Dick Betts The Villages, Florida

AdventHealth Waterman will begin construction on a freestanding emergency department in Fruitland Park in April, anticipated to open in early 2026.  The location will be on 466a next to the Colony Plaza on the east side of The Villages.  Staffed by a comprehensive clinical team, including board-c...

It was announced a few months ago about a new Walmart being built at the intersection FL 44 and Morse Boulevard.  When in the area you see the Village Grown greenhouses it will be between that location and 44 and Morse.  Next I started reading “Store of the Future” what is that all about?  I deci...

NO!  I would tell people to chill out, but I am sure you already are, this shall pass, and the sun will return!  I have been in this area for 18 years and I think I have seen temperatures in the high 20’s a few times lowest I can remember maybe 25º.  Back in 2008 I did see .001” of snow which las...

I get plenty of questions about planting bushes or other plants for privacy and my suggest is Sugar Palms.  Looks like what I have read from different sources they can grow to about 20’ tall and 16’ wide.  This would be great for areas around pools and areas you want privacy.  I was recently aske...

There is a special place 1.5 miles east of The Villages, Florida just off 466a you should find the time to visit, The Rose Plantation. Does a dress code, eclectic China, fine silverware, stemware, and linen tablecloths enhancing the setting for the Americana-style food and wine interest you? Look...

The other day I was out showing a client from “Up North” homes, and she pointed to a tree and asked what is that?  She was pointing to the Spanish Moss on an oak tree.  I told her it was Spanish Moss, and it is not Spanish or a Moss.  Let me explain:Spanish Moss is called that because early Frenc...

Seems to me everywhere I look people are carrying a coffee, Starbuck looking cups, Yeti, Stanley, and the list goes on.  Occasional you might even see a Styrofoam cup, not much anymore.  I decided to do some research on coffee consumption in the U.S.  The average American drinks about three cups ...

I could probably write a year’s worth of articles about place to eat in The Villages, Florida.  I do enjoy trying new places and sometimes will share when I go but we need to eat at home occasionally!  With FMK have maybe a dozen or so restaurants, all the country clubs can be a good choice and a...

For my Chicagoland friends you know about Potbelly Sandwich Works and locally The Villages, Florida is about to learn around Potbelly!  The first store is about to open on 441 and Rolling Acres Road next to Starbucks.  According to published reports the franchise owner plans on four more location...

This the season for golf cart accidents, it is all year round, but this is the peak!  Local news apps regularly have pictures of golf cart accidents and many times the driver or the passenger are ejected from the cart.  Many carts have the seat belts, but folks don’t use them, me when I am in a g...