Y'all Better Come Hungry! 🔥

We're fixin' to roll into town this August with Randall's Roadside Kitchen!

We've been slow-smokin', recipe-testin', and getting everything just right so we can serve BBQ that'll have you lickin' your fingers and askin' for seconds.

🍖 Slow-smoked meats

🥔 Homemade sides

😋 Big Southern flavor in every bite

Keep your eyes peeled for our grand opening date; we will be located in the picnic area right outside our store. Bring your appetite, your friends, and your stretchy pants—we'll handle the rest!

Good food. Good folks. Great BBQ. See y'all on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays.

Congratulations to Railyn & Joel!

👶💙

Our community is delighted to celebrate the arrival of your precious new baby!

Congratulations, Railyn and Joel, on this wonderful new chapter in your lives. May your hearts be filled with endless love, your home with laughter, and your days with beautiful memories as you welcome your little one into the world.

Wishing your growing family good health, happiness, and countless joyful moments together. We are so excited for you and send our warmest congratulations!



With love and best wishes,

Your Neighbors, friends, and the staff at Nelson's

New Fishing Rules – Nelson's Outdoor Resort

Effective immediately, the following fishing rules are in place:

• Anyone wishing to fish from the riverbank on Nelson's Outdoor Resort property is required to sign a waiver before fishing.
• Please stop by the office to sign the waiver before heading to the river.
• Fishing from the docks is prohibited.
• Casting nets from the docks is also prohibited.
• The boat launch is $5.00 per vessel.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our resort safe and enjoyable for everyone.

NOTICE TO ALL RV AND CAMPER OWNERS

To help us maintain the grounds safely and efficiently, we ask that all water hoses, electrical cords, and any other utility lines be neatly secured underneath or alongside your RV or camper before your scheduled lawn service.

This is necessary to prevent lawn mowing equipment from accidentally damaging hoses, cords, or other personal property. Our maintenance staff will not move these items before mowing.

If hoses, cords, or other obstructions are left in the mowing area, your lot will not be mowed, and it will become the resident's responsibility to mow and maintain the lawn until it is ready for service.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep the park safe, attractive, and well-maintained.

Thank you,

Park Management

Marion County Public Schools (FL) 2026–2027 Family Calendar

Here's a simple, refrigerator-friendly version you can print or save as a screenshot.

╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════

MARION COUNTY SCHOOLS • 2026–2027 FAMILY CALENDAR ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════

🍎 AUGUST 2026

10 First Day of School

26 ⭐ Early Release (2 Hours)

🍂 SEPTEMBER

7 Labor Day – No School

23 ⭐ Early Release (2 Hours)

🎃 OCTOBER

9 End of 1st Grading Period

12 Teacher Workday – No School

28 ⭐ Early Release (2 Hours)

🦃 NOVEMBER

23–27 Thanksgiving Break

🎄 DECEMBER

18 End of 2nd Grading Period

21–Jan. 1 Winter Break

🎉 JANUARY 2027

4 Students Return

18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No School

27 ⭐ Early Release (2 Hours)

❤️ FEBRUARY

15 Presidents' Day – No School

24 ⭐ Early Release (2 Hours)

🌸 MARCH

12 End of 3rd Grading Period

13–21 Spring Break

22 Students Return

31 ⭐ Early Release (2 Hours)

🌼 APRIL

16 Mid-Term Break – No School

28 ⭐ Early Release (2 Hours)

☀️ MAY

26 ⭐ Last Day of School

26 ⭐ Early Release (2 Hours)

⭐ Early Release Days

• August 26
• September 23
• October 28
• January 27
• February 24
• March 31
• April 28
• May 26 (Last Day) 

Light a Dorito on Fire When Camping

It rained last night, and every twig at the campsite is soaked. Your lighter is fine, but nothing will catch. Grab the bag of Doritos from the cooler.

A single Dorito can hold a flame for 30 to 60 seconds. That is longer than most commercial fire starters. The reason is what is inside the chip: cornstarch, vegetable oil, and salt. The starch burns hotter than wood. The oil keeps the flame going. The salt wicks away moisture so the chip stays dry and lights fast. The triangular shape even helps—air flows through the gaps and feeds the fire oxygen.

Place 3 or 4 chips in a small pile. Light one edge and let the flame spread. Lay pencil-thin twigs on top right away—not big logs. Once those catch, add sticks one size up until the fire holds on its own. Fritos and Cheetos work just as well if that is what you packed.

August in Central Florida:

 More Than Just Heat

If you ask most people about August in Central Florida, they'll probably mention the heat first. But look a little closer, and you'll discover it's one of the most fascinating months of the year.

By mid-afternoon, towering clouds often build into dramatic thunderstorms that roll across the landscape. These brief summer showers do more than cool things off—they nourish lakes, wetlands, and pastures that support our local wildlife.

August is also a busy time for nature. Young sandhill cranes can often be spotted learning to forage alongside their parents, butterflies fill gardens with color, and dragonflies dart through the humid air, helping keep mosquito populations in check.

For gardeners, it's a month of patience. While the summer sun can be relentless, the warm soil is perfect for planting heat-loving vegetables and preparing for the cooler growing season ahead.

So the next time you step outside and feel that unmistakable Florida humidity, remember that August isn't just another hot month—it's a season of growth, afternoon rainstorms, and the vibrant natural beauty that makes Central Florida unique.

Community Reminder: Dog Leash Policy

This announcement has been made many times before, yet it continues to be necessary.

All dogs must be on a leash at all times while outside, whether in your own yard or in any of the common areas of the park.

Unfortunately, this has become a recurring issue with some residents, making it necessary to remind everyone once again. The leash rule is in place for the safety of pets, residents, and visitors. It is not optional.

Continued disregard for this rule will result in appropriate action in accordance with park policies.

Thank you to everyone who does their part by following the rules and helping keep our community safe and enjoyable for all.

Due to the Recent Gator Attack that occurred at our Property. A few things to always remember. Consider all bodies of water: salt, fresh, springs, ponds, retention ponds, creeks, and rivers will probably contain a gator. We have seen many kayakers, boaters, and canoes on the water from time to time. This is the 1st known animal issue at our park. We are on the 8th largest lake for alligators. Hunting season is coming up. Free Boat launch to anyone who uses and catches a gator with their CITES tags, allowing you to harvest two alligators. Our docks are not for fishing; they are boat slips and for unloading and loading for our boat ramp. There is plenty of bankside fishing near the bridge. We do sell live bait & tackle for your fishing experience. Please never feed a Gator - its the law. 

In Florida, an alligator only needs to—and legally can—be killed if it is classified as a "nuisance" and dispatched by a state-contracted trapper. The animal is considered a threat and authorized for removal when it is at least 4 feet long and poses a direct danger to people, pets, or property, or if it is in an inappropriate location like a swimming pool, garage, or busy roadway. However, it takes everyone to notify the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

As summer slowly waves goodbye, the quiet roads of our little rural community begin to change. School buses return, backpacks reappear by front doors, and mornings start a little earlier than they've been for weeks.

For families who live out in the country, going back to school is more than buying notebooks and sharpened pencils. It means longer bus rides down winding roads, watching the sunrise from the end of the driveway, and hoping the weather cooperates during harvest season. The familiar rhythm of summer gives way to homework, sports practices, and packed lunches.

There's something comforting about this annual change. Fields may still be green, birds still sing in the hedgerows, and tractors continue their work, but the laughter of children heading back to school reminds us that every season brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and make memories.

Here's to a wonderful school year filled with curiosity, kindness, and the simple joys that make rural life so special.

Campfire Humor for Adults (Family-Friendly)

1.

Camping is the only vacation where you spend hundreds of dollars on gear so you can pretend you're homeless for the weekend.

2.

I love sleeping under the stars... mostly because I forgot to put the rainfly on.

3.

Nothing humbles you faster than paying $300 for a tent and still not knowing which pole goes where.

4.

Camping teaches important life skills—like how to argue quietly so the neighboring campsite can't enjoy the show.

5.

Every camping trip has one person who says, "I know a shortcut." We haven't seen Steve since Friday.

6.

The mosquitoes around here aren't biting anymore—they're just carrying people away.

7.

Who needs a $200 mattress at home when you can pay to sleep on a root?

8.

I don't trust anyone who says they "sleep great" in a sleeping bag. They're lying or they're 19.

9.

The best thing about camping is realizing how much you love indoor plumbing.

10.

You know you're getting older when your camping checklist starts with ibuprofen.

11.

Camping coffee has only two settings: too weak or strong enough to see through time.

12.

We packed enough food for three days and enough snacks for three hours.

13.

Nothing brings a family together like trying to put up a tent without reading the instructions.

14.

Camping is where every tiny sound becomes, "That was definitely a bear."

15.

I don't need a smartwatch. I can tell it's 3 a.m. because that's when nature decides to hold its staff meeting.

16.

The campground map always says "easy trail." That's a bold claim.

17.

My favorite camping meal is the one someone else cooks.

18.

We came out here to unplug... then spent twenty minutes trying to find one bar of cell service.

19.

S'mores are just an excuse to eat melted chocolate with your hands, and honestly, I respect that.

20.

The first rule of camping: Never tell everyone you heard something outside the tent. Nobody's sleeping after that.

NOTICE TO ALL NELSON'S HOMEOWNERS

Important: Title Registration Required

Dear Homeowner,

This notice is an important reminder to all homeowners who have purchased their home from Nelsons and have received the title.

Once you have received the title to your home, you are required to register the title in your own name within 30 days. It is the homeowner's responsibility to complete this transfer.

If the title remains in Nelsons' name after the 30-day period, Park Management will assess a $900.00 administrative fee each year the title is not properly registered. Additional fees and penalties may also apply if the registration continues to be delayed.

If you have already completed the title transfer, please bring a copy to the office. If you have not yet registered your home in your name, please do so as soon as possible to avoid these charges.

If you have any questions regarding this notice or need assistance, please get in touch with the park office.

Thank you for your immediate attention and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Park Management

DO NOT PLACE ANYTHING ON TOP OF OR BESIDE THE COMPACTOR.

ONLY HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE IS TO BE PUT INSIDE THE COMPACTOR

NO WOOD

NO SHELVING

NO FURNITURE

NO TIRES

NO BUMPERS

NO VEHICLE PARTS

NO PLASTIC TUBS

NO FLOWER POTS

NO APPLIANCES ( TOASTER OVENS, MICROWAVES, COFFE POTS, AIR FRYERS, NO VACUUM CLEANERS, ECT.

NOTHING IS TO BE LEFT OUTSIDE THE COMPACTOR

Violation fees of $35.00 or more per item left will be added to your account.

We are getting quite a few complaints about residents cutting through vacant and occupied lots, which is a violation of the Park rules.

Do not let your dog/dogs do their business in vacant or occupied lots—also a violation of the Park rules.

PLEASE, DO NOT CUT THROUGH ANYONE'S YARDS.