HNS REPORTS---DECEMBER 4, 2009
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SPRING HILL FIRE BOARD TO DISCUSS UNION FUND-RAISING
Spring Hill Fire Commissioner Rob Giammarco wants the fire board to talk about union fund-raising issues. He's requested a discussion toward the end of next Wednesday night's Fire Board meeting. The item is listed under New Business on the agenda released Thursday. A citizen complained about the format of a letter sent to residents that appeared to be a bill, when it was actually just a follow-up to telephone donation pledges. Later published reports questioned the amount of money donated to charity by the firm hired by the firefighters' union to raise money. The reports cite state records as indicating less than 16% of the funds raised by the firm are given away, with the rest accounted for as fund-raising expenses.
PASCO ASKING HERNANDO TO SUPPORT NEW TRANSIT TAX
Pasco County Commissioners are asking their Hernando counterparts to support a legislative effort to authorize a tax to help pay for mass transit. The letter from Pasco Chairman Jack Mariano went to Hernando and the other two non-charter counties that are a part of TBARTA, the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority. Mariano says the non-charter counties are at a disadvantage because of a lack of authority to impose a transportation system surtax. Pasco's commissioners unanimously voted to ask the Legislature to give them the authority to levy the tax and are seeking Hernando's support. Mariano's letter is in the correspondence to note for next Tuesday's County Board meeting.
PUBLIC GETS SAY ON LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING TUESDAY
County commissioners hold a public hearing Tuesday on revisions to the Hernando County Comprehensive Plan The changes to the Capital Improvements Element of the plan are mainly adding stimulus projects to the plan, where the County Board previously accepted more than $4 million in federal funding. In addition to resurfacing projects on county roads, the funding also includes transportation improvements for the new high school on Commercial Way and a trailhead at the north end of the Suncoast Trail. The plan changes also include rescheduling of funding for some previously planned road and utility projects.
The agenda for Tuesday's County Board meeting also includes an afternoon workshop on the five-year capital improvements program, offering another opportunity for commissioners and the public to talk about future spending plans for parks, roads and utilities.
FAC PRESIDENT TO MAKE DUES PLEA TO COUNTY TUESDAY
The Florida Association of Counties hasn't given up on getting its dues from Hernando County yet. Tuesday the association's president, Alachua County Commissioner Rodney Long, will make a personal appeal to the County Board. Long says in a letter that FAC has a lot to offer to Hernando, including expertise in moving toward charter government. Long also says the association is willing to accept installment payments of the $20,000-plus in dues, which commissioners left out of this year's budget to save money.
HEALTH DEPT. EXPANDS H1N1 TARGET GROUPS, SLATES NEW CLINIC
The Hernando County Health Department says it's expanding the target group for H1N1 vaccination. According to Elizabeth Callaghan, Health Department Administrator, “H1N1 vaccine has been offered for the past 2 months in our community to those who are considered at highest risk for getting sick from the illness. We are now ready to vaccinate the next tier and that is all individuals aged 25 through 64 years of age including those who do not have underlying medical conditions." Callaghan says the virus seems to affect relatively few in the 65 plus population, so older adults are considered at lower risk for getting sick from the virus. Callaghan says the health department is planning to offer the vaccination to our entire community in January.
The health department also announced a third, free vaccination clinic on Sunday, December 13th from 1:00-5:00 pm at Nature Coast Technical High School. Six hundred free vaccinations will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to health department clinics, the H1N1 vaccine is now available at many local walk-in clinics, pharmacies, local physician’s offices and other health care venues.
BROWN-WAITE SAYS OBAMA JOBS SUMMIT NOT ENOUGH
Fifth District U.S. Representative Ginny Brown-Waite said Friday that President Obama's "jobs summit" won't get the job done because it's not a "perfect world." Brown-Waite, R-Brooksville, says summits and press releases make jobs only for the reporters who cover them.
"In a perfect world, the President could hold a “jobs summit” and everyone could breathe a sigh of relief," Brown-Waite said. "In the real world, however, sitting around talking about jobs doesn’t magically create them." Her comments came in an e-mailed newsletter to constituents.
"The bottom line is that the President needs to stop talking about jobs and start working to support and encourage their creation."
SAND DREDGING COULD START FRIDAY AT HERNANDO BEACH
County Engineer Charles Mixson says a second dredge is now in place at the Hernando Beach Channel and ready to start sending sand to the stockpiling location at the former sewer plant. Mixson said a mile-long dredge pipe is now connected and that the second dredge could start pumping sand as early as Friday. It's the second phase of the long-awaited project after removal of rock from the channel, which is to be widened and deepened. He expects the sand dredge to work from either end of the channel while the final issues with state regulators are worked out. The maintenance dredge of the narrow, winding route in and out of Hernando Beach began earlier this year with removal of rock and seagrass re-vegetation.
Mixson said he now expects to have a meeting with regulators next week. The state DEP has cited the county's contractor for dredge permit violations in the removal of rock from the channel. as part of the first phase of the project. Mixson said he's hopeful that closer monitoring of the contractor's work will convince the state not to impose any sanctions for what he's called minor permit issues. The county still expects to finish the dredge project ahead of a deadline next summer for using state funds.
SOUTH BROOKSVILLE EFFORTS ARE ONE STEP FORWARD, ONE BACK
The South Brooksville Community Initiatives Team learned Thursday that comprehensive plan amendments to adopt a vision plan are moving forward, but efforts to get a stimulus funds grant face a setback. Planners said they expect to meet an early spring deadline for submitting plan amendments for county and city action, although some team members expressed concern for the adoption schedule. Frankie Burnett and Paul Douglas were worried about getting the amendments in place ahead of a November vote on comp plan adoption procedures.
Meanwhile, the team's grants consultant learned Thursday that all of the federal bureaucrats' optimistic talk of stimulus funds for community improvements didn't come without red tape. USDA officials had urged a joint city-county application for funds to improve utilities and drainage infrastructure, but just before the meeting started, the consultant got a message from a USDA bureaucrat saying they couldn't accept a joint application after all and that separate requests were needed from each entity that would own the improvements. Team staffers said they would try to clarify the confusion and move the application along anyway.
SHERIFF SAYS "SUSPICIOUS PERSON" WAS SECURITY GUARD
The Hernando County Sheriff's Office canceled a public alert Friday when it identified a man who approached a group of teenage girls in the Weeki Wachee Preserve as a security guard. A news release from the sheriff's office says the man was with a firm employed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and was properly authorized to guard the SWFWMD property. The original alert said the man took pictures and video of the girls and gave them warnings for swimming in a no-swimming area.
WEEKEND EVENTS SCHEDULE
UPDATE: Change of Location of "Christmas on Main Street"
Due to the inclement weather forecast for Friday evening, the "Christmas on Main Street" videotaping scheduled for the front of the Hernando County Courthouse on Friday will be relocated to the fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church, one block south of the Courthouse, at 109 S. Broad Street.
Along with an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, performers include Jason Yungmann, Carla Becker, Christina Daily, Randi Olsen, the Powell Middle School Girls Chorus and Sunset, a barbershop quartet.
The public is invited to the Christmas on Main Street - Courthouse Christmas Tree Lighting Program on Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The program will be taped and broadcast on Channel 622 during the holidays. Plan to come and enjoy local talent perform holiday music in beautiful downtown Brooksville. Please bring your own chairs.
The 35th Annual Kiwanis Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, at 10:00 a.m. in downtown Brooksville. For more information, visit:
www.kiwanisclubofbrooksville.org
The Hernando County Fine Arts Council will hold its second annual Winter Gala at 7 p.m. Friday at Rogers Christmas House. The tickets will be $20 for one and $30 for two. The council will have wine, appetizers catered by the Central High School culinary arts department, entertainment and a silent auction. Proceeds will go into the HCFAC general fund which finances the annual Art in the Park and the monthly Bandshell Bash.
Friday through Sunday---
35th ANNUAL GEM, MINERAL & JEWELRY SHOW
9:00am - 5:00pm Location: Slovene American Club (SNPJ Hall), 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill. Presented by the Withlacoochee Rockhounds. Minerals, Fossils, Demonstrations, Handcrafted Jewelry, Lapidary Equipment, Gem and Mineral Auction, Replica of AARON'S Breastplate, Famous Diamonds of the world. Admission: $3.00 Adults, $1.00 Teens; 12 and under FREE.
Friday and Saturday-
ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES
Friday, Dec. 4 10:00am - 7:00pm; Saturday, Dec. 5 8:00am - 2:00pm St. Anthony's Church Hall, 20428 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Dozens of decorated trees, photos with Santa, vendors. Homemade crafts, jewelry, baked goods. Free.
Saturday-
BARK ISLAND at Pine Island
8:00 - 10:00am Pine Island Beach Bring your 'furry pal' for a great morning of romping in the sand and splashing in the water! Please remember to bring proof of current vaccinations, a least "just in case" they get rowdy... and clean up after your pet! Admission" $5.00
352-754-4031 or recreation@hernandocounty.us
www.hernandocounty.us/parks_rec
Saturday-
CONCERT SERIES
7:00pm HERNANDO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER at Hernando High School, 700 BELL AVENUE, BROOKSVILLE. HOLIDAY PROGRAM FEATURING "THE NEW DAWN SINGERS". INDIVIDUAL TICKETS: $25.00 EACH. SEASON TIX: $80.00
352-799-5577
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SPRING HILL FIRE BOARD TO DISCUSS UNION FUND-RAISING
PASCO ASKING HERNANDO TO SUPPORT NEW TRANSIT TAX
PUBLIC GETS SAY ON LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING TUESDAY
The agenda for Tuesday's County Board meeting also includes an afternoon workshop on the five-year capital improvements program, offering another opportunity for commissioners and the public to talk about future spending plans for parks, roads and utilities.
FAC PRESIDENT TO MAKE DUES PLEA TO COUNTY TUESDAY
HEALTH DEPT. EXPANDS H1N1 TARGET GROUPS, SLATES NEW CLINIC
The health department also announced a third, free vaccination clinic on Sunday, December 13th from 1:00-5:00 pm at Nature Coast Technical High School. Six hundred free vaccinations will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to health department clinics, the H1N1 vaccine is now available at many local walk-in clinics, pharmacies, local physician’s offices and other health care venues.
BROWN-WAITE SAYS OBAMA JOBS SUMMIT NOT ENOUGH
"In a perfect world, the President could hold a “jobs summit” and everyone could breathe a sigh of relief," Brown-Waite said. "In the real world, however, sitting around talking about jobs doesn’t magically create them." Her comments came in an e-mailed newsletter to constituents.
"The bottom line is that the President needs to stop talking about jobs and start working to support and encourage their creation."
SAND DREDGING COULD START FRIDAY AT HERNANDO BEACH
SOUTH BROOKSVILLE EFFORTS ARE ONE STEP FORWARD, ONE BACK
Meanwhile, the team's grants consultant learned Thursday that all of the federal bureaucrats' optimistic talk of stimulus funds for community improvements didn't come without red tape. USDA officials had urged a joint city-county application for funds to improve utilities and drainage infrastructure, but just before the meeting started, the consultant got a message from a USDA bureaucrat saying they couldn't accept a joint application after all and that separate requests were needed from each entity that would own the improvements. Team staffers said they would try to clarify the confusion and move the application along anyway.
SHERIFF SAYS "SUSPICIOUS PERSON" WAS SECURITY GUARD
The Hernando County Sheriff's Office canceled a public alert Friday when it identified a man who approached a group of teenage girls in the Weeki Wachee Preserve as a security guard. A news release from the sheriff's office says the man was with a firm employed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and was properly authorized to guard the SWFWMD property. The original alert said the man took pictures and video of the girls and gave them warnings for swimming in a no-swimming area.
WEEKEND EVENTS SCHEDULE
UPDATE: Change of Location of "Christmas on Main Street"
Due to the inclement weather forecast for Friday evening, the "Christmas on Main Street" videotaping scheduled for the front of the Hernando County Courthouse on Friday will be relocated to the fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church, one block south of the Courthouse, at 109 S. Broad Street.
Along with an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, performers include Jason Yungmann, Carla Becker, Christina Daily, Randi Olsen, the Powell Middle School Girls Chorus and Sunset, a barbershop quartet.
The public is invited to the Christmas on Main Street - Courthouse Christmas Tree Lighting Program on Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The program will be taped and broadcast on Channel 622 during the holidays. Plan to come and enjoy local talent perform holiday music in beautiful downtown Brooksville. Please bring your own chairs.
www.kiwanisclubofbrooksville.org
The Hernando County Fine Arts Council will hold its second annual Winter Gala at 7 p.m. Friday at Rogers Christmas House. The tickets will be $20 for one and $30 for two. The council will have wine, appetizers catered by the Central High School culinary arts department, entertainment and a silent auction. Proceeds will go into the HCFAC general fund which finances the annual Art in the Park and the monthly Bandshell Bash.
Friday through Sunday---
35th ANNUAL GEM, MINERAL & JEWELRY SHOW
9:00am - 5:00pm Location: Slovene American Club (SNPJ Hall), 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill. Presented by the Withlacoochee Rockhounds. Minerals, Fossils, Demonstrations, Handcrafted Jewelry, Lapidary Equipment, Gem and Mineral Auction, Replica of AARON'S Breastplate, Famous Diamonds of the world. Admission: $3.00 Adults, $1.00 Teens; 12 and under FREE.
Friday and Saturday-
ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES
Friday, Dec. 4 10:00am - 7:00pm; Saturday, Dec. 5 8:00am - 2:00pm St. Anthony's Church Hall, 20428 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Dozens of decorated trees, photos with Santa, vendors. Homemade crafts, jewelry, baked goods. Free.
Saturday-
BARK ISLAND at Pine Island
8:00 - 10:00am Pine Island Beach Bring your 'furry pal' for a great morning of romping in the sand and splashing in the water! Please remember to bring proof of current vaccinations, a least "just in case" they get rowdy... and clean up after your pet! Admission" $5.00
352-754-4031 or recreation@hernandocounty.us
www.hernandocounty.us/parks_rec
Saturday-
CONCERT SERIES
7:00pm HERNANDO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER at Hernando High School, 700 BELL AVENUE, BROOKSVILLE. HOLIDAY PROGRAM FEATURING "THE NEW DAWN SINGERS". INDIVIDUAL TICKETS: $25.00 EACH. SEASON TIX: $80.00
352-799-5577
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