Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Three Month Appeals Period Begins for Updated Flood Maps

Three Month Appeals Period Begins for Updated Flood Maps
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 1, 2010

Three-Month Appeal Period Begins for Updated Hernando County Flood Maps

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has notified Hernando County that December 3rd is the beginning date for the three-month time period during which residents may file appeals and protests pertaining to the new digital flood hazard maps which were released last summer. The maps were developed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), in partnership with FEMA and Hernando County and show the extent to which areas throughout Hernando County are at risk for flooding. Used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements, the new maps replace maps that are approximately 25 years old.

The process included an extensive, multi-year review of the changes brought about by environmental, land use and other forces, the use of state-of-the-art aerial mapping and risk modeling techniques, and a comprehensive pre- and post-release review.

Residents and business owners can use the maps to obtain reliable information about their flood risk on a property-by-property basis. The maps also provide flood zone and elevation data to help community planners, engineers, builders and others decide where and how new structures, developments, and remodeling projects should be built.

The maps may be viewed online at www.hernandocounty.us/floodmap or in person at the Development Services Department, 789 Providence Blvd., Brooksville, Florida. The maps were displayed at two public workshops last August. Property owners are encouraged to check out the new flood maps and how their flood risk may have changed. Even though the maps are highly accurate, it is possible that owners may have more current or better data. If a property owner believes that the map is inaccurate regarding their property, they may file an appeal. Scientific or technical data must be submitted in support of the appeal. More information for filing an appeal is available at http://www.hernandocounty.us/floodmap/factsheets.asp or by calling the Flood Map Information Line at (352) 540-6300.

Residents can learn more about the new flood maps at a workshop on Friday, December 3, 2010, at 10 a.m. at the Hernando County Utilities Administration Building, 21010 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, Florida. Representatives from FEMA, Hernando County and SWFWMD will be on hand to explain the map updates and answer questions.

Lawn Irrigation Advice for the Winter Months

Lawn Irrigation Advice for the Winter Months
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 1, 2010

District asks homeowners to "Skip a Week" of irrigation this winter

Overwatering in winter can encourage pests and disease

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is reminding residents who irrigate their lawns to “Skip a Week” of watering during the cooler months of December, January and February.

According to research by the University of Florida, grass doesn’t need to be watered as often during the cooler months. One-half to three-quarters of an inch of water every 10–14 days is sufficient. In fact, if your lawn has received any significant rainfall, then you can turn off your irrigation system and operate it manually as needed.

“Overwatering in the winter can encourage pests and disease in your lawn,” said Sylvia Durell, Florida-friendly landscaping project manager. Skipping a week of watering is as easy as “off” for residents with irrigation timers. “Turn the timer to ‘off’ for the week that you want to skip, and ‘on’ for the week that you want to water,” said Durell.

Homeowners can determine when their grass needs water when:

• Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on 30 percent of the lawn.
• Grass blades are blue-gray.
• Footprints remain on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it.

Skipping a week of irrigation will help conserve drinking water supplies that the public needs for critical uses during the dry season. In fact, if everyone skipped one week of irrigation this season, it could save an estimated 1.7 billion gallons of water.

In addition to entering the dry season, the region has experienced an extremely dry fall, with dry conditions expected to continue through next spring. All 16 counties within the District are under a Phase I water shortage alert.

Christmas on Main Street" in Downtown Brooksville

Christmas on Main Street" in Downtown Brooksville
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
November 29, 2010

The City of Brooksville and Hernando County Government invite you to join them in the 2010 "Christmas on Main Street" on Thursday, December 9, 2010, from 5:00 until 8:30 pm. Stroll down Main Street in downtown Brooksville and enjoy an old fashioned Christmas! Many downtown merchants will be open extended hours as well as offering holiday treats and entertainment! A Winter Art Gallery Reception will be held at Brooksville City Hall from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring the Hernando County High School Culinary Arts Program Cookie Contest. Enjoy a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Ida Lillies just one block from City Hall and directly across from the historic Courthouse.

At 7:30 p.m. enjoy the lighting of the Courthouse Christmas Tree, followed by one hour of holiday entertainment provided by Live Oak Theatre Company, Brooksville Academy of the Arts and members of the Weeki Wachee High School Chorus. The program will be videotaped by Hernando County Government Broadcasting and aired throughout the holidays on Bright House Channel 622 and webstreamed at www.hernandocounty.us. Be sure to bring your own chairs.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

PHHOA November Annual Meeting Agenda

November 16, 2010 7:00-9:30 pm

PRESTON HOLLOW HOME OWNER’S ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA

· Kurt--Welcome and call the meeting to order. Our annual meeting; matters of general business; 2011 proposed budget to include annual assessment increase; nomination and member election of 3 Board of Directors officers; seek ACC Chairperson volunteer; Bob to route attendance sheet, to include updates for member phone numbers and/or email addresses.

· All--Pledge of Allegiance

· Board--Recognition of Alan Setelius---Stepping down as External V/P

· Bob--Secretary’s review and Board approval of official minutes from September 21st Board meeting. Verify number of attendees in good standing who are present, collect proxies, and confirm quorum or not.

· Margaret & Bob--Treasure’s report to include proposed 2011 budget including $25 annual association membership dues and status of delinquencies. Board to vote on dues increase. Discuss proposed revised collection policy developed by Bob Cooper.

· Alan--External Affairs V/P report

· Al--Internal Affairs V/P report

· Randi--Crime Watch & ACC reports

· All--Board of Directors elections (quorum of 33 required). Nominations sought as stated in the October Newsletter; none received. 3 positions are vacant for 2011. Seek nominations from the floor and vote. In addition, seek replacement for Alan’s one-year remaining term-Bob Cooper has submitted his name for consideration.

· Board--Seek volunteer for ACC Chairperson.

· Kurt--discuss HOA Management Company proposal-distribute handout

· Bob--Proposed Deed Restriction Enforcement policy; new Preston Hollow website presentation.

· All--New business

· Kurt--Adjourn

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Beware of the coyote roaming Preston Hollow

There is at least one coyote that is roaming around Preston Hollow. These are wild animals and will eat small animals including cats. The County Animal Services Department will not remove these animals for us. Please be careful especially at night.

PROTECTING YOUR PLANTS FROM THE COLD

PROTECTING YOUR PLANTS FROM THE COLD

A free class “Protecting Your Plants from the Cold” will be offered by Urban Horticulture Agent, Jim Moll on Wednesday, November 17th at 10:00am. Remember last winter’s freezes? Learn how you can help prevent your plants from becoming winter casualties this year. The class will be offered at the Spring Hill Branch Library at 9220 Spring Hill Dr. No registration is required, first come, first seated.

The Extension Service is an educational program which exists to serve the educational needs of the local people. Extension Agents extend the resources of the University of Florida our land grant University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the following program areas: agriculture, horticulture, family and consumer sciences and 4-H.

Visit our web-site at http://extension.hernandocounty.us

Monday, November 1, 2010

Wyndsor Place Barricaded

Cortez Community Bank the current owners of Wyndsor Place have placed barricades across the Preston Hollow side of Sunset Woods Ct and the East Linden side of Hillary St. This action has effectively isolated Wyndsor Place which is deemed to be private property. Until these roads are turned over to the County they will remain private.