It's Cold, Rising Fees, and Dying in Florida

Mailbag Monday with Jerry and Linda! Rising amenity fees, Cremation vs. Burial, Snowbirds, When did The Villages feel like home and lots more is covered today. Will Jerry take a rocket ride? Will The Villages build condos down south?
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Please ring that bell, like, and subscribe! We'll let you know every time we post a video! Jerry and Linda bring you information that they hope will enhance your retirement. Their 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 never guaranteed as accurate, but as our opinion. Please do your own research when it comes to important matters. We intend it as entertainment only.

[@lynnchiofalolucas3777]

My husband was also a teacher. He applied for the “Teacher In Space” program, too. He wasn’t selected either, and I’m glad about that. You remind me so much of him. He’s in Heaven now.

[@airybrook]

I stopped planting things that need to be covered years ago. Only the strong survive at my house.

[@trudyyurina5473]

I was just talking this morning about what do Floridians do when they die. Cremation or burial with the water table so high. Linda, we put a screen on our garage door and we love it. Best thing we bought for our house so far. We are snowbirds and we don't rent out either of our houses. I don't want strangers sleeping in my bed or going through my things are my house. Happy Monday!!!!

[@oceandreamer1958]

When we bought our home, it felt like home right away. It’s a great life here. It’s similar to vacation, but don’t have to go home! We love it here! We lost weight when we moved here, and have kept it off.

[@tonymoceri9002]

Jerry & Linda, i do enjoy watching your videos, and learning more about the Villages. I'm 52 and the snow and the cold is starting to get to me. I hope one day we can make it down there.

[@susier7766]

I'll have to say it's a real treat to watch you two. Have a wonderful day and Happy New Year from the Northwest. Susie

[@sarahgupton2552]

Old fashioned is my favorite donut. Dunkin’ down here. Favorite coffee too.

[@sarahgupton2552]

I love visiting cemeteries. I love to imagine the lives and histories of the people there. I’ve been to cemeteries where many of my ancestors are buried. My 4x great grandfather is buried in Tennessee, the oldest grave in the cemetery.

[@pennyweldon8587]

Y’all always bring such sweet smiles to our faces each Monday! Keep warm you two!! Love the diet tip too😉

[@johntamulonis4626]

Great show!! Love these shows, they put a smile on my face!

[@laurarahz12]

As always great video!! ❤️

[@theresatitus-lawson3431]

Hi Jerry, Linda and Gizmo! I decided to be cremated and I'm using The Neptune Society for that. It felt like home to me the first day I moved to The Villages and like you Linda I always feel like I'm on vacation! Thanks for the Mailbag Monday Video! ❤

[@peterboggi9690]

Hi Jerry and Linda & Gizmo.. Great show ! Finally had time to view your show. Close on this home 2/28, and our new home in Hawkins 3/1.. so you know how hectic this is. See ya soon !!

[@djbvida]

Another fun and informative video!! Gizmo also great as usual! Love the diet tip. Would enjoy more including a Linda cooking tip. Stay warm. Up here in TN it’s cold and snowy. You all are so fun to watch. You too Gizmo

[@Nolly1960]

Hi Linda and Jerry, I just made plans to come down to the villages to check It out.. I’ve been watching you both since last winter… and now I’m coming down in April… I haven’t been on a vacation in over 30 yrs.. I will be staying in a villa in Osceola.. I hope I’m able to meet you both.. and Ofcourse Gizmo…💖

[@LandGirlGB]

Hi Guys! Being prepared is the best gift you can give your family, friends and pets! No one wants to talk about death that’s why it is so important to live your best life every day! We miss you, cannot wait to see you and Gizmo soon! 🐶❤️

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

See you when you get here!

[@patricklee780]

How could anyone not like you 2. You are humorous and very likable :) Also I am a big fan of your golf cart adventures!!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thank you, Patrick!😁😁😁

[@sallypriest4363]

Gizmo’s Walmart joke had me rolling on the floor! Loved your hamburger bun tip!

[@jenniferjahns4006]

When you mentioned your facebook page I had to go check to make sure I'm following, which I knew I was. I hadn't seen many of your recent posts. Hopefully now that I've revisited it'll start notifying me or showing up on my timeline!

[@Jorgeola757]

Good information. Thanks for sharing.

[@deanlaplante4673]

I have enjoyed watching your show Jerry and Linda. We live in Taiwan and we are 12 hours ahead of you in Florida.. We plan to move to Florida in January 2023 and we are getting all the info we can on Florida. We have for sure decided to live in the Central Florida area..

[@rachelt2482]

Love your videos! Thanks for sharing :)

[@aseretstudio1724]

You two always bring a smile to my face!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

We appreciate that, Bernardo!

[@pamelahall4330]

You guys are just delightful! I am definitely going to start my double hamburger diet tomorrow. I don't live in the Villages but in a 55+ community in Fruitland Park and our lot rent went up $10. Your amenity fees seem to entitle you to a lot of different activities. Swimming, rec halls, outdoor games etc. It really does sound like you are getting a bargain. Love all your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@jorge2861]

You guys are so hilarious 😂. Glad to se you have so much fun doing these videos!

[@ronniegross7628]

Thank you so much for posting Lucy’s first golf cart ride. ❤️🐶 Ronnie

[@jamiehumphrey882]

You two are awesome! I love you guys.

[@bobwhite2003]

Brutus says thanks for the shout out. We’ll see ya when we get there. Leaving for the Villages in five days 🌴🛺

[@karenseman8258]

Hello J and L and G! Thx for the great answer and I hope you guys stay warm up there in the “north”! 😉

[@yogiviben8555]

Omgosh you guys are sooooo cute! You have me cracking up here. ♥️

[@ernestkooistra1559]

So sorry about the cold! Happy MBM!

[@susanlauer4217]

Love you’re show we live in Punta Gorda fl . ,Enjoy the question and answer Monday’s. Keep it up , hey gizmo .

[@JamesSmith-wy7zk]

I am in the roofing industry. You don’t wanna mix ventilation systems, meaning two or more different types. Only in certain situations if the attic is divided. It really is a science because you don’t wanna have negative pressure in the attic. As far as temperature you want it in 120 to 130°. This will provide a thermal layer and actually keep your cold air down from escaping. Just like when you go to the supermarket and I have open freezers the warmer air in the store holds the cold air down. Now if it gets excessively hot in the attic then you will have heat intrusion into the house requiring your AC to work more. The foil you have in your attic roof has an emissivity value that reflect 97% of radiant heat waves. What radiant heat waves do obviously raise the temperature. By keeping most of them out will help keep your attic cooler to a healthy range. The ventilation will help your attic stay a little cooler but most of all keep from stagnant humidity in your attic causing mold. The best resource to go to is any roofing ventilation company webpage and put in the dimensions of your attic and it will explain what systems that would be best for one’s situation. In my opinion if you have enough ridge line on top of your house is to use a ridge vent and once again follow the math to put the proper size and quantity of soffit vents in to create a constant flow and positive pressure. All the best Jim from Georgia. See you when I get there.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Holy cow! We should have you on the show!

[@Melaniexb1]

Bless you Thank you for your Expertise

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

You sound like a man to trust!! 🙂

[@wandaarnt234]

Thank You cheers from Pennsylvania 👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@charn913]

Love these 2! Thank you -I’m freezing

[@curtisdavis8594]

Brrr.. Great video...Good topic... Cold weather in Florida... Thanks Y'all..

[@chrisdananay3103]

Love your show you two are so cute together!!! Keep it up

[@Cathyntn]

I’m binge watching your wonderful shows again, I just love you guys and your topics are great and sooo fun!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Awww... thank you SO much!

[@kathybriscoe1474]

I like the commentary before your video. Glad to see Linda is back to normal.

[@richsoper1779]

Another good show. Thank you

[@davidmoose5681]

Hello from snowy Strongsville, Ohio with 15 inches of snow overnight.

[@michaelvincent8494]

Loved today’s show! 👍

[@bw7471]

Hi guys, love your program especially, Gizmo comments. About 20 years ago I planned and prepaid my funeral, haven't regretted it yet. lol

[@lyndapongracz6347]

Well, I just sort of stumbled into your channel, and I must say, I've had a rather enjoyable visit! My dad lived in FL for several years in the St. Pete area, but I've never seen the area where you are living. I checked out several of your videos and found them so entertaining. I love your honesty as you describe the places and people down there. I also love how you interact with each other with such respect and kindness - it's refreshing! Many blessings on you both as you enjoy your Florida life!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Lynda!🙂🙂

[@sarahgupton2552]

Enjoyed your video today. Haven’t been able to watch much lately. Kisses to Gizmo.🥰😘❤️❤️

[@rebeccaspacke2315]

Hi Jerry, Linda and Gizmo....another great show. And, as morbid as it sounds, I'm looking forward to your upcoming 'funeral' show. My husband and I FINALLY decided upon cremation. Our kiddos can either save or scatter our ashes....but they won't have to deal with transporting our bodies to another state. Looking forward to hearing what your 'experts' say about how the process works. PS.....Linda, you're right on the screened garage door comment. The screens on the garage door makes a HUGE difference in the heat of the garage. (At least it did for us.) If heavy garage door stays down, there is NO ventilation; no breeze; just elevated heat levels. However, when the big door is open and the side door is open, cross ventilation occurs and makes a marked reduction in heat in the garage.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Rebecca! Good info!

[@stevenscoggins170]

Great show as always.

[@garyxyz4400]

Nice show. Great start to the video. I am currently in Florida on the east coast side. Might be cold here but not as cold as it is up north. Also great diet tip for your psyche but your stomach will still tell you to eat more.

[@aks8823]

I see ya'll have Long-sleeved tees on. Also loved Linda's white gloves with the little bows on them! Hugs from Texas.

[@lindagraham178]

Thanks for another great and fun show, love Jerry's diet tip🍔🍔

[@stangockel8479]

According to the National Funeral Directors' Association, in 2016 the number of cremations reached 50.2 percent. I expect it has continue to grow since then.

[@tribbles2955]

Very enjoyable. Great tip about the hamburger and, yes, back in the day I did eat two Big Macs. Only did it once, though.

[@debbiebrow8857]

We put in solar fans a few months back. We placed 2 and you are correct in saying it doesn't cool your home a lot, but the cost of $500 per fan is not that much as well. We did some research and found it was both helpful to cool the attic and save your air conditioner some so.... its preference. Enjoying your vlog. Debbie

[@kathysutter6968]

Hey guys, We just had a new roof put on this passed summer and they installed a solar fan that goes on when it reaches a certain temp. I have to say it made our AC work so much better and kept it cooler.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

That is awesome!

[@sarahgupton2552]

68 in Sunrise with a high of 72 expected. It was nippy and windy overnight. Perfect weather!🥰

[@reginacarroll8270]

I could listen to you two talk all day! Love your laugh Linda! Will be making that meatloaf. Thank You!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Aww... thank you Regina! 😁😁😁

[@crispykritta]

Ok, so this was the funniest show yet! You guys crack me up! A little perspective on your weather at 34 degrees. We’ve been sub-zero here this past week here in NH and just spent the morning cleaning out heavy wet snow. Remember those days jn IN? Of course you do! Enjoy your cool but dry driveways and roads! 🥶 😊🌴⛳️🌟

[@mwm3360]

Love your dieting tips!!

[@glenseaschell]

Added radiant barrier to attic, plus insulation over garage, and two solar fans. Also insulated garage doors, and our electric bill went down over $30 dollars. Great investment.

[@carolgroeschel9382]

You guys are so funny and cute together! Wish we were in TV!

[@Anthony-ko3ep]

Love the hat, enjoy the week.

[@sherrillbeaman2320]

Loved you show tonight as always. Randy and Sherrill

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@glogloe1797]

Gizmo needs his own channel. He’s becoming quite the comedian. 🤣

[@donturno8092]

I love the burger tip. Never thought of that and since I try to stay with no more than 100grams of carbs a day I'll have to try soon. Thanks

[@mollyj409]

Thanks for the hamburger bun tip! Great idea!🍔

[@lindajames5065]

Love Gizmos jokes 🤣😂👍🏻 great video👍🏻 Texas Lady😊

[@NataliesBestLife]

Hello from CA - just visited Disneyworld last week - thinking about moving to Florida for lower cost of living - thank you for this valuable information

[@robk1310]

LOL!!! Jerry looks like the police chief from the movie Fargo!!! 😅

[@wandaarnt234]

New subscriber thank You cheers from Pennsylvania 👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@mikewilson4141]

Really Enjoyed !

[@1lewtime]

Growing up in Sumter Co. during the 60s was great. Hauling hay during the summer was a great way to make money. We never thought about the heat or humidity. We just drank plenty of water and just enjoyed what we were doing. Seriously folks, heat and humidity ain’t so bad. Enjoy life.

[@automaticsweetheart2009]

Hey, Lisa here! Thanks for including my questions and I enjoyed hearing your answers! :) Also....golf CART, with a 'T'. Golf car?? What? NO!

[@sarahgupton2552]

Ours went up $13! $290.20! For a 1-1. 2-2 pay $100 more. Water, cable, exterior insurance, exterior maintenance, trash, lawns, parking lots, golf course and exterior cleaning of buildings weekly.

[@harryp1665]

The golf cart tires will most likely dry rot, the sides will crack before the tread is worn out. Be certain to look at the sidewalks when checking the tires.this is very common on trailers.

[@ellenbrous8364]

OMG!!! Soooo funny! I know you can’t control the ads but you say you’re turning it over to Gizmo to hear what he has to say and a Lacy Bra commercial came on in between you and Gizmo. Glad to see Gizmo has such good taste! 🤣🤣. Timing in life.... have a great week!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@youtubecritic5781]

Love the intro. It's a bit nippy up here too.

[@allenerobertson3263]

OMG, LOVE the diet trick❣

[@Judes121]

Thanks for sharing

[@CR-ru1kw]

😆😆😆🥰🥰🥰Gizmo! Many thanks for sharing 😘.

[@buffycat4641]

Worked in a funeral home in the mid1980s an even back then more people who had moved to Florida we’re choosing cremation. It is quite expensive to ship the deceased & casket by plane, back to their home state. And, they figured being buried locally, their family out of state would rarely visit the site. Love going through cemeteries and reading the gravestones. There is a gravestone in a cemetery in Key West that reads: “See, I told you I was sick.”

[@angelamasson-fashionover50]

I am agreeing with you on this cold! I almost thought I was back in Michigan!! Brrr! Gizmo is the cutest and so good sitting behind you all. Lol, never heard of "shaving your buns" before 🤣👍🏻

[@deborahlockwood9035]

I am watching this from Upper Peninsula of Michigan LOL and it is very cool. I did live in Florida until five years ago when I came here to live near my grandchildren. Who just moved in August to Green Bay Wisconsin so my goal is to go back to New York where the rest of my family is been eventually come back to Florida. I lived in Orlando and Longboat Key and Edgewater and Leesburg and wildwood where I had experienced The Villages

[@nf2885]

Jerry and Linda would you ever consider putting a book together with all the information you have given viewers about living in the Villages? I find your videos to be quite informative and interesting too. I just think you’re both awesome!! Ps I do take notes when I watch your shows but a book would be great.

[@yvette968]

You are both the sweetest and of course Gizmo too.

[@r.urbanhorrocks8545]

You 2 are a hoot. I doubt that we will ever live in the Villages, but enjoy learning about to/them. Keep up the good work

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thank you!😁😁

[@Skelly5103]

Stay warm you two!

[@ritashustitzky2934]

I enjoy watching you both even though I wouldn't move there. Florida is nice a few months out of the year but it is too hot and humid for me. I hate the cold but it is too hot there for me. My parents lived in Florida and are buried there.

[@bobart1790]

Jerry and Linda, love your show. My wife spotted your coffee station while Jerry was playing with his buns.

[@jeffreyhoffman760]

I have a 5.5 HP Toro mower with a Briggs and Stratton engine. I have owned it for 26 years and I have never change the oil or the spark plug. I have added oil from time to time. I think old oil is just as good as new oil. Same for spark plugs

[@lindaward5224]

Hi Jerry and Linda, Love your channel. I wanted to let Jerry know it is not SHIT-zu but pronounced SHEET-zu. My little doggies were very distressed over hearing that pronunciation. Keep your videos coming, love the info and humor you provide.

[@lindahurst3538]

We came down to the Villages this week hoping for better weather. You’re right-it’s cold! No swimming for us-and we zipped up the sides in our golf cart. Brrrr! But we still love it. We brought relatives and they are having a blast-of course they left snow and 16 degree weather behind.🤪

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

I would give the pool a try if I were you… it's heated.

[@donnagross4638]

I was at WDW Christmas 1995 and it was in the high 20's. All the flowers were frosted over. Everyone wore winter coats, hats & gloves. My son even got pneumonia. Florida does indeed get cold! Worst vacation ever!

[@janicecroissiert9116]

We were in WDW Christmas 2001, from NJ, before we had cell phones, (now I check the weather on it), and thought that being it was Fla., it would be warm. It was soooooooooCOLD. Worse vacation. My son and I got horrible stomach virus’s. Awful. We live in the Miami area now, even cold fronts in January are warmer than the Villages. Just sayin. Lol.

[@sandrabarnwell8017]

You too are a wonderful couple!

[@terrywiggins1736]

You mention newer golf CARTS have a cover below the engine so it's easier to pump the oil through the dipstick. They have been doing it that way on boats forever; you run the engine 10-15 minutes to warm the oil and insert a small tube down the dipstick that is attached to a either manual or electric pump and pump the oil out of the oil pan. You can pick up either manual or electric oil pump on Amazon or West Marine.

[@karenross3457]

Thank you for sharing your life at the Villages. From what I have seen, I won't be moving there.

[@mrsc5709]

I love your dachsy! I have a 15 yo mini Brindle and prior to him I had another, mini smooth red that lived to 17 years.

[@steveboussom6564]

Dog pictures are great and the show is just wonderful.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Steve! 😁😁😁

[@asbmp]

Hi Jerry and Linda. Please be thanksful that you don't have extreme cold brutal winters weather like Colorado. It is way much colder here. Sometimes we get below zero temperatures.

[@lighten851]

Hi Linda Jerry, Jerry you should try the whole wheat bun thins. Keep you satisfied longer and has good fiber. I’d think they have them at Walmart. I know it’s unfashionable to even admit eating a Big Mac- why are they so good( I can’t remember last time I bought one- get Covid weight off.) My husband is a KFC fanatic as well! Linda that my main reason we are contemplating a villa is all the outdoor activities keep on trucking guys!🥗🚛🛻

[@lilysgram5886]

I have lived in Florida over 20 years ( mostly in Tampa ) and we have never hit the 30’s before. Our blood has really gotten thin in addition to getting older. 🥶

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

It's chilly down here right now!

[@hoosiermama3001]

I want everything different when I eventually move to TV! I currently have dark cabinets and furniture, but I want light in Florida! When I look out my windows, I want to see palm trees! I want everything to remind me I made it to Florida!

[@apkn1955]

I put a box fan in the opening where the pull down latter is to ventilate the attic. I do have to put up with the door hanging down.