
New Year’s Resolutions, many of us make them and according to surveys 88% of us fail within the first 2 weeks. Only 8% of us make it through the year with our resolutions. I have an idea make resolutions you can keep like take more cruises. Villages are crazy about going on cruises, so there is one you can keep. Maybe explore new things offered here in The Villages, whether … (11 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: Here You Go NYE Traditions from Around The World
- 12/30/24 04:34 PM
I enjoy doing a search for off the wall topics, plus it can make great conversation. Let’s start in the Philippines, wear a Polka-Dotted Dress. In Denmark jump off a chair probably not a good idea for the average Villager. Columbia, South American carry around an empty suitcase.
We are boring here in U.S., kiss at midnight, fireworks or make noise, eat 12 grapes for each new month, open the front door at midnight to let the old year out and the new year in. Sing Auld Lang Syne (find the words before you start), spend all day in your PJ’s, … (6 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: You are Coming to Learn About The Villages, FL
- 12/27/24 07:12 AM
I have heard from many this is the year they are coming to The Villages, Florida to see what this place is all about. My advice is don’t focus on a home, an area based on what you have been reading on social media or hearing opinions of others. Here are some tips I feel will help you learn what this place is all about while deciding what is best for you.
Before you come make a list of what Lifestyle amenities are important to you, don’t be surprised if that list grows while here. I have shared the same story many … (7 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: Know Your Plants, Frost and Freeze Warning Coming
- 12/22/24 07:21 PM
About four days a year we have a frost or freeze warning here in The Villages. You need a plan to cover some of your plants that are not hardy enough to withstand the cold temperatures. Potted plants are easy as you bring into the garage which we have many of them. Knowing your plants is important as far what low temperatures can they tolerate.
In years past the covers have blown off and lost plants so now I tie them and use bricks to hold them in place. It’s sad to lose plants, sometimes you can cut them back and the … (8 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: Golf Cart Heaters and Seat Warmers
- 12/22/24 08:08 AM
The Villages is golf cart crazy, don’t believe me just go to one of the squares in the evening. Golf carts pull into the curb so they can line the street with more carts. Problem what do you do here when temps fall to the 50’s and 60’s on those cold winter nights? You put the sides down or some golf carts they have installed doors, and you have a golf cart heater. The last thing you want to have to do is put on long pants, sissy!
The two most popular golf cart heaters are the Performance Plus which Amazon sells … (9 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: Get Ready, Set, Snowbird Season is Here!
- 12/21/24 04:57 AM
It is estimated that the population of The Villages, Florida sees an increase of 30% in January, February, and March. Based on population of 155,000 that is about 46,500 people converging on this Central Florida community. I am ok with that because many of them are my friends and we would not have what we have if it wasn’t for them, let me explain.
This place is built for those months, businesses like restaurants and other hospitality related services. I have talked with business owners here locally and they depend on Snowbird season to keep their business operating in the black. Yes … (7 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: Interstate 95 after Christmas, oh My
- 12/20/24 05:02 AM
So many of us here in Florida have families in the Northeast and head there for the holidays every December. Problem everybody comes back after Christmas and many drive and the main route back I-95. I have been in the Northeast for Christmas and trying to pick just the right time to leave is the challenge. You hear stories of bumper to bumper traffic starting in South Carolina all the way to the Florida state line.
One year we decided to fly north on Christmas Day, early flight out of Orlando, picked up a rental car at airport and made it … (7 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: Merry Christmas from The Betts Team
- 12/19/24 04:41 AM
It has been a blessed year for me with so many wonderful people entering my life. Many of you I met here thanks to my articles and blogs who now I call friends! I like to supply you with little known facts to share when conversations are either lacking or you need to quickly change the subject. So here are a few:
Christmas Trees - Decorated trees date back to Germany in the Middle Ages, with German and other European settlers popularizing Christmas trees in America by the early 19th century. A New York woodsman named Mark Carr is credited with opening the first … (8 comments)
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lifestyle in the villages: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with a Pipe Organ
- 12/18/24 09:03 AM
As a young boy growing up in a small Pennsylvania town we had a family tradition on Christmas Eve. Mostly walking the few blocks to our church which was built around 1900 for the service. The smell of real wax candles and the sound of the pipe organ playing Christmas Carols. After church walking out sometimes to snowflakes and thinking about the hot chocolate and Christmas cookies waiting for me at home.
Fast forward to being an adult, I have tried every Christmas Eve to recreate my memory from my childhood. Wherever I am Christmas Eve I start looking for a … (9 comments)
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