THE VILLAGES, FL – The Vintage Costume Jewelry Club is hosting a collectible sale on Saturday, January 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Savannah Center. Come and shop for all sorts of vintage collectibles including jewelry, clothing, home decor, toys, and more. Open to the public. Admission is free. For info, call (352) 303-9734.

THE VILLAGES, FL – Interested in the local culture of The Villages? Artists Round the Square will be held Sunday, December 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Spanish Springs Town Square. Enjoy drinks and entertainment by Tom LaVenia as  you stroll through the lovely local art pieces from 30 artists from The Villages Visual Arts Association.

Hurricane Matthew is the strongest hurricane to strike Florida’s east coast since Hurricane Andrew, and it is just hours away from touching down in the Sunshine State. At Newby Management, we know how important it is to prepare your mobile home for a hurricane. Here are some last minute preparations you can do to help keep your home and family safe in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Click to read article. 

Florida’s Hurricane Andrew , which made landfall as a Category 5 storm in 1992, was the most damaging hurricane in U.S. history at that time. Photo: Michael Warren / iStock

With a hurricane on the horizon, it’s time to get prepared. Here’s a quick guide to what you can do right now with the potential for a hurricane landfall in the days and hours ahead:

Do This First . . .

1. Know the difference between a Hurricane Watch and a Hurricane Warning. A WATCH is when hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours; a WARNING is when conditions are expected within 36 hours.
2. Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates. NOAA Weather Radio is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office on the VFH public service band, requiring a compatible receiver or scanner, as they cannot be heard on a simple AM/ FM radio receiver.
3. Be prepared to evacuate quickly and know your routes and destinations.
4. Check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply. Keep it nearby.

Next, Do This . . . .

• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
• Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters.If you don’t have hurricane shutters, board up all windows and doors with plywood.
• Turn refrigerators and freezers to the coldest setting, and keep them closed as much as possible. This will help perishable food keep longer should the power go out.
• If you don’t have hurricane shutters, board up all windows and doors with plywood. Do not tape glass. Taping does not prevent glass from breaking and takes critical time from more effective preparedness measures.

Are You in a Mobile Home or RV?

1. Given the risks of weathering a storm in place, mobile home residents should evacuate early in response to hurricane, tornado, and flooding. If the forecast predicts strong winds or a WARNING has been issued for your area within 48 hours, seek shelter immediately by quickly going to your pre-planned safe place.
2. Never ride out a severe storm (hurricane, tornado, tropical storm) in a mobile home even if it’s in a non-evacuation zone. As soon as an evacuation order is announced, move to a sturdy building, a storm cellar, a relative’s or friend’s basement. If you have enough time, evacuate to get clear of the whole area!
3. Keep a hand – crank or battery ­operated radio, or NOAA weather radio, handy in case the power goes out.
4. Keep your disaster supplies kit near the main exit door and take it with you if you evacuate.

The McDonald Agency is here for you!

Homeowners insurance in Florida is complicated due to the threat from hurricanes, tropical storms and the subsequent flood and wind damage that can occur. The McDonald Agency is here to help you. Let’s discuss your insurance options and needs regarding hurricane, flood, windstorm or other homeowners insurance. We have two Ocala locations and one in The Villages. Contact us today at (352) 351-4020 in Ocala or (352) 259-3825 in The Villages. 

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Sure you can do it yourself. But when it comes to renting your home in The Villages, hiring a professional property manager is an option you should consider. Here are eight simple reasons why a professional property manager can make your life easier:

1. Less Headaches: The property manager provides distance between the property owner and the tenant which creates peace of mind and worry free rental property freedom to go about your daily life.
2. Tenant Screening: Property Managers will screen the tenant for both their credit and background. Putting this chore in their hands will assure your property has a qualified tenant.
3. Marketing your property: Establishing a marketing strategy to find your tenants and absorbing the cost of the websites, display ads and building a referral business. This equates to more income to the property owner due to the reduced time the property is vacant.
4. Emergency Calls & Maintenance: This is the best reason of all! The property owner will not be contacted in the middle of the night to handle an issue. No wondering what the condition of the property is when a tenant resigns a lease or moves out. Maintenance issues can be handled professionally with the property manager.
5. Knowledge of Area Rental Rates: Property Managers can help an owner to determine the best rental rate based on the local area. This can easily save you money if the property is occupied in a timely manner. Every month that goes by without a tenant is less income to the owner.
6. Laws and Regulations: Property Managers are trained through licensing and continuing education on Federal discrimination laws and the State laws governing their industry. This knowledge can assure you that the rights of both parties are considered if there should be a dispute. Lease preparation with local legal counsel could save an owner substantial legal fees.
7. Income & Expense Reporting: With the software a property manager uses for maintaining your record keeping, you can be assured of clear accounting. This information can be supplied directly to your tax adviser for ease of filing.
8. Property Inspections: The property manager will do regular annual inspections or even more frequent depending on the needs of the tenant. This can assure the property owner through communications of any necessary repairs to keep the property in good condition.

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THE VILLAGES, FL — The publisher of Villages4sale.com has launched a statewide classified marketplace for Florida. Florida4sale will emphasize classified listings with a statewide market, including boats, RVs, vacation rentals and the like. Private sellers can list for free.

Unlike ‘vertical’ marketplace sites, such as Boat Trader, RV Trader, the new website for Florida will also include general listings for ‘all things Florida.’ The website provides business advertisers with proprietary listing management and feed import solutions developed by USA4SALE.

The site has grown out of one of the most successful hyperlocal online classified sites in the nation. Since 1998, Ocala4sale has served hundreds of thousands of local shoppers in central Florida every month, with additional satellite websites throughout the state, such as Villages4sale.com  (serving The Villages, Florida) and LakeCity4sale.com (serving Lake City and north Florida).

Since 1998, USA4SALE has operated digital media properties that serve the heart of central Florida and reach hundreds of thousands of visitors monthly. USA4SALE is passionate about community publishing and creating online marketplaces that create value for local shoppers and small businesses.

Read the complete press release on USA4SALE. 

THE VILLAGES, FL — First of all, what, exactly, is PIP? It stands for Personal Injury Insurance, and Florida is one of a dozen states that require car owners to carry it. PIP coverage pays up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages for each occupant of a vehicle in an accident.

So, what is PIP fraud and how does someone actually commit it? There are a couple ways.

Protect yourself from PIP fraud in Florida. Learn the facts. (Photo: iStock)

Driver Staging

In one instance, an Ocala woman and her child had stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, she proceeded across the intersection. However, the driver of a red car on the other side suddenly decided to make a left turn right in front of her. The accident was unavoidable but minor.

The driver of the red car emerged from her vehicle holding her neck and complaining of injury. Fortunately, an off-duty Florida state trooper also was parked at the intersection and witnessed the whole thing. Upon realizing this, the woman with the neck injury suddenly was “just fine.” It turned out she was an uninsured driver and was depending on the other woman’s insurance to pay for her injury.

Clinic Falsification of Records

The more prevalent type of PIP fraud is committed by drivers working with medical clinics that falsify treatment records. Recently, the operator of a Tampa medical clinic and a massage therapist were both arrested for PIP fraud after it was learned they were paying people to lie about needing treatment following accidents. The treatments never took place, but bills were sent to the drivers’ respective insurance companies.

The medical personnel in that incident aren’t the only professionals who have crossed that line. According to a United Auto Insurance Courts report, the rate of PIP fraud has become widespread in Florida. Statewide, faked PIP claims increased 44 percent from 2009 to 2010. Though predominantly in South Florida, more recently, false PIP claims increased in Central Florida by 50 percent. In fact, the state has three of the top 10 cities for staged-accident PIP fraud in the nation — Tampa, Miami and Orlando.

The Cost of PIP Fraud

As a result of PIP fraud, Florida drivers now pay an extra $48.64 per year in PIP premiums. Last April, in an effort to stem the growth of PIP fraud incidents, the Florida Senate Banking and Insurance Committee passed SB 1930, which will require more detailed police reports and will give insurance companies more control over the resulting claims. This bill protects innocent drivers and their insurance companies from having to pay falsified claims.

How to Protect Yourself

In accordance with state law, make sure your auto policy carries PIP insurance. In the event of an accident, Florida drivers can further protect themselves simply by following the requirements of SB 1930. The first step is to call law enforcement to the scene and make sure all the necessary details are recorded, including the names and addresses of both drivers and all passengers.

Questions About PIP Insurance and Fraud?

Contact a Villages-area insurance agent at The McDonald Agency for more information about insurance claims and coverage. The McDonald Agency has offices in Ocala, Summerfield and The Villages. For immediate insurance information, call (352) 622-2333.

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ABOUT THIS ARTICLE: This sponsored content is not intended to provide specific insurance advice for any individual or business entity and should not be relied on for such advice. Persons seeking insurance advice should contact an insurance agent in The Villages by e-mail or call (352) 622-2333 to receive advice that takes individual circumstances into account.

THE VILLAGES, FL — The monthly classic car cruise is a monthly crowd favorite at the Spanish Springs Town Square. The recent event drew dozens of pre-1980 classic cars along with food and entertainment. Celebrating ‘Christmas in July,’ the event also served as a fundraiser for underprivileged kids in the tri-county area, organized by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Here’s a slideshow of a few of our favorite classic cars:

Find Used Cars for Sale in The Villages:

Looking for a used or classic car for sale in The Villages, Florida? Here’s the latest listings from Villages4sale:

OCALA, FL — About the only thing missing from the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala is the roar of engines and the smell of exhaust. What you will find is a comprehensive history of the sport of drag racing curated by the father of the sport, “Big Daddy” Don Garlits. The Tampa native has been setting records since the 1950s. After losing his foot in a crash in 1970, Garlits went back to work on a new vehicle design that eventually transformed the sport. In 2014, at age 82, he set a 184-mph speed record in an electric dragster.

In addition to the cars that made history — including 34 of his “Swamp Rat” dragsters — here are a few of the odd and unusual exhibits that made us do a double-take. Check them out:

Mad Dog IV was the fastest race car in the world when the winged car reached 181 mph at the Daytona International Speedway in 1961.

This 1974 Karman Ghia has only 27 miles on the odometer. It was purchased new in 1974 and has never been titled.

The Fonz drove this 1950 Mercury Lead Sled on the TV show ‘Happy Days.’ In the show it had green flames. It can still be seen some Friday nights around town with “Big Daddy” Don Garlits behind the wheel.

This 1954 rear-engine 27T roadster was once the world’s fastest drag racer. It clocked 169 mph in 1957. It was also the first drag racing car to use spoked ‘bike’ wheels in the front.

This monster from Chrysler created a sound that brought dread in the 1950s. It was one of 100 air raid sirens bought by the U.S. government in 1952 to warn of Russian nuclear weapons. It came from the roof of the Jai Alai Fronton in Miami, Florida.

Long before the Toyota Prius, this little Crosley Hotshot got more than 50 miles per gallon. Crosley Motors built cars in the United States between 1939 and 1952.

This DIY Kit Car was among the first of its kind in American history. The 1913 Metz Roadster was donated to the museum by Florida Representative George Albright.

Here’s an Ike & Tina concert we didn’t know about! This event for the Nixon campaign in 1960 is featured alongside a 1956 Chrysler purchased by Mamie Eisenhower for Dwight’s birthday. The car included a custom, built-in 45 rpm record player.

This lawnmower is powered by a supercharged big block Chevrolet engine. It was featured in a TV commercial starring “Big Daddy” Don Garlits.

This 1904 Orient Buckboard was known as the cheapest car in the world. It sold for $375 and cut costs by using flexible wooden slats in the suspension system.

How did station wagons get their name? This 1923 Ford “Depot Hack” was used to transport travelers from train depots to their hotels. When train depots became known as stations, the vehicles became known as “Station Wagons.”

This car was the first dragster ever to top 150 mph. The Bustle Bomb driven by Lloyd Scott clocked 151 mph in 1955.

The Tommy IVO T.V. was a dual engine Buick that set speed records between 1959 and 1962. It was featured in Life magazine in 1960, and is one of the most famous cars in the sport.

The world’s most advanced Top Fuel dragster was the mono-wing Swamp Rat 34. Lined up here with other mono wings, it was driven by Don Garlits between 1993 and 2003. It topped 323 mph in the 2003 Gatornationals.

This dragster was powered by a P-40 fighter engine from World War II. The “Pollutionizer” from 1959 was powered by a V-12 Allison engine that saw action in Burma with the “Flying Tigers.” It even had a bullet hole in the crank case!

Baby Moon Eyes was a 1960’s-era rocket dragster that could reach speeds above 500 miles per hour!

Darn Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is located at 13700 SW 16th Avenue in Ocala, Florida near I-75 and SW County Hwy 484. It’s open daily from 9 to 5. Phone: (352) 245-8661.

Related: Find Classic Cars for Sale in The Villages.

So you’ve recently moved to The Villages, but does that make you a true Floridian? Here’s a quick quiz to test your knowledge of Florida culture!

You never know what you’ll find for sale in The Villages. Here are the 12 oddest ads and coolest classifieds we’ve seen in the last few days on Villages4sale. Got something you’d like to sell? Post it on Villages4sale, the area’s leading classified for homes for sale, rentals, furniture, golf carts for sale, used cars and much, much more.

Now check out these cool classifieds!

This Fastback 1971 Mustang Mach 1 purrs in the driveway and drives straight, true and fast! Only 72,000 original miles. Check it out in our used cars for sale.

Here’s another way to fly! This gas-powered RC plane with radio comes with all new accessories. It’s the sort of thing you’ll find in our hobbies and games for sale

Looking for a red chair for sale? Looks like this would fit the bill perfectly! This red leather accent chair was recently listed in our furniture for sale section.

Now here’s a beautiful home that would be just perfect for your red leather chair! It’s located near The Villages in the community of Stonecrest and recently posted to our page for The Villages homes for sale.

How about a red trike to go along with your red chair in your new home for sale in The Villages? This Harley Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic is about a morning’s drive north of The Villages in Lake City. But it looks like it’s worth it. Check it out on our listings for motorcycles for sale in The Villages.

Was the Harley Davidson trike too much, or a little too far out of the way? Here’s an alternative that’s less expensive and burns more calories. You’ll find it in our sporting goods for sale listings.

Tired of all that exercise? Here’s a way to get around The Villages in style in an eye-catching Mercedes golf cart. It’s part of an estate that must sell. You’ll find it listed on our golf carts for sale classifieds.

Looking for an amazing nature retreat near The Villages? This home is near a world-famous manatee haven, and you’ve got to check it out. It’s got 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and it includes a private deeded boat slip. You’ll find it in our listings for homes for sale in The Villages, FL.

OK, you probably don’t need a probably don’t need a restaurant quality meet and cheese slicer. But just in case, here’s a listing in our appliances for sale in The Villages.

Now this is more like it. This beautiful antique vanity is made of cherrywood and works great as a desk or dresser. It would make a great conversation piece. It was listed in our used furniture for sale classifieds.

At Villages4sale classifieds, we’ve got everything for sale. And we mean everything! Even the kitchen sink! For example, here are two wet bar sinks in excellent condition that were listed for sale on our home improvement classifieds.

Remember, the classifieds on Villages4sale are updated daily. So check back often for the latest stuff for sale in The Villages, Florida. You’ll be amazed at what you find!

Credit: iStock / MichaelWarrenPix

So, what, exactly, is an “Act of God?” If you live in Florida, at some time in your life you can pretty much expect your life to be interrupted by an “Act of God,” or, more appropriately, an act of nature. Except for earthquakes that generally dominate the western part of the nation, we Floridians are subject to many other types of natural disasters, such as floods, tornadoes, heavy winds, hail and seasonal hurricanes. And, let’s face it. All year long, there’s always the threat of a lightning strike.

What is all the hype about lightning strikes? The National Severe Storms Laboratory attributes $4 billion to $5 billion in damages each year to lightning strikes. Here in Central Florida, lightning has left some costly devastation in its wake. Our oak trees have a very shallow root system and are easily toppled. A neighbor’s tree could crush your automobile or damage the roof of your house. Some lightning strikes have been strong enough to explode concrete. And, a direct hit on your house can cause a raging fire.

According to Kevin McDonald, principal at The McDonald Agency, an Ocala insurance and financial services firm, lightning is the most common cause of loss for all insurance property in this part of Florida. “We are the lightning capital of the world,” says McDonald. “You need to make sure you protect your property from lightning.”

So, What Precautions Can You Take Against Such “Acts of God?” Some insurance policies actually contain references to “Acts of God,” but not all do so. Damage from fires, lightning and hail may be covered, but damage due to earthquakes and flooding may not be. So, you need to know exactly what your policy covers.

McDonald cautions that even though a lightning claim is covered by your homeowners policy, you need to protect yourself from incurring a deductible cost. You can do that, he says, by making sure you have safely grounded your electronics, with the most susceptible items being sprinkler systems, garage door openers, and other electronics that don’t draw much power.

When considering “Acts of God,” here are 10 Questions you should ask your Florida insurance agent:

• Which natural disasters are covered and which are not?
• How much of my home or car and the contents are covered?
• Does the policy contain guaranteed replacement cost?
• Does the policy include flood insurance?
• What are the specifics regarding lightning damage?
• How much is my deductible?
• What safety upgrades would reduce my premium?
• What is the procedure for filing a claim? Is it 24-hour service?
• Does my policy include hotels or car rentals, and for how long?
• Does my policy specifically contain language referring to “Acts of God?”

The McDonald Agency Is Here for You

Homeowner’s and auto insurance can be complicated in Florida, mostly because of the threat from hurricanes, tropical storms, lightning strikes, flooding and wind damage. When you call The McDonald Agency you get the answers to these questions from knowledgeable agents who want to see you and your assets protected. Our office in The Villages is located at 11938 CR 101. Call for information: (352) 259-3825.

Note: This article was brought to you by The McDonald Agency.