As tropical Storm Fay approaches The Villages it is imperative that area residents prepare for the worst.

If you are new to Florida or have never experienced a hurricane’s wrath, here are a few things to do before a storm like Fay hits.

Having plenty of nonperishable food items is important. Restaurants and grocery stores may not be open, and potential power outages make microwaves and ovens unusable.

Have plenty of bottled water in your home. Drinkable water may be at a premium in the aftermath of a major storm.

Some other things Villagers should do to prepare for the storm include: Fill your car up with gas. Have flashlights plus plenty of extra batteries. Have enough cash on hand to make it through several days because ATMs and credit cards will not work during power outages.

Have on hand is a weather radio with extra batteries. If your power goes out, a weather radio may be the only way to monitor the storm.

Veteran Villages residents remember when Hurricane Frances caused significant damage to the area in 2004.

Welcome to “Talk of the Villages.”

This is a free interactive community where you are welcomed to talk about what interests you and your friends. While “Talk of the Villages” is designed specifically for residents of The Villages, Florida, it is open to people all over the world. Here, you can talk about your favorite Villages pastimes, sporting activities or anything else that interests you. You will find categories about every club, organization, ethnic group, religion, and political or social interest. In addition, you will find employment opportunities, homes and villas for sale or rent, merchandise for sale, a guide to help find a physician or treatment as well as restaurants, service companies and churches. If you do not find a category for your special interest, just ask us, and we’ll create it. “Talk of the Villages” is in no way connected to The Villages developer or management. It was conceived of and created by a resident of The Villages. It is a place where you can feel comfortable visiting. We will make every effort to ensure that all conversation is family friendly and in compliance with local, state and federal laws.

www.talkofthevillages.com

ü 40,000 Homes growing to75,000

ü 24 Executive Golf Courses

ü 9 Championship Golf Courses (225 Holes )

ü 12 Neighborhood and 5 Regional Recreation Center and growing

ü Tennis, Bocce, Shuffleboard, Pickle Ball

ü 6 Olympic Sports Pools, 31 Family Pools

ü 2 Towne Squares for shopping, Dining and Live Entertainment Soon to be 3

By 2015 (just seven years) 4 out of 10 Americans will be 50 years old or older.

It’s no wonder that hundreds of “active retirement communities” are breaking ground every year.

The Villages in Florida is on the leading edge. We’re the world’s largest retirement community.

We’re nearly twice the size on Manhattan. Our peak population will be 110,000.

To those of us who live in The Villages, these facts are not surprising.

After all, we have the best entertainment, dozens of great golf courses, over 100 miles of golf cart trails and two amazing “downtowns”.

We link to the unofficial guide to The Villages. It’s somewhat biased but VERY usefule for first time visitors and long time residents as well. Visit our website www.TheVillagesUSA.com