Local Politics · The Villages, FL
Sumter County estimates that Amendment 3, the statewide property-tax measure on the Nov. 3 ballot, would reduce its general fund property-tax revenue by about $24 million in 2027-28 and $44 million in 2028-29. County voters will also decide whether to continue the two-cent local gas tax, which the ballot question describes as a renewal of up to 30 years starting in 2028.
Community News · Sumter County
Effective April 1, 2027, the City of Bushnell and City of Wildwood are expected to join the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Community Rating System (CRS), bringing every community in Sumter County into the program. Under the CRS, eligible policyholders in Bushnell may qualify for up to 5% savings on flood insurance premiums (Class 9), while those in Wildwood may receive up to 10% savings (Class 8). The county's Planning and Floodplain Division described the development as a major milestone toward reducing flood risks and protecting residents. FEMA offers an online option for purchasing NFIP policies at FloodSmart.gov.
Community brief · The Villages, FL
A 33-acre commercial development called the Live Oak Shopping Center is planned in the Village of Long Prairie within The Villages' Eastport area, located in the Villages of Southern Oaks in Sumter County. The grocer-anchored center is slated to include surrounding businesses, dining options, daily conveniences, and fuel, situated directly across from the upcoming Tribute Recreation Complex. Trails and pathways will connect the shopping center…
