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Good morning, The Villages! In today’s edition: A $750k anonymous gift to a soup kitchen, a wiener walk, a mall’s new market, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Philanthropy powers a new chapter: An anonymous donor gave $750k to Central Florida’s Wildwood Soup Kitchen as it has faced eviction, pushing it past its $1.5 million goal toward a new building — see how they reached their goal.
New small businesses take root: Ocala’s Paddock Market is now open at Paddock Mall, replacing the former Sears with shops, eateries, and vendor booths, with businesses already celebrating grand openings and more spaces available — see what’s inside and available.
Local business boom continues: December brought new openings in the 352, including a new Aldi, Dutch Bros’ first Ocala shop at Six Gun Plaza, The Refillery, and El Criollo’s rebrand to Creole 21 — get all the details.
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.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Updates for local drivers: A temporary road closure north of C 466 on CR 209 in Sumter County will begin Jan. 6 to improve the intersection. The project includes installing a mast arm traffic signal and building an eastbound right turn lane at the intersection. Find closure and project details.
Rainy-day sanity saver: Indoor energy to burn? Funtown Playground in Leesburg packs imaginative zones, a gated layout you can actually relax in, cozy seating for grown-ups, and easy birthday options. Socks required, smiles likely, and it’s open this week.
Serve, dink, repeat: If you’re itching for a friendly match or to tune up your kitchen game, Rohan Recreation offers pickleball courts, spectator seating, and a lively events calendar. It’s an easy midweek move, with plenty of chances to play, cheer, and collect a little neighborly bragging rights.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🐶 New Years Wiener Walk @ Lake Sumter Landing | Monday (1/5) at 10:00 AM – Think your resolutions can keep up with four-inch legs? The New Year’s Wiener Walk is a jaunty parade of dachshunds, their humans, and plenty of sweaters, easing you into January with laughs, fresh air, and neighborly cheer. Bring coffee, leave the sprinting to the pups.
🧘 Breathe & Align @ HD Counseling | Tuesday (1/6) at 7:00 PM – Orlando is catching its breath with an evening that actually delivers calm, not just promises on a flyer. Expect Reiki, breathwork, gentle stretch, and guided meditation, the kind of reset that untangles I-4 stress and leaves you more centered than a theme-park carousel.
🍷 Premium Wine Tasting Experience @ ABC Fine Wine & Spirits | Wednesday (1/7) at 5:30 PM – Park the golf cart and pop into ABC at The Villages for a premium in-store tasting that treats wine lovers and cocktail curious alike. Elevated sips, smart pairings, and zero pretense, just neighbors comparing notes, swapping favorites, and pretending one bottle will do.
💉 Donate Blood @ The Retired Police and Fire Club Association | Thursday (1/8) at 8:00 AM – Roll up your sleeve, then hop on the Big Red Bus with the Retired Police and Fire Club Association. You donate a pint, they hand you a $20 eGift card, a long-sleeve tee, and a wellness check. Appointments get priority, walk-ins are welcome.
✍ Mary Flynn Book Signing @ All Booked Up | Thursday (1/8) at 11:00 AM – Whether your nightstand stack needs a refresh or you just like meeting the minds behind the pages, swing by to meet local author Mary Flynn. Browse her books, get something signed, support the hometown lit scene, and score a gift your relatives will use.
🎨 Paint & Sip @ Prima Italian Steakhouse | Friday (1/9) at 12:00 PM – Feel like trading spreadsheets for a canvas and a Chianti? Prima’s new Paint & Sip lets you swirl, sip, and pretend you’re the next Caravaggio, with pressure-free fun, good company, and a menu nearby. Come for the wine, stay for the masterpiece, or the steak.
🎶 Music and Market @ Downtown Leesburg | Friday (1/9) at 5:00 PM – Second Friday nights are made for lingering on Towne Square, soaking up live music, an evening market, and something delicious that isn’t your leftovers. It’s the kind of community hang where you run into half the town, chat a while, then stay for another tune.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 The Villages report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 75°F – Low: 53°F – Precip: 0%
Patchy fog before 9am. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. East southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Areas of fog after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. North northwest wind around 0 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 79°F – Low: 55°F – Precip: 0%
Areas of fog before 9am. Sunny, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Areas of fog after 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 55. West southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
This house is wild
This elegant Gardenia Designer Home with a golf car garage sits on an offset corner homesite in an ideal central location. Sunlight filters through plantation shutters and a charming kitchen window, highlighting quartz countertops and a designer backsplash. Enhanced fans elevate everyday comfort. Pocket slider doors extend living to the outdoors. The primary suite offers double custom closets. An elegant glass entry and careful upkeep complete a calm, sophisticated vibe with unmistakable Florida charm.
Monarch Grove serves up scenic pathways and serene waterways, plus Riverbend and Swallowtail recreation, a zero entry family pool, an adult pool, sand courts, and a fire pit. Nearby favorites include Rupert Canine Park, executive golf at Longleaf and Loblolly, Marsh View Pitch & Putt, Everglades Recreation Complex, and Magnolia Shopping Plaza.
Take a peek inside →
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