Local News and Events

This article provided by Jodi Nelson, Realtor a member of The Betts Team.Is The Villages going to the dogs?  I must admit, I was not a dog person until our sweet daughter, Abigail, got a Cavapoo named Winston.  He softened our hearts and showed us that special love you can only get from a dog. (Sorry cat fans.) If you have a dog, rest assured you will join a large number of residents with furry friends.  If you do not have a dog, greeting and petting a dog (with permission) is a great way to meet people.In The Villages all dogs are required to be on a leash at all times, unless at one of the eight dog parks.  Check out www.thevillages.com/trails-parks/dog-parks/ to find the locations of the dog parks. Walk, run, or take your golf car to a dog park with your furry friend.  You and your d... 06/08/2025

Attending Weichert Home Buyer/Seller Seminar on June 7 Is a Smart Move Whether you're buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or preparing to sell, the real estate process can feel overwhelming. That’s why the Weichert Home Buyer and Seller Seminar on June 7, 2025, is such a valuable opportunity for anyone considering a move in today’s market.This seminar is designed to educate and empower both buyers and sellers with the tools and insights they need to make confident, informed decisions. For buyers, understanding the current market conditions, financing options, and how to negotiate effectively can make the difference between landing your dream home—or missing it. For sellers, it's all about pricing correctly, staging for success, and navigating offers strategically.Led by exper... 06/06/2025

🏡 Your trusted real estate broker in Pensacola, Pace & Gulf Breeze since 1995 💡 Why Renters' Insurance Matters Landlord’s insurance ≠ covers your belongingsOnly protects the building, not your personal items. Protects your valuablesCovers theft, fire, water damage, and even stored belongings. Liability coverageAccidents happen. If your dog bites someone or water overflows, renters' insurance has your back. Covers additional living expensesHotel stays, food, laundry, storage, even pet boarding—if your rental becomes unlivable. Often required by landlords.Proves responsibility, protects both parties, and screens for tenant reliability. Affordable peace of mindPlans start around $30/month—cheaper than your phone bill. 🔍 What It CoversLandlord Insurance Building structure Fixtures & applian... 06/07/2025

Discover the Revival of Second Ward: A Historic Houston Neighborhood with Modern OpportunityThe Second Ward of Houston, TX—also known as Segundo Barrio—is one of the city’s oldest and most storied neighborhoods. Located just east of Downtown Houston, this vibrant and evolving community offers a compelling mix of history, culture, and urban renewal. With its blend of historic homes, newly constructed townhomes, and modern renovations, the real estate market here appeals to a broad range of buyers—from first-time homeowners to savvy investors.Second Ward is undergoing a true renaissance. Once known primarily for its industrial roots and rich Latino heritage, it is now recognized as a prime location for those who want walkability, access to METRORail, and a sense of authentic community. Re... 06/09/2025

Are you searching for charming Gulf Coast living with small-town appeal? Look no further than Cape Fear in Foley, AL. This inviting residential community blends modern comforts with serene Southern charm, making it an ideal location for both families and retirees. In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Cape Fear homes for sale, from real estate trends to nearby amenities and schools.Discover the Cape Fear LifestyleCape Fear is a peaceful, well-maintained neighborhood situated just minutes from Foley’s lively downtown. The community offers a laid-back lifestyle while still being close to shopping, dining, and Alabama’s beautiful beaches. Homes in Cape Fear often feature spacious lots, open floor plans, and updated finishes—all within a friendly, walkable setting. W... 06/05/2025

By Charles Stallions, Trusted Real Estate Broker in Pensacola, Pace, and Gulf Breeze, FLSelling your home in a buyer’s market can feel like an uphill battle. With more inventory available and buyers taking their time, the pressure is on for sellers to stand out and price strategically. But with the right plan, innovative presentation, and a results-driven real estate agent, you can still get top dollar.Here’s how to sell smart — even when the market favors the buyer.1. Choose the Right Real Estate AgentIn a competitive market, working with the right agent is critical. You want someone with a proven track record in your area, not just listing homes, but getting them sold. As a trusted local broker since 1995, I help sellers like you navigate market conditions, price their properties wise... 06/05/2025

D-Day 2025- A Memorable DaySome historical dates are easier to remember than others. We can all remember 9/11…and for some of us who are older, the moon landing, and when JFK was assassinated.  D-Day, June 6, 1944, holds historical significance—not just for its pivotal role in World War II, but also because it's my father's heavenly birthday. Today is the 81st anniversary of the Allied Invasion of Normandy. It marked the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare.   By 1944, more than 2 million troops from over a dozen countries had gathered in Britain, preparing for the invasion. It’s almost unimaginable to picture that scale of coordination happening today. I learned an interesting fact about D-Day that I’d never read.  They had a dress rehearsal for D-Day held on April 18,... 06/06/2025

🍩 Charlotte's Love Affair with DonutsIf it’s the first Friday in June, it’s time to celebrate one of America’s most beloved treats—guilt-free and maybe even for free! 🍩 Charlotte's Love Affair with DonutsCharlotte doesn’t just like donuts—it celebrates them. In fact, the city hosts an annual Donut Festival. And if you live in the Charlotte metro area, you're never very far from your next delicious bite. "That's my favorite food group: donut. I love the donut."... Laura Linney 🍩Donuts Worth the Dough: Where to Indulge in the Charlotte areaHere are 7 must-visit donut shops in and around Charlotte—perfect for National Donut Day (and every other day too). So donut miss out celebrating National Donut Day. MJ DonutsFamous for their double chocolate cake donut.📍 325 S Polk Street, Pineville Su... 06/06/2025

Activities in Leisure World of Maryland June 6 - 18, 2025 BOOKS FOR KIDS DRIVE Friday, June 6, from 9 a.m.–noon, Clubhouse I Entrance and Crystal Ballroom The Club Helping Neighbors in Need (CHNN) invites residents to donate new or gently used children’s books during its annual drive. Curbside drop-off will be available at both the Clubhouse I entrance and inside the Crystal Ballroom.  GRILLE MUSIC   Friday, June 6, from 7-10 p.m., Clubhouse I Grille  The Double Crossed Band plays an eclectic mix of rock, blues plus a few surprises. Enjoy appetizers and dinner from the kitchen, accompanied by your picks from the fantastic wine, whiskey and cocktails menu. For information about daily specials, holiday menus, special events and more about the Grille and Terrace Room restaurants, email per... 06/05/2025

Benjamin Franklin famously stated that "in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes." While his words still ring true, there's another unavoidable reality in modern life: rising costs. From groceries to energy bills, the cost of living continues to climb, and one of the biggest contributors to this is housing.Housing has always been a major expense for individuals and families, but recent data highlights just how burdensome it can be. According to an article released in September 2024, renters spent a median of 31.0% of their income on housing costs, while homeowners with a mortgage spent 21.1%, and those without a mortgage spent just 11.5%. Despite this, 18.8 million homeowners were still dedicating more than 30% of their income to housing expenses, illustrating that affor... 06/04/2025

Montgomery Can Code: FREE Weeklong Summer CampShare with a rising MCPS 6th, 7th, or 8th grader who’s curious about coding! Montgomery Can Code has a FREE weeklong summer camp at Montgomery College where MCPS students learn to code through fun, hands-on projects. Spots are limited!Learn more: https://mcpsmd.info/4kGUM9d.This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.Montgomery Can Code | Summer Camp 2025  Join us for free a weeklong Summer Coding Camp. Campers will learn to code with Swift, Apple’s easy to learn programming language from coding experts. The weeklong camp will be open to all MCPS Middle school students entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.   Campers will have a choice to attend one (1) free week of half day camp either in-person or virtual sessions    Please Note: Some of ... 06/05/2025

Indian Trail Family Fun Day 2025 – Saturday, June 7Time: 2:00 p.m. –  9:30 p.m.Location: Crooked Creek Park, 5900 Oakwood Lane, Indian TrailAdmission: FREE! Get ready for a day packed with excitement at Indian Trail’s annual Family Fun Day 2025 on Saturday, June 7! It will be an unforgettable afternoon and evening of entertainment, free rides, food, and fireworks at Indian Trail's Crooked Creek Park.   Event Highlights: Thrilling Carnival Rides 🎡 Trackless Train 🚂 adventures for the little ones A wide variety of vendors from across Charlotte High-energy live music 🎶 Tasty options from local food trucks 🍔🍿 Challenging Ninja Warrior Course Spectacular Fireworks Finale 🎆🎇 – the best in Union County!  Important Parking Info:There is NO on-site parking, but convenient Park & Ride options wil... 06/05/2025

This article provided by Kindal Glasgow, Realtor a member of The Betts TeamIf you haven’t tried BLU SPOON Frozen Yogurt near Spanish Springs in The Villages, you’re truly missing out on a local favorite!  This family-owned gem, located in Rolling Acres Plaza near Target and accessible by golf cart, offers a wide variety of frozen yogurt flavors - including a few sugar-free options - and an impressive array of toppings, from candy pieces and fresh fruit to rich hot fudge and gooey caramel.  When I recently stopped in for a treat, the owner shared some customer favorites, like bacon and caramelized walnuts - a sweet and salty combo that’s hard to resist!  Unlike many other shops, BLU SPOON prices their treat by dish size instead of weight which makes it easier to indulge without surprise ... 06/07/2025

 The Coca-Cola Ribbon Cutting in Auburn, AL Was a Blast! Today was bubbly in the best way possible — I had so much fun attending the official ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Auburn Coca-Cola Bottling Company! Held at 9:00 AM on June 4, 2025, this celebration was full of energy, great people, and hometown pride.From the moment I arrived, you could feel the excitement in the air. We heard inspiring remarks from Coca-Cola UNITED President & CEO Mike Suco, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, and Auburn Chamber of Commerce President Anna Hovey. Allen Buffington, the local Sales Center Manager, did a wonderful job welcoming everyone and closing out the event. There was even a special presentation by Alvin Lewis from Congressman Mike Rogers’ office. This new $18 million investment is a big win fo... 06/04/2025

FREE Shred-A-Thon in Ahwatukee – October 11, 2025📍 Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary School |9:00 AM – 11:00 AMWe’re back with our community Shred-A-Thon — a favorite neighborhood tradition for protecting sensitive documents while supporting local families in need.🧺 As always, shredding is FREE! Just bring up to 20 boxes/bags of personal papers.🎁 In the spirit of giving, we’re collecting kid-friendly snacks (Goldfish, Cheez-Its, granola bars) to benefit the Kyrene Family Resource Center. These donations help students in our local schools who may face food insecurity.This event is proudly hosted by:➡️ Shirley Coomer | Realtor®, Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living📞 602-770-0643 | scoomer@kw.com 06/04/2025

Remember the magic of drive-in movies? Well, Austin took that nostalgic charm, added sunscreen, pool floats, and a splash of quirky fun, and gave us Float-in-Flicks! Because let’s be real, when the Texas heat turns the sidewalk into a frying pan, the only logical solution is to watch your favorite flicks while floating on water like a chilled human margarita.     So grab your flamingo floatie, round up your movie-loving crew, and dive into some of the coolest (literally) cinematic experiences this summer:Float Films: Soundwaves | The Austin MotelFridays just got groovy! Head to this retro oasis on South Congress where iconic soundtracks meet splash-worthy cinema. It’s like a music video pool party, with plot twists! Pro tip: dance breaks in your float are encouraged.Movies in the Park ... 06/04/2025

BLACK MOLD = STACHYBORYS? The Villages, Ocala & Gainesville, FloridaStachybotrys needs two main ingredients to thrive: a high-cellulose surface, and a near-constant water supply. Cellulose is a fiber found in the cell walls of plants and especially concentrated in processed, plant-derived building materials. Paper, drywall (which is coated with paper), and fiberboard are especially high in cellulose and make great locations for Stachybotrys to thrive. The second ingredient, a constant water source, can result from a myriad of causes. One-time issues like water damage and flooding can provide ideal conditions for toxic mold. Continuous issues can prove especially troublesome, since they supply a consistent source of water that facilitates mold growth. Homeowners should always look out fo... 06/04/2025

      June marks National Home Ownership Month, a time to celebrate homeownership, not just for individuals and families, but communities at large. Owning your own home is more than just having a roof over your head. It's like a foundation—a place where you can build security, grow your wealth over time, and feel a real sense of pride. It also helps strengthen our neighborhoods and build connections to our fellow humans. Despite the increasing complexities of navigating today's housing market, National Homeownership Month serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value and attainability of this significant milestone. Beyond celebrating current homeowners, this month should also recognizes the dedication of real estate professionals who guide individuals through these challenges and... 06/03/2025

Today as I write this I sit on my back patio and enjoy the rain. Normally it would be at least 105 degrees by now as it is almost 9 O'clock in the morning but notice I said the word enjoy. They said on the news it has been 150 YEARS since it rained on June 01. My pool is a mess from the dust, and I will have a couple of hours of work on it before my pool guy gets here. My yard is a mess of tree limbs and debris blown in AND I am enjoying 70-degree weather while I write. It just doesn't happen often where we get an entire morning of rain. The last time this happened was well over a year ago.How many days a year does it rain in Phoenix?If you google rain in Phoenix, they will tell you we get 33 days a year of rain. I have to call BS on that! In 2024-2025 we have had a couple of sprinkles ... 06/08/2025

Just one inch of water in a home can cause up to $25,000 in damage, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If you’re assuming homeowners' insurance will pick up the tab, you may be in for a surprise. Payment for that costly clean-up bill may end up coming out of your wallet.Many homeowners have learned the hard way that standard homeowner, condo, and renter’s insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. Hurricane Helene damaged an estimated 300 homes in Buncombe County, N.C., in 2024. Fewer than 1% of the homes and businesses had flood insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).Nationwide, only about 4% of American households have a flood insurance policy. That's especially troubling given that the catastrophic flooding events in the U.S. are b... 06/03/2025