Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Task force seeks ideas on water restoration

BROOKSVILLE

Task force seeks ideas on water restoration

Residents are invited to share ideas on potential water resource restoration projects at the Hernando County Task Force meeting at 3:30 p.m. July 7 at the Southwest Florida Water Management District, 2379 Broad St., south of Brooksville.

During the meeting, the task force will consider potential restoration projects to enhance fish and wildlife habitats in Hernando County, such as shoreline restoration, sand and sediment control or removal, and exotic species management.

The task force is part of the Citrus/Hernando Waterways Restoration Council, which is responsible for reviewing data related to lake and river restoration techniques, sport-fish population recovery, and sand and sediment control.

For information, call Josie Guillen at (352) 796-7211.

Rare swimming threat brings health advisory

Rare swimming threat brings health advisory

Due to the threat posed by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, the Hernando County Health Department is warning people to take precautions while swimming in freshwater lakes and ponds.

Although rare, there is an increased risk of infection by this organism in all freshwater areas of Florida, especially during summer months when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees.

The following precautions are advised:

• Wear nose clips or hold your nose shut when swimming, jumping or diving in fresh water.

• Do not swim, jump or dive in warm, stagnant fresh water, such as ponds, storm water and retention areas.

• Seek medical treatment if symptoms develop or infection is suspected.

Infection occurs when the microscopic amoeba enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention, loss of balance and bodily control, seizures and hallucinations. The disease progresses rapidly, usually resulting in death within three to seven days.

For information, call the Health Department at (352) 540-6812.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Crime In Our Area

2 crimes

New crime has been reported in your area:

Type: Case #: Address: Details: Reported On:
ASSAULT 2009-21750 300 BLOCK OF CRESTHAVEN CT DOMESTIC BATTERY 6/18/2009
ASSAULT 2009-21720 13000 BLOCK OF ROSEANNA DR DOMESTIC BATTERY 6/18/2009

Community Alert Bulletin

HERNANDO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
RICHARD B. NUGENT, SHERIFF, P.O. Box 10070, Brooksville, FL 34603
Phone (352) 754-6830 FAX (352) 796-0493
Internet: www.hernandosheriff.org

Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tips 1-866-990-8477
Crime Stoppers Tip Email http://www.hernandosheriff.org/Tips/

Community Alert Bulletin
AB#2009-066U 06-09-2009
HCSO Case# 2009-19942
Economic Crimes Detective Gray


Counterfeit Currency

In the past few months, reports of counterfeit bills, in various denominations, are being passed at retail establishments has increased in Hernando County. Please be aware of all currency characteristics. Some legitimate smaller denominations are being forged as larger denominations, thus the currency pen doesn’t detect the forgery.


If you have any information on the above, notify Economic Crimes Detective Gray. If you wish to remain anonymous or be eligible for a reward, see the below box.

County plan workshop wants your comments

County plan workshop wants your comments

Hernando County Metropolitan Planning Organization staff will conduct a Consensus Building Workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday in the Hernando County Utilities Department's conference room at 21030 Cortez Blvd.

The purpose of the workshop is to obtain public comment on the proposed transportation improvements that will be included in the development of the MPO's major update of the Long Range Transportation Plan and the Transit Development Plan. The public can participate in the review and discussion on the transportation plan, transportation and land use, transportation for the under-served, project priorities and funding, and transportation improvements, including roadways, bicycle, pedestrian and public transportation improvements.

County commissioners and representatives of local, regional and state agencies may be in attendance.

For information, call Dennis Dix or Hugh Pascoe in Room 262 of the Hernando County Government Center, call (352) 754-4057, or e-mail mpo@hernandocounty.us. Visit the Web site at www. hernandocounty.us/mpo.

Low-cost pet vaccines available Thursday 6/24/09

Low-cost pet vaccines available Thursday

Due to popular demand, the Florida International Teaching Zoo's veterinary staff will offer another low-cost pet vaccination clinic from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Tractor Supply, 18741 Cortez Blvd.

Rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats will be $6. Dog distemper/parvovirus combo shots and cat distemper shots are $14, and dog kennel cough/bordatella shots are $15. All vaccinations will be administered by the veterinarian. Documentation will be provided.

Proceeds benefit Teaching Zoo programs, including endangered species propagation, veterinary assistance distance learning and elephant survival programs. For information, call Wilson at (352) 867-7788.

Learn about landscape design, chinch bugs on 6/22 and 6/23

Learn about landscape design, chinch bugs

Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service will offer the following free horticulture classes:

• Basics of Landscape Design, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Ridge Manor West. From selecting the right plant to proper planting techniques, this class will cover the basic principles of landscape design and installation to have a professional-looking landscape without the professional cost. Seating limited.

• Chinch Bugs in St. Augustine Turf, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. Participants will learn what a chinch bug looks like, the damage they cause and how to treat the lawn for chinch bugs.

Both classes will be presented by Florida yards and neighborhoods coordinator John Korycki. For information, call (352) 754-4433.

Public invited to hearing on bus service

Public invited to hearing on bus service

The Hernando County Commission will conduct a public hearing on the proposed reduction in THE Bus, the county's fixed-route transit service, at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Commission Chambers at Hernando County Government Center, 20 N Main St.

This hearing follows the requisite 30-day public comment period that ended on June 3. Commissioners will discuss and are expected to take action on the proposed reductions.

For information, call Dennis Dix at (352) 754-4057. The agenda may be viewed online at www.hernandocounty.us/ agendas.

Those with disabilities needing special accommodations to participate in the hearing should call Alice Gura at (352) 754-4002 by today; those who are hearing impaired should call toll-free 1-800-676-3777.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Mosquitoes are on the Warpath!



Mosquitoes are on the Warpath!
For Immediate Release
Mosquito Awareness Week
June 18, 2009


The Hernando County Mosquito Control Department has announced that June 22-28 is National Mosquito Awareness Week. With the summer heat and rain comes those pesky mosquitoes, which are not only a nuisance when trying to enjoy the outdoors, but they also present a health hazard. The staff at Mosquito Control wants residents to understand the importance of monitoring their own property to make sure they are not inadvertently harboring a breeding gound for mosquitoes.

The Mosquito Control staff emphasizes that, while spraying for mosquitoes is a service they provide, it is really the last line of defense in controlling the mosquito population. Understanding the mosquito life cycle and learning how to eliminate mosquito egg-laying sites around their homes will help residents reduce the number of mosquitoes in their own neighborhoods.

A wealth of helpful information is available at http://www.hernandocounty.us/mosquito/. In addition, you may contact Mosquito Control at 352 754-4060 for assistance if you have a mosquito problem and to arrange for a staff member to speak to your civic club or neighborhood association on mosquito control issues.

Flood Maps for Hernando County up for Review

Most of the current FIRMs are 10 to 30 years old and are outdated because of natural and physical changes caused by land use, development and erosion. Hernando County anticipates adopting new FIRMs starting next year once the Federal Emergency Management Agency process is complete. That process should take nine to 12 months, but could take several years based on appeals.The floodplain information will be used by the county for land use and zoning decisions; to help manage development in and around floodplains and wetlands; reduce flood risks; preserve land and water resources; and plan for emergencies.

For more information, or to find out which watershed you live in, visit www.WaterMatters.org/floodrisk/. Or call the district at 352-796-7211, Ext. 4297.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Congratulations To Christopher Echanique and his parents Robert and Yolanda

Congratulations to our own Christopher Echanique who was awarded the coveted Gates Millennium Scholarship, which has an estimated value of $250,000 and can provide for all of his financial needs through graduate school.

Echanique is the first senior in Hernando County to receive the prestigious Gates scholarship, which aims to help African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American and Hispanic American students with high academic and leadership promise.

Ranked seventh in his graduating class, Echanique earned a 4.24 weighted grade point average, demonstrated financial need and showed leadership skills at the school. Computer engineering is a good choice for him, said his mother, Yolanda Echanique. It combines creativity, math, and computers — all the things he loves.

His parents, Yolanda and Robert Echanique, own Echanique & Son Mechanical Corp. in Spring Hill, which installs commercial air conditioning systems at places like CVS. An older brother, Andrew, is a student at the University of Florida.

When Echanique is done at UCF, he said he might aim for a job at Microsoft. Or maybe, with the help of the Gates Scholarship, he'll pursue a master's degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he said.

Be Prepared for the 2009 Hurricane Season Click on these important links.

Hurricane Season 2009: Be Prepared

Hurricane season began June 1st and all Floridians are encouraged to be prepared by creating a family emergency plan, stocking up on supplies, and taking precautions to protect your family and belongings. Please visit the following links for helpful information:

FloridaDiaster.org
provides helpful information to best prepare you, your family, and businesses in the event of a disaster.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides important information about hurricane readiness and recovery.
The National Hurricane Center provides up-to-date maps and projections of hurricanes as well as advisories and alerts.
The National Weather Service provides county-specific weather warning and alerts for Florida.