HNS REPORTS---MARCH 5, 2010



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ADMINISTRATOR WANTS AUDIT OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

County Administrator David Hamilton wants a thorough organizational audit of the Public Works Department.  He's proposing to hire a retired GTE/Verizon engineer named David Milliman, a Hernando resident who Hamilton says has prior management restructuring experience.  Milliman's resume includes management of a $500 million dollar capital improvements budget.
Hamilton says the $98 million Public Works budget demands a careful analysis before permanent hiring of a replacement for the fired department director is done.  The administrator's memo to the County Board for action next week does not specify the amount of payment to Milliman for the audit.
Hamilton is also asking commissioners to let him move forward with appointment of a "Scoping Group" to come up with a set of criteria for a stand-alone single entrance secure courthouse facility.  Other terms for the group would be that the project cost no more than $20 million including land in or adjacent to downtown Brooksville and that local contractors and jobs be factored in.  He's recommending Chris Wert, an engineer in the Public Works Department, lead the group to include other county officials, a judge and Clerk Karen Nicolai.  If the County Board approves, the group would be charged with preparing a design criteria package that could be advertised for building proposals.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT WANTS HIGHER ACCESSORY PERMIT FEES

On the same day next week that business development staff will talk about permitting issues, the Development Services Department is asking to increase some of its fees.  Jodi Singer says the fee schedule for incidental or accessory type permits such as roofing and pools is not producing enough revenue for the department to cover its costs in reviewing and issuing those permits.  The department is funded solely by fees and does not use taxpayer dollars.  Singer says the proposed new schedule would raise about $130,000 in revenue to cover the department's enterprise fund budget.  Fees would go up 30 to 35 percent for most of the incidental or accessory permits if the new fees are approved.

RECYCLING CUTS IN PROPOSED GARBAGE HAULERS' CONTRACT EXTENSION

County garbage haulers would get a one-year contract extension, current recycling customers would see service cut from once a week to once every two weeks, and the county recycling subsidy would be cut by 75% if the County Board approves staff recommendations next week.  Utilities Director Joe Stapf says there's not enough time to bid new contracts to replace the ones now in force through September of this year.  He's asking commissioners to approve the extension and the recycling changes.  If the board gives the okay, recycling changes would take effect in April.

COUNTY TO CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR HIGH SPEED GOOGLE INTERNET

Business Development Director Mike McHugh will ask county commissioners Tuesday to approve an application to become a Google Fiber Community.  An agenda memo from McHugh to the County Board says Google is planning to test ultra-high speed broadband networks in trial communities across the country, delivering Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than available today to most Americans.  Google will choose an unspecified number of trial communities from applications received.  McHugh says staff thinks that a successful application from Hernando "would provide significant benefit to our citizens and businesses."  Google says the final price for service will be competitive but has not been determined.



BROOKSVILLE TRUMPETS SURVEY BACKING CAMERAS

The Brooksville Police Department usually updates the media on criminal cases at its city website, but Friday the lead item was not about crime.  Instead the department was noting the results of a recent public opinion survey that says 72% of Floridians support red light cameras.  The city currently uses a vendor's cameras to monitor traffic at five intersections and issues ordinance violation notices that cost $125 each for running a red light or turning without a full stop.  The program is the subject of controversy and litigation,, though officials defend the cameras for promoting safety, while generating about $800,000 a year in city revenue.
The survey by Public Opinion Strategies says that though 72% of respondents said they support red light cameras, only 65% said they thought the cameras improved safety.  Results of the poll were announced by a group called the STOP Red Light Running Coalition of Florida.  Meanwhile, competing bills in the Florida Legislature would either ban cameras or allow them where the revenue is shared with the state.

THREE JUVENILES ARRESTED IN CITY STORE BURGLARY

Brooksville Police said Thursday they arrested three teenagers for breaking into the Audio Toyz business at the corner of West Jefferson and PonceDeLeon and stealing hundreds of dollars worth of electronics.  Police said two of the three teens confessed to the burglary, and all three have been charged in the case.  The break-in reportedly occurred in February, and Thursday's arrests of 16-year old Jeremiah Lumsden and 14-year olds Isaiah Shaw and Brandon Lockhart culminated a ten-day investigation by detectives.

JUDGE WON'T WORK WITH COUNTY ON PLAN FOR WEEKEND INMATES

Circuit Judge Jack Springstead said Thursday that he was not inclined to hand out any 30-day county jail sentences if there was a possibility that those sentences would not be served in jail.  Most 30-day sentences come with the option of serving time on weekends only, and Hernando County officials are looking at a program that would put weekend offenders to work in the community to save up to $55,000 a year in jail costs.  Springstead apparently doesn't like that idea.  In comments about a plea bargain for a 30-day sentence, Springstead said he was not prepared to "have the county modify sentences" handed down by the courts and would not commit to a 30-day sentence if it meant potentially no actual jail time.  The statements by the county's busiest criminal court judge could torpedo the county's cost-saving plan.



RESIDENTS ANTICIPATE LANDFILL FIGHT AS APPEAL DEADLINE ARRIVES

Friday is the last day for east Hernando residents opposing a construction and demolition debris landfill at an old sand mine off Remington Road to file an appeal of state regulators' approval for the site.  At a meeting earlier this week, environmental lawyer John Thomas said he was still gathering information needed to challenge the Department of Environmental Protection's notice of intent to issue a permit.  A spokesperson for the protesting residents says Thomas will likely file a request to extend Friday's deadline while he prepares a request for a state administrative hearing.
Residents say the local roads will not support the truck triaffic and the landfill site poses a danger of leaching toxic materials into groundwater in the rural area, which has no public water supply.  They have also asked the county for help in their fight, though it's unclear how much the county can do, since the permit approval followed litigation between the county and the landfill operator over the parameters of a settlement approving the use.  Many are critical of the county for abandoning a settlement provision restricting the depth of material deposit, but county attorneys said that was a matter for state regulators to decide.

INSIDERS WARN FEDERAL WATER QUALITY RULING WILL IMPACT COUNTY

Proposed clean water standards for Hernando area waterways are unattainable, according to sources briefed recently on a draft 20-year Water Quality standard.  If approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, state regulators could be made responsible for reducing excessive nitrogen levels in the Weeki Wachee River and other local waterways.  The proposed standard for dissolved nitrogen is .35 mg/liter.  Latest readings show the Weeki Wachee nitrogen level is more than twice the proposed standard, at .79 mg/liter.  Other waterways are in even worse shape...the Rainbow River in Marion County reportedly has a dissolved nitrogen level of more than 2 mg/liter.
It's unclear exactly how the new lower standards would be applied or enforced, although ultimately it could impact new development and construction in areas affecting a waterway's nitrogen level.  Experts say the high nitrogen level in the Weeki Wachee is largely a product of excessive fertilization and septic tanks in Spring Hill, which sits atop the west end of the Weeki Wachee springshed.  Sources also suggest the federal water quality standard could lead to state or local controls over fertilizer applications, allowed lawn grass types, or mandated new septic systems.



INMATE CHOOSES TO STAY IN "FRYING PAN" RATHER THAN JUMP INTO FIRE

Michael Frank, a convicted sex offender who won an appeal on the basis that the statute of limitations on his crime had expired, found his win to be fleeting Thursday when he agreed to drop his efforts to have his sentence set aside.  Frank will instead serve out his sentence in state prison after agreeing with Judge Jack Springstead that going forward could be "jumping from the frying pan into the fire."
Frank was sentenced for lewd and lascivious molestation involving two children aged four and five.  His 2007 conviction was more than four years from the date of the crime in 2003.  He challenged the sentence because the four-year limitations statute had run and won his appeal.
But when prosecutor Brian Trehey told Frank's lawyers that he could still be charged with capital sexual battery, which has no statute of limitations and a potential sentence of life in prison, Frank dropped his request to set aside the sentence.  Family members say he could be released from his original prison term as early as April of next year.

DRUG SUSPECT USES TAX REFUND FOR POT

A 27-year old Spring Hill man was jailed early Friday after he opened his door to a deputy sheriff with several bags of a green leafy substance in view.  An arrest affidavit says William Leon Browne of 3233 Baldwin Street consented to a search of the residence, and 77.5 grams of marijuana in several plastic bags were found, along with a scale and a pipe.  According to the report, Browne said he got his tax refund and decided to use it on buying as much marijuana as he could.  The affidavit says Browne with charged with possession of pot with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Deputies added a charge of possession of a controlled substance after locating a prescription bottle with two tablets of Alpozolam, though the report does not say whether Browne had a prescription for them or not.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS FREE H1N1 VACCINATIONS

A media release from the Hernando County Health Department Thursday says the majority of influenza currently circulating continues to be H1N1. The Department is reminding residents and visitors that it’s not too late to get vaccinated.  Beginning Wednesday, March 10, the health department  will offer free H1N1 vaccination to all county residents and visitors on Wednesday afternoons and Friday mornings at their Brooksville clinic location, 300 S. Main Street.  Wednesday vaccination hours are 1-5 pm and Friday vaccinations hours are 9 am until 1:00 pm.  No appointment is necessary and there is no charge for vaccination.

DETECTIVE SEEKS FRAUD SUSPECT CAPTURED ON CAMERA
The subject pictured above is a suspect in a fraud that occurred at Hess, 25260 Cortez Bv., Brooksville, on Wednesday, 02-03-10, at 2:28 p.m.  If you recognize the subject above, notify Economic Crimes Detective Ciccone.  Ifyou wish to remain anonymous or to be eligible for a reward, call theHernando County Crime Stoppers toll free number 1-866-990-8477 or youmay email your tip by clicking below.
 http://www.hernandosheriff.org/Tips/  You may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.



17TH WEEKI WACHEE SWAMP FEST KICKS OFF SATURDAY

   
Preparations were well underway Friday for the 17th Swamp Fest, which returns to Linda Pederson Park on Shoal Line Blvd. this weekend.  This year the event will be dedicated as a memorial to Shirley Baker Butler, who with her friend Linda Pederson, created and organized the first Swamp Fest in 1994.   Since then, the Swamp Fest has grown from a small local community fund raising festival to a statewide annual event, attracting over twelve thousand fun seekers and featuring more than one hundred and forty arts and craft vendors. Many vendors were setting up Friday and talking optimistically about a good weekend weather forecast.   
Along with a variety of food to sample, the entertainment program includes dancers, folk, country and instrumental music throughout the weekend.   The “Swamp Monster” contest has been a crowd favorite with clever and creative costumes vying for cash prizes.  Drawings for over 200 other prizes will occur throughout the event, as well.    This year, Swamp Fest has added the “Lil’ Critter Corner” featuring fun games and prizes for kids, sponsored by the Hernando County Parks and Recreation Department.
There is a $2.00 donation at the gate; kids 12 and under free. There is free parking and free shuttle service from the remote lots on SR550 and Shoal line Blvd. in Hernando Beach.

SATURDAY NIGHT STORY-TELLING IN BROOKSVILLE

Hill House Bed & Breakfast will host an evening of story-telling from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6.
Local author Jerry Cowling will take a humorous look at history, including stories about Abraham Lincoln, Davy Crockett, what really happened at the Brooksville Raid, and the histories of dogs, fear and the movies.   The evening of entertainment and refreshments is free.  Hill House B&B is owned and operated by Pierre Desjardins.  The address is 406 E. Liberty St., Brooksville.  For more information please call (352)345-4466.

MORE WEEKEND EVENTS FROM NATURALLYHERNANDO.ORG
Saturday, March 06, 2010
READING FESTIVAL
10:00am-1:00pmLocation: NATURE COAST TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL, 4057 California Street,Brooksville. Meet Dr. Michael Sampson, New York Times Best SellingAuthor of 30 books for children. amd other local childrens' authors.Activities include face painting, announcement of the winner of theHernando Today's Mother's Day Poem Contest; games, door prizes, Tony"the Balloon Guy", local meterologist Brian McClure. Food available forpurchase. Free admission and activities.
352-797-7018

Saturday, March 06, 2010
BARK ISLAND at Pine Island
8:00- 10:00am Pine Island Beach Bring your 'furry pal' for a great morningof romping in the sand and splashing in the water! Please remember tobring proof of current vaccinations, a least "just in case" they getrowdy... and clean up after your pet! Admission" $5.00 352-754-4031 orrecreation@hernandocounty.uswww.hernandocounty.us/parks_rec
352-754-4031 or recreation@hernandocounty.us
 www.hernandocounty.us/parks_rec

Saturday, March 06, 2010
BLACK BEAR - Educator's Workshop
9:00am-3:30pm CHINSEGUT NATURE CENTER, 23212 Lake Lindsey Rd., Brooksville. For all educators; In-service credit available.Pre-registration requested.
352-754-6722
 www.MyFWC.com/Chinsegut

Saturday, March 06, 2010
DAY OF ART DISCOVERY
10:00am- 2:00 pm HERNANDO "POP", 417 West Jefferson Street, Brooksville (theyellow house with the purple trim!) If you've ever wanted to exploreyour creative side or try a different art medium without buying all thesupplies, this is your day! Five local artists will offer theirsupplies and expertise to you. Get creative and try something new!Cost: $25.00, includes lunch. PLEASE PRE-REGISTER.
352-345-4462 or popart417@gmail.com

Saturday, March 06, 2010
FARMER'S MARKET
8:00am-2:00pm THROUGHOUT DOWNTOWN BROOKSVILLE. The weekly Farmer'sMarket and more! Fresh veggies and fruit, plants, herbs, soaps, jams,candy, goodies. Local eateries open for your refreshments.
352-650-8948
 www.brooksvillebusiness.com

Saturday, March 06, 2010
YARD SALE AT THE SPRINGS
8:00am- 2:00pm Location: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way(US 19 / SR 50), Weeki Wachee. Find your special treasure at this greatevent!
352-592-5656
 www.weekiwachee.com

Sunday, March 07, 2010
BRIDAL EXPO
11:00am-3:00pmSILVERTHORN COUNTRY CLUB, 4550 Golf Club Lane, Brooksville. Tour theelegant banquet facilities, meet local vendors including photographers,florists, decorators, bridal gown retailers and more! Door prizes anddrawing for Grand Prize Classic Wedding Package. Cost: $10.00 perperson for first 2 guests; $15.00 for each additional guest.
352-799-4653
 www.silverthornclub.net

   

Posted by Hernando News Source at March 4, 2010
Categories: uncategorized
 

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  • March 6, 2010 steve34609 wrote:
    The 72% of Floridians that supposedly support red light cameras is a joke.Stop trying to ram this down our throats!Put it to a public vote! Stop putting false numbers in front of the voters so the Brooksville police can continue to scam the people.The following information can be found on the Public Opinion Strategies website...A republican organization which supports alleged "republican" initiatives,they are NOT impartial.This info can be viewed for all to see on the "about us" tab...This is what they say about themselves....

    "Here's who we are not: a passive participant that simply produces numbers.

    We are strategic partners.
    We use data to make decisions.
    We don't hesitate to have an opinion, make a judgment, and then live or die by the results. "
    Reply to this
    1. March 6, 2010 Hernando News Source wrote:
      Please read the way the story was written.  I think it noted well that this poll was a promotion of the Brooksville Police Department.  I hope you don't seriously think I am "ramming this down" anyone's throats.  Go back to last week's HNS Weekend and see the red light camera commentary.  And I'm still trying to figure out how   " 72% of respondents said they support red light cameras, only 65% said they thought the cameras improved safety."  Seems like there's seven percent there that just want to see the cities and counties get more money.
      Reply to this
  • March 6, 2010 wakeup wrote:
    The 5th Judicial Circuit is decades behind in knowledge concerning sexual violence. In turn, prosecutors cannot be viewed as credible; they do not know the subject matter and choose to live in the land of old-time myths of decades past, therefore, citizens do not know whether a convicted sex offender really is a sex offender. Documented false cases are common in divorce scenarios and children not liking a parent's boyfriend or girlfriend. In divorce battles one parent uses the charge against another. Youth angry at a parent, therefore, falsely accusing as showing dominance and power over the parent. Prosecutors in this county fail to bring forth all information and cherry pick information to be relayed to a jury in order to secure a conviction. In this area, honesty, truth, and facts are swept under the rug to secure a conviction. Prosecutors are state employees building a conviction file to secure employment. Sex offender registries do not hold any value because of an ignorant legal system. The "witch-hunter" mentality and it ignorance as in times past always finds people to hate, today, its called, "sex offender." No medical diagnosis needed.
    Reply to this
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