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
Hernando County Government Will Host an Opening Ceremony for the New Monument at Veterans Memorial Park
Hernando County Government Will Host an Opening Ceremony for the New Monument at Veterans Memorial Park(Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Government will host a ribbon cutting for the new Veterans Monument at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 12254 Spring Hill Dr, Spring Hill, FL 34609, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.The Veterans Monument will reflect and honor the bravery and sacrifice of Hernando County Veterans. The memorial will feature flags from each branch of the United States military. It
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
Vacancies on Various County Committees March 16, 2026
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
HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital Named Among 2026 Nation’s Best for Patient Safety
HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital Named Among 2026 Nation’s Best for Patient SafetyOak Hill Hospital among the nation’s top 5% for exceptional, patient-centered care for three consecutive years BROOKSVILLE, FL (March 10, 2026) – HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital announced today that it has achieved the 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ from Healthgrades, the #1 site Americans use to find a doctor or hospital. This award reflects Oak Hill Hospital’s commitment to safe, patient-centered care and puts the
FBI Alert Regarding Criminals Impersonating City and County Officials
The FBI is warning the public about an emerging phishing scheme by criminals impersonating city and county officials to solicit fraudulent payments for city and county planning and zoning permits. The criminals leverage publicly available permit information to identify potential victims and increase the legitimacy of the scam. Victims of this scam have been identified nationwide.How The Scam WorksIndividuals and businesses with active applications for land-use permits are being targeted by criminals
Hernando County Government Alerts Public to Fraudulent Water Inspection Scam
Hernando County Government Alerts Public to Fraudulent Water Inspection Scam(Brooksville, FL) –. The Hernando County Utilities Department (HCUD) is warning residents about a recent scam targeting local homeowners.A resident contacted HCUD customer service after two individuals went door-to-door in his neighborhood claiming to be from the Utilities Department. The individuals requested access to homes to test water quality for impurities. The resident became suspicious when he noticed they were not driving
Coping with Dementia 13th Annual Care Partner Conference Announces Speaker Line-Up
Coping with Dementia 13th Annual Care Partner ConferenceAnnounces Speaker Line-Up We are very excited to announce that Dr. Joshua Freitas from Certus Premier Memory Care Community will be the Keynote Speaker this year, but we have such a great line of speakers, Johnnie Jones III from Elder Options, which is our aging resource for 16 counties in Florida,Dr. Franchesca Arias is an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, emphasis on neurodegenerative disorders, Sharon Doncourt, from Sumter County
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
Hernando County’s New Civic Access System Goes Live, Enhancing Public Services
Hernando County’s New Civic Access System Goes Live, Enhancing Public Services(Brooksville, FL) – The new Hernando County Civic Access System is now live. This system replaced the County’s previous platform, delivering a more modern, streamlined, and user-friendly experience for residents, contractors, and businesses. Designed to improve accessibility and efficiency, the system provides convenient online access to permitting and licensing services while simplifying the application, review, and payment
Free Workers' Compensation and Workplace Safety Webinars April 2026
Click Here For Webinar Registration
Florida SBDC Network Announces Registration, Call for Presentations for 2026 Small Business Success
Florida SBDC Network Announces Registration, Call for Presentations for 2026 Small Business Success SummitFlorida 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 2026 Small Business Success Summit, which will be held August 17-18 at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor. Now in its fifth year, this year’s Summit coincides with the Florida SBDC Network’s 50th
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
