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Ocala is rolling out a no-cost “Life Skills 101” workshop aimed at empowering local teens with practical tools for daily life. Hosted by the Recreation and Parks Department, the program runs over seven Thursday evenings, from September 10 through October 22, at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place.

Participants will engage in hands-on projects and lively group discussions intended to boost self-assurance, problem-solving abilities, and independence—all within a welcoming and supportive space. While there’s no fee, registration is required for teens who wish to join. Families can secure a spot online or reach out by phone for more details.

Marion County has given the green light to a new 329-home development called Fawn Lake Estates, marking the final approval for the master plan after a series of tweaks aimed at satisfying neighboring residents. The project covers over 110 acres in Silver Springs Shores, adjacent to several established neighborhoods and conservation areas.

The approved plan features a blend of 40-foot and 50-foot wide lots, plus amenities like walking trails, a gazebo, pickleball courts, a children’s play area, and preserved natural buffers. After earlier concerns about traffic and privacy, the development team adjusted access points and widened buffers, winning the support of locals who initially pushed back.

The board discussed lighting and environmental impacts before voting unanimously to approve the plan. Construction will move forward under developer Midway 65, LLC, with local input shaping the community’s final design.

Ocala is gearing up for the next season of its popular First Friday Art Walk, with applications now open for visual and performing artists, arts organizations, and area businesses. The downtown event will kick off October 2 and run through early May, lighting up the district on the first Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m.—with a special date in January to avoid the holiday.

Those hoping to participate for the full season must submit applications by September 7. The opportunity is open exclusively to creators presenting original works, while items like prints and hand-printed clothing are allowed only if they feature unique designs. Mass-produced or commercial items are not accepted, and all displays must be family-friendly.

Fees vary depending on participation type, but performing artists can join the festivities for free and collect tips. Artists are responsible for their own booth setups and must complete setup and breakdown within designated times. As the event takes place after dark, participants are encouraged to bring their own lighting to best showcase their art.

A lucky player in Chiefland is celebrating a $5 million windfall after purchasing a Mega Bucks scratch-off ticket at the Jiffy Food Stores inside a Marathon gas station on North Young Boulevard. The winner, whose identity is being kept confidential for now under Florida law, opted for a lump-sum payment of just over $3 million.

This latest jackpot adds to a growing streak of big wins in the region. Neighboring Ocala has recently seen residents claim multimillion-dollar wins from both scratch-off and Powerball tickets, with payouts ranging from $556,000 to $10 million. The area’s run of luck has local lottery hopefuls buzzing with excitement.

Ocala residents faced a turbulent Saturday morning as powerful storms swept across the area, felling large trees and downing power lines. In one neighborhood, firefighters rushed to a home after a tree crashed through the roof, causing severe structural damage that reached from the kitchen into the living spaces—thankfully, no one was injured.

Mere minutes later, emergency crews responded to a similar incident nearby, where another towering tree toppled onto an adjacent house, again resulting in heavy damage but no reported injuries. Multiple teams from Ocala Fire Rescue managed both emergencies as high winds threatened more disruptions.

With more storms in the forecast, safety officials are urging residents to take precautions, stay indoors, and limit travel until conditions improve.