Little Red Schoolhouse closes for repairs
BROOKSVILLE — The Little Red Schoolhouse, operated by the Friends of the Library, will be closed for the next few weeks because of problems with the building.
Patrons can still support the group by buying books from the Book Nooks inside each library branch. Proceeds help fund library programs and services.
Alligator hunters can report harvests through app
Hunters taking part in the Statewide Alligator Hunt and Super Hunt can now report their harvests through the Fish|Hunt FL app.
Harvests must still be recorded within 24 hours or before the carcass is transferred, whichever comes first. Hunters without cellphone service can write the information in a temporary harvest transfer log and enter it online within 24 hours.
The temporary log should include the permit holder’s legal name; CITES tag number; date of harvest; the county and water body where the alligator was taken; the animal’s total length in feet and inches; the date and time of transfer; and the legal name of the person receiving it.
To file a report, hunters log in to their account in the app, tap “hunting” and choose “Alligator Harvest Reports.”
For more information on alligator hunting and management, visit MyFWC.com/Alligator.
Sheriff’s Office says jury duty scam calls persist
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office says it is still fielding numerous complaints from residents about callers who pose as agency officials and demand money over a missed jury summons.
The callers tell victims they skipped jury duty or a court date, that a local judge has signed a bench warrant and that they will be arrested unless they pay over the phone.
The agency said it is also getting reports of a variation in which the caller says the victim failed to appear for jury duty, then demands payment for a code the victim must bring to the Sheriff’s Office to prove he or she did not sign the jury duty paperwork.
Some victims got the pitch as a voicemail message. In each version, the caller ID has been spoofed to make the call appear to come from the Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone who asks for or demands money over the phone is running a scam, the agency said, and residents should hang up rather than call back the number the caller provides. Those with questions about a jury summons or a warrant should call the agency directly at a verified number.
Georgia man charged in Florida hunting lease scheme
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigators have accused a Georgia man of running a fake hunting lease scheme that took thousands of dollars from hunters in 15 Florida counties.
Rodney Edward Smith, 39, of Chatsworth, Georgia, was extradited to Florida on Aug. 16 to face four felony counts filed May 7 in Gilchrist County.
Investigators said Smith ran the scheme between July 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026, while serving time for false imprisonment and other charges at Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe, Georgia. Using smuggled cellphones, multiple online aliases, social media profiles and dozens of phone numbers, he advertised leases on property he did not own or control, then negotiated terms and collected deposits, the agency said.
A hunting lease is an agreement that allows a hunter to use private land under terms set by the landowner.
Smith is charged with fraudulently offering property for sale or lease, a first-degree felony; and scheme to defraud less than $20,000, illegal use of a two-way communication device and cheating, all third-degree felonies. Bond was set at $700,000.
The FWC asks the public to report wildlife and resource violations through the Wildlife Alert app, by calling 888-404-3922 or by submitting a tip at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
Veterans fair set for Oct. 3 at Anderson Snow Park
BROOKSVILLE — The Hernando County Veteran Services Department will hold the Hernando Heroes Fair, an event honoring veterans and first responders, from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Anderson Snow Park, 1360 Anderson Snow Road.
FWC program recognizes anglers’ freshwater catches
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is inviting anglers of all ages and skill levels to take part in Big Catch, the state’s freshwater angler recognition program.
Anglers can choose from more than 30 eligible freshwater species and earn recognition for a fish that meets or exceeds the qualifying length or weight. Qualifying sizes are smaller for anglers younger than 16.
To enter, catch a qualifying fish using an active hook-and-line method, photograph it and submit the catch at BigCatchFlorida.com. Participants receive a printable certificate.
For more information on freshwater fishing in Florida, visit MyFWC.com.
County seeks volunteers for advisory boards
BROOKSVILLE — The Hernando County Commission is looking for volunteers to fill seats on four county boards.
The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee needs three members: one who works in the banking or mortgage banking industry in connection with affordable housing; one who represents essential services personnel, as defined in the local housing assistance plan; and one who is a for-profit provider of affordable housing.
The Board of Construction and Regulation needs an architect or engineer and a consumer representative. The Fine Arts Council has three openings, and the Waterways Advisory Committee has two.
Applicants must be Hernando County residents and registered voters. The positions are unpaid, and some may be filled 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. Completed applications must be emailed to Administration@co.hernando.fl.us by 5 p.m. Sept. 4.
For more information about a specific board, call 352-754-4002.
Brookridge dance takes a ‘Sports Day’ theme Oct. 3
BROOKSVILLE — The Debbie Lett Duet will play a variety of music at the Brookridge social dance from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 3. The theme is “Sports Day,” and dancers are encouraged to come casual in gear from a favorite sport or team.
The dance is BYOB, with snacks; organizers provide ice only.
Tickets are $10 and may be sold at the door from 6 to 7 p.m. if any remain. Seating is limited, and organizers recommend reserving in advance by calling Patty at 317-440-6586.
Two more dances follow. Paisley Craze plays the Halloween dance Oct. 24, with prizes for the top three men’s and women’s costumes and for best couple and best group. Tickets are $10 and will not be sold at the door; call Thad at 352-345-5271. Jacob Hunt performs at the Veterans Day dance Nov. 7.