Amenity Fee Hike, Rolling Up The Sidewalks, And More on Mailbag Monday

How quickly time flies in Florida! Join the Newcomers, Jerry and Linda as they take some great and not so great questions from viewers on this edition of Mailbag Monday. Remember to keep sending your questions to:
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Jerry and Linda bring you information that they hope will enhance your retirement.
The channel is more than just The Villages. It features episodes designed to inspire retirees to make the most of their golden years. Bicycling, kayaking, hiking, golfing, music, travel and other things of interest are featured.
“See you when you get here!”
Mailing address:
Villages Newcomers
P.O.Box 888
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
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The information in our videos is not guaranteed as accurate, but as our opinion. Please do your own research when it comes to important matters. We intend it as entertainment only.

[@KJ-xc6qs]

given the fact that all three of you are gingers, the apricot-colored tee-shirts are most flattering.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Why thank you BK!😁😁😁

[@jenmidwest2432]

I think y'all look so nice in the color orange...Gizmo too..he is glowing.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Jen!😁😁

[@myutoob2011]

Foxtail palms are almost maintenance free, the entire fronds falls clean off the trunk. Seeds pods come out not too often. Plus they look like what you think a traditional palm would be. We have Christmas palms that grew from seeds we threw in a pile. Sprouted dozens of shoots and we planted some around our yard.

[@mykvalentin]

You guys are Rock Stars whenever you go the Squares, especially Gizmo! I hope your arm gets better soon, Jerry. Cheers ☕☕

[@violetfog2461]

Today we are here for our Lifestyle visit. We have been keeping our eyes peeled for a sighting of Jerry and Linda. We have mentioned you to everyone letting them know you are the reason we are here! You have so many fans including us! Thank you for all you do! We will still keep hoping for a Newcomers siting.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

We will look for ya! Enjoy your visit! 😁😁😁

[@nancydooley9483]

Thanks for showing our picture! We loved meeting you! We are returning mid September for two weeks. See you when we get here!! LOL!

[@florabamabelle6413]

We live on golf course in Orlando ~ they cut the grass everyday……early morning….that part we don’t enjoy.

[@technologymom]

The 80/20 rule (for 55 and older) was originally intended for a spouse under 55 who lost their older husband or wife, so they wouldn’t have to sell and move right away.

[@mariegadevsky9759]

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.Keeping that good truth in mind, we will all trust God for healing and a quick return to the golf course. There is so much to keep us joyful and thankful and merry! Love you both, Linda and Jerry

[@sarahgupton2552]

Our condo fees include cable, water, trash pickup, and maintenance of all our exterior structures and golf course. Of course, it’s not as fancy as your home, but it’s what I like. I can manage everything myself. And my taxes are zilch except for a modest fire/police safety assessment.One person in the your unit must be 55 or over. Anyone living in your unit permanently must be on your deed. We have tennis courts, pickle ball courts, heated swimming pools, hot tub, spectacular recreation center, free movies 2x weekly, holiday shows, dances, etc.

[@josea5949]

There are self shedding/ self cleaning palms that are the best. The palm branches turn brown then fall off afterwards. The only thing you need to do is cut those seed pods every now and then.

[@pmholcombe453]

Another enjoyable Mailbag Monday! Love when you talk about the beautiful palms in FL. Jerry, I hope you have a painless and speedy recovery. Gizmo was in rare form and very funny. Hope you have a wonderful week!

[@chriscraver4070]

Good Monday morning to you three. Hope that injury get better quick. Have a beautiful week ❤️

[@ronaldschettler5318]

Liked Gizmo’s joke👍👌❤️

[@dianeritchey2775]

Hello from PA. Love Mailbag Mondays and all your vlogs. 💕

[@jpfautsch]

Best Monday morning show by far!

[@Debber0401]

Those HOAs can be a great thing, I guess. Like when it comes to a question like Herb’s about the pigeon coup! Some neighbor’s pastimes can really change the beauty of an area and bring the neighborhood down! I sometimes wish all neighborhoods had some sort of HOAs so that when new people move in to a residence, they can’t have thing laying around or piling up outside their homes. Some people t’day don’t seem to have respect for their new neighbors, for example, with the playing of loud music as if there’s a block party going on until all hours of the night, but it is what it is I guess! Have a great week and hope you have a speedy recovery for your wrist!!

[@ajoepetrucceJr]

As a comparison,we pay 86.25 a month in the Village portion of Chapel Woods in Noblesville,Indiana. It covers lawn and pool use,and maintenance of common areas.We also get 2 snow cleanings of drive and sidewalk per year.Homes paired with $2500 per year taxes,1900 square feet at typical $250,000 cost

[@adriennebetar3939]

Nice variety topics & entertaining as always, My Monday is complete! Thank you.

[@lorrainebrown3536]

Again, So enjoyed Mailbag Mondays! Hugs from NJ❤️🦴

[@matt51402]

And this wraps up another great mailbag Monday!

[@ashleymerkt9125]

Is Gizmo ever patient for a treat? Hahaha 😊. I first found your show a couple of days ago and it’s definitely helping me to learn about The Villages. So thank you! Also, I wanted to let you know I am 36 years old and I independently bought a home near Spanish Springs last month. My neighbors have all been very kind so far, and I love how quiet it is after 9pm. Hope to meet you around The Villages 😊!

[@chadwilliams7571]

Thank you for your videos! They are certainly helping us be more informed for our future move to TV! I have personal experience living on a golf course & honestly wouldn’t do it again. The view is wonderful, but we were right in the area where those teeing off would land their balls. There is nothing at all as frustrating as waking up, & looking out the bedroom window into the eyes of a golfer in your yard looking for his ball! I don’t think a day went by without seeing at least one person in my yard so far that they could touch my house.

[@sarahgupton2552]

I liked your joke, Gizmo. Don’t tell Linda and Jerry, but you are the real star of the show!💕💕🥰

[@jamesrucker995]

Awesome info on the palm trees. Thanks!!

[@sherryk9805]

Thank you for sharing the video of Chloe! Caught us by surprise! Lol. I don’t know what it is about that song. Every single time! 🤣🐾

[@nancywamack3791]

I was right C!!! You guys are so cute! Thanks for brightening my Monday😎

[@nataliesmithhart4511]

Thanks for sharing a great mailbag! 💌 Hope the wrist is on the mend and you are back on the course quickly Jerry. ⛳️ Loved seeing my favorite Florida landmark….the palm trees. 🌴 Always beautiful! Have a great week. Best! ☀️

[@janiceblachstein8594]

Good Morning from Tuscawilla!!! Love Monday coffee with y'all. 😀😀

[@sassysasparilla2922]

Another great show as always..Jerry hope that arm heals up quickly! I’ll bet Giz says you can still manage to feed him treats hehe 😁🐶 looking forward to Thursday, thanks for sharing! 💓🙂🐾

[@sharonlee7111]

Hope your arm heals quickly!🙏😍

[@johntamulonis4626]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@GringoLoco1]

Heal quickly amigo!

[@billwilliams9527]

Good presentation on the palms.

[@annekelley8299]

Sorry to see your injury. I’m sure it will heal quickly. Stay safe

[@kriscampbell2327]

The tutorial on palm trees was very interesting. I learned a lot about palm trees. That seed pod, wow, that was amazing. Living in a northern state my whole life, I've never paid much attention to Palm trees. Thanks for the info on palm trees. And yes, in the language of the theater, Gizmo steals the show. Gizmo's segments are so cute. And Gizmo is cute.

[@philiphoffman4740]

"A little lighter", really this cracks me up. From Pinellas County

[@davidjeffries47]

Great show!

[@CR-ru1kw]

😳So sorry to hear. 🥰🥰🥰Gizmo. Many thanks for sharing 😘.

[@laurarahz12]

Great show as usual!! Can you please give us an update on how things are in Florida with the virus? And let us know how you were doing also with the impending storms. Stay safe!!

[@w.c.7247]

Another great, informative show!

[@conniemcgehee2851]

also palm tree seedlings sprout up and are hard to remove too if you don’t dig them up when they are small

[@vickyb5935]

LOVE palm trees -that too me, like you say is Florida! But had no idea about the seed pod and then when you showed all the nuts inside - oh my gosh!!!!! Can see why you would want that cut out before it even opened!

[@johnnicatra570]

Great episode.

[@stevenwilburn235]

Thank you for sharing. Be careful Jerry!!

[@ernestkooistra1559]

Happy MBM! TY!

[@rustyboy6136]

Always look forward to Mailbag Mondays. Our amenities fee jumped up last month to $174.84.

[@classicprepp]

Love your videos- Keep them coming! -LL, nyc

[@vincentadarpino9748]

We love you guys....😀

[@philomenamagill700]

Enjoyed your video guy's , X

[@billgale2264]

Love your show!

[@showgirlsaroundtheworldada4484]

Great vlog today!

[@gregorynp]

Another good show.

[@stanleykeith6969]

Hello, I know you like to play Golf so at 1 58/22 23 I think the answer is "C" Golfing ! With out seeing the end of the video.

[@peanutsassyathena]

I got it right! I knew it was a golf swing injury. Get well soon.

[@ron5977]

Two thumbs up great video!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Ron! 😁😁

[@lindae5864]

I also am getting priced out of the TV as I'm on a fixed income and don't want to out live my retirement funds. I know several families in TV but will not be able to afford to join them. So sad that a home 2 yrs ago is priced $100,000.00 higher today or even more!! Great MBM, loved "a little Lighter", heal quickly Jerry. Linda watch Jerry so he doesn't over do too soon, lol. Looking forward to Thursday.

[@annetteburnett3132]

Love you guys! We just sold our place in florida. Couldnt afford two places anymore. Is little Gizmo becoming a diva? I noticed how he was nudging Linda. Lol. Looking forward to your next show. Have a wonderful week!

[@larrydorazio7130]

Pat and I do not live in a retirement community. One of the reasons is that association/amenity fees don't ever seem to decrease. "Never say never", the day may come.

[@beachgal5062]

I missed the accident😭answer! Get better quicky!!! Cant wait til Thursday! Enjoyed this show! You guys are great!!!

[@carolapostolos8929]

Jerry hurt it while swinging at his golf ball.

[@MsLorie-ef6fo]

A pigeon coup...? That quacked me up!!!! (Must be from the hills of Kentucky.) I guess the guy never noticed all the pigeon poop on his roof or sidewalk. Seriously???? As far as your amenity fee going up a few dollars, my rent just got raised $70 a month! Gizmo's jokes always crack me up .... Keep them coming. Always love Monday's videos. 💙💚💛🧡❤️💜

[@barbaraebner5889]

You guys look good in Florida Orange. Have a good week.

[@colleensmith3374]

LOL!! Pigeon's really... Great content especially on the palm tree's..I didn't know that. None of those in CO!! Golf is work:) As my father would say, "we all have problems, there all just different!" Hope you heal fast so you can get back to it.:)

[@paulm4537]

I rent every January in TV and City Fire in Lake Sumter has a live band indoors until 11.

[@penelopepitstop762]

We have some palm trees in Texas, but most of them died this past winter and now they look ugly. I’d rather have a nice pecan or magnolia tree, but I guess if I were in TV I’d love a palm tree.

[@karenseman8258]

Ouch Jerry! Heal quickly the neighborhood needs you in the ⛳️ outing! Linda your hair looks so pretty; price hike is good 💵 spent! 😉 Our amenity fee went up in July 😒 but like you guys, we think it’s completely worth it! Really looking forward to Thursday’s vid - those tasks are on our list!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

$100 x 12 = $1,200. 😛😛

[@karenseman8258]

@@JERRYANDLINDA Your Brandi is a bargain!

[@aeroringordmngr8739]

Read somewhere that there is a “Villages Aviation/Flying Club”. Being a private pilot that would be very attractive to me as a potential future villager. If possible could you get a member or officer of the club for an interview, or possibly a tour of their aircraft in a future episode. Thanks

[@rebeccamartin4267]

Are seeds good for anything? Great show 👏 Love Gizmo 💘

[@RedDevilRaspberry]

I think Arya, (Think Arya Stark from GoT) my Saint Bernard and Gizmo would make great friends! Feel better soon, Jerry. So sorry you’ll miss your golf tournament. 😕 💕✌🏼

[@bobbiehollingsworth3418]

My favorite show on you tube.❤️

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thank you, Bobbie! 😁😁

[@peterboggi9690]

Great Show as always. .Looing forward to Thursdays show. No golf for you! i

[@barbaradiffenbaugh6660]

Hello from Baltimore, Md.. Love your channel. Take care of that wrist!!

[@DisMindy5767]

Aw so sorry you got injured at Bonifay. I guessed correctly. Hope it gets better really soon. BTW we really enjoyed the food at Bonifay when we visited with my cousins who live in Carlton villas.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Mindy.😁😁

[@oceandreamer1958]

Jerry, so sorry about your injury! I hope it heals quickly! We just did our landscaping recently. We have lots of palm trees. We have a Sylvester Palm, 4 Robellini Palms, Sugar Palm and 2 Foxtail Palms. We love them all! Regarding big dogs, there are so many here! We have a Greyhound in our neighborhood, Golden Retriever, Labs, as well as many other large breed dogs. We have a Long Hair Chihuahua, so we fall in the other category! It’s definitely a dog world in The Villages! Thank you, as always, Jerry, Linda and sweet Gizmo!

[@giannabella9183]

Love that doggy 💕❤️ Gizmo can do no wrong. 🌻🙏🪴💕❤️

[@hosegooseman5]

Well Jerry, looks like your “handicap” went up a bit. Hope it gets better soon. Saludos !!!

[@cydneystephen2814]

Hey Jerry and Linda. Oh no Jerry. Sorry about your wrist. I think B? Watching and Waiting for the answer at the end. Love the shout outs. The amenity fee went up? Why? What was provided extra? Is there a newly added amenity? Smh. $725,000? Florida was supposed to be a retirement state re : retirement funds. But with so many new communities being built, it’s attractive to younger upcoming families. But I think there is great price gouging….. There was a 62+ community dropped to 55+ my mum was looking at in 2012. I was newly divorced and 46 at the time. They said we could buy and both our names on the deed and mortgage but if she passed before I was 55 , I would have to sell and leave so we didn’t buy. Restaurants closing at 8:30/9 is early. 10 is good. Last seating at 9 cuz kitchen starts preparing at 9:30. Restaurants in Manhattan open a little late on Friday and Saturday nights til 11. Bars even later with finger foods. I’m in Nassau county in Long Island. 10 is closing. 11 on Friday and Saturdays. It depends. Palm trees are beautiful but the maintenance is good to know. No shed in your backyard? That’s good to know. Your brave Linda. Don’t think I could have birds on me like that. Answer time. C? I said B. Yes Jerry. Don’t play and re injure yourself. There will be many future tournaments. Hippo/Zippo🤣. Great mailbag Monday. Thanks much.

[@mrmotorcarsrs2034]

Also all 3 of you Mailbag star's hair seem to match the your shirts today :) cute.

[@markphillipson768]

Another great MBM, what would a Monday be without a Head Shaker question. Hope you get better fast. Take care.

[@debbiericker8223]

A pigeon coop? On those small lots? Seriously? Pigeons are rats with wings. Noisy (not loud, but incessant) and messy, and Histoplasmosis spores thrive in their droppings. I knew a man who caught histoplasmosis from pigeon droppings in his barn and had to have major surgery on both lungs. (The scars were horrifying.) As Jerry says, "Come on, people!"

[@csnanny1882]

Sorry about your accident, they always happen at the worse time. Take it easy.

[@bonniebeenken9207]

As new residents of The Villages from Wisconsin as of three weeks ago, learning about the hike in amenity fees is interesting. Looking forward to hearing from your expert next week about wills and trusts in Florida and whether we need to update ours! Heal quickly, Jerry!

[@tribbles2955]

Is the amenity fee a monthly fee or an annual fee?

[@lauralampe1664]

@@tribbles2955 it is monthly.

[@tribbles2955]

@@lauralampe1664 Yikes!

[@kenpeters9807]

You get a lot for it

[@raymondstewart6290]

That hurt right wrist may be a blessing in disguise. Less right hand in a golf swing is never a bad thing. Take a little practice time to improve your swing.

[@mrmotorcarsrs2034]

Thanks for the info on the Amenities Fee, You say you don't know about others, this seems to mean each village has a separate Amenities Fee? Always love the show.

[@carolapostolos8929]

Yes, each has different fee, but similar in price.

[@carolapostolos8929]

The golf view lots in the newest areas of TV are going for $300,000! Yikes!

[@marilynwallace1050]

It saddens me to hear you guys announce your last question of Mailbag Monday . . . I just want to tell those folks cheering to go sit down! LOL

[@lynnchiofalolucas3777]

I’m very interested in hearing about the Wills information that you are presenting on August 19th. I’ve started my Will, but it needs some serious updating.

[@robinrutherford6984]

And 40 golf courses...just saying. Heal quickly! Swinging the golf club.

[@showgirlsaroundtheworldada4484]

Bird bath in either front or back yard? Or just no bbs at all

[@Katee586]

I guessed correctly!

[@marilynnschroeder4436]

Wow, some of these questions are too much 😂😂. I have a question, is there a community garden where folks can get a plot of land to plant things which might otherwise not be allowed or wanted next to their house? Thanks! Love those Gizmo jokes! 😂😂😂

[@barbarakerrigan5177]

World of Beet has great huge Pretzels you should try the pretzels

[@SharonY515]

Loved your show today and look forward to Thursday’s show on Wills and Trusts when you move to FL. Gizmo is so sweet. Jerry sorry you hurt your arm, hope it heals fast and you are back to playing golf soon.

[@stupitdog9686]

Hi Guys - Good stuff! Couple of questions .. Can you Air/Line/Outside - dry your laundry? I hate tumble dried big items like shirts, trousers, Tshirts, shorts etc. Smalls (socks & Knickers,) are fine, but you can't beat a fresh line dried Tshirt, etc. Also ... Do you have to roof your houses with shingles? They seem to have a short lifespan & don't appear to be the first choise is hurricane likely areas? Thanks, Stupit. Gards to Gizmo. One for him - What kind of noise did cave dogs make? A jurassic bark!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

😁😄😆🤣😄😁😃

[@lindapearl4792]

I’ve always been curious as to why it’s called an amenity fee rather than an HOA? Same thing? Sounds better? Thanks for another interesting show & hope you can play soon!

[@livingbetweenthedashkelly8005]

My park calls the lot rent, a lifestyle fee.

[@susanclark2756]

Palm trees are pretty to look at but I wouldn't want one in my yard. We had one at the house we were renting in Corpus Christi and we referred to it as a roach tree because it was always covered in roaches though we never saw them in the house - thank God! Hope your arm heals quickly - I was thinking the answer was f- skate boarding with the grand kids! :)

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@penelopepitstop762]

Hello fellow Texan, I’m curious if the palm trees down there survived this past winter? I’m in the Austin area and most here died. Most everyone cut them down and now they look so ugly. Hopefully farther south they survived!

[@susanclark2756]

@@penelopepitstop762 IDK, been gone from there for the last 26 yrs.

[@penelopepitstop762]

@@susanclark2756 oki doki! 😁

[@davidwarner3975]

Remind people that palms give refuge to tree rats.. I had 7 queens and a 30' washingtonian cut down last year..

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

We have heard that, Although we haven't seen any. I'm sure some people do have rodents. We have 2 Washingtonias, and I'm wondering how large we will let them get.

[@jccomer8694]

I chose B.

[@ThatLVCguy]

My opinion about golf course view homes are NOT worth it if you just interested in a home to live in when a standard inner property home will do. It IS worth it if you are buying as a home that you expect to move in about 5 years, really enjoy watching golf on your lanai, you want to leave an investment to your children, etc. This is because the golf course, water views, and wooded views tend to increase in value faster than the standard inner border homes.

[@nancyquinn1990]

this whole fee concept is just another word for TIMESHARE

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

That doesn't seem to make sense in our case.