February 5, 2023
General Information
Richmond North Gatehouse
The Richmond North Gatehouse is officially open and staffed with a Gate Attendant. The gate arms are currently in construction mode and will transition to live mode within the next few weeks. Please pay attention to the flow of merging traffic and use caution when approaching this gate. We appreciate your patience and courteous caution to ensure everyone’s safety.
Sanitary Sewer Lining Project - Updated 1/18/2023
As part of the District’s continued commitment to providing our residents with efficient and dependable utility service, the Sanitary Sewer Lining project for Unit 01 located within the Lake County portion of The Villages will commence on Monday, January 30, 2023.
Sewer lining is performed in-place and essentially results in a new pipe being installed inside of the existing pipe with no reduction of capacity. The rehabilitation of the system will improve the sewer system and reduce the potential for leaks.
This project will temporarily impact approximately 87 homes along the following streets:
To view a map of the affected area, please click on the following link - Sanitary Sewer Lining Project Map.
All construction is anticipated to be completed within three (3) weeks, ending around February 20, 2023. While a specific section of sewer pipeline is being lined, the affected residents’ sewer connections will be out of service. The contractor will perform work during normal business hours. We ask that affected residents minimize their water use during these hours and please DO NOT shower, bathe, use dishwashers or washing machines during this time. We also ask that affected residents keep all toilet flushing to an absolute minimum. Service will likely be restored within 4 – 8 hours or by end of each day. All affected residents will receive at least 24-hour notice of their scheduled outage via door hangers.
The safety of our residents and construction personnel is of the utmost importance. We are requesting everyone to abide by all barricades and warning signs and to avoid the active construction areas for anything other than access to your property. Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we improve our wastewater system. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact District Utilities at 352-753-4022.
Upcoming Roadwork - Updated 2/2/2023
District Property Management has scheduled upcoming asphalt rejuvenation. If you live in a villa where work is scheduled, signs will be posted at both your villa entry and local postal stations approximately 1 week before work begins. Door knockers will also be hung at each residence 24 hours prior to work commencing. The first roads are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Any updates to the schedule below will be made as soon as they become available. Delays may occur due to unforeseen circumstances, including weather.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: DO NOT RUN IRRIGATION OR CAR WASH THE DAY BEFORE, THE DAY OF OR THE DAY AFTER TREATMENT. ROADS MUST BE COMPLETELY DRY FOR THE PRODUCT APPLICATION TO BE SUCCESSFUL. AVOID DRIVING ON THE ROAD FOR 30-45 MINUTES AFTERWARD.
Roadwork normally causes temporary inconveniences. We always strive to minimize difficulties. Thank you so much for your patience and cooperation! We strongly recommend you follow all instructions provided here (below) and any directions given by workers in your villa. We rely on your cooperation for this project to be completed quickly and smoothly.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE:
- Remove parked cars from the roadway between the hours of 7:30 AM to 5 PM.
- You will have access to your driveway at all times during the short application period.
- Drive SLOWLY if you accidentally enter a freshly treated area (i.e. 5 MPH).
- Sand cover will be swept up within 2 days of work completion. Use CAUTION when driving on loose sand.
- Keep children and pets out of treated areas to avoid tracking into houses.
- Product tracked onto driveways will disappear in 3 weeks or less, leaving no stain.
- Product is not meant to noticeably change the roadway’s color.
- Remember, any work crew member can assist you during the application.
Why is this process necessary?
We shouldn’t buy a new car and never perform an oil change on it. Those oil changes are considered part of preventative maintenance to help keep your car in good condition for many years. Asphalt roads are not much different! Without timely preventative maintenance, an asphalt road will deteriorate faster than necessary. The asphalt rejuvenation product is replacing vital binding ingredients that have been lost over time due to exposure to the sun’s UV rays and wet weather. When applied to brand new pavements, the product protects asphalt from future damage, protecting one of our most important assets. Extending the life of your roadways helps ensure a smooth ride for years to come and reduces overall maintenance costs. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact District Property Management at 352-753-4022.
Tentative schedule:
Last updated 1/18/2023. Delays may occur due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.
District 4
- 2/6/23 – Belle Meade West
- 2/6/23 – Gate Areas Phase 2
- 2/7/23 – Gate Areas Phase 1
- 2/7/23 – Unit 66
District 7
- 2/8/23 – MMP - Canal/Stillwater
- 2/8/23 – MMP - Winn Dixie
- 2/8/23 – MMP - Tunnel M6
Brownwood Paddock Square
- 2/2/23 – Brownwood Blvd
- 2/2/23 – West Torch Lake Dr
- 2/2/23 – Meggison Rd
- 2/5/23 – Kiessel Rd
- 2/5/23 – Shady Nook Run
The Villages Putting Courses and Croquet/Lawn Bowling Facilities
In our efforts to keep the recreation facilities in optimal condition, the following Villages Putting Courses and Croquet/Lawn Bowling Facilities will be closed for routine maintenance as follows. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the recreation center listed below.
- Clifton Cove Putting Course: Every morning before 9 AM opening, Ezell Recreation at 352-674-1860.
- Fenney Putting Course and Croquet/Lawn Bowling Facilities: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month all day, Fenney Recreation at 352-674-8460.
- First Responders Putting Course: 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month from 7 AM to 2 PM, First Responders Recreation at 352-674-1870.
- First Responders Croquet/Lawn Bowling Facilities: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7 AM to 12 PM, First Responders Recreation at 352-674-1870.
- Rio Grande Croquet/Lawn Bowling Facilities: 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month from 7 AM to 12 PM, Chula Vista Recreation at 352-753-0002.
Villa Road Underdrain Construction Information - Updated 2/3/2023
Underdrains are being installed underneath roadways at Soulliere, Atwood, Belle Glade, and Callahan Villas for the purpose of extending the lifetime of the road pavement. The underdrains will serve to move moisture from underneath the road base and route water into the existing stormwater drainage system. The installation process involves saw-cutting a 2-foot-wide trench down the center of the roadway. Existing material will be removed for installation of filter fabric and 3 inches of #57 limerock gravel, which will be placed in the trench. The underdrain pipe will be installed in the trench and encased with #57 limerock and filter fabric. The road base will be replaced up to the grade of the existing asphalt. The trench can then be safely driven on until the road is repaved.
Ciraco Underground will begin construction at the following locations during the dates indicated:
Soulliere Villas
- SE 167th Zina Lane: 2/2 to 2/9
- SE 168th Mitzi Street: 2/10 – 2/17
Milling/Paving behind the underdrain installation
- SE 169th Cole Loop, SE 169th Gage Street, SE 73rd Tim Terrace – Mill/Prime on 2/6 to 2/7
- SE 169th Cole Loop, SE 169th Gage Street, SE 73rd Tim Terrace – Pave on 2/8 to 2/9
Atwood Villas
Belle Glade Villas
Callahan Villas
Milling and resurfacing will be performed in the same sequence as the underdrain installation. Dates may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather or asphalt material shortage. Everything possible will be done to minimize your inconvenience.
Please do NOT run your irrigation or wash your vehicle while construction is performed on your roadway as it will increase the work time. Newly paved roadways will take approximately one hour to cure and should NOT be driven on while hot. Driving before this time could result in tracking asphalt onto your driveway and damaging the new roadway.
For the safety of our crews and all residents, we ask that you reschedule any work or deliveries to your residence until the underdrain installation (or the paving to follow after underdrain installation) is complete, as they may be denied access. Only residents and emergency vehicles will have immediate access during the construction. All vehicles and trailers must be parked off of the roads and the overflow parking areas must be empty, as to not impede the work. When traveling through the construction, please drive slowly and watch for and listen to directions provided by the construction workers.
Please be aware that in some cases, residents have installed decorative curbing, pavers, landscape, and other features within the District road right-of-way area or decorative curbing over the top of the asphalt. While our contractor is diligent in performing operations and will take all precautions to protect your property, these improvements which are in the road right-of-way areas or encroaching into the street are subject to damage or destruction without compensation to the resident. Residents may wish to remove items from the road right-of-way areas in advance of repaving to mitigate the potential for damage. The District will not make repairs, restoration or restitution for items within the road right-of-way that are inadvertently damaged during construction.
Our goal is to give you a new road that will last a maximum lifespan, with the least amount of inconvenience. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. For additional information, please contact District Property Management at 352-753-4022.
Fence Replacement - Updated 1/13/2023
The fence replacement along El Camino Real has been completed and the new fence will be painted once the moisture content of the boards has reached the appropriate level.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact District Property Management at 352-753-4022.
Outdoor Sports Courts
Outdoor Sports Courts are available for use provided that such use is consistent with the design of the facility, safety and weather conditions permitting for outdoor activities. Personal equipment may be used at facilities for which the equipment was designed. Personal items such as chairs, tables, umbrellas, etc. are not permitted.
The Villages Dog Parks
In our efforts to keep the recreation facilities in optimal condition, the following Villages Dog Parks will not open until 9:00am one day per week due to maintenance. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the recreation center listed below.
• Atlas Canine Park, Wednesday; Rohan Recreation at 352-674-8400
• Brinson/Perry Dog Park, Wednesday; SeaBreeze Recreation at 352-750-2488
• Dudley Canine Park, Friday; Fenney Recreation at 352-674-8460
• Paradise Dog Park, Thursday; Paradise Recreation at 352-753-0637
• Rupert Canine Park, Thursday; Riverbend Recreation at 352-674-8455 • Homestead Dog Park, Thursday; Homestead Recreation at 352-674-1971
• Richmond Dog Park, Wednesday; Lake Okahumpka Recreation at 352-674-1887
Trails & Pathways
The many trails and pathways provide Villagers the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Florida’s environment. Signage along the pathways indicate the combination of activities Villagers can enjoy. Click below for more information.
Trails and Pathways
Amenity Fee Adjustment - Updated 1/13/2023
Per your individual Declaration of Restrictions, amenity fees are subject to an adjustment based on the fluctuation of the National Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers. The timing of this adjustment can vary based on the Declaration of Restrictions in your unit. For information specific to your home, please refer to your Declaration of Restrictions. For assistance in obtaining them, please contact Community Standards at 352-751-3912.
Each month, the percentage of adjustment will be provided in What’s Happening for your reference. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Finance Utility Billing at 352-750-0000.
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers changed by 6.454% from December 2021 to December 2022. This change will be used to adjust Amenity Fees for properties with original land sale dates in the month of February.
Information Provided by Executive Golf
The United States Golf Association recently implemented a new rule under Rule 13.2a (2):
•There is no longer a penalty if a ball played from the putting green hits a flagstick left in the hole.
•Players are not required to putt with the flagstick in the hole; rather, they continue to have the choice to have it removed (which includes having someone attend the flagstick and remove it after the ball is played).
Information obtained from www.usga.org
Removing the flagstick to help in retrieving a golf ball from the cup is still considered proper etiquette and requires that we complete the task by hand. Using the flagstick to pinch and pull up the golf ball from the cup is frowned upon and not considered good etiquette standards.
The challenge for Executive Golf Courses in The Villages is that many residents use assistance or ball removal devices for the convenience of not bending as far to remove golf balls from cups. When ball retrieval devices are inserted with flagsticks still in place (Photo 2) the damage to the delicate edges of cups occur. It also causes degradation of the putting surface for the players that follow.
We are asking all residents that use these devices to simply pull the flag stick out gently (Photo 1) and remove the golf ball with your device. This will ensure the integrity of the cup edges and allow players to enjoy the same crisp quality of the cups as the players before them.
We appreciate your cooperation!
Pet Owners
Please be considerate of others and all properties. Dog owners are responsible for picking up after their pets. Please take all waste home for disposal. Do not use storm drains, postal or recreation facilities for disposing of solid waste or plastic bags. In addition, please follow all county ordinances including all dogs are required to be on a leash.
Fenney Springs Nature Trail & Boardwalk
New signage has been added to the Fenney Springs Nature Trail & Boardwalk to help educate visitors on the nature found along the trail. Drop by and take a look.
 
Media Release
Participation in clubs, activities and events throughout The Villages® community may be photographed and recorded. Participant, by engaging in the activity, irrevocably consents to be photographed and recorded and grants The Villages of Lake-Sumter, Inc. and its successors, assigns and licensees the right to publish and use such photographs and recordings for informational, advertising, marketing, and similar purposes.
Polo Fields
The polo player entrance gate off of Buena Vista Boulevard is locked. All clubs will need to enter through the electronic gate at the south end during off season. Walkers and approved Resident Lifestyle Groups will be allowed admittance from 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM. The timer is being set and the gate will automatically open as each car/golf cart hits the pad during these hours. For further information, please contact Saddlebrook Recreation Center at 352-259-5377.
Weather Policy
The Recreation & Parks Department has created consistent and uniform guidelines regarding inclement weather that may impact the public, health, safety and well-being of staff, volunteers, participants and facilities. Please click here for the complete guidelines!
Recreation Center Emergency Address Information
Our dedicated staff is here to help you get the most out of your unique Villages lifestyle. When enjoying your choice of activities, we ask that you remember participating in recreational activities always involves some degree of risk. Participants assume full responsibility for and risk of bodily injury arising out of or in any way connected with participation or involvement in or presence at the activity or program. To assist you with emergency situations, the recreation department has provided all outside recreation areas with a bulletin board that has important 911 information including the address/county/phone number you are calling from. Emergency 911 phones are located at all equipment buildings and pools with pertinent emergency information. We encourage all residents to become familiar with their recreation centers and 911 information. Please when visiting any recreation center or swimming pool take a moment to locate these helpful areas.
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