County commissioners to hold budget meetings
BROOKSVILLE — The Hernando County Commission will hold a series of meetings to set the county’s budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2027.
A special budget meeting to set the maximum millage rate is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, July 30. The first budget public hearing is set for 5:01 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, and the final hearing to adopt the millage rate and budget is set for 5:01 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.
All meetings will be at the Hernando County Courthouse, 20 N. Main St., in the John Law Ayers Commission Chambers, Room 160. Agendas, live meeting links, recordings, minutes and schedules are available at HernandoCounty.us/BOCC.
The recommended budget will be posted at HernandoCounty.us after the July 30 meeting. The approved budget will be posted after commissioners adopt it Sept. 22.
For more information, contact the county Office of Management and Budget at 352-754-4004.
McKethan Park hours draw commission scrutiny
BROOKSVILLE — Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park began opening at 10 a.m. on July 6, giving staff time each morning to finish routine maintenance before visitors arrived.
The change did not sit well with county commissioners, who at their land use meeting July 7, ordered the park to reopen at 8:30 a.m.
Brookridge Social Dance set for Aug. 1
The Brookridge Social Dance on Aug. 1 will feature the Saltwater Cowboys, playing a variety of music. The theme is Beach Party.
Dress is casual, and dancing runs from 7 to 10 p.m. The event is BYOB, and guests should bring their own snacks; ice is provided. Tickets are $10 and sold at the door only, from 6 to 7 p.m. For questions or reservations, call Patty at 317-440-6586.
The Stragglers will perform Sept. 5. The Halloween dance is set for Oct. 24 and will feature Paisley Craze, with prizes for the best men’s and women’s costumes and best couple’s costume. Tickets are $10 and on sale now; call Thad at 352-645-5271.
Sheriff’s Office reports successful reaccreditation
HERNANDO COUNTY -- The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office has passed a reaccreditation assessment by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.
Assessors found the agency in compliance with all 204 applicable standards, with none out of compliance. Their final report commended employees for their professionalism and courtesy and said agency policies are consistently followed and enforced.
The team also singled out the sheriff’s office Mental Health Unit, which since its start in August 2023 has helped cut involuntary examinations under the Baker Act in Hernando County by nearly 30%.
Members of the agency’s accreditation team were also selected to present their “Accreditation Fishbowl” course at the commission’s recent conference.
“Accreditation isn’t a trophy we put on a shelf; it’s a promise to the citizens of Hernando County that we hold ourselves to the highest professional standards in everything we do,” Sheriff Al Nienhuis said. “Achieving perfect compliance across all 204 applicable standards reflects the culture of accountability and excellence that every member of this agency upholds daily.”
Nienhuis said the result reflected the work of deputies, communications specialists and civilian employees alike. “When independent assessors walk into your agency and find zero deficiencies, that tells you the standards aren’t just written in a policy manual,” he said. “They’re being lived on the street, in the jail, and in every interaction our people have with this community.”
Detention Center passes surprise inspection
HERNANDO COUNTY -- The Hernando County Detention Center passed an unannounced Florida Model Jail Standards inspection June 23.
As with a scheduled inspection earlier this year, the jail was found in full compliance, with no violations noted.
The standards set the minimum requirements for protecting the constitutional rights of inmates, and the inspections confirm that jails continue to meet or exceed the state’s operational and medical requirements.
The inspection was conducted by a team from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, which reviewed policies and compliance records, toured the facility and interviewed staff members and inmates.
Brooksville Main Street earns accreditation
BROOKSVILLE — Brooksville Main Street has again been named an accredited Main Street America program and has received Florida Main Street accreditation for 2026.
Main Street America and the Florida Department of State evaluate local programs each year against performance standards measuring local leadership, community partnerships and the impact of the organization’s four-point approach within the historic district.
“Receiving 2026 accreditation is a testament to the hard work of our board of directors, our volunteers, and our city and county partners,” said Dawn Triconi, executive director of Brooksville Main Street. “It signals to the state and the nation that Brooksville is a premier destination that values its history while aggressively pursuing a vibrant economic future. Brooksville isn’t just a location; it’s our mission.”
Sheriff’s Office to hold back-to-school bash
HERNANDO COUNTY -- The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office will hold its 10th annual Back to School Bash from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 18 at Great Life Church, 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville.
The event will offer free backpacks, school supplies, lunch boxes and physicals. Children must be present to receive a backpack.
Minority chamber seeks new members
The Pasco Hernando and Citrus Minority Chamber of Commerce is seeking members from across the tri-county region.
The nonprofit works to connect, support and raise the profile of minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses, along with youth, low-income, small and underserved businesses in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.
The chamber is building a free business directory to help local businesses reach customers and learn about resources, networking opportunities, procurement events, sponsorships and community partnerships. It also welcomes nonprofits, civic groups and community organizations. Membership offers chances to build relationships, promote community initiatives, collaborate on events and connect with business and community leaders.
For more information, visit phcmcc.org, email info@phcmcc.org or call 888-595-1259.
County boards have openings
HERNANDO COUNTY -- The Hernando County Commission is accepting applications from residents who want to serve on county committees.
The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee has three openings: one for a resident active in the banking or mortgage banking industry in connection with affordable housing, one for a resident who represents essential services personnel as defined in the local housing assistance plan, and one for a resident active as a for-profit provider of affordable housing.
The Board of Construction and Regulation has two openings, one for an architect or engineer and one for a consumer representative. The Library Advisory Committee has one opening.
Applicants must be Hernando County residents and registered voters. The positions are voluntary and unpaid, and some may be designated as alternate seats.
Applications are available at the county administrator’s office, 15470 Flight Path Drive, Brooksville; by calling 352-754-4002; or at HernandoCounty.us/Committees. Applications must be emailed to Administration@co.hernando.fl.us and received by 5 p.m. Friday, July 17.