Hernando County updates shed requirements
BROOKSVILLE — The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners on April 7, approved an update to Ordinance 26-38, easing requirements for residential sheds and accessory structures.
Sheds with impervious roof coverings of 120 square feet or less no longer require a zoning permit, provided all other county regulations are met. The maximum allowable wall height for these structures has been raised to 8 feet.
Even without a zoning permit, sheds must still meet zoning setbacks from property lines, sit on the same parcel as the principal use and stay clear of easements and rights-of-way. They must comply with floodplain regulations if in a flood zone, meet height limits for accessory structures in the zoning district and cannot be used as a dwelling or living space.
Building permits are still required if electrical, plumbing or concrete work is involved. Corner and waterfront lots may face additional placement restrictions, and homeowners association or deed restrictions may apply separately. Some zoning districts also limit the number of sheds allowed on a property.
Procurement department to host annual meet and greet
BROOKSVILLE — The Hernando County Procurement Department will host its annual meet and greet from 9 a.m. to noon May 15 at the WellCome OM Integral Healing and Education Center, 4242 Lake in the Woods Drive, Spring Hill.
The event gives business owners and community members a chance to learn about doing business with the county, including the bidding process and upcoming projects. Staff from county Utilities, Public Works, Economic Development, Procurement, and Parks and Recreation will attend, along with representatives from the city of Brooksville, the Hernando County School Board and the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida Muma College of Business.
The event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are encouraged at procurement.opengov.com/portal/hernandocounty/projects/243453.
Development Services adjusts Wednesday hours
BROOKSVILLE — Hernando County Development Services will open its lobby at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays until further notice.
The change applies to all divisions, including Code Compliance, Building, Planning and Zoning. Hours on other weekdays are unchanged.
Adventure Coast awards two event marketing grants
HERNANDO COUNTY — Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau has approved two marketing grants to help promote events that draw visitors to Hernando County and encourage overnight stays.
Each recipient will also receive a professionally produced marketing video, which the bureau will share on its social media platforms alongside the organizers’ own channels.
The grants went to Brooksville Main Street for Pedal Play Fun Day, held April 11, and to the Hernando County Blueberry Festival, set for May 8-10 at Florida Classic Park in Brooksville.
“Florida’s Adventure Coast is proud to support events that bring energy, excitement and economic impact to our community,” said Tammy Heon, manager of tourism for the bureau. “We are especially excited to welcome the Hernando County Blueberry Festival to the area. Events like this celebrate our local character, create memorable visitor experiences and help showcase Hernando County as a destination worth exploring year-round.”
Application details are at FloridasAdventureCoast.com.
County DOGE committee seeks applicant
BROOKSVILLE — The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners is accepting applications for an opening on the Delegation on Government Efficiency Committee.
Applicants must be Hernando County residents and registered voters. The position is voluntary and unpaid.
Applications are available at the County Attorney’s Office, 20 N. Main St., Room 462, Brooksville, by calling 352-754-4122, or at HernandoCounty.us/committees. Completed applications may be emailed to CAO@co.hernando.fl.us and must be received by 5 p.m. May 8.
Bilirakis to seek re-election
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis announced he will seek re-election to the House in 2026.
“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished for Florida families this term, and I look forward to building on that success,” he said in a statement. “We’ve made real progress on affordability through policies like no tax on tips and overtime, and a new senior tax deduction, but there is still more work ahead to expand opportunity and ease the burden on workers, families, seniors and small businesses.”
Bilirakis represents Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes parts of Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.