Friday, February 27, 2009

Preston Hollow Homeowners’ Association- Driveway Paver Update

Preston Hollow Homeowners’ Association- Driveway Paver Update

At our January 2009 Board of Directors’ meeting new property owners presented their request to have driveway pavers installed for their new driveway.

The Board fully discussed and assessed their application. After reviewing our deed restrictions, the Board turned down their request to use the pavers. This decision by the Board was made as part of an on-going effort to protect the best interests of all homeowners by enforcing our deed restrictions in a fair and consistent manner. The majority of the homeowners in attendance indicated their support with this decision.

The Homeowners’ Association subsequently received notification from the property owner’s attorney stating their intention to proceed with a lawsuit against Preston Hollow.

Chapter 720, Florida Statutes, provides for non-binding pre-suit mediation to minimize costs and court time, endeavoring to find common ground and resolve a dispute such as this one. The Board conferred with our legal counsel and we agreed to proceed with the pre-suit mediation step. The mediation is scheduled to be heard in Brooksville on March 3, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. Attendees representing our association will be the Board of Directors and our counsel, Bruce Snow, PA. There are costs and legal fees associated with the pre-suit mediation; however it is premature to speculate on the total cost or eventual outcome.

Since the last board meeting, the Board has received a few telephone calls and a number of letters from homeowners expressing their individual opinions, both supportive of the Boards’ decision to enforce the deed restrictions and not. Homeowners are encouraged to contact Board members so that their opinions regarding this issue can be shared.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Water Awareness Session Scheduled

Media Release

February 25, 2009

Water Awareness Session Scheduled
Media Release
For Immediate Release
Water Awareness Session Scheduled
February 25, 2009

The Hernando County Utilities Department and Citizens for Water invites the public to attend the next session of the 2009 Hernando County Water Awareness Series on Friday, March 6, 2009 from 10:00 AM to Noon to be held at the Hernando County Utilities Department, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601. The topic for the next session is " Irrigation Gadgets and other important new irrigation technology you need to know! " Dr. Michael Dukes from the University of Florida will be presenting information on irrigation “gadgets” to help conserve or optimize water use in our landscapes!

Please call Hernando County Utilities Department water conservation division at 352-540-4368 Ext. 35121 to reserve a place at this popular seminar. Light refreshments will be available.

Directions:
From Spring Hill, travel east on Hwy 50 to the East 50 Truck-Route (Cortez Blvd). Turn right on the Truck-Route (Cortez Blvd.) and continue on for approximately 2.5 miles (past Broad Street/U.S. Hwy 41). The Hernando County Utilities Department is on the right at the corner of South Main Street/Mitchell and Cortez Boulevard. Turn right at the traffic light

Southwest Florida Water Mgt District Extends Once/Week Watering to June 30

Media Release

February 25, 2009

Southwest Florida Water Mgt District Extends Once/Week Watering to June 30
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Robyn Felix
1-800-423-1476, Ext. 4770 or
Cell Phone: 813-781-9817

February 24, 2009

District’s Tampa Bay and southern regions under a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Alert

Almost half of the counties within the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s 16-county region are now under a Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Alert.

The District identifies four possible levels of water shortage, beginning with “moderate” and increasing in intensity through “severe,” “extreme” and “critical.”

With river flows, aquifer levels, and lake levels remaining far below normal, the region’s water shortage status ranges from “severe” to “extreme.” The District’s color-coded Water Shortage Alert Map (attached) graphically identifies the status for each county in the District.

Tampa Bay Region
Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties
Extreme (Red) Alert
The tri-county Tampa Bay area remains under an extreme water shortage alert. On a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 representing the lowest and 100 the highest, current Hillsborough and Alafia river flows are hovering around the 2nd percentile. Aquifer levels remain below normal, and lakes are averaging more than a foot and a half below the lowest normal readings. As of Feb. 23, Tampa Bay Water’s 15-billion-gallon C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir, which supplies the Tampa Bay area, was down to 520 million gallons of water, and is expected to be depleted by the end of March.

The District’s Governing Board voted Tuesday to enhance the District’s Modified Phase III (or Extreme) Water Shortage restrictions, which were first approved by the Board in October 2008. The Governing Board requested that Tampa Bay Water and its member governments more effectively implement the Phase III restrictions before the Board approves moving to Phase IV restrictions, which are the District’s highest level of water shortage measures.

“Our goal has been to reduce demand by 10 percent through conservation,” said David Moore, executive director. “We have achieved less than five percent. And while many people are working hard to conserve, there are others not doing their part.”

The enhanced restrictions approved by the Governing Board include:
• Requiring water utilities and local governments to contact and strive to significantly reduce water use among their high-use customers.

• Asking water utilities to consider implementing a drought surcharge for the same group of high-use customers.

• Asking water utilities to consider implementing a reclaimed water availability fee as a means of encouraging customers with access to reclaimed water to hook up to the system.

• Requiring restaurants to only serve water upon request.

For a complete list of the Modified Phase III water shortage restrictions, please see the attached fact sheet. These restrictions are in effect through June 30, 2009.

In addition to enhancing the Modified Phase III water shortage restrictions, the District has taken a series of emergency water supply measures to assist Tampa Bay Water (the regional wholesale supplier for the Tampa Bay area) including:

• Allowing Tampa Bay Water to increase withdrawals from the Tampa Bypass Canal to help meet the city of Tampa and the region’s potable water demand.

• Allowing increased withdrawals from the Alafia River when sufficient flows are available.

• Testing the possibility of using the Morris Bridge Sinkhole as a potential temporary water supply.

• Allowing the City of Tampa to withdraw water from Sulfur Springs to augment its reservoir.

Remaining Counties (see map)
Severe (Orange) Alert
The remaining counties in the District remain subject to a different level of water shortage alert. River flows, aquifer and lake levels remain significantly below normal. The area remains under the District’s Modified Phase II (or Severe) Water Shortage restrictions, which were approved by the District’s Governing Board in January 2007. District water restrictions include limiting lawn watering to a maximum of one day per week.

Residents are also urged to continue conserving water indoors and outdoors of their homes and businesses. Residents should also consider turning off their irrigation systems when it rains. With outdoor irrigation accounting for as much as 50 percent of residential water usage, skipping a week of water can result in a significant water savings.

These water restrictions are in effect through June 30, 2009 and include eastern Marion County, as part of an interagency agreement between the Southwest Florida and St. Johns River Water Management Districts.

Marion County is divided between the two water management districts, with the boundary roughly being Interstate 75. The interagency agreement allows Marion County to have uniform restrictions and eliminates confusion. Under the agreement, Marion County follows the Southwest Florida restrictions when there is a water shortage order in effect.

For more information about watering restrictions in your area, contact your local utility, or visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/restrictions/.

Editor’s note: See attached Phase III Fact Sheet and Water Shortage Alert Map.


www.WaterMatters.org/restrictions/

Water Shortage Alert 02-23.pdf

20 North Main Street -Brooksville, Florida 34601

Thursday, February 19, 2009

FYI Community Crime Watch Alert

On February 16th a vehicle was broken into on Forest Wood Court near Clarendon. Please remember to keep your vehicles locked and call the Sheriff's Office if you see anything unusual.

New crime has been reported in your area:

VEHICLE BREAK-IN/THEFT
2009-06090
300 BLOCK OF FOREST WOOD CT
BURGLARY-CONVEYANCE
2/16/2009

Thursday, February 12, 2009

County Enacts Burn Ban

Press Release

February 12, 2009

County Enacts Burn Ban
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 12, 2009

Due to the extremely dry conditions in Hernando County, the Board of County Commissioners has declared a drought emergency and activated the ordinance which prohibits open burning.

The burn ban was effective Wednesday, February 11, 2009, and prohibits all outdoor burning activity except that which is permitted by the Florida Division of Forestry. The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice.

The burn ban was effective one day after the State Division of Forestry issued a wildfire threat alert due to the dry conditions resulting from the recent repeat occurrences of hard freezes. An abundance of hazardous wildfire fuel conditions such as dry grasses and forest shrubs combined with the lack of rainfall, low relative humidity and breezy afternoon winds have created ideal conditions for wildfires.

Residents should use extreme caution in disposing of any type of flammable materials and call 911 immediately to report any observation of smoke or fire. To learn more about preventing wildfires or practicing "firewise" actions, visit the Division of Forestry website at www.fl-dof.com

Any questions about the burn ban may be directed to the Hernando County Fire Rescue Department at 540-4353 or the Florida Division of Forestry at 352 754-6777, ext. 119.

Florida Friendly Landscaping Workshop

Press Release

February 11, 2009

2009 Florida Friendly Landscaping Workshop
NEWS RELEASE

By: John Korycki, Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Coordinator
University of Florida/IFAS
Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service
19490 Oliver Street, Brooksville, FL 34601-6538
Ph: (352)754-4433
January 5, 2009

2009 FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING WORKSHOP

Would you like to save money, water and time while giving your neighbors a case of landscape envy? Learn how by attending the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Workshop on February 20, 2009.

This event will be presented by the Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program, South West Florida Water Management District, and Hernando County Utilities Department. The workshop will feature demonstrations and talks covering vegetable gardening, irrigation systems and efficient watering, adding color to your landscape and more!

The workshop will be held at SNPJ Lodge, 13383 County Line Road and run from 8:00am to 12:00pm. There will be door prizes, refreshments, and educational materials. Cost for the workshop is $10 per person. Registration and payment are required by February 17th. Registration is limited and is accepted on a first paid, first registered basis. Stop by the Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service 19490 Oliver St., Brooksville to register. Call 754-4433 for details.

Hernando County Utilities customers who prepay and attend the workshop may be eligible for a $10 rebate. One rebate per account. Call 540-4368 Ext. 35139 for more information on the rebate.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Heightened Concern For Safety

Heightened Concern For Safety

Rewind 12 months to a time when Woodland Waters was more immune than most communities to petty crime. Planted in a semi-rural area north of Weeki Wachee, the upscale neighborhood certainly presented a lucrative target. But with only one exit from the community and a maze of streets to navigate, most thieves didn't want to take the risk.

Then the economy took a nosedive and suddenly folks got desperate. A new phase of construction cleared out a previously wooded area and opened up a new back way into the neighborhood from Star Road.

Over several months, residents began to notice unfamiliar cars creeping along the streets late at night. Strangers would knock on doors at 10 p.m., asking for people who no one knew. Sometimes it wasn't a "lost friend" knocking on the door, but a "pizza delivery."

Then the thefts began. Folks headed off to work in the morning would notice GPS devices missing from their windshields. Pry marks were discovered on garage doors.

"There is heightened concern about safety and security," resident Norm Hatch said in an interview Monday.

Read the rest of the story by clicking here.

Home prices in Pasco and Hernando counties have dropped nearly 40 percent

TAMPA - Home prices in Pasco and Hernando counties have dropped nearly 40 percent since the peak of the housing boom, according to a report released Tuesday.

The counties are among the top 10 hardest-hit counties in the nation, said Denver-based Integrated Asset Services, which tracks home valuations for banks, investors and hedge funds.

Pasco and Hernando counties saw declines of 39.7 percent and 39.4 percent, respectively, the study says. Prices peaked in Pasco County in July 2006, while prices peaked in Hernando County one month earlier, according to the report. Pasco was the seventh-worst drop while Hernando was tied for eighth.

Read the full story by clicking here.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Preston Hollow Homeowners’ Association – Driveway Paver Update

Preston Hollow Homeowners’ Association – Driveway Paver Update

At our last Board of Directors’ meeting new property owners presented their request to have driveway pavers installed for their new driveway.

The Board discussed and reviewed their application. After reviewing our deed restrictions, the Board turned down their request to use driveway pavers. The majority of the homeowners in attendance indicated their support with this decision.

The Homeowners’ Association has since received notification from the property owner’s attorney stating their intention to proceed with a lawsuit against Preston Hollow.

Chapter 720, Florida Statutes, provides for non-binding pre-suit mediation to minimize costs and court time in an effort to find common ground and resolve a dispute. The Board conferred with our legal counsel and we have agreed to proceed with the pre-suit mediation step. There are nominal costs and fees associated with pre-suit mediation; however, it is premature to speculate on the total cost or eventual outcome.

We will keep you apprised of any new developments going-forward.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Health Dept. Reports Bacterial Meningitis Case

Press Release

February 6, 2009

Health Dept. Reports Bacterial Meningitis Case
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Ann-Gayl Ellis
Public Information Officer (352) 540-6817/(352) 279-1949
February 6, 2009

Health Department Investigates Case of Bacterial Meningitis

Brooksville- The Hernando County Health Department has received confirmation that a local seventh grader has tested positive for Neisseria meningitis. The child is being treated and family members and other close personal contacts have been given preventative medication so they don’t become ill. Education officials are working to notify employees and parents of students who attend the child’s school and provide them with information about the disease.

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person’s spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Bacterial meningitis is spread primarily through intimate contact such as kissing, mouth to mouth resuscitation or sharing eating and drinking utensils. It is sensitive to drying and cooling and rarely survives outside the body for more than a few minutes.

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis may include intense headache, fever, nausea and stiff neck, loss of appetite, progressive drowsiness, vomiting, rash and in severe cases, delirium and coma can occur. Individuals who exhibit these symptoms should contact their health care provider.

Each year, many middle school, high school and college bound students receive the Meningococcal vaccine to decrease their risk of contracting meningitis. The Hernando County Health Department can provide this vaccine to children 18 years and younger free through the Vaccines for Children program.

For additional information about Neisseria meningitis, contact the Hernando County Health Department at 352-540-6800 (ext: 82197) or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website at www.cdc.gov.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Operation P.R.I.D.E. Annual Community Clean Up Scheduled

Press Release

January 28, 2009

Operation P.R.I.D.E. Annual Community Clean Up Scheduled
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
January 28, 2009

The organizers for Operation P.R.I.D.E., Hernando County's community-wide clean-up and conservation initiative, has announced this year's event will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2009, with a rain date of Saturday, February 21, 2009. Operation P.R.I.D.E. is not only an annual community clean-up, but it is also an outreach program providing speakers to groups on topics related to environmental concerns. Any individuals or groups interested in getting involved in the clean-up day on February 14 or in having a speaker should call Greg Myers at 796-4986. Trash bags and gloves will be provided to all participants prior to the clean-up day.

For more information, call (352) 796-4986 or visit www.operationpride.com

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Opoeration P.R.I.D.E. www.operationpride.com

“Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Doing Business With Local Government but Were Afraid to Ask”

Press Release

January 26, 2009

Office of Business Development Schedules Workshop
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
January 26, 2009

The Office of Business Development is pleased to present an informational workshop: “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Doing Business With Local Government but Were Afraid to Ask”. This free workshop is an interactive, informational session for area businesses to learn how to sell their products and services to local government agencies.

Purchasing representatives from the City of Brooksville, Hernando County Government, Hernando County Clerk of the Court, Hernando County School Board, Hernando County Sheriff’s Department, Pasco Hernando Community College, Southwest Florida Water Management District, and Spring Hill Fire District will be on hand to discuss their purchasing policies and procedures.

The workshop will be held on February 10, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. – Noon at Career Central, 7361 Forest Oaks Boulevard, Spring Hill. Interested businesses may arrive during that timeframe to meet with these agencies.

For more information:
Valerie Pianta, Program Coordinator,
Hernando County Office of Business Development, 352-540-6400