Orlando Sentinel: Palin mania returns to The Villages

Her last visit drew an enthusiastic crowd which filled the streets of The Villages, but when Sarah Palin returns to the Florida retirement community for a book signing event November 24, the Barnes & Noble bookstore at Lake-Sumter Landing will only be able to accommodate a fraction of the number of people who turned out to see her last summer. Store manager Cheyenne Coon says extra precautions will be taken for for the former Alaska governor's visit:

People interested in getting an autograph will be required to wear wristbands, which can be picked up as early as 7 a.m. the day of the event. People who line up for the appearance are limited to two signed books per person and must show proof of a Barnes & Noble receipt, Coon said.

"We're expecting a large crowd," Coon said. "We're going to attempt to accommodate as many people as possible."

Residents of The Villages will have a second opportunity to see the 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate:

"It'll be a busy time around here," Villages resident and Sumter County Commissioner Don Burgess, 73, said this week. "We're all excited."

Palin will be returning to friendly territory when she greets residents at her scheduled 2:30 p.m. autograph session. She became an instant sensation in the Republican stronghold after last year's GOP presidential nominee, John McCain, picked the then- Alaska governor to be his running mate. Upward of 60,000 people flocked to The Villages to hear Palin during a campaign stop.

Residents called Palin's appearance an inspiration for GOP supporters in the area.

"We're very excited about Sarah coming. We worked hard when she was here last year getting things ready for her," said Barbara Qualls, 72, president of the Republican Federated Women club in The Villages. "It was amazing to me how much energy she put into the Republican Party."

Our updated Going Rogue Book Tour schedule is here.

- JP