Government & Politics

Hancock Lake Road Residents Move to Vacate Their Own Street to Block Pasco Subdivision Traffic

Hernando County commissioners are backing a plan by Hancock Lake Road residents to legally close their dead-end street rather than let a Pasco developer route a 12-lot subdivision's traffic, buses and emergency vehicles through it.

Sep 254 min read

Government & Politics

Hernando County Set to Finalize $927 Million Budget, Lower Tax Rate Tonight

Commissioners hold their final hearing at 5:01 p.m. to adopt a $927 million budget and a property tax rate of 7.7048 mills, down from last year and just under the rollback rate.

Sep 223 min read

Government & Politics

Sheriff Seeks $107.5 Million Budget as Commissioners Weigh Hernando's Tax Rate This Week

Sheriff Al Nienhuis is asking for $107.5 million to run law enforcement, the jail, courthouse security and animal services, even as the county funds only 8 of the 32 new deputies he says are needed.

Sep 93 min read

Government & Politics

Hernando County Sets Sept. 10 Hearing on FY2027 Budget and Tax Rate

Commissioners will hold the first of two public hearings on the county's 2026-2027 budget and millage rate on Sept. 10, as officials warn a pending state tax referendum could blow a $31.5 million hole in county finances.

Sep 33 min read

Government & Politics

Hernando Commissioners Back $1 Million Steel Tower to Replace Linda Pedersen Park Landmark

County commissioners backed a plan for a 50-foot galvanized steel observation tower at Linda Pedersen Park, more than a year after the original 1994 structure closed for good.

Aug 313 min read

Government & Politics

Emerson Road Housing Project Denied a Second Time as Hernando Zoning Board Cites Traffic, Density

The Hernando County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to reject a rezoning for roughly 24 acres off Emerson Road near Cortez Boulevard, the second denial for the site in just over a year.

Aug 303 min read

Government & Politics

Hernando County Braces for $31.5M Budget Hole If State Tax Measure Passes

County staff previewed the FY2027 budget on July 30 and warned commissioners that a statewide property-tax amendment on the November 2026 ballot could strip $31.5 million in recurring revenue in its first year, and nearly $48.2 million by year two.

Aug 293 min read

Government & Politics

Commissioners Keep West Hernando Library Open, But Reopening Still Waits on AC Repairs

Hernando County commissioners dropped a plan to permanently close the Staffordene T. Foggia Memorial Library on July 30, sparing seven jobs and $512,107 in cuts. The branch stays dark until mechanical repairs are done.

Aug 233 min read

Government & Politics

Tree, Fence and Landscaping Rewrite Hits the Public Mic Tonight in Brooksville

Hernando County opens a hybrid town hall from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday on a draft ordinance that would repeal and replace Chapter 10, the county's rules on tree removal, buffers, irrigation and fences. It goes to commissioners September 1.

Aug 204 min read

Government & Politics

Three Votes: Duval and Champion Head to November in Hernando School Board District 5

Kara Champion finished the Aug. 18 primary three votes ahead of Susan Duval in the District 5 School Board race, sending both to the Nov. 3 ballot. In District 1, Dana Pearce unseated incumbent Mark C. Johnson.

Aug 194 min read

Government & Politics

Polls Close at 7 Tonight: Today's Hernando Primary Decides a Commission Seat, Three School Board Races and a Judgeship

Precincts across Hernando County are open until 7 p.m. for the August 18 primary. Every registered voter, regardless of party, can weigh in on the County Commission District 2 race, and whoever wins it faces no opponent in November.

Aug 184 min read