WELCOME Villager
The Arrival Guide leads the way into The Villages® community and into Florida. The guide provides valuable information to arriving Villagers, on businesses, local events, attractions and Florida travel. The Arrival Guide also offers advertising opportunities for businesses intent on reaching new Villagers even ahead of their arrival. The Arrival Guide is available in high-tech digital copy, ArrivalGuide.com, Facebook and Instagram.
The way I envision it, the Arrival Guide blends together two distinct categories of businesses that Villagers rely on for a smooth transition so they can “Get Things Done” and “Go Have Fun”.
Scott A. Lepper, Publisher Village of St. Johns Homeowner Scott@ArrivalGuide.com
Scott A. Lepper
Customer Service 352-552-8218
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Get Things Done!
n Find a home
n Secure a mortgage
n Make an Arrival Checklist
n Hire a mover
n Start checking things off
n Join first club: Villagers' Buying Club pg.16
n Find new chiropractor: Etheredge Chiropractic pg. 5
n Enclose your lanai: Custom Windows and Exterior Design pg. Cover, 6-7
n Buy a golf cart Bradley’s Golf Cars pg. 8-9
n Cable, dish or stream?
n Order blinds and shutters before move-in: Florida Blind Company pg. 10
n Complete custom home upgrades: Mastropiece pg. 11
n Top ranked Cancer Experts | The Most Advanced Treatments: Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute pg. 12
n Install outlets, lights, fans and TVs: Done Right Electric pg. 12
n Order lamppost sign
n Decide on grocery store
n Get your home security: H & W Alarm pg. 19
n Customize cabinets, closets and garages before move-in: Kitchen Wise I Closet Wise pg. 23
n Paint garage floor before move-in: Innovative Concrete Coatings pg. 24
n Find new dog groomer
n Find new vet
n Need a Florida estate attorney?
n Need an appellate attorney? Florida Appeals pg. 14-15 & 25
Go Have Fun!
n Walk the Tampa Riverwalk pg. 20
n Find new favorite restaurant
n Ride Villages Trolley
n Experience Mt. Dora pg. 17
n Ride Lake Sumter electric boat tour
n Explore Orlando pg. 22
n Purchase an electric bike
n Take a selfie with a Florida gator
n Record first hole-in-one
n Weekend getaway to Florida beach
n Engage Florida sports
n Want to place a bet?
n Relax in your infrared sauna: Clearlight Saunas pg. 13
n Do a cruise
n Do a bus trip
n Swim with the manatees
Get Enclosed!
Elevate your lanai with a beautiful versatile glass enclosure. Our process is seamless beginning with a complimentary in-home estimate. Your customized glass products are installed by an experienced crew. We acquire permits and approvals. The Custom Windows and Exterior Design team is ready to assist you every step of the way. We have been creating amazing lanais for 37 years!
• Configurations to maximize airflow
• Single-pane or energy efficient double-pane low-e glass
• Sliding doors and horizontal sliding windows
• Picture and casement windows
• White or bronze aluminum frames
• White, bronze or almond vinyl frames
• Fixed or sliding screens
E40FX
The brand new EPIC E40FX is the best golf cart on the market today! Furnished with every imaginable feature, the forward-facing four-seater EPIC E40FX comes in six stylish colors and three height options. Premium 14” wheels and street-ready tires provide a solid foundation for every journey on every terrain, no matter what lift height is selected. With an abundance of storage, superior built-in marine-grade sound system and speakers, and stunning accent lighting, this EPIC golf cart illuminates the possibilities for fun and adventure.
KEY FEATURES
• 51V/105Ah ECO Lithium Battery
• 10” Multimedia Digital Display
• Marine-Grade Sound System & 4 Built-in Speakers
• 48V Onboard Charging System with Body Mounted Charge Indicator
• Storage Removable & Lockable Trunk in Rear, Latched and Lit Frunk, Storage Tray Beneath Rear Seats, Locking Glove Compartments
Get on the road and go the distance with the ICON G40 gas golf cart. With a speed range of 19-24 MPH, this rugged and durable 4-passenger vehicle boasts an estimated fuel range of approximately 150+ miles. Well-equipped with a fully integrated digital instrument cluster, LED lighting and signals, and industry-leading brakes for extra safety, this gas golf cart can conquer any terrain!
KEY FEATURES
• Motor 401cc EFIA03, OHV with EFI
• Horsepower 13.5HP @3600rpm per SAE J1995
• Battery 12V
• Brakes 4-Wheel Disc Brakes & Dual Electronic Parking Brake
• Full Light Package LED Headlights, Taillights, Turn Signals
• Safety Side Hip Restraint & Retractable Seat Belts, Mirrors, Horn, Grab Bars, Windshield
• Dash Forward/Reverse Switch, USB and 12V Plugs, Cubby Storage, Multiple Cup Holders, Key Switch, Instrumentation Cluster
• Color White, Forest Green, Indigo Blue & Black
Top Ranked Cancer Experts. The Most Advanced Treatments.
A cancer diagnosis is life-changing. It’s important to have access to top cancer experts and the most advanced treatments available, close to home.
For 40 years, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has built a national reputation for providing world-class cancer care in community settings.
From genetic screening to immunotherapies and access to the latest clinical trials, our experienced boardcertified oncologists provide the newest and most advanced treatments available for all forms of cancer and blood disorders.
Providing care at four convenient locations in Sumter County:
2955 Brownwood Blvd., Suite 107
The Villages, FL 32163-2040
1503 Buenos Aires Blvd., Suite 140
The Villages, FL 32159-6823
1400 N. US Highway 441, Suite 540
Lady Lake, FL 32159-8987
1400 N. US Highway 441, Suite 924
Lady Lake, FL 32159-8975
Learn more or schedule a consultation today: FLCancer.com
YOUR GO-TO ELECTRICIAN IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
Attorney Shannon McLin, Founder of Florida Appeals Announces Name Change to her Maiden Name, McLin
Attorney Shannon McLin founder of Florida Appeals, recently announced a change back to her maiden name — McLin. With an established career and reputation spanning almost 30 years, this change reflects not only her plans for the future but also pays tribute to her family’s history. Pronounced “MACK’Lin,” the name has inspired the use of the phrase “The Mack is back” among Shannon and her friends and colleagues.
Shannon founded The Carlyle Appellate Law Firm in 1997 which her thenhusband Chris joined in 2004. The firm grew to seven lawyers with three offices across Florida. Following their dissolution of marriage in 2017, Shannon and Chris continued as law partners and Shannon maintained her married name. In 2019, Shannon left the firm and founded Florida Appeals, a boutique firm offering appellate representation and trial support to trial lawyers and their clients throughout Florida. Because the firm was new, Shannon continued to
maintain the name Carlyle, believing it was important for colleagues and clients to know she was the same attorney with a new appellate firm.
“The MACK is back. ”
With Florida Appeals now well established and with the full support of her three children, Shannon decided to go back to using the McLin name professionally. This change is rooted in enormous pride for her family’s history. Shannon is a fifthgeneration Florida McLin, with her father, Walter S. “Buddy” McLin III of McLin Burnsed, being a well-regarded Florida attorney for nearly 50 years. Shannon owes a large part of her success to her father who was known for his honesty and integrity, believing your word is your stock in trade. For Shannon, the McLin name represents the ethics, character, and values inspired by her father. Aside from her father’s legal profession, the McLin name has a long history in Florida stemming from her great, great, great grandfather Benjamin Earnest McLin,
who began as a citrus farmer in Lake County and when the Great Freeze of 1898 destroyed his livelihood, he ran for and was elected Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, a position he held until his death in 1912.
Shannon McLin and the Florida Appeals team are excited for a new chapter in their firm’s story — a story that now more clearly connects the firm to Shannon McLin’s deep roots in Florida’s history.
LOCATIONS: THE VILLAGES
ORLANDO TAMPA FORT LAUDERDALE
CALL (866) 352-7732
VISIT FLORIDAAPPEALS.COM
LAKE COUNTY
Villagers that explore other active areas of Florida will want to seek out Lake County. It was named for the many lakes contained within its borders, 250 named lakes and 1,735 other bodies of water.
In the 1800s, the two main industries in the area were growing cotton and breeding cattle. In the latter part of the 19th century, people started to grow citrus trees. Throughout the 1940s and 50s, citrus production increased and grew into the area’s leading industry. The December 1989 United States cold wave destroyed most of the citrus groves, dealing an economic blow from which many growers could not recover. Grove owners sold massive amounts of land to developers, resulting in increasing urban sprawl.
Travares Florida is less than an hour by car from the attractions of Orlando, the lakefront city of Tavares is an entirely different taste of Central Florida. Visitors of downtown Tavares will find an entertainment district that has an international assortment of restaurants, pubs and music
venues. You will also enjoy Wooton Park, home of the Tavares Seaplane Base, the children’s Splash Park and more than 16 major community events each year. Enjoy a seaplane ride, take a boat tour, or maybe glimpse long-gone historical figures on the Séance Ghost Tours.
Eustis Florida where you can enjoy a two hour glass bottom guided kayak tour.
Get a 360 degree look at Rock Springs Run on a small-group clear kayak excursion. The leisurely river tour is perfect for nature lovers, families, and photographers. With a completely clear frame, the kayak allows you to see any turtles, fish, or small alligators you pass over. Listen to entertaining commentary on the surrounding flora and fauna along the way.
Mount Dora: is a relaxing lakefront getaway with a bustling downtown, charming bed and breakfasts, and an abundance of parks and green spaces.
Dubbed “Festival City,” Mount Dora hosts more than 30 festivals a year, and its year-round entertainment schedule means there’s always something to do. In addition to the longstanding Mount Dora Arts Festival, the city’s arts and culture scene offers a variety of galleries and museums, including Modernism Museum Mount Dora, where visitors can also dine on contemporary Florida cuisine.
LAKE
COUNTY
DISTANCE: 26.4 MILES FROM THE VILLAGES®
TRAVEL TIME: 40 MINUTES BY CAR
TAMPA BAY
While The Villages® itself boasts numerous amenities and activities, there’s no denying the allure of exploring the surrounding areas. One such gem is Tampa Bay, located just a short drive away. Here are some exciting things for Villagers to do in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Visit the Beaches: Tampa Bay is home to some stunning Gulf Coast beaches. St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach and Fort De Soto Park offer pristine white sands and crystalclear waters, perfect for a day of relaxation or water sports.
Explore the Arts: Tampa Bay has a vibrant arts scene. The Tampa Museum of Art and The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg are mustvisit spots for art enthusiasts. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts hosts various shows and concerts throughout the year.
Sports Fanatics Rejoice: Tampa Bay is a sports lover’s paradise. Catch a Tampa Bay Buccaneers
game at Raymond James Stadium, or cheer for the Tampa Bay Lightning team at Amalie Arena. Baseball fans can watch the Tampa Bay Rays in action at Tropicana Field.
Cruise Adventures: Enjoy a scenic cruise along Tampa Bay or the Hillsborough River. You can choose from dinner cruises, wildlife tours or even pirate-themed adventures. If a cruise ship is what you’re looking for, Tampa Bay is a major cruise port, making it easy for residents to embark on cruises to the Caribbean and other destinations.
Tampa Riverwalk: Take a leisurely stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.6-mile path along the Hillsborough River. Enjoy beautiful views, public art installations and waterfront dining.
Foodie Paradise: Tampa Bay offers diverse culinary experiences. Try Cuban sandwiches, seafood and craft breweries. Don’t forget to sample some key lime pie for dessert.
Whether it’s soaking up the sun on the beach, indulging in culinary delights or immersing yourself in the local culture, Tampa Bay has something for every Villager.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
DISTANCE:
79.1 MILES FROM THE VILLAGES®
TRAVEL TIME: 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES BY CAR
PINELLAS COUNTY
DISTANCE:
101 MILES FROM THE VILLAGES®
TRAVEL TIME: 2 HOURS BY CAR
ORLANDO
Villagers feeling the urge to burst through the bubble and explore Florida should indulge in the abundance of attractions and opportunities to enjoy in nearby Orange County.
Explore Orlando’s Fun Spots: Southeast of The Villages® lies the magical city of Orlando, home to world-renowned theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando. Whether you're seeking exhilarating rides, enchanting characters or aquatic adventures, Orlando offers endless entertainment for all ages.
Discover Natural Beauty: Orange County boasts several picturesque parks and outdoor spaces. The Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is a serene oasis with hiking trails, wildlife and stunning views. Lake Eola Park, located in downtown Orlando, offers a scenic lake with a walking trail along its perimeter, swan-shaped paddleboats and regular events like farmers markets and concerts.
Shop and Dine: Shopaholics and food enthusiasts must visit The Florida Mall for modish stores and
a food court with a multitude of choices. Or try The Mall at Millenia for upscale shopping featuring renowned fashion brands and luxurious boutiques. For a more eclectic experience, explore Winter Garden, where charming streets are lined with independent shops, trendy restaurants and cozy cafes.
Cultural Immersion: The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts hosts world-class Broadway shows, concerts and ballet performances.
The Orlando Museum of Art and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art showcase an impressive collection of visual arts.
Sports: Catch NBA action at the Amway Center, home of the up-andcoming Orlando Magic, led by 2023 Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero. Hockey enthusiasts should check out the Orlando Solar Bears. Get a kick out of Major League Soccer at Exploria Stadium, where Orlando City SC plays. Football fans have two choices of teams to follow – the Orlando Guardians of the XFL or the Orlando Predators in the Arena League. Golf lovers will find a multitude of challenging courses throughout the county, perfect for honing their skills.
With all that just a hop, skip and jump away, head on out Villagers and enjoy a diverse range of activities and experiences beyond the bubble. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, culture or entertainment, Orange County offers something for everyone. So, take a day trip or weekend getaway and explore the many treasures of Orange County.
ORANGE COUNTY
DISTANCE: 57.8 MILES FROM THE VILLAGES®
TRAVEL TIME: 1 HOUR BY CAR
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING
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