News

FloridaCommerce Announces Four Consecutive Years of Statewide Unemployment Rates Below the Nation Rate

 For Immediate Release: November 15, 2024FloridaCommerce Announces Four Consecutive Years of Statewide Unemployment Rates Below the Nation RateTALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, FloridaCommerce announced that Florida’s statewide unemployment rate has remained lower than the national unemployment rate for four years, marking a milestone of 48 consecutive months. Florida’s statewide unemployment rate remains steady at 3.3%, and in October 2024 alone, the state added 107,600 private sector jobs over-the-year.“Under

Hernando County Government Launches Strategic Planning Process with Community Engagement Opportunities

Hernando County Government Launches Strategic Planning Process with Community Engagement Opportunities(Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Government is excited to announce the initiation of a comprehensive Strategic Plan aimed at guiding the county’s development and improving the quality of life for its residents. The plan will serve as a roadmap for the county’s growth and the delivery of services over the next several years. Hernando County has engaged the USF Florida Institute of Government and SPC

Hernando County Town Hall Meeting on Property Restoration from Storm Damage

Hernando County Town Hall Meeting on Property Restoration from Storm Damage  (Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Government in conjunction with the Hernando County Development Services Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Property Restoration from Storm Damage on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 6pm located in the Eastside Elementary School Cafeteria (27151 Roper Rd, Brooksville, FL 34602). Residents who experienced property damage from

THE CITY OF BROOKSVILLE AND THE KIWANIS CLUB OF BROOKSVILLE CELEBRATE SPLASH PAD RIBBON CUTTING

FEMA Seeks Property Management Companies for Direct Lease

FEMA Seeks Property Management Companies for Direct Lease FEMA is seeking information from property management companies with ready-for-occupancy residential or rental properties in Florida communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Property management companies for consideration should be doing business in and around communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and/or Milton, to include the counties of Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Okeechobee, Pasco,

The West Entrance to the Judicial Center will be Temporarily Closed

The West Entrance to the Judicial Center will be Temporarily Closed(Brooksville, FL) – The West Entrance to the Hernando County Judicial Center at 20 N. Main Street, Brooksville, FL 34601, will be closed for maintenance on Monday, November 18th and Wednesday, November 20th-Friday, November 22nd. The West Entrance will be open on Tuesday, November 19th and will not interfere with the Board of County Commissioners meeting that begins at 9am on the first floor in the John Law Ayers Commission Chambers, Room

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. 2024-12 Declaration of State of Local Emergency, has been enacted by the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners. This declaration is for the seventh extension of the Local State of Emergency for Hurricane Helene and the fifth extension of the Local State of Emergency for Hurricane

Florida SBDC Network Bolsters State’s Economy

Florida SBDC Network Bolsters State’s Economy  Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, has released its 2024 Annual Report, which highlights the achievements and impact of the network over the last fiscal year.       With more than 40 locations across the state, the Florida SBDC Network has been the first choice for businesses in

Hernando Arts : November 2024 Newsletter

     Hernando ArtsNovember 2024Lots of fun art events happening this holiday season! Artists, be sure to keep Art in the Park in mind and get your applications in before the deadline on January 10.       Upcoming Art Events & OpportunitiesCheck out our Art Event Calendar and Opportunity page to find more local arts happenings and add your own events and opportunities!      The Nightmare Before Thanksgiving Exhibit at Ever After Gallery TONIGHT!! Enjoy a night filled with creativity,

Vacancy on Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board of Directors

Vacancy 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 a vacant Board Member seat on the Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board, under the category of Business (1 seat). The category is defined by Local Workforce Development Board Composition, Certification and Decertification Policy Number 91 (CareerSource Florida), as follows:Business – “owners of a business, chief

Mosquito-Borne Illness Advisory from the Florida Department of Health in Hernando County

Please see the flyer with tips on mosquito prevention or visit https://hernando.floridahealth.gov/

Brooksville Celebrates November!

Disaster Assistance information through Hernando County Housing and Supportive Services

Hernando County Launches Innovative Engagement Platform to Foster Community Connection

Hernando County Launches Innovative Engagement Platform to Foster Community Connection (Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County is proud to announce the launch of Engage Hernando, a new digital engagement platform designed to enhance communication and collaboration between residents and local government. This innovative tool aims to empower the community, allowing citizens to actively participate in local governance and civic life. Engage Hernando (www.EngageHernando.com) provides a user-friendly interface

DCF Announces Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) in Response to Hurricane Helene and Milton

DCF Announces Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) in Response to Hurricane Helene and MiltonTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced that Florida’s application for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) has been approved. D-SNAP provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton who are not receiving food assistance through the regular Supplemental

Florida SBDC Network State Director Named Among State’s Most Influential Leaders

Florida SBDC Network State Director Named Among State’s Most Influential Leaders  Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance, is pleased to announce thatGreg Britton, state director, has been named among the state’s most influential business leaders by Florida Trend for the third consecutive year.      This week, the magazine published the “Florida 500” list, which highlights the 500 most influential

THE BROOKSVILLE CITY COUNCIL NAMES JOEL “WARDY” SMITH AS THE 2024 GREAT BROOKSVILLIAN

THE BROOKSVILLE CITY COUNCIL NAMES JOEL “WARDY” SMITH AS THE 2024 GREAT BROOKSVILLIAN Brooksville, Florida (October 29, 2024) - The 2024 Great Brooksvillian Award was presented to Joel "Wardy" Smith on October 23, 2024. Joel "Wardy" Smith was recognized for his outstanding and significant positive contributions to the history, culture, and economy of Brooksville through his citrus business and humanitarian efforts. Joel "Wardy" Smith was the first local citrus grower to ship fruit from Brooksville to New

$5M Hurricane Recovery Grant Program Now Available for Small Businesses

$5M Hurricane Recovery Grant Program Now Available for Small Businesses The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF), in partnership with American Express, has just announced a new Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program. Here are the key details:   • Grant Amount: $5,000 per eligible business • Total Available: Funding for 1,000 small businesses • Total Program Value: $5 million • Eligibility: Small businesses impacted by Hurricanes Helene/Milton   This is a time-sensitive opportunity,

New SBA Business Recovery Center Launches with SCORE and SBDC

New SBA Business Recovery Center Launches with SCORE and SBDC ATLANTA –U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has enhanced the services of the Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Hillsborough County to a full Business Recovery and Assessment Center (BRAC) in collaboration with SCORE and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to provide vital resources in support of business owners affected by Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. The Center will function as a one-stop-shop to conveniently help

Important Announcement for Private Communities: Right of Entry Form Required for Debris Pickup

Important Announcement for Private Communities: Right of Entry Form Required for Debris Pickup  (Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Department of Public Works is notifying all homeowners' associations (HOAs) in private communities to complete the attached Right of Entry form for debris removal on private roads. This form is essential to access your properties to pick up debris and assist with post-disaster recovery efforts.  To ensure a smooth process, please follow these steps:Complete the Right of Entry

Hernando County Update on Local Resources After Recent Storm Events

Hernando County Update on Local Resources After Recent Storm Events  (Brooksville, FL) – Effective Friday, November 1, 2024, Hernando County Emergency Management will be demobilizing the Comfort Stations on the West Side of the County located at Aripeka Baptist Church (18731 Aripeka Road) and at 4054 Shoal Line Boulevard (old R Beach location). The County will also be demobilizing the mobile office for Emergency Permitting located at Linda Pederson Park, along with all associated bathrooms and ancillary

AMERICAN PICKERS to Film in Florida

AMERICAN PICKERS to Film in Florida The American Pickers are excited to return to Florida! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in December 2024.AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition

Free webinar for November 2024

***Updated*** Florida Commerce Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Available to Floridians Impacted by Hurricane Helene

 For Immediate Release: October 25, 2024***Updated*** Florida Commerce Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Available to Floridians Impacted by Hurricane HeleneTallahassee, FL – Today, FloridaCommerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians

Private Non-Profit Organizations in Three Additional Counties Affected by Hurricane Milton Are Eligible to Apply for SBA Disaster Loans

Private Non-Profit Organizations in Three Additional Counties Affected by Hurricane Milton Are Eligible to Apply for SBA Disaster Loans ATLANTA -The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that certain Private Non-Profit organizations (PNPs) in Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties in Florida may be eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans. These loans are available following a Presidential disaster declaration for Public Assistance resulting from damages caused by Hurricane

Farewell to Chairwoman Beth Narverud: A Legacy of Service on the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners

Farewell to Chairwoman Beth Narverud: A Legacy of Service on the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (Brooksville, FL) – At the October 22, 2024, Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, County Administrator Jeff Rogers and the BOCC presented a plaque to recognize Chairwoman Beth Narverud, who has proudly served the community and contributed to its growth and development during her tenure. Chairwoman Narverud has been a dedicated advocate for Hernando County residents,

Hernando County Schedules Countywide Debris Removal Pick Up

Hernando County Schedules Countywide Debris Removal Pick Up  (Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Government has completed the first pass of debris removal for areas west of US 19. Starting this week, Hernando County Government has deployed several debris removal trucks to various areas throughout the County to begin comprehensive debris removal operations county-wide. It may take up to several weeks for the trucks to pick up debris in each neighborhood as most impacted areas will be addressed first. Please

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,

Hernando County Extends Local State of Emergency and Issues Emergency Protective Measures

Hernando County Extends Local State of Emergency and Issues Emergency Protective Measures  (Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Emergency Management continues to monitor current weather conditions from Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. PROCLAMATION NO. 2024-09 Declaration of State of Local Emergency, has been enacted by the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners. This declaration is for the fourth extension of the Local State of Emergency for Hurricane Helene and the second extension of the

FloridaCommerce Announces that Florida’s Statewide Unemployment Rate Remains Lower than the National Rate for 47 Consecutive Months

 For Immediate Release: October 18, 2024FloridaCommerce Announces that Florida’s Statewide Unemployment Rate Remains Lower than the National Rate for 47 Consecutive Months~ Additionally, Florida Commerce Redoubles Commitment to Business Recovery After Milton ~TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Today, FloridaCommerce announced that Florida’s statewide unemployment rate has remained lower than the national unemployment rate for 47 consecutive months. Florida’s statewide unemployment rate remains at 3.3%, and in September

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

Florida Commerce Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Available to Floridians Impacted by H

   For Immediate Release: October 15, 2024   Florida Commerce Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Available to Floridians Impacted by Hurricane Milton   Tallahassee, FL – Today, FloridaCommerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct

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

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FACT SHEET - DISASTER LOANSFLORIDA Declaration 20699 & 20700 (Disaster: FL-20012)Incident: HURRICANE HELENE occurring: September 23, 2024 & continuing in the Florida counties of: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Franklin, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, and Wakulla; for economic injury only

***Updated*** Florida Commerce Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Available to Floridians Impacted by Hurricane Helene

 For Immediate Release: October 2, 2024***Updated*** Florida Commerce Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Available to Floridians Impacted by Hurricane HeleneTallahassee, FL – Today, FloridaCommerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose

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

SBA & FloridaCommerce Activate Disaster Loans to Businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene

           FloridaCommerce Activates Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program   To support small businesses who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene, FloridaCommerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.  The bridge loan program is a short-term, zero-interest loan that helps businesses “bridge the gap” between the time of impact and when long-term resources are available, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other

Hurricane Helene Response Opportunities

  View as WebpageDear Partners,  We know the last several days have been horrific to say the least, and many of you have lost much. We hope you and your families are all safe. Our most precious assets are those we love; the rest can and will be repaired. We are a resilient community, and we will rebuild.  Your Visitor’s Bureau is standing by to help in any way. As resources and assistance become available, we will forward the information directly via this newsletter, and post in

FloridaCommerce Activates the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, Making $15 Million Available for Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Helene

   For Immediate Release: September 29, 2024   FloridaCommerce Activates the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, Making $15 Million Available for Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Helene   TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, FloridaCommerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $15 million available for businesses impacted by

Florida Commerce Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Available to Floridians Impacted by Hurricane Helene

Florida Commerce Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Available to Floridians Impacted by Hurricane Helene   Tallahassee, FL – Today, FloridaCommerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or

Hernando County Residents Eligible For FEMA Federal Individual Assistance

Hernando County Residents Eligible For FEMA Federal Individual Assistance Homeowners and renters in Hernando County who were affected by Hurricane Helene are encouraged to apply for federal disaster assistance to help jump start their recovery. It’s as easy as a 20-minute phone call or a click online. If affected by both Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Helene, when registering for assistance and asked the question about the date of when the damages occurred, homeowners should provide the date of theirmost

Hernando County Extends Local State of Emergency Declaration

Hernando County Extends Local State of Emergency Declaration  (Brooksville, FL) – As of September 29, 2024, the Hernando County Executive Policy Group has extended the Local State of Emergency declaration for Hernando County, PROCLAMATION NO. 2024-05.  This declaration provides Hernando County Government the authority to take action as needed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our community. This includes making emergency purchases, obtain additional resources, renting equipment, hiring workers,

IRS opens new process for payroll companies, third-party payers to help clients resolve incorrect cl

IRS opens new process for payroll companies, third-party payers to help clients resolve incorrect claims for the Employee Retention Credit  IR-2024-246, Sept. 26, 2024  WASHINGTON —The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the agency is opening a supplemental claim process to help third-party payers and their clients resolve incorrect claims for the Employee Retention Credit.  Third-party payers report and pay clients’ federal employment taxes under the third-party payer’s Employer Identification

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

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

South Brooksville Community Redevelopment Area Steering Committee Meetings Scheduled

(Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Housing and Supportive Services has scheduled the upcoming South Brooksville Community Redevelopment Area - Steering Committee Meetings. These meetings are open to the public to attend.The first meeting is scheduled for: • Thursday, June 6, 2024 4:00pm–5:30 pm Department of Public Works building 1525 E. Jefferson St., Brookville, FL 34601The meetings will be on the first Thursday of every month: • Thursday, July 18, 2024 (Rescheduled due to the July 4th Holiday) •

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