Together with:

Happy Friday, The Villages. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let The Villages Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead.

In today’s edition: Dream bakery back on track, Lady Lake centennial fireworks, Moonlighters big band dance, and more.

Let’s get to it.

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Dream bakery back on track: Leesburg contractor and baker Shawnn Lynch secured a deal to keep Grampy’s Bakery at 1410 Griffin Road after facing $45,000 repair hurdles, with an opening expected in early 2026 — get all the details.

Recreation at your doorstep: Oak Hollow Verandas North is available, offering 3- and 4-bedroom homes with open-concept living, island kitchens, enclosed yards, and select preserve-view sites, plus 2-car and golf car garage options — get all the details.

Preview the newest fairways: Woodlands Championship Golf Course in Eastport now has tee time reservations open for its 18-hole par-72 course, with play beginning November 14 and Woodlands Bar and Grill coming soon — get tee time details and more.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week

• Meet Simon G. at Arden’s
• Hear The Villages premier four-part men’s chorus
• Experience the definitive Johnny Cash tribute
• Master camera controls and composition outdoors
• Enjoy scenic 5K/10K at The Villages

When’s the last time you saw your attic?

In partnership with Tri Line Attic Solutions

If you had to think about it for more than a few seconds… same.

We don’t avoid the attic because what’s up there doesn’t matter. We avoid it because getting to it means calling the neighbor to open it for you and navigating a precarious fold-down ladder that feels sketchier with every step.

Safe Step Stairs offers a safer and easier alternative – a full set of real stairs (with actual handrails) that retracts flush into your ceiling when you’re done.

No power needed, just a gentle pull to open and push to close.

Imagine grabbing those photo albums and swapping seasonal decor on a Tuesday afternoon without planning an expedition. Your attic’s waiting, ready to reintroduce yourself?

Call Ed at (217) 433-1394 or visit safestepstairs.com to get started.

Ready to see your business featured in an ad spot like this? 👆

Advertising with us is as easy as it gets. Fill out this quick form and we’ll get you in an upcoming edition!

🫶 We got your back

Honoring service across towns: Lake County’s Veterans Day lineup runs Nov. 7 to 30. This weekend brings parades in Leesburg and Clermont on Nov. 8 and a Phantom Airborne Brigade tribute jump into Lake Eustis. A Nov. 11 service follows, with more tributes later in the month. Veterans and active-duty get free passport photos through Nov. 30. Get all the event details.

Mid-century charm unveiled: The fences are down at Eastport Town Center, and you’re welcome to explore ahead of shop and restaurant openings. Stroll or cart the new walkways, circle the 1000m Central Lake, and watch The Villages’ newest hub take shape at 6980 Central Lake Drive. Come explore Eastport now.

Low‑key date night upgrade: Skip the stuffy vibe and settle into Prima Italian Steakhouse for hand-cut steaks, Italian classics, and fresh seafood. Polished but relaxed, it pairs a solid wine list with occasional live entertainment at Brownwood Paddock Square… perfect for lingering and actually finishing a conversation.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Need new windows? It’s not the most glamorous upgrade, we’ll admit. But newer windows = lower energy bills and a subtle (but definitely noticeable) glow-up. If you’ve been putting it off or waiting for the right moment, Renewal by Andersen is offering a discount that just might seal the deal. Check it out here.

🤝 Introducing local deals (just for you)

We’re launching a brand new segment to bring you exclusive local offers from trusted businesses right here in The Villages. Think of it as your inside pass to the best local finds, discounts, and experiences.

The kind only available to The Villages Brief readers.

Know a local business you love? Send ’em this newsletter and encourage them to get involved.

Own, manage, or market a local business? We’d love to feature you here for free. The only catch? Your deal has to be genuinely valuable and exclusive to our readers.

Email us 👉 [email protected] to get started.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Have an event to share? Submit it here for free →

Today

🎲 Family Board Game Friday @ Fruitland Park Library | Friday (11/7) at 9:30am – Feel like schooling the kids at Scrabble, without refereeing a tablet meltdown? They’ve got stacks of classics and new favorites out all day, ready for friendly rivalries, laughable house rules, and that one uncle who hoards the good tiles. Bring family, friends, snacks.

🎤 KLoKis @ City Fire | Friday (11/7) at 7:00pm – Your dancing shoes have been collecting dust, and KLoKis is back at City Fire Brownwood to fix that. Expect sing-along favorites, a packed floor, and the kind of neighborhood night where you bump into three people you know, then stay for one more round.

This weekend

🎣 Youth Fishing Clinic @ Ski Beach | Saturday (11/8) at 10:00am – Got a kid who’s new to fishing? Venetian Gardens is hosting a hands-on fishing clinic for ages 8 to 14, with casting, knot tying, Florida Wildlife Commission demos, and a guaranteed catch. Six bucks, preregister at Leesburg Parks and Rec, rod and reel included.

🎆 Lady Lake Centennial Celebration Finale with Fireworks @ Guava Street Athletic Complex | Saturday (11/8) at 5:00pm – One hundred looks good on Lady Lake, and the centennial finale is going out with live music by Red Mint Band, food trucks, a kids zone, and fireworks. Bring chairs, skip parking drama with free Rolling Acres shuttle, and snag a spot at Guava Street.

🎷 Moonlighters Big Band Dance/Concert @ Recreation Plantation RV Resort | Saturday (11/8) at 6:00pm – An 18-piece big band is packing Recreation Plantation with foxtrots, swing, waltz, and plenty of room to actually dance. BYO drinks and snacks, expect a Veterans Day salute, a cameo from a harmonica virtuoso, and yes, possibly a polka, so pace yourself.

🤠 Classic Country @ Orange Blossom Opry | Sunday (11/9) at 2:30pm – Polish your boots and head over for a proper jukebox rewind with the Orange Blossom Opry Band. Hank, Patsy, Cash, Ray Price, and the gang, all the classics from the 40s through the 60s. No pyrotechnics, just steel guitar, stories, and goosebumps.

👑 Almighty Queen @ Savannah Center | Sunday (11/9) at 4:00pm – A night at Savannah Center means one thing, Freddie-level swagger without the airfare. Almighty Queen brings the anthems, the strut, and the big sing-alongs, so warm up the knees and the falsetto. Bring the crew, claim your seats, and be champions together.

Next week

✍️ Author Meet and Greet / Book Signing @ All Booked Up | Tuesday (11/11) at 11:00am – Kickstart your holiday list at All Booked Up in Colony Plaza, where Paddling Pete’s author is signing Paddling Pete and the new Explore with Pete Activity Book. Let Pete do the paddling while you rack up grandparent points, support local, and maybe win a book.

🎼 Greg Parnell Presents The Songbook of the Dave Pell Octet @ Laurel Manor Rec Center | Tuesday (11/11) at 6:00pm – Cool jazz, done right. Greg Parnell dives into the Dave Pell Octet songbook for a smooth, nostalgic set with real seats, tables, and BYO snacks, because priorities. For Villages residents and visitor-pass friends, $15 members, $20 non, or join for ten.

🇺🇸 Lobby Lounge Cabaret – America, My Home: A Veterans Day Tribute with Alex-Zsolt @ The Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center | Tuesday (11/11) at 7:00pm – Make room in your Veterans Day plans for a proper salute at the Sharon Theater, where internationally acclaimed pianist Alex-Zsolt brings his moving America, My Home program. He has played everywhere, worked with Dolly Parton, and delivers fireworks from the keys, not the sky.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 11/7 Tyler Glynn @ Blondie’s Bar – 2 pm
• 11/8 The Father House Freedom Ride @ Lucky U Cycles – 9 am
• 11/8 Crush @ Orange Blossom Opry – 7 pm
• 11/13 Not Petty @ Ednas’ Hospitality – 11 am
• 11/13 Zen Awakening Festival @ Zen Meditation Fields – 4 pm
• 11/14 To All The Girls We Love @ Hope Lutheran Church – 6 pm
• 11/14 Piano Men Generations @ The Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center – 7 pm
• 11/15 Santana Soul Sacrifice @ Orange Blossom Opry – 2:30 pm
• 11/15 Phantasy Floyd (Pink Floyd tribute) @ Police Support Association – 6 pm

🏠️ Price is right – The Villages edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Greg Szablewski (WORTH CLARK REALTY)

This 3-bed, 2-bath waterfront Maybury Veranda features upgraded block-and-stucco construction and a spacious open split plan with ceramic tile. A chef-ready kitchen offers a gas range, island bar, pull-out shelves, granite, under-cabinet glow, and lighted uppers. The primary adds a tray ceiling, Roman shower, dual vanities, and walk-in.

Screened lanai and fenced yard survey tranquil water and visiting waterfowl, room for a pool and no kissing lanais. Extras include a Pegasus whole-house softener, ceiling fans, and an electric attic lift. In Hawkins, quick by cart to Sawgrass, Aviary Rec Center and pools, and Southern Oaks.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →