Hernando County Issues Burn Ban
Hernando County Issues Burn Ban (Brooksville, FL) In accordance with Hernando County Code Chapter 12 Article VI, Hernando County is instituting an emergency temporary prohibition (Burn Ban) of all outdoor burning effective April 14th, 2026, for all unincorporated areas of Hernando County and the City of Brooksville. Hernando County Fire Rescue has recognized a spike in the number of brush fires. The current Keetch-Byram Drought Index for Hernando County on April 13th, 2026, is 509 and rising
Florida SBDC at UCF Named National SBDC of the Year by SBA
Florida SBDC at UCF Named National SBDC of the Year by SBA UCF Center Earns SBA's Highest SBDC Honor from Nearly 1,000 Centers Nationwide Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) –The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s premier provider of small business assistance and expertise, proudly announces that the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (UCF) has been selected as the recipient of the National Small
Hernando County Emergency Management to Host Annual Hurricane & Safety Expo
Hernando County Emergency Management to Host Annual Hurricane & Safety Expo(Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Emergency Management will host its 2026 #HernandoPrepares Hurricane & Safety Expo on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.This free, family-friendly event will take place at Hernando High School, located at 111 Ernie Chatman Run, Brooksville, FL 34601.The #HernandoPrepares Hurricane & Safety Expo will offer a variety of engaging and educational activities designed to help residents
When Revenue Growth Stalls: A Recession-Proofing Guide for Hernando County Businesses
Small businesses can take concrete steps now to build recession resilience — before economic headwinds arrive. The 2025 Small Business Credit Survey found that revenue expectations fell to a five-year low, with the revenue expectations index dropping from 39 to 33 — the weakest reading since 2020 — as input costs climbed for businesses sourcing internationally. For Hernando County businesses whose revenue tracks Tampa Bay's tourism and consumer spending cycles, that trajectory is a practical warning worth
Hernando County Procurement Meet & Greet
Hernando County Library System Is Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Spring Hill Branch
Hernando County Library System Is Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Spring Hill Branch(Brooksville, FL) – The Hernando County Library System will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Spring Hill Branch on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.The celebration is open to the public and will take place at the Spring Hill Library Branch, located at 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, FL 34608.To commemorate this important milestone, the event will highlight twenty years of book
City of Brooksville Job Fair - April 29, 2026
HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital Offers Free Educational Stroke Prevention Talk to Community on May 19
Learn About Stroke Prevention at a Free Community Talk on Tuesday, May 19BROOKSVILLE, FL (4/7/2026) -- HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital invites the community to “Stroke Prevention: What you need to know,” an interactive educational session to learn about stroke prevention and signs of a stroke.The session, presented by board-certified emergency medicine physician Christopher Komurek, DO, will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Dr. Komurek will answer questions from the audience following
DOH-Hernando Lifts Water Quality Health Advisory Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park
DOH-Hernando Lifts Water Quality Health AdvisoryAlfred McKethan Pine Island Park located at 10800 Pine Island Drive (off County Road 495 west of Weeki Wachee) tests below unsafe levelHernando County, Fla. —The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County (DOH-Hernando) is lifting the advisory for high bacterial levels the following location:Alfred McKethan Pine Island10800 Pine Island DriveSpring Hill, FL 34607 Tests completed on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, indicate that the water quality at Alfred
DOH-Hernando Temporary Office Closure April 13, 2026
DOH-Hernando Temporary Office Closure for Facility Improvements Hernando County, Fla. —The Brooksville office of the Florida Department of Health in Hernando County, located at 300 S Main Str., will be temporarily closed from April 13 – May 10, 2026. While the Brooksville location is closed, all services will remain available at our Spring Hill location, located at 7551 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34606 DOH-Hernando looks forward to welcoming the community back to the improved facility once
A Portion of Wheystone Drive Will Temporarily Close April 13–15, 2026
A Portion of Wheystone Drive Will Temporarily Close April 13–15, 2026(Brooksville, FL) – The Hernando County Department of Public Works will temporarily close Wheystone Drive, between Manuel Street and Chipstone Street, from Monday, April 13, through Wednesday, April 15, 2026.The road will be closed to allow the department to replace a stormwater pipe under Wheystone Drive, ensuring the continued function of the County’s stormwater system and reducing flood risk.Detour Information:Northbound traffic will be
Various Committee Vacancies April 3, 2026
Florida SBDC Network State Director Reappointed as SelectFlorida Board Chair
Florida SBDC Network State DirectorReappointed as SelectFlorida Board Chair Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance, is pleased to announce that Greg Britton, state director, has been reappointed chairman of the SelectFlorida board of directors. Britton, who joined the Board in 2023, will serve a second term as chair. He brings more than 25 years of
April Downtown Street Market in Downtown Brooksville
Brooksville in Bloom! Downtown Street Market Celebrates Spring and the Iconic Brooksville Bell Flower BROOKSVILLE, FL — As the gardens of Florida begin to burst with color, Brooksville Main Street is thrilled to announce the next edition of the Downtown Street Market on Saturday, April 18th, 2026. This season, our vibrant community celebration takes on a special theme honoring the city’s official flower:
Hernando County Is Now in a Modified Phase III ''Extreme'' Water Shortage
Hernando County Is Now in a Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage(Brooksville, FL) – The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has issued a Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order in response to severe drought conditions across the region. The updated order introduces conservation measures to protect water resources.Key Changes from Modified Phase II Include:Irrigation Hours:Lawn irrigation is now permitted only from 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. OR from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on assigned
Hernando County Board of County Commissioners Confirms New Utilities Director
Hernando County Board of County Commissioners Confirms New Utilities Director(Brooksville, FL) – At the March 24, 2026, Board of County Commissioners Meeting, Brad Smith was confirmed as the new Utilities Director. Brad previously served as Interim Director and has now been promoted to the permanent role.A sixth-generation Brooksville native, Brad brings a deep-rooted pride and commitment to the community he has always called home. Over the past 23 years, he has built an impressive career in the utilities
2026 King Pithla and Queen Chasco Named at Coronation Ball
Hail to the 2026 Chasco Ball King & Queen NEW PORT RICHEY, FL – March 23, 2026 — Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind is pleased to announce the 2026 King Pithla, Gary Gann, and Queen Chasco, Angie Gardner, who were crowned on March 20th at the 2026 Chasco Coronation Ball. The Ball celebrates the outstanding contributions made by members of our community through nominations submitted by not‑for‑profit organizations and recognizes two nominees each year with the coronation of King Pithla and Queen
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to Protect Florida’s Coasts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2026CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@FloridaDEP.govIn Case You Missed It: Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to Protect Florida's CoastsBRADENTON, Fla.—Today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two pieces of legislation aimed at protecting Florida’s coasts and strengthening coastal resilience and restoration efforts. The governor also announced plans to reopen the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers following reconstruction and rehabilitation projects.“My
No Swim Advisory Issued for Pine Island Park
No Swim Advisory Issued for Pine Island Park(Brooksville, FL) – The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County has issued a no swim advisory for Alfred McKethan Pine Island Parklocated at 10800 Pine Island Drive (off County Road 495 west of Weeki Wachee), effective immediately, due to water quality concerns. At this time, swimming is not recommended in the affected waters. The public will be notified once conditions improve and it is safe to resume swimming activities. This advisory does not impact
Lane Closures on Deltona Blvd. Beginning March 23rd
Hernando Issues Water Quality Health Advisory
Inter-Library Loan Services Have Officially Returned
Channels, Messaging, and Measurement: A Marketing Playbook for Hernando County Businesses
Most small business owners are already acting as their own CMO — a 2024 survey found that 71% of small businesses handle all marketing in-house, with only 21% employing a dedicated marketing person. The gap between those who get results and those who spin their wheels usually comes down to three things: choosing the right channel, building a message that fits, and measuring whether it worked.What Is a Marketing "Channel"? A marketing channel is any path you use to reach a potential customer — and the
Cash Flow Kills More Businesses Than Competition: A Financial Projection Guide for Hernando County
Financial projections are forward-looking estimates of your revenue, expenses, and cash position — the most practical tool for spotting shortfalls before they become emergencies. Cash flow mismanagement accounts for 82% of small business closures, making it the single leading cause of business failure. For Hernando County owners operating within the broader Tampa Bay economy — where tourism cycles, hospitality seasonality, and a diverse industry mix create real cash timing gaps — accurate projections
A Practical Guide to Navigating Tax Season for Small Business Owners in Hernando County
Small business owners in Hernando County power our local economy. Whether you operate a storefront in Brooksville or run a home-based service in Spring Hill, managing the tax filing process effectively is essential to protecting your cash flow, your compliance standing, and your peace of mind. Tax season can feel reactive and rushed. The most successful owners treat it as a year-round system by: Understanding which federal, state, and local taxes apply to your business structure. Keeping clean,
The Ultimate Summit Experience Awaits in Charlotte Harbor!
Get ready for the fifth annual Small Business Success Summit, held August 17-18 at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor! This dynamic, two-day event offers the ultimate professional development experience for small business owners bringing together the Florida SBDC Network's experienced business consultants and partners from across the state. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies, valuable connections, and resources to help take their business to the next
Small Animal Training
We are excited to announce that the State Animal Response Coalition (SARC) is coming to Hernando County to host FL-018 (OpsSAS) Small Animal Sheltering - Operations Level.The class will be held in our EOC on April 28th and 29th from 9-5. Please see the flyer attached to register on the SARC page. We also ask that you register on the https://trac.floridadisaster.org/ website as well. The course does require students to complete FEMA Independent Study (IS)100.c “Introduction to the Incident Command System”
Emergency Planning Essentials for Small Businesses in Hernando County
Small business owners in the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce know that preparedness isn’t optional—it’s survival strategy. Storms, power outages, supply disruptions, and health emergencies can threaten operations without warning. Preparing now not only protects your people and assets but also strengthens community resilience across the county. Learn below about: Practical steps for building a small-business emergency plan Ways to train teams and clarify roles before a crisis How
SBDC - Call for Presentations!
Share your expertise and become a speaker at one of our upcoming events! The Florida SBDC Network hosts two major events each year in conjunction with one another - the Small Business Success Summit and the Florida SBDC Annual Professional Development Conference. In 2026, both events will take place at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, August 17-19. To ensure attendees gain access to high-value insights, tools, and expertise, we invite external subject-matter experts, practitioners, and
HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital offers free educational classes for expectant parents (January - June 2026)
HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital offers free educational classes for expectant parents January – June 2026 schedule offers in person and virtual options Hernando County, Fla. (12/31/2025) – HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital offers a variety of free educational classes for expectant moms and a support person. From learning to prepare for delivery day, to breastfeeding tips and tricks, we invite our community to join us to learn how best to care for a new addition.Expectant parents can also tour the birthing
Why Multimedia Storytelling Is a New Cornerstone for Chambers of Commerce
The Story in Motion Once upon a time, a newsletter and ribbon-cutting photo could carry a chamber’s message for months. But today’s digital economy runs on motion and sound. The way communities learn, connect, and act is now driven by multimedia storytelling — the blend of video, audio, and immersive content that pulls audiences in instead of just informing them. For chambers of commerce like ours, that means we’re no longer simply communicating value. We’re producing experiences that show what local
Powell Road Resurfacing Project to Begin November 3, 2025
Powell Road Resurfacing Project to Begin November 3, 2025(Brooksville, FL) – Department of Public Works announces that roadway improvement work will soon begin on Powell Road, from California Street to the SR 589 Bridge. The upcoming project will include the addition of a 4-foot paved shoulder on both sides of the roadway, as well as milling and resurfacing of the existing pavement. Construction is scheduled to begin Monday, November 3, 2025, and completion is anticipated at the end of June 2026, weather
How Modern Local Businesses Can Improve Efficiency and Build Trust
You’re hiring your first employee. Or maybe expanding locations. Or fielding more customer orders than ever. Whatever the milestone, local businesses at transitional moments quickly run into one common friction: outdated operations that hold everything back. Modernizing your day-to-day systems isn’t just about tech for tech’s sake. It’s about reclaiming your time, reducing unnecessary costs, and building stronger relationships with your customers, employees, and partners. The Hidden Costs of
When Success Comes Too Fast: Guiding a Small Business Through Sudden Growth
Sudden success can feel like a champagne moment—bubbly, celebratory, and a little intoxicating. Yet behind the cork-popping and congratulations lies a quieter reality: rapid growth can destabilize a business if it isn’t met with steady hands and thoughtful strategy. The challenge is not just keeping up with new demand but building systems, teams, and processes that ensure sustainability. Without careful steering, what begins as a surge of opportunity can slip into overwhelm and chaos. Solidifying the
DIY Graphic Design That Works for the Hustling Small Business Owner
A small business lives and dies by impressions. Before a customer has walked into a store or clicked “Add to Cart,” their eyes have done most of the deciding. It’s no secret that design plays a powerful role in shaping trust, curiosity, and sales. But for entrepreneurs wearing ten hats and running short on time, professional-looking visuals can feel just out of reach—until they realize the best solutions don’t always come from a studio. Branding Before the First Brushstroke Design starts long before
Pixels With Purpose: How Small Business Visual Content Powers Real Engagement Across Platforms
In a landscape where attention is both currency and competition, visual content isn’t optional—it’s elemental. For small businesses fighting to be seen amid algorithmic tides and ad-saturated timelines, a single image, reel, or story can cut through the noise in ways no text post ever will. It isn’t just about looking good; it’s about being remembered, shared, and trusted. The most effective visual strategies are grounded in authenticity and shaped by an intuitive understanding of the platform they live
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
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
