If you don't mind driving a little Orlando and Jacksonville, while not as large as DFW, can give you at least a small big city feel. Orlando now has a train and in Jacksonville the bridges are a cool place to look at the lights.

I live just on the other side of Orlando from you. Even though I live here I would make a terrible tour guide of Orlando because I tend to avoid the big city. I would most likely be passing Izzy on 40 or 19 while headed towards Ormond beach to ride the loop and then head back home.

In Ocala you might want to check out the Appleton Museum of Art. I'm sure that there are opportunities for volunteering and it might be a good way to indulge your artistic side.

http://www.appletonmuseum.org/