Local news
The Villages
Sumter County, Florida
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Neighbors worried about ex-cellmate living in home in The Villages
Residents of the Village of Ashland in The Villages say they are concerned about a recently released woman now staying at a home whose owner, Jana Stafinsky, remains jailed. Neighbors allege the former cellmate has…
Great horned owl keeps watch from rooftop in The Village of Collier
A great horned owl was spotted perched on a rooftop in The Village of Collier, drawing attention from residents. Cindy Farkus shared the photograph with Villages-News, which invited readers to submit their own local…
Eisenhower Recreation Center parking lot will be getting a major facelift
A local advisory committee recommended spending $365,527.50 to resurface the Eisenhower Recreation Center parking lot in The Villages. The proposed mill-and-overlay work includes removing and replacing asphalt…
Harley rider parks it on the sidewalk at town square
A member of The Villages’ Parking Patrol criticized a Harley-Davidson rider for parking on the sidewalk and blocking a handicapped ramp at Spanish Springs town square. The report shares the patrol member’s complaint and…
The Villages issues reminder about garbage pickup on Veterans Day
The Villages says garbage collection will follow its normal schedule on Wednesday, Nov. 11, despite the Veterans Day holiday. Recreation centers, pools, fitness clubs and outdoor facilities will also remain open as…
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One taken to hospital, second trapped after water main break in The Villages
Rescue crews were working Tuesday after a water main break trapped two people in a trench in The Villages, Florida. One person was taken by air to Orlando Regional Medical Center as a trauma alert, while the second…
We are supposed to be 'Florida's Friendliest Hometown'
In a letter to the editor, Robert Jones of Summerhill urges residents of The Villages to keep political disagreements respectful. He objects to name-calling and insults in published letters, saying people should be able…
DeSantis could be a good president if given the opportunity
A Villages resident writing to the editor argues that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis could be an effective president and a potential figure to revive the Republican Party. The writer acknowledges that DeSantis struggled to…
Morning sun shines over Lake Sumter Landing boardwalk behind The Waterfront Inn
An early-morning walk along Lake Sumter Landing in The Villages offered a view of the sun rising behind The Waterfront Inn. The light reflected across the boardwalk, creating a peaceful scene shared with Villages-News…
Special Events staffer attacked over parking dispute at Brownwood farmers market
Stephen Lowe Queen, 52, was arrested after allegedly punching an 82-year-old staffer during a parking dispute at the Brownwood farmers market. The incident occurred near McAlister’s Deli on Kiessel Road, where the…
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Villager arrested after leaving woman with Alzheimer’s home alone
Gene Trout, 79, was arrested on a felony charge of neglecting an elderly or disabled adult after allegedly leaving a woman with Alzheimer’s alone at home without a phone or supervision. A Sumter County deputy conducted…
Intoxicated man makes threats and tries to take stage at town square in The Villages
A 38-year-old Wildwood man was arrested after allegedly threatening to blow up Brownwood Paddock Square, assaulting staff and trying to reach the stage during a live performance. Police say Adam Joshue Flota also…
Villager allegedly damages vehicle by heaving dog treats at it in villa community
A 70-year-old Villages resident was arrested Sunday night on a misdemeanor criminal mischief charge after allegedly throwing a plastic container of dog treats at a passing SUV. The driver reported damage near the…
PWAC agrees to spend $322,947 for major renovation of dog park in The Villages
The Project Wide Advisory Committee approved a $322,947 renovation of Brinson-Perry Dog Park in The Villages. Plans include leveling the steep site, building a retaining wall and shade pavilion, replacing fencing…
Quick-thinking restaurant workers help nab DUI suspect in The Villages
Restaurant employees at a Golden Corral in The Villages used rubber tire blocks to keep a suspected drunk driver from leaving the parking lot, according to a local report. A Sumter County sheriff’s deputy found Brianna…
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Surveillance cameras proved their value in arrest after sex assault of 83-year-old woman
Surveillance technology proved critical in the arrest of 45-year-old Nicolas McCray following the sexual assault of an 83-year-old woman in The Villages. Security cameras installed by the victim and those mounted on…
Villager will present program on 'Cavalry in the American Revolution'
The Villages Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will host a presentation titled 'Cavalry in the American Revolution' on November 14 at the Captiva Recreation Center. Retired museum director Bruce Smith will…
Lazy Republicans are to blame for Blue Wave
A resident of The Villages has expressed frustration over recent election results in a letter to the editor, blaming 'lazy Republicans' for the success of the Socialist party. The author criticizes the political shift…
Taking over the handicapped accommodation zone at Saddlebrook
A golf cart driver was reported for parking in a designated handicapped accommodation zone at the Saddlebrook Recreation Center. The incident highlights ongoing issues with parking etiquette in the community, as such…
Live Square Entertainment for Monday, November 9
The Villages community has scheduled live entertainment for Monday, November 9, 2026. The musical group 'Blonde Ambition' is set to perform at Brownwood Paddock Square starting at 5:00 PM. This event is part of the…
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Vermilion flycatcher captured mid-flight at Soulliere Villas
A vermilion flycatcher has returned to its seasonal habitat at a pond in Soulliere Villas, The Villages. The bird was captured mid-flight by a local resident, highlighting the area's vibrant wildlife. This seasonal…
Grandson from hell rooster-struts through tormented neighborhood in The Villages
Anthony Santangelo, 48, was arrested at the Lake County Jail on a warrant for retail theft, shortly after being released on bond for a previous violent incident. Neighbors in The Villages reported that Santangelo and…
The Villages releases Veterans Day info for garbage pickup, Guest IDs
The Villages has announced that garbage collection schedules will remain unchanged for the upcoming Veterans Day holiday on Wednesday, Nov. 11. While sanitation services continue as normal, District Customer Service…
VIP golf cart driver hogs handicapped accommodation zone
A golf cart driver was spotted parking illegally in a designated handicapped accommodation zone at Lake Sumter Landing. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of improper parking in spaces reserved for individuals…
Baum left us with no answers or explanation
A local resident of The Villages shared a positive experience regarding the financial services provided by Parady Financial. After facing uncertainty regarding personal savings following a lack of communication from…
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Taking a beating over my appreciation for Eastport
A resident of The Villages has responded to online criticism following a letter to the editor praising the town center of Eastport. The author defended their appreciation for the area's youthful vibe and encouraged…
A tranquil morning sunrise at Paradise Park
A beautiful sunrise was captured at Paradise Park in The Villages, Florida, showcasing the morning light over the local lake and neighborhood. The image, shared by resident Ronnie Clark, highlights the tranquil…
Villager completes anger management after attack on dog walker
Robert Joseph Troller, a resident of The Villages, has completed an anger management course after pleading no contest to disorderly conduct. The charge stemmed from a March 19 incident where Troller attacked a dog…
Residents invited to join in grand reopening of renovated golf course
The El Santiago Executive Golf Course in The Villages is set to host a grand reopening celebration on November 20. Following an extensive renovation project that included the reconstruction of greens, tees, and…