News (Proprietary)
Little white cross controversy has become a school yard brawl
22+ hour, 26+ min ago (260+ words) [Wayne Anderson has suggested this white cross on a planter might be a solution to the little white cross stalemate]Wayne Anderson has suggested this white cross on a planter might be a solution to the little white cross stalemate. " data-image-caption="Wayne Anderson has suggested this white cross on a planter might be a solution to the little white cross stalemate. " data-medium-file="https://www.villages-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Wayne-Anderson-has-suggested-this-white-cross-on-a-planter-might-be-a-solution-to-the-little-white-cross-stalemate-300x219.jpg" data-large-file="https://www.villages-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Wayne-Anderson-has-suggested-this-white-cross-on-a-planter-might-be-a-solution-to-the-little-white-cross-stalemate-600x438.jpg" /> A Village of Liberty Park resident contends the little white cross controversy has become a school yard brawl. Read more: Little white cross controversy has become a school yard brawl First, I am a Christian. Second, I support the free speech right one has, to place a little white cross in their yard. Three, I find it a little "in your face" to do so. I believe religion should be a personal and private affair…...
It really wasn’t about religion
1+ day, 22+ hour ago (141+ words) The controversy about the little white cross was never about religion. The issue is whether lawn decorations are permissible and what standards should be used for their display. In this case it was a cross, it could have been a Buddha statue, an alligator or Mickey Mouse. If the homeowner had placed 10 6-foot crosses spread about his front lawn, would that have been permissible? In lighted colors? If lawn decorations are permitted the standards for size, number, quantity, type etc. must be defined. Is CDD 8 willing to do this? It's going to, take some thought. This homeowner could have avoided all the controversy by placing his cross decoration inside his window. He chose not to! Now, decisions must be made. Personally, I don't believe decorations improve the looks of any yard! Harry Black Village of Santiago...
3+ day, 10+ min ago (324+ words) [Loretta Ellen Miller]Loretta Ellen Miller " data-image-caption="Loretta Ellen Miller " data-medium-file="https://www.villages-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Loretta-Ellen-Miller.webp" data-large-file="https://www.villages-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Loretta-Ellen-Miller.webp" /> Loretta Miller was a pillar of faith, because of her love for her children and the Lord she brought many to know Jesus, including all of her children and grandchildren. Read more: Loretta Ellen Miller Loretta Ellen Miller nee Bales of The Villages FL formerly of Cincinnati Ohio devoted wife for 60 years of William W Miller. Loving mother of Kimberly Melissa Tod and David. Nana to Melinda Ashley Matthew Kelsey Kyla Tyler Nicholas Garrett Blake Brooks Xander Ridgway Landon Ainzley Cohen Trinity Elliott Abi and Perry. Great Nana to Brayden Austin Levi Delaney Ezekiel William and Sophie. Beloved sister of Deb Embry. Loretta went home to be with the Lord on November 24, 2025. Our mother was a pillar of faith, because of her love for us and…...
Little white cross settlement opens door for other religious symbols
3+ day, 25+ min ago (196+ words) [Religious symbols]Religious symbols " data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://www.villages-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Religious-symbols--300x200.png" data-large-file="https://www.villages-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Religious-symbols--600x399.png" /> A Village of Pennecamp resident was horrified at the payout for a Villager who refused to remove his little white cross and fears what that decision may mean in the long run. Read more: Little white cross settlement opens door for other religious symbols The settlement in the little white cross fiasco was a terrible decision! When the couple bought their home in The Villages, they should have read the rules. They have proven that if you whine enough, get an attorney and drive us owners nuts just having to read about their folly that you can find some incompetent judge to rule in your favor. This sorry excuse for a lawsuit has opened Pandora's Box. Now if I want any "religious" symbol in my front yard, The Villages will be…...
Homeowner with cross was abused and deserved $70,000 settlement
6+ day, 2+ hour ago (239+ words) [Wayne Anderson has suggested this white cross on a planter might be a solution to the little white cross stalemate]Wayne Anderson has suggested this white cross on a planter might be a solution to the little white cross stalemate. " data-image-caption="Wayne Anderson has suggested this white cross on a planter might be a solution to the little white cross stalemate. " data-medium-file="https://www.villages-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Wayne-Anderson-has-suggested-this-white-cross-on-a-planter-might-be-a-solution-to-the-little-white-cross-stalemate-300x219.jpg" data-large-file="https://www.villages-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Wayne-Anderson-has-suggested-this-white-cross-on-a-planter-might-be-a-solution-to-the-little-white-cross-stalemate-600x438.jpg" /> A reader believes that a Villager with a little white cross was singled out and abused for his Christian beliefs. Read more: Homeowner with cross was abused and deserved $70,000 settlement It is my opinion that the homeowners that displayed the little white cross on their lawn were singled out and abused publicly with shaming and illegal demands to remove the little white cross. This is the USA, home of religious freedom.This treatment of them…...
Why are people so offended by the cross of Christ?
1+ week, 2+ day ago (169+ words) [Little White Cross]Little White Cross " data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://www.villages-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Little-White-Cross-300x205.jpg" data-large-file="https://www.villages-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Little-White-Cross-600x410.jpg" /> A Village of LaBelle resident wonders why so many people are offended by the cross of Christ. Read more: Why are people so offended by the cross of Christ? I wonder if Jewish Menorahs or satanic Halloween decorations, gay pride flags would bring this kind of chaos and stupidity into the light? Do American flags during holidays on sticks offend people, in yards or on flag poles? Move to Venezuela then or Iran. What is it about the cross of Christ that offends so many? A guilty conscience maybe? A lack of respect for the persecution of the founders of America fleeing European tyranny, especially England? Grow up and respect the founding of America by the Puritans or LEAVE! Comments have been temporarily disabled...
2+ week, 3+ day ago (473+ words) Today, we gather to celebrate and honor the life of Virginia W. Procter, a beloved mother, friend, and faithful servant of God, who went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 12, 2025, at 10:50 AM. Virginia was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, where she built a life marked by grace, devotion, and kindness. A proud graduate of Goldie Beacon College, she developed strong secretarial and administrative skills that would define her remarkable career. Virginia dedicated an incredible 54 years of loyal service to ICI / AstraZeneca, where she served as secretary to the Vice President of the pharmaceutical division. Her professionalism, dependability, and warm spirit earned the respect and admiration of everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her. Virginia's achievements extended far beyond her career. She was a woman of deep faith and radiant spirit. Her love…...
3+ week, 1+ day ago (266+ words) Wilbert Gene Leonhardt (98) of Oxford, FL, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages, FL. He was born on August 14, 1927 in O'Keene, OK Alex and Pauline (Hoffman) Leonhardt. Dad's hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He enjoyed working in his yard and tinkering around in the garage. (The last time he mowed his lawn was December 2023.) He was well-known throughout the years assisting neighbors (shoveling snow, cutting grass, etc.) and taking on jobs at the various churches he attended (Grace Church in Racine and Masonboro Baptist Church in Wilmington, NC). Our parents went their separate ways after being married 50+ years. Both were blessed with a loving companion after their separation, but after both of their spouses passed, they found their way back to each other and lived out the last 18 months…...
St. Vincent de Paul plans major addition to expand outreach ministries
3+ week, 3+ day ago (158+ words) St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church plans to construct a 10,108-square-foot outreach ministries building on the west side of U.S. 301 a few blocks north of State Road 44 in Wildwood. Special Magistrate Lindsay C.T. Holt recommended approval of the project at a meeting Tuesday of the Wildwood Planning and Zoning Board. The City Commission may take action on the recommendation later this month. A total of 66 parking spaces also is planned for the 3.8-acre site south of Kentucky Avenue. Phase 2 of the project will be construction of a 10,089-square-foot food pantry building. The Diocese of Orlando, the property owner, is seeking a waiver to allow a five-foot pavement encroachment into a 25-foot wetland buffer. One of the area's largest churches, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church is located on the west side of County Road 462 north of County Road 466A in Wildwood....
Special magistrate blesses new church despite neighbor’s objection to traffic
3+ week, 4+ day ago (218+ words) Despite a neighbor's objection, Wildwood Special Magistrate Lindsay C.T. Holt Tuesday approved a special exception to allow construction of a 6,045-square-foot church and a 4,000-square-foot parsonage. Crossings Christian Church is planned on the north side of County Road 216, west of U.S. 301 near County Road 209. A special exception was required to allow construction of a church in an area zoned for agriculture. Special exceptions do not require Wildwood City Commission approval. City water and sewer are not available to the property so the church will have a septic tank, domestic well, fire sprinkler tank and pump system. Unpaved parking is planned on three sides of the sanctuary. Opposing the church, neighbor Joshua Douglas said the church would increase traffic on CR 216. He said there are eight churches within a five-mile radius of his home and the road may be widened to accommodate the…...