Hawkins prefiles for reelection to County Commission
BROOKSVILLE – Incumbent County Commissioner Brian Hawkins has prefiled for reelection to his District 2 seat, making three Republicans in contention for that position.
Hawkins was first elected to the commission in 2022, replacing the retiring Wayne Dukes.
Hawkins won the Republican primary and his general election opponent would have been write-in candidate Kathryn Birren, but she withdrew from the race.
Fellow Republicans Silvia Dukes and James Scavetta also have prefiled.
In the race for School Board District 3, Luciano Vignali has prefiled to challenge Shannon Rodriguez.
In 2024, Vignali was one of three challengers to lose to current District 3 County Commissioner John Allocco.
Salley awarded gold stars for fall 2025 at The Citadel
CHARLESTON, SC — Jayden Salley of Spring Hill is one of the more than 800 cadets and students recognized for their academic achievements during the fall 2025 semester at the Citadel.
Gold stars are awarded to those who achieved a 3.7 grade point average or higher. Recipients are also placed on the dean's list.
Cadets may wear gold stars on their uniforms throughout the following semester. Non-cadet students receive a recognition certificate, and veteran and active-duty students are also awarded challenge coins.
23rd annual Father-Daughter Dance to be Feb. 20 and 21
BROOKSVILLE – Tickets are available for the 23rd annual Father-Daughter Dance.
The event will be held Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Christian Church in the Wildwood. The western-themed evening features dancing, refreshments and activities.
Tickets are $25 per person, and every attendee must have a ticket. Tickets are available exclusively through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hernando-county-parks-and-recreations-23rd-annual-father-daughter-dance-tickets-1979244235789.
By purchasing a ticket, attendees consent to event photographs being used for county promotional and social media purposes. Tickets will be delivered via email after purchase.
For more information, contact the Hernando County Parks and Recreation office at 352-754-4031.
Florida State Parks offer free admission for Washington’s birthday
TALLAHASSEE — In honor of George Washington's birthday and the nation's 250th anniversary, Florida state parks will offer free admission Friday through Monday, Feb. 13-16.
"As the nation reflects on 250 years of independence, Florida State Parks invite visitors to experience history not just through exhibits, but through the landscapes themselves," said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert.
Find a park and plan a visit at FloridaStateParks.org. For more on Florida's role in the anniversary, visit America250FL.com.
FLHSMV: Driver license exams to be in English only
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced that beginning Feb. 6, all driver license knowledge and skills examinations will be administered exclusively in English.
The change applies to all classifications, including oral exams. Previously, knowledge exams for most non-commercial classifications were offered in multiple languages, while commercial learner's permit and commercial driver license exams were available in English and Spanish.
Language translation services will no longer be permitted for any examination, and printed exams in languages other than English will be removed.
Citrus County Beekeepers to meet Feb. 21
CITRUS COUNTY — The Citrus County Beekeepers Inc. will meet Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Homosassa Learning Center, 10950 W. Yulee Drive, Homosassa. The group meets the third Saturday of each month.
Guest speaker Billy Fussell of Bee Fussy Apiary, a commercial beekeeper and certified queen breeder from Lake County, will present at 10:30 a.m.
Meetings are free. Members will be available at 10 a.m. to answer questions for new or aspiring beekeepers.
For more information, email citruscountybeekeepersinc@gmail.com or find Citrus County Beekeepers on Facebook.
County jail passes operations inspection
BROOKSVILLE — The Hernando County Detention Center passed its 2026 Florida Model Jail Standards inspections, including both the annual operations and medical inspections, with no serious or notable violations.
The operations inspection was conducted Jan. 27 by an FMJS team led by James Aguiar Jr. of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. The team reviewed facility policies and documentation, observed operations, toured housing and support areas, and interviewed staff and inmates. Inspectors commended the cleanliness of the facility and the professionalism of staff.
The medical inspection was also conducted Jan. 27 by inspectors from Orange County Corrections, with an observer from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
"Passing both inspections with no violations reflects the professionalism of our detention and medical staff and their daily commitment to operating a safe, lawful and well-run facility," Sheriff Al Nienhuis said.
Sheriff’s Office seeks fingerprint volunteers
SPRING HILL — Fingerprint volunteers are needed at the District 2 office, 7499 Forest Oaks Blvd., on Mondays from noon to 4 p.m. and at the Hernando County Courthouse Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
No experience is necessary, and training will be provided. Apply at https://tinyurl.com/54v46szx.
History Center offers three special events
The Tampa Bay History Center will host three events this spring focused on conversation, connection and community.
The season opens Thursday, Feb. 27, at 5:30 p.m. with the fifth annual Black History Month Reception, featuring the presentation of the Rev. Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr. Sankofa Award. This year's reception will be held at the future home of Tampa's Black History Museum.
On Tuesday, March 11, at 5 p.m., the center hosts a gallery open house for its new exhibit, "America at the Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation," featuring guided access and a music-focused Florida Conversations program. Additional support is provided by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.
The series concludes Wednesday, March 18, at 6 p.m. with Foreword, a community town hall and civic dialogue with CEO and President Audrey Chapius. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
For more information, visit tampabayhistorycenter.org.
FWC approves rule changes for wildlife trapping
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted this past week to approve final rule amendments for wildlife trapping. The changes take effect Dec. 31.
The amendments address allowed trap types, design specifications, placement, check times and disposition of captured wildlife. The changes align more closely with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' best management practices.
"These updates modernize Florida's trapping rules and reflect decades of advancements in research and technology since the rules were last revised," said FWC Chief Conservation Officer George Warthen.
With few exceptions, the changes require annual registration and free training for anyone using traps to capture wildlife. Registered trappers will also be required to submit annual reports on their activities.
For more information, visit MyFWC.com/TrappingRules.