Saturday, March 31, 2012

Hernando County Public Library Celebrates National Library Week - April 8-14

Hernando County Public Library Celebrates National Library Week
MEDIA RELEASE
March 27, 2012

You belong @ your library® this National Library Week - April 8-14


Whether you are a job seeker looking for resources to land a new job, a parent looking for free activities for children or a student searching for your next favorite book, you belong @ your library.


This National Library Week, join our nation’s libraries and librarians by celebrating the place where we all belong. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.


The Hernando County Public Library System (HCPL) is celebrating National Library Week by offering free library giveaways and goodies at our locations. HCPL will also host a library card craft event to end the week on Saturday, April 14, from 2:30-4:40 p.m. at the Spring Hill Branch Library at 9220 Spring Hill Drive. We will recycle old cards during this “going-green” creative workshop. It is open to all ages, children and adults. Come in and see what kind of wearable, usable art you can create using library cards.


For more information, call (352) 754-4043 or visit the library’s website at http://www.hernandocountylibrary.us

FYI - Regarding Crime Watch Activity Near Preston Hollow

Type Description Case # Location Agency Date Map It
Burglary BURGLARY COMMERCIAL 2012-10870 10400 BLOCK OF COUNTY LINE RD Hernando County Sheriff 3/29/2012 4:03:00 PM Map It
Assault BATTERY 2012-10842 1200 BLOCK OF VENETIA DR Hernando County Sheriff 3/29/2012 12:53:00 PM Map It

Thursday, March 29, 2012

FYI - Regarding Crime Watch Activity Near Preston Hollow

Type Description Case # Location Agency Date Map It
Theft/Larceny PETIT THEFT 2012-10738 10400 BLOCK OF COUNTY LINE RD Hernando County Sheriff 3/28/2012 2:42:00 PM Map It
Burglary BURGLARY COMMERCIAL 2012-10684 10600 BLOCK OF COUNTY LINE RD Hernando County Sheriff 3/28/2012 10:09:00 AM Map It
Theft/Larceny GRAND THEFT 2012-10684 10600 BLOCK OF COUNTY LINE RD Hernando County Sheriff 3/28/2012 10:09:00 AM Map It
Motor Vehicle Theft GRAND THEFT-AUTO 2012-10674 100 BLOCK OF MARINER BLVD Hernando County Sheriff 3/28/2012 7:54:00 AM Map It

Monday, March 26, 2012

Very Important information about Neighborhood Crime Watches

In the Tampa Times there was and article about law enforcement agencies and Neighborhood Watch groups getting together and discussing the tragedy that occurred in Sanford, Florida. The article is very informative and if you did not read it please click on the link provided. Two important points were several agencies explicitly prohibit volunteers from carrying firearms and volunteers are the "eyes and ears" of law enforcement, many said. Not the hands. Below I have copied information from the Hernando County Sheriffs Office regarding Neighborhood Crime Watch Units. Please contact Bill Thompson if you have any questions about our neighborhood Crime Watch or want to become part of our Community Watch Program.
 

What is Neighborhood Watch?

Neighborhood Watch is simply "neighbor looking after neighbor."  You watch out for your neighbors' homes while they are gone and they in return do the same for you.  All suspicious activity is immediately reported to the Sheriff's Office

Neighborhood Crime Watch is Free

All too often, residents think it costs something to belong to the program.  It doesn't cost a dime - just a little bit of your time.  Any money collected from donations should be carefully accounted for and deposited in an account under the name of your Neighborhood Watch Program.

Neighborhood Watch Program

Neighborhood Watch Programs have become a highly successful crime prevention technique in the reduction of crime in many communities throughout the U.S.  The major goal in the organization of the Neighborhood Watch is to change the ATTITUDES of the community members from apathy to concern and involvement.  Next, invite the Sheriff's Office Community Coordinator to your first community meeting in order to establish leadership and guidance.  The first phase in the setup of your program will be to establish a communication system in order for community members to communicate with each other, as well as law enforcement.  Remember law enforcement and the community will be working together more closely in order to maintain the success of the program.

The second phase is home security.  Your Community Coordinator will assist you and the residents of your community with up to date information on "making your home safer."

It is important to remember, Neighborhood Watch signs DO NOT prevent crime.  Signs and decals act only as a notice to the potential criminal that "if you commit a crime in our neighborhood, the chances of being seen, reported and arrested are very good."

As your Community Coordinator how you can earn signs for your neighborhood.

Patrols

Patrolling the neighborhood in your personal vehicle is NOT  a requirement to be recognized as a Neighborhood Watch area.  Should your neighbors wish to start a patrol, then the Sheriff's Office Community Coordinator will discuss proper procedure and training in order to be officially recognized.  Neighborhood Watch is getting people involved in crime prevention, making the homes in your community less of a target and being good neighbors to one another.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Floodplain Verification Information from the County

Floodplain Verification Information
MEDIA RELEASE
March 20, 2012

Information on Floodplain Verification

As a result of the new Hernando County Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), mortgage holders and Insurance companies are contacting their clients asking for verification of floodplain status. The letters request various levels of proof of flood rating ranging from a Letter of Determination from a City/County official to a determination by FEMA.

The Development Department, Zoning Division, has been providing assistance to customers by providing Letters of Determination where the property is clearly outside the floodplain. Where the location of the floodplain is unclear or where the lending institution requires a higher level of proof, owners are being asked to provide survey data to show the exact location of the floodplain in relation to the structure and /or to obtain a Floodplain Elevation Certificate for their home. These documents can be used as documentation for a FEMA Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or a Letter of Map Revision due to Fill (LOMR(F)), where the property has been raised above the floodplain.

If additional information is needed or there is difficulty determining the appropriate Base Flood Elevation, the Water Resource Coordinator in the Utility Engineering Division can provide additional specific information (see below).

Information regarding how to obtain the Letter of Determination can be obtained from Rebecca Garrett, RGarrett@co.hernando.fl.us, Development Division, Zoning Coordinator, (352) 754-4165 x29133, or John Burnett, johnb@co.hernando.fl.us, Environmental Services, Water Resource Coordinator, (352) 540-6569.

Many inquiries have shown that the properties are outside the floodplain and the Letter of Determination is sufficient to show that the homeowner can meet the insurance requirement by purchasing the lowest risk insurance (Preferred Risk policy).

In some cases, where the property is now determined to be within the floodplain, but the home was built in an area determined to be low risk in the old (1984) FIRM, the structure may be eligible for "Grandfathering", resulting in the ability to acquire a low cost insurance which recognizes that the home was built in compliance with the flood map in effect at that time. These websites provide additional information.
http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/prp_extension_for_property_owners.jsp
http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/grandfathering.jsp
http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pdfs/Grandfathering+Fact+Sheet+for+Agents-2010.pdf
National Flood Insurance Program: 1-888-379-9531

Where a structure was within a Flood Zone "A", and is now within a Flood Zone "AE" or similar Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), the owner should discuss insurance options with an insurance agent with expertise in Flood Insurance issues. A floodplain determination and survey may result in lower insurance rates based on specific data in the Floodplain Elevation Certificate.

FYI - Regarding Crime Watch Activity Near Preston Hollow

Type Description Case # Location Agency Date Map It
Disturbing the Peace DISORDERLY INTOXICATION 2012-10273 13000 BLOCK OF COUNTY LINE RD Hernando County Sheriff 3/24/2012 6:56:00 PM Map It
Burglary BURGLARY-STRUCTURE 2012-10243 2000 BLOCK OF ALAMEDA DR Hernando County Sheriff 3/24/2012 3:48:00 PM Map It

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

ANNUAL PRESTON HOLLOW SPRING YARD SALE SAT. MARCH 31

       ANNUAL PRESTON HOLLOW SPRING YARD SALE
 
 SAT. MARCH 31 st IS THE DATE.    9 AM TO 2 PM IS THE TIME
 
                      PRESTON HOLLOW IN YOUR DRIVEWAY IS THE PLACE
 
 IF YOU WISH TO SET UP JUST DO SO AND HAVE A GREAT TIME SELLING YOUR OLD TREASURES TO NEW TREASURE SEEKERS
 
REMIND SEEKERS TO NOT PARK ON YOUR GRASS OR YOUR NEIGHBORS TO CAUSE DAMAGE TO ANY SPRINKLER HEADS.
 
REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT:  www.prestonhollowhoablogspot.com   for updated information on what is going on in our community, or the Spring Hill area and Hernando County.   
 
Judy Thompson, Board Member at Large.   

A Position on the ACC has become available

Ellis Tenenbaum who was the Chairman of the ACC has resigned his position as of March 13, 2012.  The  PHHOA Board has accepted his resignation in a letter to him dated March 19, 2012. The Board thanks Ellis for all of his hard work on the Committee but is currently seeking someone to volunteer to take over this very important position. If you are interested please contact anyone on the Board and let them know you would like to be considered. Please, we all need to help to keep Preston Hollow the best community in Hernando County.

Traffic Signal to be Activated at County Line Road and Cobblestone Drive

MEDIA RELEASE
March 20, 2012

New Traffic Signal at County Line Road/Cobblestone Dr.

The Hernando County Transportation Services Division has announced that the new traffic signal located at County Line Rd. and Cobblestone Dr. (named East Street on the south side of County Line Rd.) will be activated in flash mode on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. The traffic signal will then be placed in full operation on Thursday, April 5, 2012. Motorists are urged to use caution in the area during the initial activation phase of the new signal.

For additional information about the traffic signal, please contact Hernando County Transportation Services at (352) 754-4062.

Monday, March 19, 2012

FYI - UCHC March 2012 Meeting

United Communities of Hernando County will be meeting on the fourth Monday of this month 3/26/12. The United Communities of Hernando County meetings are held at the Silverthorn Community Center located at 4400 Mallard Lake Drive, Spring Hill, FL 34609 at 7:00 PM. The Guest Speaker for the meeting will be Hernando County School Superintendent Bryan Blavatt. He will be discussing the many important issues that the school system will be facing. UCHC's meetings are open to the public!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

FYI - Regarding Suspicious Activity in Preston Hollow

A concerned homeowner in Preston Hollow observed on Sunday morning a large bronze Ford Truck driving around slowly with two men in it. They were parked outside one of the homes that are for sale in one of the cul- de-sacs when they were first spotted. They were observed again driving around the neighborhood and their license plate was written down. This information was passed on to the PHHOA Board and Bill Thompson who has alerted the crime watch captains here in Preston Hollow. A Big Thank You to everyone involved in trying to keep Preston Hollow safe and secure.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Preston Hollows' Annual Garage Sale

Preston Hollow HOA Annual Garage Sale

Our Annual Garage Sale is scheduled for Saturday, March 31st 2012 from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM . Sharon Ricks the PHHOA Board Secretary will place an ad in the local newspapers telling everyone about this great event. Please remember that your unwanted stuff is someone else’s treasure!

FYI - Update on Street Light Repairs

Monday night, I reported three street lights that I noticed were out in Preston Hollow to WREC for repair. This morning I saw them fixing the first light at the corner of Preston Hollow Dr. and Rugby Ct. The second light was also fixed near the 170 block of Forest Wood Ct. this night when I walked my puppy. But the third light by 327 Preston Hollow Dr. is still out and not working and I sent a second report to WREC to make sure that they fix that light also.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

FYI - Regarding Crime Watch Activity Near Preston Hollow

CRIME ALERT! 2 new crimes
Type Description Case # Location Agency Date Map It
Motor Vehicle Theft GRAND THEFT-AUTO 2012-07593 13000 BLOCK OF COUNTY LINE RD Hernando County Sheriff 3/3/2012 9:04:00 PM Map It
Vandalism CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 2012-07591 500 BLOCK OF SPRING HAVEN LOOP Hernando County Sheriff 3/3/2012 8:48:00 PM Map It

Saturday, March 3, 2012

FYI - Regarding Crime Watch Activity Near Preston Hollow

There have been some incidents of crime reported in the Mobile Home Park next to Preston Hollow over the last two weeks. Tropics Mobile Home Park has had at least four Crime Alerts and we need our homeowners here in Preston Hollow to keep watch and make sure our neighborhood remains safe!


CRIME ALERT! 14 new crimes
Type Description Case # Location Agency Date Map It
Theft/Larceny PETIT THEFT 2012-06851 13300 BLOCK OF COOPER RD Hernando County Sheriff 2/27/2012 4:54:00 PM Map It
Theft/Larceny PETIT THEFT 2012-06848 1100 BLOCK OF BARRANCA AVE Hernando County Sheriff 2/27/2012 4:41:00 PM Map It
Theft/Larceny PETIT THEFT 2012-06832 14000 BLOCK OF TYRINGHAM ST Hernando County Sheriff 2/27/2012 3:35:00 PM Map It
Assault DOMESTIC BATTERY 2012-06828 1200 BLOCK OF HENRY AVE Hernando County Sheriff 2/27/2012 3:13:00 PM Map It
Theft/Larceny PETIT THEFT 2012-06814 2000 BLOCK OF DEBORAH DR Hernando County Sheriff 2/27/2012 2:30:00 PM Map It
Theft/Larceny PETIT THEFT 2012-06784 12200 BLOCK OF COMSTOCK ST Hernando County Sheriff 2/27/2012 1:02:00 PM Map It
Theft/Larceny PETIT THEFT 2012-06783 1200 BLOCK OF MAXIMILIAN AV Hernando County Sheriff 2/27/2012 12:57:00 PM Map It
Theft/Larceny PETIT THEFT 2012-06780 1000 BLOCK OF GODFREY AV Hernando County Sheriff 2/27/2012 12:49:00 PM Map It
Theft/Larceny PETIT THEFT 2012-06540 13000 BLOCK OF COUNTY LINE Hernando County Sheriff 2/24/2012 10:00:00 PM Map It
Vehicle Break-In/Theft BURGLARY-CONVEYANCE 2012-06540 13000 BLOCK OF COUNTY LINE Hernando County Sheriff 2/24/2012 10:00:00 PM Map It
Motor Vehicle Theft GRAND THEFT-AUTO 2012-06442 13000 BLOCK OF COUNTY LINE RD Hernando County Sheriff 2/24/2012 2:49:00 AM Map It
Motor Vehicle Theft GRAND THEFT-AUTO 2012-05825 12200 BLOCK OF GENTER DR Hernando County Sheriff 2/19/2012 2:59:00 AM Map It
Theft/Larceny PETIT THEFT 2012-05733 11100 BLOCK OF SPRING HILL DR Hernando County Sheriff 2/18/2012 1:58:00 PM Map It
Theft/Larceny GRAND THEFT 2012-05728 13000 BLOCK OF COUNTY LINE RD Hernando County Sheriff 2/18/2012 12:27:00 PM Map It

2012 FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING WORKSHOP

2012 FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING WORKSHOP

Discover how to improve your landscapes’ curb appeal, find tough plants that will thrive in your yard, and get advice on choosing a landscape professional for best results in your yard.

This program will be presented by the Hernando County Utilities Department and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The workshop will feature demonstrations and talks by John Korycki, Hernando County Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program Coordinator, Jim Moll, Hernando County Urban Horticulture Agent, and Lloyd Singleton, Sumter County Florida Friendly Landscaping Coordinator.

The workshop will be held at the Hernando Realtor’s Association building, 7321 Sunshine Grove Rd, and run from 8:00am to 12:30pm on March 20th. Cost for the workshop is $5 per person, and registration is required by March 17th. Registration is limited and is accepted on a first-paid, first-registered basis.

For more information or to register, call John Korycki, at 352-540-6230. HCUD customers who prepay and attend the workshop may be eligible for a $5 rebate, one per household.

Swiftmud has made changes to our watering restriction rules beginning 3/10/2012

Effective Dates and Affected Areas

  • Modified Phase III water shortage restrictions are scheduled to begin on March 10, 2012 and expire on June 30, 2012.
  • The restrictions affect Hernando, Citrus, Sumter, Lake and Levy counties as well as the City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County.
Lawn Watering Schedule and Times
  • Lawn watering is limited to a once-per-week schedule. The following is a schedule and summary of the restrictions unless your city or county has a different once-per-week schedule or more stringent restrictions.

    Addresses with “house numbers” … May only irrigate on …
    Ending in 0 or 1  Monday 
    Ending in 2 or 3  Tuesday 
    Ending in 4 or 5  Wednesday 
    Ending in 6 or 7  Thursday 
    Ending in 8 or 9  Friday 
  • Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, the allowable watering hours are before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. regardless of property size.
Landscape Watering Schedule and Times
  • Handwatering and microirrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done on any day, but is limited to the hours of before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
New Lawns & Plants
  • New lawns and plants have a 60-day establishment period. On days 1-30, they may be watered any day of the week. During days 31-60, they may be watered approximately every other day. Even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Odd-numbered addresses may be watered on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
Fountains
  • Fountains and other aesthetic water features may only operate four hours per day. The regular hours of operation can be selected by the owner, but must be posted (see list of exemptions such as water features that also provide aerification to koi ponds).
Car Washing
  • Car washing is limited to once per week on the designated watering day for the location.
  • Fundraiser and commercial car washes, including mobile detailing businesses, may still operate on any day.
  • Emergency and other first responder vehicles may still be washed on any day as needed.
Pressure Washing
  • Pressure washing is allowed for necessary purposes such as prior to painting or sealing, in order to maintain a paint or material warranty, to address a health or safety hazard and to comply with health laws.
  • Aesthetic concerns, even those raised by an HOA in accordance with its deed restrictions, do not constitute a “necessary” purpose.
Water Utilities and Other Local Enforcement Agencies
  • Use automatic meter reading or weekly night patrols to monitor compliance where restriction violations or high-use single family residential accounts are concentrated.
  • Issue citations without needing to have first issued a warning.
Other Water Utility Responsibilities (Does not apply to water utilities who are allowed to withdraw less than 100,000 gallons per day)
Utilities must:
  • Provide a concise monthly system status report, including enforcement.
  • Continue implementing customer messaging and other water conservation efforts.
  • Plan for supplementation of potable supplies, including coordination with the District and other agencies as appropriate.
  • Notify the District within 24 hours if the public supply system experiences a significant change in status.
Other Water Uses
  • Restaurants shall only serve water upon request.
  • Agricultural operations, commercial establishments, golf courses and industrial facilities must also comply with applicable best management practices listed in the Water Shortage Order.