Citizens recognized for participating in academy
BROOKSVILLE — The Hernando County School Board recognized several residents who took part in the Citizens Academy at its June 9 meeting.
In other business, board member Shannon Rodriguez defended opening meetings with prayer, residents asked that a film be shown to students, and the board approved school work contracts on its consent agenda. The meeting lasted about 50 minutes.
Photo by VINCENT F. SAFUTO/Hernando Today
HT-HCSB1-06242026 -- Several residents were recognized at the June 9 Hernando County School Board meeting for taking part in the Citizens Academy.
Tax collector’s office to host community resource fair
BROOKSVILLE — Hernando County government and the Hernando County Tax Collector’s Office will host a community resource fair and ribbon-cutting to mark the grand opening of the office’s new Spring Hill location from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27.
The Hernando County Tax Collector’s Spring Hill office is at 7701 Forest Oaks Blvd.
The family-friendly event will let residents connect with local organizations and learn about services available across Hernando County. Attendees can sign up for a library card through Hernando County Library Services, register to vote with the Supervisor of Elections, donate blood at the LifeSouth bloodmobile and explore health resources from the Florida Department of Health in Hernando County. Other community organizations will be on site, along with food trucks, a DJ and children’s activities.
The new office helps residents with driver’s licenses, vehicle and boat titles and registrations, hunting and fishing licenses, and property and tangible tax collection. It also has a driving range where applicants can take the road test required for a Florida driver’s license. After the ribbon-cutting, attendees can tour the building and driving range.
Parking will be available in the lot in front of the Florida Department of Health at 7551 Forest Oaks Blvd. Signs will direct traffic entering and exiting the complex.
Public safety partners ask motorists to celebrate safely
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Highway Patrol have launched their summer Arrive Alive campaign, a two-month statewide effort running through July 31 to keep drivers safe through the busy summer travel season.
As communities prepare to mark the nation’s 250th birthday with Fourth of July celebrations, barbecues, fireworks and road trips, the agency is reminding drivers to stay alert behind the wheel, obey traffic laws and avoid reckless or impaired driving.
For more information and safety tips, visit FLHSMV.gov/ArriveAlive.
Department of Health issues rabies alert
The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County has issued a 60-day rabies alert after an unvaccinated cat attacked by a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the Norvell Road area of Spring Hill on June 10.
DOH-Hernando is monitoring rabies in the area’s wild animals, and residents and visitors should be aware that the disease is present in the local wildlife population.
The alert is in effect for 60 days and covers the following area in Hernando County:
• North: Elgin Boulevard
• South: Spring Hill Drive
• East: Barclay Avenue
• West: U.S. 19 (Commercial Way)
For more information on rabies, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or call DOH-Hernando at 352-540-6812.
PHSC hosts ribbon-cutting for Science & Innovation Center
DADE CITY — Pasco-Hernando State College held a ribbon cutting for the Wilton Simpson Science & Innovation Center at its East Campus.
This 27,000 square-foot building includes classrooms, workspace, offices, and a two-story auditorium.
Health department cautions about algae in Silver Lake
The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County is warning the public about blue-green algae found in Silver Lake on June 15. Water samples are being tested.
Blue-green algae can produce toxins. Because conditions can change quickly, the public should use caution even before any toxins are confirmed.
Residents and visitors should:
• Avoid drinking, swimming, wading, using personal watercraft or any contact with water where a bloom is visible.
• Wash skin and clothing with soap and water after any contact with algae or with discolored or foul-smelling water.
• Keep pets and livestock away from the water and provide a clean alternative source; blooms are not safe for animals.
• Avoid cooking or washing dishes with affected water; boiling does not remove the toxins.
• Not eat shellfish from affected waters.
Fillets from healthy fish caught in affected freshwater lakes are safe to eat. Rinse them with tap or bottled water, discard the guts and cook the fish thoroughly.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and its partners collect samples from reported blooms. Results are posted at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov and floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom.