Heavy rain and a subsequent change in water temperature caused a fish kill at a pond in The Villages, with vultures quickly arriving to feast on the dead fish. District Property Management confirmed there is no threat to residents.
Florida is home to four of the five fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S., with The Villages leading the list at 4.7% population growth, followed by Lakeland-Winter Haven at 3.8%, Ocala at 3.4%, and Port St. Lucie at 3.1%. The only non-Florida area in the top five is Myrtle Beach, S.C., at 3.7%. The U.S. Census Bureau attributes this trend to continued growth in the southern region.
A kidnapping suspect, James Savage, who barricaded himself inside a home in The Villages for over 20 hours, has been arrested after surrendering to law enforcement. The suspect is accused of kidnapping his girlfriend in Wildwood and was found at the address listed on his driver's license. The standoff ended without incident, and the woman was safely located by law enforcement. Savage will face multiple charges, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
An alligator in The Villages was spotted enjoying its large fresh catch of the day at a pond after a tough fight for breakfast, as captured in a photo shared by Julie Walfield.
A YouTube video explores The Villages in Florida, the largest 55+ community in the world, which was previously associated with allegations of swinging and debauchery. The video aims to dispel the negative stereotypes surrounding the community, highlighting its secure environment, affordable homes, and a wide range of activities available to residents. The Villages offers a sense of community and a variety of amenities, including golf courses and recreational centers. Despite criticism, residents emphasize that the community is diverse and welcoming. The video concludes with a positive outlook on The Villages, acknowledging its appeal in terms of security, community, entertainment, and happiness.
A 77-year-old man has been arrested in The Villages, a large retirement community in central Florida, for purchasing over $1,800 worth of erectile dysfunction drugs without a prescription and allegedly intending to sell them within the community and elsewhere. The man has pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge and could face up to a year in federal prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted. The Villages has been the subject of rumors regarding the sex lives of its residents, but a report last year indicated lower rates of sexually transmitted diseases in the area compared to the rest of Florida.
A $1 million winning lottery ticket was sold at a Publix grocery store in The Villages, Florida. The identity of the winner has not been revealed, but it marks another lucky win for lottery ticket purchasers in the area this year.
A couple who moved to The Villages 15 years ago expresses their appreciation for a place that welcomes their extended family, including children, grandchildren, and in-laws. They emphasize that they would never have moved to a place that excluded their family and question the idea of setting age limits on visitors.