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 meeting to set the maximum millage rate is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, July 30. The first public hearing on the budget is set for 5:01 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, and the final hearing, at which commissioners will adopt the millage rate and budget, is set for 5:01 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.
All three meetings will be at the Hernando County Courthouse, 20 N. Main St., Brooksville, in the John Law Ayers Commission Chambers, Room 160.
The recommended budget will be posted at HernandoCounty.us after the July 30 meeting, and the approved budget will be posted after the Sept. 22 vote. Agendas, live meeting links, recordings, minutes and schedules are available at HernandoCounty.us/BOCC.
For more information, call the county Office of Management and Budget at 352-754-4004.
Library system’s east branch selling monthly bus passes
BROOKSVILLE — The east branch of the Hernando County Library System now sells monthly passes for all Hernando County Transit fixed routes, giving residents another place to buy them.
Passes are sold during regular branch hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; noon to 8 p.m. Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The branch is closed Sunday and Monday.
For route and pass information, visit HernandoBus.com. For library information, visit HernandoCountyLibrary.us.
Back to School Wellness Fair set for Aug. 8
Hernando County Housing & Supportive Services will hold a Back to School Wellness Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Jerome Brown Community Center, 99 Jerome Brown Place.
The fair is intended to promote mental well-being and help local families start the school year with support and resources.
Sheriff’s Office to hold senior expo
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office will hold a Senior Living & Safety Expo on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Grace World Outreach Church, 20366 Cortez Blvd.
The free event is open to seniors, caregivers, family members and anyone seeking local resources.
Attendees can learn about the CarFit program, which helps drivers improve vehicle safety and comfort; hear from detectives about fraud and scam prevention; meet members of the agency’s Community Policing Unit; and connect with organizations offering health, wellness, legal, veteran and housing services.
Storm drove spike in 911 calls, Sheriff’s Office says
BROOKSVILLE — The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office communications center saw a sharp increase in call volume on the afternoon of July 17, as storms moved through the area, the agency said.
Dispatchers answered 284 calls during the storm, generating 95 storm-related calls for service. The surge strained both communications and field resources, which were repeatedly depleted as the storms continued, the agency said.
History center seeks volunteers ahead of training week
TAMPA — The Tampa Bay History Center is recruiting volunteers, with training week scheduled for Sept. 14-18.
Volunteers serve as storytellers and greeters and are often the first people visitors meet. Public-facing roles suit those comfortable working with children and adults, speaking with visitors, standing for two-hour shifts and leading gallery tours.
During the week of hands-on training, volunteers learn how to engage visitors, support education programs, assist with tours and help bring the region’s history to life.
Applicants must be at least 15 and complete an application, interview, orientation and criminal background screening.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/bdf5xm28.
Habitat CEO Sutton named among most admired
TAMPA — The Tampa Bay Business Journal has named Mike Sutton, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, to its 2026 Most Admired CEOs list.
The honor cannot be applied or campaigned for, according to the publication. Honorees are chosen by fellow business and community leaders based on character, integrity, leadership and community impact as well as organizational success.
Sutton has led the Habitat affiliate for 12 years. During his tenure, the organization has expanded across the Tampa Bay area and helped thousands of individuals and families become homeowners.
Chris Hackney, chairman of the affiliate’s board, said in an email that he has watched Sutton’s leadership up close. “He leads with purpose, remains deeply committed to the families we serve and never loses sight of the volunteers, donors, staff members, and community partners who are at the heart of Habitat’s success,” Hackney wrote. “While this recognition is awarded to Mike, it is also a reflection of the extraordinary community surrounding Habitat.”