News

Florida’s Statewide Unemployment Rate Has Remained Lower Than the National Rate for 49 Consecutive Months

 For Immediate Release: December 20, 2024Florida’s Statewide Unemployment Rate Has Remained Lower Than the National Rate for 49 Consecutive Months~ FloridaCommerce announces 60,100 private sector jobs added in November 2024; Florida bounces back with more jobs than before Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton~TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, FloridaCommerce announced that Florida job creators added 60,100 private sector jobs in November 2024, surpassing pre-hurricane levels and demonstrating the state’s resilience in

Last Chance for Free Storm Debris Disposal – Deadline January 4th

Last Chance for Free Storm Debris Disposal – Deadline January 4th (Brooksville, FL) – The Solid Waste Department announces that free disposal for storm debris taken to the landfill will officially end on January 4, 2025. After this date, all storm-related debris brought to the landfill will be subject to regular fees and policies. To ensure a smooth transition, residents are encouraged to bring their storm debris to the landfill on or before Saturday, January 4, 2025. The free disposal service was put

Free Live Webinars For Small Business Owners

FloridaCommerce Announces Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance Application Deadline Extension for Hurricane Milton

 For Immediate Release: December 19, 2024FloridaCommerce Announces Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance Application Deadline Extension for Hurricane MiltonTallahassee, FL –  Today, FloridaCommerce announced a deadline extension for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Milton to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The US Department of Labor (USDOL) determined that the DUA application period should be extended, pursuant to Federal law and guidance issued by USDOL. DUA is available to residents

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

Holiday Office Closures and Trash Collection Schedule

Holiday Office Closures and Trash Collection Schedule(Brooksville, FL) – All Hernando County offices/services will be closed on the following dates to observe the upcoming Christmas and New Year Holiday:  Tuesday, December 24, 2024 in observance of Christmas EveWednesday, December 25, 2024 in observance of Christmas DayWednesday, January 1, 2025 in observance of New Year’s DayHernando County Transit Services - TheBus: Hernando County Transit Services (TheBus) will not be providing service on Tuesday,

CITY OF BROOKSVILLE GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED FOR NEW YEAR’S DAY HOLIDAY

CITY OF BROOKSVILLE GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED FOR NEW YEAR’S DAY HOLIDAY Brooksville, Florida (December 18, 2024) – All City of Brooksville government offices will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in observance of New Year’s Day, and will return to normal business hours on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Commercial garbage that is usually picked up on Wednesdays will instead be picked up on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Residential garbage collection will occur as regularly scheduled. Commercial

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,

Vacancies on Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board of Directors

Vacancies on Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board of Directors NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners is accepting applications from individuals qualified to fill vacant Non-Board Member seats on the Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board, under the (5) categories of Business, Education, Labor/Apprenticeships, Governmental/Economic/Community Development, Other Entity Representation. The categories defined by Local Workforce Development Board Composition, Certification and

STAR EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED AT THE CITY OF BROOKSVILLE

STAR EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED AT THE CITY OF BROOKSVILLE Brooksville, Florida (December 12, 2024) – At the December 9, 2024, Brooksville City Council Meeting, the City Council and the City Manager recognized ten employees considered to be Staff that are Remarkable (STAR). These are employees who are making a difference in their respective departments and on behalf of the City of Brooksville. The employees recognized have not only done an exemplary job performing their duties for the city, but they have gone

Ring in the New Year with the Exciting Tangerine Ball Drop!

Ring in the New Year with the Exciting Tangerine Ball Drop!Brooksville, FL – (December 9, 2024) Get ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve like never before with the Tangerine Ball Drop, a fun and vibrant event happening on December 31st, 2024 from 6pm-1am at the Water Tower in downtown Brooksville! This unique celebration is bringing a colorful twist to the traditional ball drop, featuring a glowing tangerine descending to mark the start of the New Year.After a long hiatus, the signature event is a unique

CAREERSOURCE PASCO HERNANDO'S December 2024 NEWSLETTER

          2024DecemberNews, Events & Highlights                 UPCOMING EVENTSSee what's happening this month.              Exciting New Opportunities at CSPH: Disaster Worker Grant, Internships, and Apprenticeships  CareerSource Pasco Hernando (CSPH) is thrilled to introduce three dynamic initiatives designed to empower our community, strengthen the workforce,

Hernando County Extends Local State of Emergency

Hernando County Extends Local State of Emergency  (Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Emergency Management continues to monitor current weather conditions from Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. PROCLAMATION NO. 2024-17 Declaration of State of Local Emergency, has been enacted by the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners. This declaration is for the twelfth extension of the Local State of Emergency for Hurricane Helene and the tenth extension of the Local State of Emergency for Hurricane

Laffs2Go Monthly Comedy Nights: Bringing Big Laughs to Spring Hill Since 2021

Laffs2Go Monthly Comedy Nights: Bringing Big Laughs to Spring Hill Since 2021 Spring Hill, FL – Since 2021, the Laffs2Go Monthly Comedy Night has been bringing nationally acclaimed comedians to Stage West Playhouse on the second Saturday of every month. Featuring performers from HBO, SHOWTIME, Netflix, Comedy Central, NBC, ABC, FOX, and more, this series is the perfect destination for comedy lovers. The upcoming show on Saturday, January 11th, 2025, stars the hilarious Rahn Hortman, known for his

DOH-Hernando Offices Close in Observance of Upcoming Holidays

DOH-Hernando Offices Close in Observance of Upcoming HolidaysHernando County, Fla. — All Florida Department of Health offices in Hernando County (DOH-Hernando) will be closed on the following dates:   Monday, December 23, 2024Tuesday, December 24, 2024Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Tuesday, December 31, 2024Wednesday, January 1, 2025  DOH-Hernando offices will be open during regular operation hours on the following dates:   Thursday, December 26, 2024Friday, December 27, 2024Monday, December 30,

Florida Chamber Foundation's Latest State-to-State Population Migration Report Highlights Florida's National Leadership and Key Opportunities for Future Growth

    Florida Chamber Foundation's Latest State-to-State Population Migration Report Highlights Florida's National Leadership and Key Opportunities for Future Growth While Florida Saw the Highest Influx of New Residents in the Nation in 2023, Business Leaders Are Addressing Florida's Increase in Outflow Access the 2024 Florida Migration Trends Report HERE.Join the continued discussion on Florida's growth and shifting demographics HERE. The Florida Chamber Foundation has released its latest migration

FREE Hurricane Recovery Advertising Program

Updates to the National Flood Insurance Program Make Flood Insurance More Accessible in Florida

Updates to the National Flood Insurance Program Make Flood Insurance More Accessible in Florida TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – FEMA, which administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), announced program updates that were created to help enhance access to flood insurance. These changes make it easier for homeowners and renters to select and pay for a flood insurance policy. Getting a Flood Insurance QuoteIt is now easier than ever for those interested in NFIP flood insurance policies to learn about the

Hernando County Animal Services Temporarily Closed December 23-31, 2024, as Animal Services Transiti

Hernando County Animal Services Temporarily Closed December 23-31, 2024, as Animal Services Transitions to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office(Brooksville, FL) – Effective January 01, 2025, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office will take over day to day operations of Hernando County Animal Services. To aid in the transition, Hernando County Animal Services will be closed to the public from December 23, 2024, through December 31,, 2024. This time will allow for a smooth transition of responsibilities and

CITY OF BROOKSVILLE GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

CITY OF BROOKSVILLE GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY Brooksville, Florida (December 11, 2025) – All City of Brooksville Government Offices will be closed Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and Wednesday, December 25, 2024, in observance of the Christmas Holiday. All offices will return to normal business hours on Thursday, December 26, 2024. There will be no changes to the residential garbage collection for Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Hernando Arts : Holiday Newsletter 2024

     Hernando ArtsHoliday Newsletter 2024This holiday season, spread some extra joy by shopping small and supporting the talented local artists and makers right here in Hernando County! Let’s keep the holiday cheer local and celebrate creativity close to home!       The Hernando Beach Front Porch Art Walk is returning tomorrow, December 7!         Next Saturday, join us in Hernando Beach for the return of the 1st Saturdays Hernando Beach Front Porch Art

FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Hernando County

FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Hernando County TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As Floridians rebuild, survivors of Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby can get free advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available to answer questions and offer free home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. This information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors. Mitigation is an effort to

THE CITY OF BROOKSVILLE CEMETERY ANNOUNCES IT WILL BECOME AND OFFICIAL LOCATION FOR THE 2024 NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY

THE CITY OF BROOKSVILLE CEMETERY ANNOUNCES IT WILL BECOME AND OFFICIAL LOCATION FOR THE 2024 NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY Brooksville, Florida (Dember 6, 2024) – National nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) recently announced that Brooksville Cemetery in will be joining in the mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, as an official location for 2024. This is the first year that the cemetery will participate in this national program. Wreaths Across America started as a simple gesture of thanks that

CITY OF BROOKSVILLE GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED FOR DECEMBER HOLIDAYS

CITY OF BROOKSVILLE GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED FOR DECEMBER HOLIDAYS Brooksville, Florida (December 4, 2024) City of Brooksville government offices will be closed on various days throughout December. City of Brooksville government offices will be closed on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and Wednesday, December 25, 2024, in observance of the Christmas holiday. Normal operations will resume on Thursday, December 26, 2024. Commercial garbage collection that usually occurs on Tuesdays will proceed as

Annual Sponsorship Opportunities with the Florida SBDC Network

           Annual Sponsorship Opportunities with the Florida SBDC Network  Create Connections, Build Relationships and Support Small Businesses  The Florida SBDC Networkis excited to announce our annual sponsorship opportunities to partners and stakeholders for 2025. Organizations and companies interested in working with the Florida SBDC Network to create a better Florida for all by helping businesses grow and succeed can become a

Florida’s KidCare Expansion Approved: A Major Victory for Cutting Florida Childhood Poverty in Half

Florida’s KidCare Expansion Approved: A Major Victory for Cutting Florida Childhood Poverty in Half and a Big Win for Families and Economic MobilityExpanded Eligibility Provides Thousands of Children Access to Affordable Health Insurance While Supporting Families Working Their Way Up the Economic LadderThe Florida Chamber of Commerce applauds the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) approval of Florida’s expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), called KidCare. This is a

Make a difference with Hernando Arts today! 

This Giving Tuesday, help us on our mission to encourage, promote, and support all of the creative arts in Hernando

Warming Center to Open Overnight in Hernando County

Warming Center to Open Overnight in Hernando County(Brooksville, FL) – In response to forecasted low temperatures, Hernando County Emergency Management, in partnership with the American Red Cross and the City of Brooksville, is opening a Warming Center to provide warmth and comfort to those in need.The Warming Center will be located at the Brooksville Enrichment Center, located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34601, and will open tonight, December 3, 2024, at 8:00PM to 8:00AM. The center will

THE CITY OF BROOKSVILLE RECOGNIZES OUTGONG BROOKSVILE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR THEIR SERVICE

THE CITY OF BROOKSVILLE RECOGNIZES OUTGONG BROOKSVILE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR THEIR SERVICE Brooksville, Florida (December 3, 2024) – At a regular City Council meeting on November 18, 2024, the City of Brooksville recognized Mayor Blake Bell, Councilman David Bailey, and Councilwoman Jody Young, for their hard work and dedication to bettering the City of Brooksville over the time they have served.Mayor Blake Bell: Mayor Blake Bell served on the City of Brooksville City Council from December 2020 through

DOH-Hernando Encourages a Safe 2024 Holiday Season

DOH-Hernando Encourages a Safe 2024 Holiday SeasonHernando County, Fla.— The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County (DOH-Hernando) encourages residents and visitors to enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season. From traveling to decorating and cooking, the holidays are time for family and friends to come together and celebrate. DOH-Hernando advises Floridians to follow these tips to ensure their safety.  Food Safety   Thaw meat in the refrigerator or in a sink filled with cold water before

Hernando County, Florida Office of Economic Development Welcomes Industry Veteran, John Walsh to the Team

Hernando County, Florida Office of Economic Development Welcomes Industry Veteran, John Walsh to the Team (Brooksville, FL) - John Walsh has been an economic development professional for more than 30 years in the Tampa Bay Region. His industry expertise and area insight instill confidence in business leaders considering relocation and expansion options. As Economic Development Manager, Walsh will focus on attracting target industries while supporting the expansion and retention of existing

Hernando County Extends Local State of Emergency

Hernando County Extends Local State of Emergency  (Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Emergency Management continues to monitor current weather conditions from Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. PROCLAMATION NO. 2024-14 Declaration of State of Local Emergency, has been enacted by the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners. This declaration is for the ninth extension of the Local State of Emergency for Hurricane Helene and the seventh extension of the Local State of Emergency for Hurricane

FEMA Extends Applications After Hurricane Helene and Milton

Deadline Extended for FEMA Applications After Hurricanes Helene and Milton in FloridaTALLAHASSEE, Fla.– The deadline for Floridians to apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricanes Milton and Helene has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025. Homeowners and renters with losses from Hurricanes Milton and Helene may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses. Homeowners and renters are encouraged

HOLIDAY NOTICE Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste Collection

HOLIDAY NOTICE Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste CollectionLandfill closures and Republic Services curbside schedule changes due to holidays: • All Solid Waste Facilities are closed and there will be NO Republic Services curbside trash, recycling or yard waste picked up on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2024. • All Solid Waste Facilities are closed and there will be NO Republic Services curbside recycling or yard waste picked up on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024 • All Solid Waste

Thanksgiving Office Closures for Hernando County Government

Thanksgiving Office Closures for Hernando County Government(Brooksville, FL) – The following Hernando County offices/services will be closed on Thursday, November 28, 2024 and Friday, November 29, 2024 in observance of Thanksgiving: • All Hernando County Government offices • Animal Services • Library ServicesHernando County Transit Services - TheBus: Hernando County Transit will not be providing service on Thursday, November 28, 2024 in observance of Thanksgiving – services will be provided as normal on

Hernando County Government Opens a Disaster Recovery Center

Hernando County Government Opens a Disaster Recovery Center  (Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Government opens a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the West Hernando Library Branch (6335 Blackbird Ave., Brooksville, FL 34613) daily from 9am-6pm, until further notice.  Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update

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

Scheduled Road Closure on Old Spring Lake Road Between Neff Lake Road and Spring Lake Highway Effect

Scheduled Road Closure on Old Spring Lake Road Between Neff Lake Road and Spring Lake Highway Effective Immediately(Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County’s Department of Public Works will be immediately closing Old Spring Lake Road between Neff Lake Road and Spring Lake Highway for a period up to six months. This is due to excessive erosion and possible shoulder failure, it’s with an abundance of caution and public safety this decision has been made. Please understand the situation is being evaluated and the

HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital announces 2024 and early 2025 expectant parents’ classes for patients

MEDIA CONTACT: Denise E. Rader                                                                               Denise.rader@hcahealthcare.com352-597-6317  HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital announces 2024 and early 2025 expectant parents’ classes for patients  Hernando County, Fla. (9/6/24) – HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital is pleased to announce its fall and winter expectant parents’ class, tours and support groups class schedule for hospital patients.  Class registration is required and classes are provided at

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