Happy Tuesday, The Villages. In today’s edition: Lake County housing snapshot, charm bracelet with Bo Chris, the Wizards of Winter, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Lake County housing snapshot: Realtor.com’s September data shows Lake County’s median home price fell to $360,000, down 4% from August’s $375,000. Prices rose 1.6% from September 2024 while recorded sales increased 3.3% — see the latest numbers.

Busy Villages junction rethink: Sumter County commissioners were set to review fixes for backups at SR 44 and Morse Boulevard, as Kimley-Horn study cites 140 crashes since 2020 and a Walmart under construction nearby — see what’s being proposed.

Community gears up for giving: Villages bike club members repaired and assembled more than 500 bikes with Sumter County deputies for holiday giveaways, loading trailers for distribution. Donations are accepted at Sumter County Sheriff’s Annex — learn how you can help.

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.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Enjoy world-champion barbershop holiday harmonies
• Yule sing-and-dance aids Wildwood Soup Kitchen
• Celebrate holidays with Villages Philharmonic Orchestra
• Relive the King’s concert magic
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

Keeping history alive: Mount Dora’s 142-year-old Lakeside Inn will mark 15 years since its revitalization in January 2026. Owners Jim and Alexandra Gunderson have rehabbed the wood-frame landmark since 2011, keeping it open throughout. The inn, billed as Florida’s oldest continuously operating hotel, was also tapped as the hub for a national morning-show segment. Read the full story.

Roadwork specifics for drivers: FDOT has lane closures rolling across Citrus County through Dec 13 on US 19, US 41, and SR 44. Expect overnight closures most nights, plus daytime work on US 19 and SR 44. US 41 is nights only. Plan extra time, follow posted signs, and watch for crews. Get the route-by-route schedule.

Winter beers, close by: Whether you’re craving malty, roasty, or pleasantly seasonal, Wolf Branch Brewing keeps taps rotating with cozy Florida winter sippers made for porch chats and post-golf debriefs. Expect classics and surprises, poured fresh, with enough variety to uncover a new favorite.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this week

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.

This week

📿 Charm Bracelet with Bo Chris @ First Responders Rec Center | Tuesday (12/9) at 1:00pm – Make a charm bracelet with Bo Chris, choose silver or gold, materials included, just $10. Bring that lone charm from the junk drawer if you’re feeling sentimental. Only 12 spots, so it’s more catch-up-and-create than chaos, and you’ll head home with a bracelet that’s uniquely yours.

🎉 Joint Club Holiday Party Featuring the Savoy Show Band @ Laurel Manor Rec Center | Tuesday (12/9) at 6:00pm – Nothing beats a 16-piece swing band when you want to time-travel without leaving your golf cart. Savoy pays tribute to Ellington, Basie, and the gang, with a full dance floor and open admission for all Villagers and guests.

🧙 The Wizards of Winter @ Savannah Center | Wednesday (12/10) at 3:00pm – Holiday rock with a sense of theater lands at the Savannah Center as Wizards of Winter plug in the twinkle lights. Think Trans-Siberian Orchestra energy, PBS polish, and a visit from Mrs. Claus, plus snowball and beach ball shenanigans the grandkids will dine out on.

🌆 Discover Leesburg @ Towne Square | Friday (12/12) at 5:00pm – Kick off your weekend with Leesburg’s signature second-Friday street party, where the vibes are lively and the snacks are dangerously tempting. Expect shopping, treats, entertainment, and that small-town charm that reels you in every time. It’s the kind of evening where you come for “just a stroll” and end up staying way longer than planned—no regrets.

🎺 Big Band Christmas Concert @ Fairway Christian Church | Friday (12/12) at 6:00pm – Big Band Christmas is swinging into Fairway Christian Church with brassy carols, smooth crooners, and that warm glow you pretend is from the cocoa. Holiday radio, but live and louder. Free tickets, so swing by in the golf cart and call it cardio.

This weekend

🎤 A Merry Little Christmas Linda Ronstadt Tribute @ Grand Oaks Resort | Saturday (12/13) at 5:00pm – Whether you wore out your Linda Ronstadt vinyl or just appreciate tight harmonies, Debra Rider leads a merry little tribute with holiday sparkle. Expect soaring vocals, timeless hits, and carols you actually like. Zero mall parking, plenty of familiar favorites and a relaxed, nostalgic feel.

🚗 2nd Annual Toys for Tots Car & Bike Show @ Lucky U Cycles | Saturday (12/13) at 10:00am – Lucky U Cycles is hosting shiny chrome, classic cars, custom bikes, and a trunkful of good karma with the Toys for Tots show. Bring the family, your ride, and a new toy, then linger for vendors, food, and neighborly bragging rights.

🎶 The Atlantic City Boys @ Old Mill Playhouse Movie Theatre | Saturday (12/13) at 6:30pm – Skip the ugly sweater shuffle and let The Atlantic City Boys handle your holiday sparkle. Big harmonies, sharp suits, and enough retro swagger to make your cousin’s playlist feel shy. It is the kind of December night you actually brag about, not endure.

🤠 Scotty McCreery @ The Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center | Saturday (12/13) at 7:00pm – Take a break and catch Scotty McCreery, the Idol kid turned Grand Ole Opry member with six No. 1s. Sing along to Five More Minutes, Damn Strait, and fan favorites from his country and pop catalog, then brag you saw him before everyone’s truck stereos caught up.

🎄 The Spirit of the Season @ The Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center | Sunday (12/14) at 7:00pm – Skip the canned carols and kick off the season with four world champion barbershop quartets, including the reigning champs, bringing goosebump harmonies to The Villages. Pure a cappella, holiday classics, and tight harmonies that fill the room. Festive, polished, and wildly fun.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/9 Christmas with Selah @ First Baptist Church – 7 pm
• 12/10 1887 Band @ Brownwood Paddock Square – 5 pm
• 12/11 Sandy Back Porch @ Pinellas Plaza Library – 2 pm
• 12/11 The Magic of Christmas @ The Orange Blossom Opry – 7 pm
• 12/13 TBJ @ Brownwood Paddock Square – 5 pm
• 12/19 Elvis Forever @ Savannah Center – 4 pm
• 12/20 Crimson Sunset @ Edna’s on the Green – 4 pm
• 12/20 Crystal Vision @ Cody’s Original Roadhouse – 5 pm
• 12/20 Wheel of Fortune Live! @ Savannah Center – 7 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Sharon Wooten (ERA GRIZZARD REAL ESTATE)

Four bed, three bath Avalon in The Preserve, The Villages, set against a preserve with sweeping lanai views. Built in 2019, the open plan shows ceilings from 10 to 14 feet and tray accents. The kitchen packs high-end appliances, wood cabinetry, and stone counters.

Two primary suites, a third ensuite, and a soundproof recording studio that doubles as office or fourth bedroom. 2 car plus golf cart garage with Magic Stairs to attic storage, a 12,000 watt generator, and a salt-water pool with sun shelf and lap lane, plus new pump and water softener. Bond paid.

Take a peek inside →