Greenwell wins Golden Mermaid Award for tourism
BROOKSVILLE — Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau presented its 2026 Golden Mermaid Award for Tourism to Diane Greenwell at a travel and tourism networking event at Broad Street Brewing Company marking National Travel and Tourism Week.
Nominees for Tourism Ambassador of the Year must provide a strong visitor experience, collaborate with other tourism partners and work well with the bureau. Greenwell was recognized for expanding arts and cultural opportunities in Hernando Beach and for creating experiences that enrich visits while strengthening community ties.
She is a driving force behind the 1st Saturdays Hernando Beach Front Porch Art Walk, founded in January 2023 by residents who wanted to bring arts and culture into community life through partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
“Diane’s passion for the arts and her commitment to building community connections through cultural experiences have helped create something truly special in Hernando Beach,” said Tammy Heon, manager of tourism for Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau. “Her efforts have not only supported local artists and businesses, but have also enhanced the overall visitor experience by showcasing the authentic character and creativity of our destination.”
2026 Florida Python Challenge dates announced
The annual Florida Python Challenge returns in 2026, running from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 10, through 5 p.m. Sunday, July 19. Registered participants will compete for a share of $25,000 in prizes while removing invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades and raising awareness about nonnative species.
Hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District, the event features a $10,000 ultimate grand prize for the participant who removes the most pythons. Everglades National Park returns as a partner this year and will serve as one of eight official competition locations.
Registration opened May 19 and will remain open through the final day of the competition. Visit FLPythonChallenge.org to register, complete the required online training and access information on Burmese pythons, the Everglades ecosystem and optional training opportunities.
Buchanan, Bilirakis applaud provision to make daylight saving time permanent
WASHINGTON — U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan and Gus Bilirakis announced the inclusion of a provision in the Surface Transportation Infrastructure Bill that would make daylight saving time permanent year-round.
The package advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee this week. Bilirakis chairs the panel’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade.
The provision would end the twice-yearly clock changes that critics say disrupt families, businesses, schools and public health. Supporters argue permanent daylight saving time would provide more evening daylight, boost economic activity, reduce traffic accidents and improve quality of life.
“For years, Floridians have voiced overwhelming frustration with the outdated practice of changing the clocks twice a year,” Buchanan and Bilirakis said in a joint statement. “The biannual clock change is inconvenient, unnecessary and out of step with the needs of today’s families and economy. Permanent daylight saving time will provide Americans with greater stability and more usable daylight hours throughout the year.”
The legislation now heads to the House floor.
Bilirakis touts provision to protect AM radio access
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis is touting the advancement of his provision to preserve access to AM radio as part of the Surface Transportation Infrastructure Bill, which cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee this week.
The provision would require AM radio to remain accessible in motor vehicles, citing its role in emergency alerts, public safety communications and local news — particularly during natural disasters and severe weather.
“AM radio remains an essential communications tool for millions of Americans, especially during emergencies when reliable access to information can save lives,” said Bilirakis, who chairs the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade. “For generations, AM radio has connected communities with emergency alerts, local news, weather updates and public safety information. As technology evolves, we must ensure that this trusted and resilient platform remains available to the public.”
The bill now advances for further consideration.
Jericho Road Ministries to open Hudson store
BROOKSVILLE — Jericho Road Ministries will open a thrift store in Hudson, expanding the ministry into Pasco County.
A grand opening celebration is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 5, at 9909 State Road 52. A ribbon-cutting will take place at 9 a.m.
Coffee and ice cream vendors will be on-site throughout the day, and shoppers will receive free tote bags while supplies last.
Astronaut Nicole Stott to speak in Odessa
ODESSA — Astronaut and author Nicole Stott will speak from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive.
Stott will discuss her spacewalks, life aboard the International Space Station and flying the space shuttle. A book signing will follow.
Doors open at 10 a.m. Seating is first come, first served. The first 70 attendees will receive free diecast metal keychains. Door prizes include pour paint sets and Stanley tumblers. Free refreshments will be available while supplies last.
New emergency room to open on Spring Hill Drive
SPRING HILL — HCA Florida will celebrate the grand opening of HCA Florida Oak Hill South Emergency from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at 11242 Spring Hill Drive.
Activities will include hands-on CPR training, emergency room tours, water activities, a mermaid appearance, fire trucks and ambulances, face painting, food trucks and free snow cones.
To register, call 844-630-5295.
DOH-Hernando to host Revive Awareness Day
HERNANDO COUNTY — The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County will host its annual Revive Awareness Day event from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive.
The free event raises awareness about overdose prevention and access to lifesaving resources. Attendees will learn how to recognize the signs of an overdose, how to administer naloxone to reverse one and what resources exist to support people with substance use disorder. Lunch will be provided by the Hernando Community Coalition.
Registration is required at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S2HSQJG