News

Join our team and volunteer with us at the 40th Annual Art in the Park!

 Join our team and volunteer with us at the 40th Annual Art in the Park!         We need your help! As a volunteer-driven nonprofit, our wonderful team of volunteers makes this event possible! We are looking for volunteers to join us with set up on Friday, March 7 and throughout the event weekend on March 8 and 9 and help with the following tasks : ·     Install art installations ·     Sell t-shirts/merch and collect donations ·     Greet attendees and hand out maps ·     Assist exhibitors

Hernando County Alerts Public to Fraudulent Water Bill Payment Scam

Hernando County Alerts Public to Fraudulent Water Bill Payment Scam (Brooksville, FL) – The Hernando County Utilities Department (HCUD) is warning residents of a recent scam targeting local customers attempting to pay their water bills. A resident contacted customer service at HCUD after encountering a fraudulent website during an online search for "How to pay my Hernando County water bill." The suspicious website provided a phone number (888-542-9586) for payment assistance but asked for sensitive

THE CITY OF BROOKSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT SUCCESSFULLY RESPONDED TO A RESIDENTIAL FIRE ON TUESDAY, FE

THE CITY OF BROOKSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT SUCCESSFULLY RESPONDED TO A RESIDENTIAL FIRE ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2025 Brooksville, Florida (February 20, 2025) – The City of Brooksville Fire Department was dispatched to a residential fire at 514 Sharon St., Brooksville, FL 34601, at 7:11 PM on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. With assistance from Hernando County Fire Rescue, the City Fire Department extinguished the fire. When City Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene, District Chief LaChausse evaluated

Saturday’s Father and Daughter Dance – Friday Tickets Still Available – Get Yours Now!

Saturday’s Father and Daughter Dance – SOLD OUT!Friday Tickets Still Available – Get Yours Now!  (Brooksville, FL) – Due to overwhelming demand, the Saturday, February 22nd session of the Annual Hernando County Father and Daughter Dance: Winter Wonderland Edition has officially sold out. However, tickets for the Friday, February 21st session are still available! Tickets are just $25 per person and can only be purchased through Eventbrite at

Reminder: Free Disaster Case Management Services Still Available Post Hurricanes Helene & Milton

Reminder: Free Disaster Case Management Services Still Available Post Hurricanes Helene & Milton(Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Emergency Management’s Disaster Case Management services are still ongoing and available to assist Hernando County residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. If you or your family are in need of support during your recovery, these services are here to help you navigate the process for assistance. The updated number for Disaster Case Management is 352-340-2571. What is

Hernando County Emergency Management Announces Launch of the Statewide Elevate Florida Program

Hernando County Emergency Management Announces Launch of the Statewide Elevate Florida Program(Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Emergency Management is pleased to announce the launch of the Elevate Florida program, a new statewide initiative designed to strengthen community resilience by mitigating residential properties against natural hazards. The program, spearheaded by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), offers funding opportunities for homeowners to complete eligible projects aimed

The City of Brooksville and Kiwanis Club of Brooksville Splash Pad has been repaired and is now oper

The City of Brooksville and Kiwanis Club of Brooksville Splash Pad has been repaired and is now operational. The City of Brooksville Parks and Recreation team will continue to monitor the Splash Pad, and the public will be notified should it close for further improvements. The Splash Pad is open seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Hernando County Public Library Updated Operations

Hernando County Public Library Updated Operations (Brooksville, FL) – The Hernando County Public Library System will be closed on Thursday, February 27, 2025, to allow for our Annual Staff Development Day training. The libraries will open on the next scheduled business day. Hours of operations are:Main Library/Brooksville                                                                Spring Hill Branch Library 238 Howell Avenue                                                                         9220

Hernando County Government Phishing Email Alert

Hernando County Government Phishing Email Alert (Brooksville, FL) – It has been brought to the attention of Hernando County Government that a phishing email is going around appearing as if it were on behalf of Hernando County. The email address has a false alias showing from sender as “info@hernandocounty.us” and the email included a link to a false DocuSign document. This email was sent from ledwards@completeok.com. This email is not a legitimate Hernando County Government email address nor has any

The City of Brooksville and Kiwanis Club of Brooksville Splash Pad

The City of Brooksville and Kiwanis Club of Brooksville Splash Pad The City of Brooksville and Kiwanis Club of Brooksville Splash Pad temporarily soft opened on January 10, 2025, but has since shut down for repairs. Intermittent closures are anticipated, as the City is working to perfect the Splash Pad before its grand opening, which is predicted to be in March. The City of Brooksville will continue to send updates on the Splash Pad' s status as we move towards its grand opening. Once repairs are made, the

The Florida Department of Health and Department of Children and Families New Parenting Resources

The Florida Department of Health and Department of Children and Families New Parenting ResourcesTallahassee, Fla. — On February 4, 2025, the Florida Department of Health and Department of Children and Families announced additional wraparound support for life from pregnancy and beyond with the launch of Strong Florida Moms. This new initiative advances Florida’s strong commitment to pro-life values by further supporting Florida women through motherhood and providing expanded resources on Father First, where

CITY OF BROOKSVILLE GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF PRESIDENTS’ DAY

CITY OF BROOKSVILLE GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF PRESIDENTS’ DAY Brooksville, Florida (February 6, 2025) – In observance of Presidents’ Day, City of Brooksville Government offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025, and will reopen at regular business hours on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Residential garbage that is usually collected on Mondays will instead be collected on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Residential garbage that is usually collected on Tuesdays will instead be

Hernando County Public Library

Hernando County Public Library (Brooksville, FL) – The Hernando County Public Library System would like to welcome Dr. Kimberly Voss from the Florida Humanities Florida Talks program. Dr. Kimberly Voss will join Hernando County Public Library for a presentation on Florida Women, Advice & Social Change. The program takes place Tuesday, March 18,2025, at the Spring Hill Branch Library. It is a partnership between Florida humanities and Hernando County Public Library as part of the organization’s redesigned

CITY OF BROOKSVILLE CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CITY OF BROOKSVILLE CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH Brooksville, Florida (February 5, 2025) – At a regular City Council meeting on Monday, February 3, 2025, the City of Brooksville City Council proclaimed that February 2025 will be recognized as Black History Month. Black History Month is a testament to generations of Africans brought to America and enslaved who, in the face of daily adversity and galvanized by the promise of freedom, strived for equality by exercising strength, enterprise, and patriotism.

HCA Florida Healthcare announces nearly $70 million expansion in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties

HCA Florida Healthcare announces nearly $70 million expansion in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus CountiesPlans include three new freestanding emergency rooms to meet healthcare needs in high growth counties  TAMPA, Fla. (February 4,2025) – HCA Florida Healthcare’s West Florida Division announced plans today to build three new freestanding emergency rooms in high-growth communities along Florida’s West Coast.   This significant investment includes a free-standing emergency room called HCA Florida Oak Hill South

SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION FOUNDATION PROVIDES $10,000 TO LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND

SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION FOUNDATION PROVIDES $10,000 TO LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND NEW PORT RICHEY, FL– February 4, 2025 — Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind announces a charitable gift of $10,000 from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. The funds will provide vital Early Intervention services to visually impaired and blind babies in Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties. This generous gift ensures that every blind baby enrolled in Lighthouse’s Early Intervention

Community Feedback Survey Now Open A Key Part of Hernando County's Strategic Plan

Community Feedback Survey Now Open A Key Part of Hernando County's Strategic Plan(Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Government is excited to announce the opening of the Community Feedback Survey as part of the County’s ongoing strategic planning process. The survey, which is open from February 3rd to February 24th, 2025, is an opportunity for residents to provide valuable input that will help shape the future direction of the county. The survey can be accessed online at the following link or by scanning

Hernando Arts February 2025

     Hernando ArtsFebruary 2025Find fun art events on our Art Event Calendar and check out local calls for artists, musicians, and performers! Join us today from 10 AM - 2 PM for the Hernando Beach Front Porch Art Walk and save the date for Art in the Park on March 8 & 9!       Calls for Artists & Art OpportunitiesCheck out our Opportunity page to find additional open calls for artists!      Call for Artists : Tangerine FestivalWe are partnering with Brooksville

HERNANDO COUNTY OFFERS WORKSHOP FOR AGENCIES APPLYING FOR FEMA’S EMERGENCY FOOD & SHELTER PROGRAM

HERNANDO COUNTY OFFERS WORKSHOP FOR AGENCIES APPLYING FOR FEMA’S EMERGENCY FOOD & SHELTER PROGRAM Spring Hill, FL – January 31, 2025 – In anticipation of Hernando County being awarded Phase 42 funding for FEMA’s Emergency Food & Shelter Programs (ESFP), the Hernando Local Board will be offering a virtual workshop on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 10:00am for organizations interested in applying for supplemental service categories under Served Meals, Other Food, Mass Shelter, Other Shelter,Rent/Mortgage

CAREERSOURCE PASCO HERNANDO'S January 2025 NEWSLETTER

          2025JanuaryNews, Events & Highlights                 UPCOMING EVENTSSee what's happening this month.              &##128640;Exciting New Opportunities at CSPH! Jumpstart Your Future with Disaster Recovery Jobs, Internships, and Apprenticeships  CareerSource

Vacancies on Hernando County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

Vacancies on Hernando County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners is accepting applications from individuals wishing to serve as a member on the Hernando County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee from the following specific backgrounds: · One citizen who is actively engaged as a for-profit provider of affordable housing. · One citizen who represents essential services personnel, as defined in the local housing assistance

Hernando County Disaster Recovery Center to Close Permanently on Jan. 31

Hernando County Disaster Recovery Center to Close Permanently on Jan. 31 TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– The Disaster Recovery Center in Hernando County will close permanently at 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31.Center location:Hernando County East Hernando Branch Library 6457 Windmere Road Brooksville, FL 34602 Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. through Jan. 31Stay in Touch with FEMA After you apply for federal disaster assistance, it is important that FEMA be able to contact you. Be aware that phone calls from FEMA may come from

Hernando County Parks and Recreation Father-Daughter Dance

Hernando County Parks and Recreation Father-Daughter DanceA Magical Winter Wonderland Experience (Brooksville, FL) – Get ready for an enchanting evening of joy, laughter, and cherished memories at the Annual Hernando County Father and Daughter Dance: Winter Wonderland Edition. This special event will take place on Friday, February 21stand Saturday, February 22nd at 7pm located at Christian Church in the Wildwood, 10051 Country Road Spring Hill, FL 34613. Fathers and daughters of all ages are invited to

Hernando County Parks and Recreation Master Plan Survey

Hernando County Parks and Recreation Master Plan Survey  (Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Parks and Recreation is in the process of strategically developing a Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Parks and Recreation is inviting all residents and visitors who utilize the county’s parks, preserves, and recreational facilities to participate in an online survey to help shape the future of local parks and recreation.  The Hernando County Parks and Recreation Department is inviting all residents and visitors

FEMA Approves Additional $44.1 Million for Emergency Work Following Florida's Hurricanes

FEMA Approves Additional $44.1 Million for Emergency Work Following Florida's Hurricanes TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - FEMA has approved an additional $44.1 million to reimburse Florida communities for emergency work after Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby. This includes:  $7,193,388 for Hernando County for debris removal (Milton).  $4,126,106 to Pasco County for Emergency Protective Measures (Milton).  $4,193,344 for Manatee County for Emergency Protective Measures (Milton).  $1,133,037 for Manatee

Savvy Caregiver class specifically tailored for family caregivers in the Brooksville area

The Minority Business Development Agency Kicks Off 2025 With $11 Million in Technical Assistance Funding Competitions

The Minority Business Development Agency Kicks Off 2025 With $11 Million in Technical Assistance Funding CompetitionsThe U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is kicking off 2025 with an exciting announcement: approximately $11 million in federal funding is now available through three new technical assistance programs designed to support, educate, and empower socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs and business owners.  These funding competitions focus on

Learn How Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation Reduces Stroke Risk at a Free Community Talk

Learn How Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation Reduces Stroke Risk at a Free Community TalkHCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital invites the community to Stroke Prevention by Recognizing and Treating Atrial Fibrillation, an interactive educational session to learn about atrial fibrillation treatment to prevent stroke risk.The session, presented by board-certified interventional cardiologist Georges J. Joseph, MD, will be held on Monday, February 24 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Dr. Joseph will answer questions from the

PASSING OF HCFR FIREFIGHTER

PASSING OF HCFR FIREFIGHTER It is with profound sorrow that Fire Chief Paul Hasenmeier announces the sudden passing of Firefighter Marc Matto on January 23, 2025. Marc has been a dedicated firefighter for Hernando County Fire Rescue for the past 18 years starting his career in 2007. Marc spent most of his career serving the community out of Fire Station 8 in Ridge Manor. The family has requested privacy while they cope with this unexpected loss. He will be greatly missed by his friends, family and HCFR

SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Orange County: Disaster Loans Available for Hurricane Relief

SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Orange County: Disaster Loans Available for Hurricane Relief ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) opened a Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Orange County on Monday, Jan. 13, to assist small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations who sustained economic losses from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “SBA’s BRCs are a cornerstone of our support for business owners,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of

Florida SBDC Network Announces Registration, Call for Presentations for 2025 Small Business Success

   Florida SBDC Network Announces Registration, Call for Presentations for 2025 Small Business Success Summit     Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance, has opened registration and call for presentations for the 2025 Small Business Success Summit, which will be held August 18-19 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.         Held in its fourth

HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital announces early 2025 expectant parents’ classes for patients

HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital announces early 2025 expectant parents’ classes for patients  Hernando County, Fla. (12/30/24) – HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital is pleased to announce its 2025 expectant parents’ class, tours and support groups class schedule.  Classes are provided at no charge for hospital patients and their support person. Registration is required. The following classes will be held on the following dates:Childbirth Preparation Class January 11 from 12 – 6 p.m.February 8 from 12 - 6

Upcoming Florida-Friendly Landscaping Events:

Upcoming Florida-Friendly Landscaping Events:  Water Awareness Speaker Series – Wednesday, January 8th, 2025, 10:00 am, HCUD Admin building, 15365 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34613­  Winter ­­Gardening Wonderland  (Brooksville, FL) – In this class, Extension Agent Dr. Lester will teach the best practices for having a successful winter vegetable garden and Florida-Friendly Landscaping Coordinator Colby Pitts will talk about how to best manage your landscape during bouts of cold weather.   Please RSVP

CITY OF BROOKSVILLE ANNOUNCES 2025 HOLIDAY AND MEETING SCHEDULES

CITY OF BROOKSVILLE ANNOUNCES 2025 HOLIDAY AND MEETING SCHEDULES Brooksville, Florida (December 10, 2024) – On December 9, 2024, during a regular City Council Meeting, the Brooksville City Council adopted the 2025 Holiday and Meeting Schedules. All regular City Council meetings are scheduled for the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers unless otherwise indicated. The following months are modified to account for a holiday: • January - One City Council meeting on Monday,

SBA Disaster Loans Available in Florida for Private Non-Profit Organizations

SBA Disaster Loans Available in Florida for Private Non-Profit Organizations ATLANTA -The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that certain Private Non-Profit organizations (PNPs) in Florida that do not provide critical services of a governmental nature may be eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans for damages as a result of Hurricane Milton. Eligible PNP organizations in the counties of Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry,

Behind the Digital Curtain: How Women Entrepreneurs Build Success with Adobe Acrobat

This October, in honor of Women's Small Business Month, it's essential to acknowledge the cutting-edge tools that enable women entrepreneurs to optimize their workflows and fuel growth. Adobe Acrobat provides a robust set of features aimed at boosting efficiency, simplifying document management, enhancing team collaboration, and streamlining crucial business processes. For women entrepreneurs eager to save time and concentrate on expanding their businesses, these solutions can be transformative in the

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FACT SHEET - DISASTER LOANS

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FACT SHEET - DISASTER LOANS in the Florida counties of: Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla; for economic injury only in the contiguous Florida counties of: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Collier, DeSoto, Gadsden, Glades, Gulf, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Liberty, Marion, Polk, Sumter, and Union; and for

FloridaCommerce Announces More Than $60 Million Available through Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan Program to Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene

 For Immediate Release: October 3, 2024FloridaCommerce Announces More Than $60 Million Available through Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan Program to Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene~ Recent legislation signed into law by Governor DeSantis increased the loan repayment period to 10 years ~TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  — Today, FloridaCommerce announced the availability of $60 million to support local governments recovering from Hurricane Helene through the local government emergency bridge loan program. In

Crisis Management: Building a Robust Plan for Business Continuity

When your business encounters tough times, having a solid strategy is crucial for navigating the challenges ahead. This article explores practical and actionable strategies to help your business weather the storm and emerge stronger. From optimizing financial management to enhancing operational efficiency, these tips will equip you with the tools to turn adversity into opportunity, ensuring your business remains resilient and adaptable in the face of hardship.Devise a Strategic Plan for Gradual Resource

Disaster Field Operations Center East

Disaster Field Operations Center EastRelease Date: July 22, 2024Contact: Mark Ihenacho (404) 331-0333 Mark.Ihenacho@sba.govRelease Number: 24-507, FL 20413/20414Follow us on X, Facebook, Blogs & InstagramSBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Miami Gardens, FL Extends Closing Date to Monday, July 29Atlanta – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today it will extend the closing date for the Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Miami Gardens, FL. The Center was originally scheduled to

Hernando County Business Owners: Avoid These Critical Financial Mistakes

Small business owners have a lot going on. In addition to running the day-to-day operations of their businesses, they also have to assume a lot of other company positions, from marketing and sales to HR and finance. It's no wonder, then, that financial mistakes are all too common. To help you avoid making some costly errors, the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce put together a list of the ten most common financial mistakes small business owners make — and how to avoid them.1. Poor Budgeting

Create Organizational Change For Your Business With These Essential Steps

As a business owner, it is inevitable that you’ll have to manage organizational change at some point. Whether it is due to the introduction of new technology, changes in customer demand, or simply staying ahead of the competition, making sure your business stays up-to-date and relevant can be a challenge. That said, there are strategies you can use to make the transition smoother and more effective, and the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce has put together a few of them for your