Ten women to every man, a black market in Viagra, and a 'thriving swingers scene': Welcome to The Vi

July 2024 · 14 minute read

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Dusk on a Thursday night at the Red Sauce bar and waiters are doing a roaring trade in Sex on the Square cocktails.

The rum, coconut and cream concoction – complete with a cherry on top – costs just $3.75 and the elderly clientele can’t get enough.

It was created last week after 68-year-old Peggy Klemm was arrested for having drunken public sex in the square opposite with her 19 years younger toyboy.

'Every night is Saturday night': Claire Tucci shows off her moves in The Villages - the world's largest retirement community with 10 women to every man. Colourful dancing is the tamest of the behaviour that goes on

'Every night is Saturday night': Claire Tucci shows off her moves in The Villages - the world's largest retirement community with 10 women to every man. Colourful dancing is the tamest of the behaviour that goes on

Old and bold: Residents live life to the fullest in the retirement community dubbed 'Disney World for old people'

Old and bold: Residents live life to the fullest in the retirement community dubbed 'Disney World for old people'

Married Peggy is too embarrassed to sample the cocktail named in her honor yet – but patrons promise she’ll get a standing ovation when she next shows up.

The pretty blonde scored something of a first at The Villages - a giant Florida retirement complex of 100,000 people.

Dozens of couples have been caught copulating outdoors before but police rarely issue more than a warning for fear of mucking up the area’s low crime figures.


 'They were still at it when the cops arrived 10 minutes later'

Teenagers behaving badly appear tame compared to retirees at The Villages, where there’s a black market for Viagra.

Dubbed Disney World for old people, there are 10 women to every man and their antics would make Mickey Mouse blush.

Peggy and 49-year-old David Bobilya were spotted – with their undies around their ankles – having sex against a Bait Shack hut at 10.30pm, according to police.

'They were still at it when the cops arrived 10 minutes later,' said a bartender at Red Sauce. 

Peggy, who retired to Florida from Pennsylvania with her wheelchair-bound husband, is no stranger to local law enforcement.

Four days before the outdoor sex arrest she’d been placed on probation for drunk driving in her golf cart.

Infamy: Peggy Klemm, 68, faces charges for public indecency and intoxication after allegedly having sex with her 49-year-old lover David Bobilya in a square in The Villages. Her arrest has caused a stir - not because of what she did - which comes as no shock to the horny residents - but that the police actually took action Infamy: Peggy Klemm, 68, faces charges for public indecency and intoxication after allegedly having sex with her 49-year-old lover David Bobilya in a square in The Villages. Her arrest has caused a stir - not because of what she did - which comes as no shock to the horny residents - but that the police actually took action

Infamy: Peggy Klemm, 68, faces charges for public indecency and intoxication after allegedly having sex with her 49-year-old lover David Bobilya in a square in The Villages. Her arrest has caused a stir - not because of what she did - which comes as no shock to the horny residents - but that the police actually took action

'Hot off the police blotter': To mark Peggy's arrest the local bar is selling a new cocktail for $3.75. She hasn't been seen drinking one yet

'Hot off the police blotter': To mark Peggy's arrest the local bar is selling a new cocktail for $3.75. She hasn't been seen drinking one yet

Tipple: The Sex on the Square is 'topped with whip cream and a cherry of course'

Tipple: The Sex on the Square is 'topped with whip cream and a cherry of course'

According to locals, golf carts are usually the vehicle of choice when it comes to sex - and half-naked peep shows are the norm when darkness descends.

There’s also a thriving swingers’ scene amongst married couples. 

A barman at a restaurant in The Villages said: 'I was paid $100 for three hours work at a swingers party in a private house last night.

'Two of the men approached me and asked if I’d be interested bar tending. They told me there’d be things going on I might not want to see.

'Trust me – having worked the party before things got too hot and heavy – there are things I am trying to forget already.

'There were 10 people – all in their late 50s to mid 60s – and by the time I left they didn’t need any more drink. There was a full-blown orgy going on.

'I’m open-minded but I made it clear I wasn’t on the menu – I didn’t want anyone touching me. Working at the Villages is a real eye opener. As a barman I get old women coming on to me all the time. Some of them know no shame.'

Like Orlando an hour’s drive away, The Villages expanded rapidly 25 years ago from a tiny hamlet of 800 people into the world’s largest retirement complex.

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Surrounded by security gates, the self-styled Friendliest Place of Earth looks like a cross between the cult TV series 'The Prisoner' and Jim Carey’s comedy 'The Truman Show.'

There are dozens of mini estates containing row after row of identical bungalows, all with perfectly manicured lawns. Grandchildren can stay no longer than 30 days a year and there are even rules governing garden ornaments and holiday decorations.

Electronic golf carts – often with personalized number plates and flags – are the vehicle of choice because there are no corner shops or supermarkets in walking distance. Special tunnels and bridges enable cart drivers to trundle safely over busy main roads.

Medical care: As well as a health clinic that caters for the myriad health problems of the elderly residents there is a infectious disease clinic to deal with allegedly high sexually transmitted diseases in The Villages

Medical care: As well as a health clinic that caters for the myriad health problems of the elderly residents there is a infectious disease clinic to deal with allegedly high sexually transmitted diseases in The Villages

Social life revolves around brand new 'historic' squares, complete with signposts marking fake events and make-believe residents.

Lake Sumter Landing has a light house and faux boat wrecks dotted about the pond. Spanish Springs, five miles away, looks like a Spaghetti Western film set.

There’s live music in the squares most night from 6 to 9pm – some old women in sexy tops, inappropriately short skirts and flat comfy shoes line dance together hoping to attract some of the single men hovering near the cheap booze stands. 


 'There were 10 people – all in their late 50s to mid 60s – and by the time I left they didn’t need any more drink. There was a full-blown orgy going on'
                      - barman at The Villages

Surprisingly, considering America’s obesity levels, there are very few fat people in The Villages. Some of the men have extra large beer bellies but most of the seniors keep themselves trim.

Inevitably for a retiree complex, there are numerous medical facilities, including an infectious diseases center where the elderly can go for STD treatment. 

Ask any resident a question during the day about life in the slow lane and they all trot out the same cult-like phrases about the 1000-plus clubs, amazing amenities and friendly faces. But at night, once the cheap booze kicks in, the talk turns to sex.

Katie Belle’s Music Hall is the epicenter of bad behaviour from 4pm when the early bird special meals start. Happy hour – with half-price cocktails with names like Green Nipple  – runs right the way through to 9pm.

By 10pm it’s hard to find anywhere open as the oldest residents - known as Frogs because they’ve come to the Villages to croak – can’t stay awake.

But a die-hard crowd of 60 to 70-year-olds hang out in the twee town squares openly drinking booze in plastic cups.

The unofficial leader of the late-night gang used to be a perma-tanned retired biology teacher, who called his manhood Mr Midnight.

Party: Katie Belle¿s Music Hall is where the action begins from 4pm when the early bird special meals start. Happy hour ¿ with half-price cocktails with names like Green Nipple ¿ runs right the way through to 9pm. By 10pm it's hard to find anywhere open as the oldest residents - known as Frogs because they've come to the Villages to croak ¿ can¿t stay awake. But a die-hard crowd of 60 to 70-year-olds hang out in the twee town squares openly drinking booze in plastic cup

Party: Katie Belle’s Music Hall is where the action begins from 4pm when the early bird special meals start. Happy hour – with half-price cocktails with names like Green Nipple  – runs right the way through to 9pm. By 10pm it’s hard to find anywhere open as the oldest residents - known as Frogs because they’ve come to the Villages to croak – can’t stay awake. But a die-hard crowd of 60 to 70-year-olds hang out in the twee town squares openly drinking booze in plastic cup

His conquests were legendary until he invited author Andrew Blechman to join him on the prowl and accidentally exposed a side of the Villages that most residents didn’t want their own children to know about.

When Blechman’s book 'Leisureville' came out Mr Midnight was almost run out of town.

'The Villages is very Orwellian, Big Brother booms out of the lampposts, the media reports only good news and there are hundreds of petty rules about living there,' Blechman told MailOnline. 'Yet at night, it’s a whole different story.'

Doctors told Blechman there were more cases of herpes than in Miami and the rates for sexually transmitted diseases were amongst the highest in America.

'Every night is Saturday night in The Villages. And who’s going to get pregnant?' he said.

But accidents occasionally happen. Phil Harper – at 50 one of The Villages younger residents – unexpectedly became a father five years ago.


 'All of the women work hard to look good. But it’s more than just a social thing. Turn your back for a minute and someone will try to steal your husband. With 10 women to every man, you can’t afford to let your guard slip'

'My daughter was conceived at the 19th hole on the golf course,' he said, slugging back a beer as he sat on a bench outside a gift shop. 'It was the last thing I expected – same for my wife. She’s five years older than me.

'I’ve lived in New Orleans and Key West – but The Villages is wilder than either of them. It’s Disney for adults. I was living nearby when I discovered The Villages – I’m one of the 20 per cent of under 55s allowed to live here. 

'The older women throw themselves at the men and sex in public happens a lot.  This place is just awesome.' 

At 3pm on Thursday, the outside bar at City Fire was ram packed with married men and a handful of single women.

I’d been standing at the bar for less than a minute before I was chatted up. In quick succession, a line of elderly guys made a beeline for me.

As 'fresh meat' I was worth investigating and they were quick with gushing compliments. The women were less than friendly, firing dirty looks.

Tom Guilmeg, a 68-year-old ex Massachusetts State trooper whose wife works part time in the local pharmacy, said: 'This bar is the real Cheers – everyone knows your name.

'We’ve been here six years and absolutely love it. It’s like being a kid again, when your friends used to come round in the summer and ask you out to play.

'Dream job': Police chief Chris McKinstry told MailOnline there are very low rates of crime. But chat to the old folks and they say there is an abundance of crime of passion. One aging romeo shoved a rival into a water feature over a woman and another lost his dentures after being punched in the face by a furious husband

'Dream job': Police chief Chris McKinstry told MailOnline there are very low rates of crime. But chat to the old folks and they say there is an abundance of crime of passion. One aging romeo shoved a rival into a water feature over a woman and another lost his dentures after being punched in the face by a furious husband

Where accidents happen: The residents have free sex, safe in the knowledge that they can't get pregnant. But there are exceptions to this rule. One resident became a father at 50 when his wife was 55

Where accidents happen: The residents have free sex, safe in the knowledge that they can't get pregnant. But there are exceptions to this rule. One resident became a father at 50 when his wife was 55

'There are so many different things to do here. And every morning someone knocks on my door to invite me out somewhere. I’m going back to Boston tomorrow to visit my brother, who is three years younger. We’ll sit around his house drinking, then go out to a restaurant. And that’ll be it.

'But here in The Villages no one would let me hang around the house – this place keeps you young and alive.'

Belinda Beard, 62, said: 'All of the women work hard to look good. But it’s more than just a social thing. Turn your back for a minute and someone will try to steal your husband.

'With 10 women to every man, you can’t afford to let your guard slip.'  

British-born Jan Summerfield, who owns a village flower shop  with her husband John, said: 'If I pop my clogs first, I’m pretty sure John won’t be single for long.


 One ageing romeo shoved a rival into a water feature dubbed the Fountain of Youth and another reportedly lost his dentures after being punched in the face by a furious husband

'He’s quite a catch and I’m sure they’ll be women lined up outside with home-made food trying to snare him.

'I’ve already given all my good jewelry to our children, so if he falls for any of these women after I’ve gone he can only give away the cheap stuff.'

The couple initially bought a holiday home but moved to Florida full time when John was made redundant, aged 50, 20 years ago.  

'It’s like a dream come true,' Jan, a 70-year-old former hairdresser, said. 'People are so friendly, the weather’s beautiful and there’s nothing to be miserable about. The place is like paradise, so clean and manicured. It really is like living in Disney.'

The Villages’ Daily Sun newspaper prints only good news – rising house prices and wedding anniversaries lead the news.

Asked if the paper had covered Peggy’s arrest for open-air sex, associate editor Tom Burton told MailOnline: 'We have not. We don’t cover things like that. Our crime coverage is pretty minimal. It’s very low key.'

Young again: Tom Guilmeg, a 68-year-old ex Massachusetts State trooper, said: 'It¿s like being a kid again, when your friends used to come round in the summer and ask you out to play'

Young again: Tom Guilmeg, a 68-year-old ex Massachusetts State trooper, said: 'It’s like being a kid again, when your friends used to come round in the summer and ask you out to play'

Hotspots: Social life revolves around brand new 'historic' squares where there's live music most night from 6 to 9pm in The Villages, where there's ten women to every man

Hotspots: Social life revolves around brand new 'historic' squares where there's live music most night from 6 to 9pm in The Villages, where there's ten women to every man

70 going on 18: On several occasions MailOnline's writer smelt the pungent aroma of strong marijuana and locals boasted of a black market in Viagra

70 going on 18: On several occasions MailOnline's writer smelt the pungent aroma of strong marijuana and locals boasted of a black market in Viagra

Yet chat to the locals and there appears to be an abundance of old folks flouting the law – grumpy old men have even had fights with walking sticks over girlfriends.

One ageing romeo shoved a rival into a water feature dubbed the Fountain of Youth and another reportedly lost his dentures after being punched in the face by a furious husband.

But few of the drunken brawls end up in court – police chief Chris McKinstry told MailOnline: 'You do get the occasional thing, like driving a golf cart under the influence, but crime rates are very low to the point of being boring.

'It’s a great place to be a police chief –  a dream job. The biggest crimes are against the elderly residents – we have a problem with outsiders and identity theft.

'Most of the retirees are successful and relatively well-to-do but they fall victim to scams like Jamaican lotteries and so-called IRS refunds. As soon as we shut one of these scams down, another one pops up.

'We post warnings on the police department website and try to get the word out to people not to hand over their money or personal details to random callers.'

Police cruises patrol the squares at night – yet MailOnline watched numerous old folk lurching out of bars and into their golf carts.

On several occasions I smelt the pungent aroma of strong marijuana and locals boasted of a black market in Viagra.

Pulled over: Residents mock DUI laws, driving their golf carts while under the influence from bars to homes

Pulled over: Residents mock DUI laws, driving their golf carts while under the influence from bars to homes

At Red Sauce, where Peggy’s arrest was immortalized in the Sex in the Square cocktail, drinkers openly mocked DUI laws.

'You have to be pretty dim to get arrested for DUI,' the barman said. 'The fact Peggy also got arrested for having sex outdoors makes her a one-woman crime spree.

'She does like a drink though – we’ve had to ask her to leave on a couple of occasions.'

Peggy hasn’t been spotted in any of the bars since her night in jail. She told MailOnline: 'I don’t want to say anything, thank you.'

Like many of the retirees, locals say she appears to be making up for her lost youth.

Life in the Villages is a merry-go-round of one-night stands and drunken debauchery that would shame most teenagers.

But even author Blechman, who documented Mr Midnight’s amorous adventures, was surprised by the scandal surrounding her arrest.

'It’s important to recognize that this is one incident in a city of 100,000 people, many of whom go to bed before 10pm.

'And Mr Midnight was way too classy to have sex in the town square or behind the gazebos!'


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