Thursday, April 29, 2010

Series of Community Meetings Scheduled

Series of Community Meetings Scheduled
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 20, 2010

During the month of May, Hernando County residents will have the opportunity to learn about the proposed FY 2010-2011 Hernando County Government budget. During a series of public meetings scheduled throughout the community, Director of Budget and Administrative Services George Zoettlein along with County Administrator David Hamilton will present budget proposals and options and address comments and questions from those in attendance. The meeting dates/locations are shown below:

Tuesday, May 4th @ 6:30 p.m.
Coast Guard Auxiliary Building
4340 Calienta St.
Hernando Beach, FL

Thursday, May 13th @ 6:30 p.m.
VFW Post 10209
14736 Edward R. Noll Drive
Brooksville, FL

Wednesday, May 19th @ 3:00 p.m.
East Hernando Library
6457 Windmere St.
Brooksville, FL

In addition, a second series of similar community meetings will be held in August to review the finalized proposed budget at the same locations - specific dates to be announced. For more information about the meetings, please contact the Hernando County Communications Office at (352) 540-6780.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Notice of Public Workshop

Notice of Public Workshop
Board of County Commissioners
Tuesday, May 4, 2010

The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners will hold a workshop session on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the John Law Ayers Room, Room 160, Hernando County Government Center, 20 N. Main St., Brooksville, Florida. The topics to be included on the agenda for discussion are as follows:

1. Citizens Ordinance Advisory Team Recommendations for Repeal of the Similarity Ordinance
2. Discussion of Multiple Boats in Residential Areas
3. Solid Waste and Recycling Program Update

Final Session - Hernando County Water Awareness Series 2010

Final Session - Hernando County Water Awareness Series 2010

The Hernando County Utilities Department and Citizens for W.A.T.E.R. invites the public to the final session of the Hernando County Water Awareness Series 2010 presentation on Friday, May 7, 2010, from 10:00 AM to noon. The public is welcome to attend this important educational seminar, which will be held at the Hernando County Utilities Department, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601. Light refreshments will be provided.

The seminar topic will be: Hurricane Season is Here: Be Prepared! Learn How! Presented by Cecilia Patella, Hernando County Emergency Management Director and Mike Holtkamp, Operation Director, Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Please call the Hernando County Utilities Department at 352 754-4705 to let us know that you plan to attend.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Two More Walking Tours Available for Hernando County

Two More Walking Tours Available for Hernando County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Projects
May-June

The Hernando County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Program has made available two more opportunities for the public to participate in walking tours of its preserves and projects. Walkers will see scarce natural plant communities, look for animal tracks in the sand, and learn about the human and natural history of the areas. The two tours are:

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2010 AT PECK SINK STORMWATER PRESERVE, WISCON ROAD

Where: Meet in the southeast corner of the Brooksville Regional Hospital parking lot (at Medical Park Lane and the service road which goes behind the hospital). We will carpool from there to Peck Sink.

When: 8:30 AM on Tuesday, May 4, 2010.

We will begin our tour with a short talk on the preserve, its history and acquisition by the County. Our speaker will discuss the geology, hydrology, stormwater challenges, and planned stormwater management facilities. We will visit the drainage channel that transports water to the sinks, and walk the high ground overlooking the sinkholes at the end where stormwater goes into the ground. We can look for birds in the open areas and unusual plants in the woods, while the drainage system and sinkholes are the main attractions.

THIS TOUR IS RATED MODERATE IN DIFFICULTY DUE TO SOME HIGH GRASS AND A FEW STEEP SLOPES. The tour will cover about one and a half miles and require about two hours to complete.

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2010 AT FICKETT HAMMOCK PRESERVE, CENTRALIA ROAD

Where: Meet in the parking lot at 15482 Centralia Road. It is on the south side between Citrus Way and the Fire Station near the east end of Centralia Road.

When: 8:30 AM on Thursday, June 3, 2010.

Our tour will begin with a short talk about the preserve. Our speaker will discuss the preserve’s history, acquisition by the county, namesake, geology, hydrology, topography, vegetation, animals, public amenities, and management. We will walk a shady trail through forests of swamp chestnut oaks, sweetgums, hickories, and cedars. The trail meanders through palmetto patches, along a seasonally wet creek, and through long leaf pine flatwoods. Join us for a walk in a remnant piece of the Big Hammock.

THIS TOUR IS RATED EASY. The tour will cover about one mile and require about one and a half hours to complete.

To make a reservation for these tours, get directions, or ask questions, please contact:

Jim King, Conservation Lands Specialist
Phone 352-754-4057, extension 28020
Email: jking@hernandocounty.us

What to Wear and Bring: These are Mother Nature’s wild places. Please dress appropriately. Wear sturdy shoes, socks, and clothes suitable for walking outdoors. Long pants are strongly recommended. Hats and insect repellent may be desirable in warm weather. Bring drinking water if you want water to drink. And please feel free to bring your camera or binoculars.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Hernando County Water Awareness Series 2010

Hernando County Water Awareness Series 2010

The Hernando County Utilities Department and Citizens for W.A.T.E.R. invites the public to the fifth session of the Hernando County Water Awareness Series 2010 presentation on Friday, April 16, 2010, from 10:00 AM to noon. Everyone is welcome to attend this important educational seminar, which will be held at the Hernando County Utilities Department, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601. Light refreshments will be provided.

The seminar topic will be: "Hernando County Springs - Protections, Investigations and Restorations", presented by David DeWitt, Southwest Florida Water Management District and Toby Brewer, Park Manager, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

Please call the Hernando County Utilities Department at 352 754-4705 to let us know that you plan to attend.

2010 Hurricane and Safety Expo

2010 Hurricane and Safety Expo
Emergency Management Media Release

From: Sergeant Donna Black
Public Information Officer, 352-797-3609
Re: Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual Hurricane & Safety Expo - Opportunity for Vendors or Businesses Still Exists
Date: March 17, 2010

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office / Emergency Management will host a Hurricane & Safety Expo from 9AM to 2PM on Saturday, May 1st, 2010 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, FL.

Our guest speaker this year is Chief Meteorologist Tammie Souza from WTSP, Channel 10. Tammie will discuss the upcoming hurricane season and answer your questions.

The Hurricane and Safety Expo is an educational event for the entire family. Planned activities include: a high voltage demonstration, marine safety, a K.I.D. Korner (Kids in Disaster) and emergency vehicle displays. Vendors of safety products, personal disaster preparedness & home retrofit products will be on hand to show you how to be ready.

There are still spaces available for vendors or businesses that would like to participate or support the Expo. Call Dianne Cox at (352) 754-4083 or go to http://www.hernandosheriff.org and follow the link for the Expo.

For general information about the Expo, call Emergency Management at (352) 754-4083 or visit our web page at: http://www.hernandosheriff.org

WORKSHOP TO EDUCATE COMMUNITY ON AVOIDING HOME FORECLOSURE

UNITED WAY & Consumer Credit Counseling Service OFFERS WORKSHOP TO EDUCATE
COMMUNITY ON AVOIDING HOME FORECLOSURES

To help combat the current rise in home foreclosures across Florida, Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) in partnership with United Way of Hernando County will host “Keep your Home – Get the Facts”, a foreclosure assistance workshop designed to educate and assist families facing foreclosure or those who are concerned about their current housing and financial situation. This event will include the opportunity to meet with HUD Certified Counselors, local housing authorities, and others to assist families facing foreclosure.

Attendees of the seminar will obtain information regarding:
· Evaluating your current situation
· Defining delinquency
· Identifying the players
· Learning how to work with your lender
· Understanding the alternatives to foreclosure
· Defining a counseling session

The event will take place on Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Career Central, 7361 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34606

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

March to the Mailbox

MEDIA RELEASE

April 5, 2010

Please see info below about the community event planned for next Saturday at Hernando Park . We have a large quantity of census-related products (t-shirts, hats, and general information) that we will be giving out - all of which has been provided to us by the U.S. Census Bureau. This event coincides with similar events all across the nation to increase public awareness of the importance of mailing back census forms.

The City of Brooksville, Hernando County and the US Census Bureau invites all residents to participate in our “Make Brooksville & Hernando County Count - March to the Mail Box” event April 10, 2010 located in downtown Brooksville at Hernando Park’s Band-shell, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Come out and support our community! There will be live entertainment, free raffle prize drawings and food. The Census only happens every 10 years --- you won’t want to miss this event!

When you fill out your census form you are making a statement about what resources your community needs going forward for the next ten years. The information the census bureau collects is very important and helpful as it determines how more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding is allocated within our community.

For additional information, please contact Brooksville City Hall at 352-540-3810, Hernando County at 352-540-6780 or visit www.cityofbrooksville.us or www.hernandocounty.us

Saturday, April 3, 2010

County Commissioners' Workshop Tuesday, April 6th

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 1, 2010

County Commissioners' Workshop Tuesday, April 6th

The Board of County Commissioners will meet in workshop session on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, begnning at 9:00 a.m. in the County Commission Chambers, Room 160, First Floor, Hernando County Government Center, 20 N. Main St., Brooksville, Florida. The Board generally holds a workshop session on the first Tuesday of each month. The workshop agenda will be posted at
http://hernandocountyfl.iqm2.com/citizens/

The topics on the upcoming workshop agenda include:

• Update Regarding US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mutual Agreement Between Government and Employers (IMAGE) Program (E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification Program)

• Business Development Plan

• Discussion of the Sign Ordinance

• Fire Engine Minimum Manning Levels for Hernando County Fire Rescue District

• Charter Government

Friday, April 2, 2010

Learn how to deal with disasters

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office, Emergency Management Section, will offer Community Emergency Response Team training from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays, April 5 through May 10, at the Emergency Communications and Operation Center, 18900 Cortez Blvd.

The training will conclude with a disaster drill from 10 a.m. to noon on May 15. Graduation will follow the drill.

Participants will learn how to help themselves and their neighbors during times of crisis. Topics include disaster preparedness, fire suppression, emergency medical first aid, search and rescue, disaster psychology and disaster communications.

This free training is offered to residents 18 and older. Attendance at all sessions and the drill is required to receive a certificate of completion. To register or to obtain information, call Pam Harris at (352) 754-4083.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

From the Sheriff's Office Emergency Management

Just received from the Sheriff's Office Emergency Management:

Due to the combination of the current atmospheric conditions and the prescribed burning by the Division of Forestry, Hernando County residents may experience smoky conditions today and Friday. Residents should be particularly careful in the early morning hours where smoke and fog may create low visibility and hazardous driving conditions.

Residents who suffer from respiratory problems should keep all windows and doors closed to their residences.

Happy Easter, everyone. Enjoy the long weekend!


Brenda Frazier
Community Relations Coordinator
Hernando County Government

Curbside Recycling Collection Change

Curbside Recycling Collection Change
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Hernando County Utilities officials have announced that effective April 19, 2010, Curbside Recycling Collection by Waste Management Inc. will change from once per week to once every other week. The day of the week for their curbside recycling will remain the same.

HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE COLLECTION WILL NOT CHANGE.

For more information please contact the Hernando County Solid Waste Division at (352) 754-4112. Additional information may also be obtained from Waste Management Inc. Customer Service Section at 1-800-255-7172.