Residents are being warned to stay out of parts of the Withlacoochee River near Nobleton after blue-green algae was discovered this week, prompting health officials to post warning signs and advise people and pets to avoid contact with the water.

At the same time, Hernando County officials are sounding the alarm on another growing issue: lithium batteries improperly tossed in the trash are creating serious fire risks, while deputies say unlocked vehicles are fueling a recent spike in car burglaries across the county.

And once you’re caught up on the important stuff, the weekend calendar is overflowing. The Hernando County Blueberry Festival officially kicks off, Friday Night Live returns to Brooksville, local farms are opening sunflower fields and blackberry picking, and there’s everything from live music and comedy shows to drag racing and food trucks happening all weekend long.

Spring Hill doesn’t exactly believe in “quiet weekends” anymore.

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Hernando County (DOH- Hernando) is advising residents and visitors to use caution around portions of the Withlacoochee River, near Nobleton

Hernando County health officials now warn residents and visitors away from portions of the Withlacoochee River near Nobleton after blue-green algae surfaced on May 6, 2026. This potential health risk means you should avoid swimming, drinking, or even touching the contaminated water, especially where blooms are visible.

Officials posted signs at Nobleton Park and the Lake Townsen Park Boat Ramp, advising against contact. Keep pets away from the area, and never use the water for cooking or cleaning, as boiling won't eliminate toxins. While properly prepared fish fillets are safe to eat, residents must avoid shellfish from affected areas.

Water sample testing is currently underway, with results for toxins appearing online via state dashboards. Will these findings prompt further restrictions, and when can our community safely return to the river?

Source: Hernando County Government (FB Page)

Read more →

🔋 Lithium batteries can pose serious fire risks if not disposed of properly. They are commonly found in items like toys, cell phones, laptops, and other rechargeable devices.

Your old cell phone, laptop, or even a toy could be a ticking fire hazard in your trash bin. Lithium batteries, common in many rechargeable devices, pose serious fire risks if Hernando County citizens do not dispose of them properly. Never throw these power sources in your regular trash or recycling, and absolutely do not crush, puncture, or attempt to drain them.

Instead, safely drop off your used lithium batteries, free of charge, at three convenient Hernando County locations. Head to the Northwest Waste Management Facility (Main Landfill) in Brooksville, the West Hernando Convenience Center in Spring Hill, or the East Hernando Convenience Center in Ridge Manor. Remember, this free service is just for Hernando County citizens. However, you can toss single-use batteries like AA, AAA, C, D, and 9v types straight into your regular trash.

Protecting our community from preventable fires starts with how we handle these common household items. Are you certain your old electronics aren't a hidden danger?

Source: Hernando County Government (FB Page)

Read more →

🔒 Lock It or Lose It Reminder 🔒

Simply checking door handles is how thieves are fueling a recent surge in vehicle burglaries across Hernando County. This alarming increase means many residents unknowingly leave their cars vulnerable, as suspects target unlocked vehicles for easy pickings. Don't make it easy for them.

Protecting your property requires simple, proactive steps. Always lock your vehicle doors before heading inside for the night or whenever you walk away. Remove all valuables or keep them completely out of sight. When possible, park your car in well-lit areas to deter opportunistic criminals. If you notice any suspicious activity in your neighborhood, report it without hesitation.

Will Hernando County residents embrace these simple habits and turn the tide against this growing problem, or will easy targets continue to tempt local thieves?

Source: Hernando County Sheriff (FB Page)

Read more →

Blackberry Picking
May 8, 2026 | 9 AM – 4 PM
JG Ranch, 17200 Wiscon Rd., Brooksville
U Pick Blackberries

D.R. Horton - Somerset Bay Ribbon Cutting
May 8, 2026 | 12 PM – 1 PM
Somerset Bay, 9841 Coconut Court, Spring Hill
Join us for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the grand opening of Somerset Bay.

🫐 Swag Party Rentals Kids Zone - Hernando County Blueberry Festival 🫐
May 8, 2026 | 5 PM
Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Road, Brooksville
Get ready for BIG fun for the littlest festival-goers! The Swag Party Rentals Kids Zone is the ultimate destination for non-stop excitement, laughter,…

Mother's Day Specials
May 8, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Rookies Family Grille and Bar, 3095 Anderson Snow Rd., Spring Hill
Moms deserve the very best… and at Rookies, we’re making sure they get it 💖 Join us May 8th–May 10th for special menu features made just for Mom! B…

Sip N Shop
May 9, 2026
Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery, 17810 Forge Drive, Spring Hill
Vendor Market, Local Crafts

Yoga Class
May 9, 2026 | 7:45 AM – 9:15 AM
Hernando Oaks Golf Club, 5230 Delacroix Dr., Brooksville
join us for a relaxing time!

Build Your Own Flower Bouquet
May 9, 2026 | 8 AM
Citrus & Sage Bookshop, 309 S. Main St, Brooksville
For one day only we will have Build Your Own Bouquet brought to you by Allens Florist for a very special Mother's Day gift! $25 and you get to choose…

Blackberry Picking
May 9, 2026 | 9 AM – 4 PM
JG Ranch, 17200 Wiscon Rd., Brooksville
U Pick Blackberries

Paws in the Plaza
May 9, 2026 | 9 AM – 2 PM
Beef 'O' Brady's - 7601 Horse Lake Rd., 7601 Horse Lake Rd., Brooksville
Charity event supporting the Retired Police K9 Foundation and Local animal shelters. Come out and have some fun with us! We will have dogs on site for…

BBQ at the THRIFT STORE Brooksville
May 9, 2026 | 10 AM – 6 PM
Mike's Used Furniture & More, 321 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Brooksville
BBQ only here til 2pm Brian with Bethune's BBQ will be set up offering his delicious BBQ for purchase. he brings it all guys Ribs, Chicken, sausage,…

Farmers Market Spring Hill
May 9, 2026 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Chili's Restaurant, 3085 Commercial Way, Spring Hill
Vendor Market, Outdoor Event, Local Crafts, Family Friendly, Dog Friendly, Free Admission

Sunflower Festival at HarvestMoon Fun Farm
May 9, 2026 | 10 AM – 3 PM
HarvestMoon Fun Farm, 15990 Stur St., Masaryktown
🌻 SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL OPENS MAY 2ND! 🌸 Embrace the beauty of nature as you wander through vibrant fields of sunflowers, providing the perfect backdro…

The Wizard of Oz Jr.
May 9, 2026 | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
The Live Oak Theatre, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville
Youth Theatre production of Wizard of Oz Jr.

Sunflower Festival at HarvestMoon Fun Farm
May 9, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
HarvestMoon Fun Farm, 15990 Stur St., Masaryktown
🌻 SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL OPENS MAY 2ND! 🌸 Embrace the beauty of nature as you wander through vibrant fields of sunflowers, providing the perfect backdro…

Blake Country - Ultimate Blake Shelton Tribute @ Sparacia Witherell Winery
May 9, 2026 | 6 PM – 9:30 PM
Sparacia Witherell Family Winery & Vineyard, 21509 Snow Hill Road, Brooksville
We’re Going Country! 🎶🤠🐮 Encore Entertainment & Sparacia Witherell Winery Present… BLAKE COUNTRY - Ultimate Blake Shelton Tribute Night! 👊 🎟️:…

Laffs 2 Go
May 9, 2026 | 7 PM
Stage West Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill
Looking for the PERFECT way to celebrate Mother’s Day this year? Start the celebration early with a night out full of laughs at Stage West Playhouse™…

Show Me The Money!
May 9, 2026 | 7 PM
Brooksville Elks Lodge #2582, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill
This is going to be fun! Join us early for preferred seating and purchase of cards and beverages. CASH ONLY. $1 per card per round. Doors open at…

Marie & Me Coffee (Coffee)
We are a mobile coffee trailer specializing in handcrafted lattes, specialty coffee drinks, delicious cocoas. We pride ourselves on using only clean,…
May 8, 2026 | 7:45 AM – 12 PM
Verizon - 4106 Mariner Blvd., 4106 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill

Cali Street Tacos, LLC (Mexican | Tex-Mex | Tacos)
Originally from California and bring authentic Mexican flavors to Spring hill Fl. Voted best food truck and Mexican restaurant
May 8, 2026 | 9 AM – 5 PM
Ken's Spring Hill Service Center, 11175 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill

Krafted by Kiki (Caribbean | Wings | Comfort Food)
BKV Food Truck Friday
Caribbean | Wings | Comfort Food
May 8, 2026 | 11 AM – 2 PM
BKV Brooksville Regional Airport, 15800 Flight Path Dr., Brooksville

Cheese Dreams, LLC (Gourmet Grilled Cheese)
Cheese Dreams offers foods from Classic to Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Soups, sides and more
May 8, 2026 | 11 AM – 6 PM
Ken's Spring Hill Service Center, 11175 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill

TaterHeads (Stuffed Baked Potatoes)
We serve baked and stuffed russet potatoes. We also serve stuffed potato skins.
May 8, 2026 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Ken's Spring Hill Service Center, 11175 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill

La Florizza (Wood Fired Pizza)
Authentic wood fired pizza made in a Marra Forni brick oven
May 8, 2026 | 12 PM – 7 PM
Pink Dinosaur, 3275 Commercial Way, Spring Hill

Kielbasa Bus (Polish Favorites)
Polish favorites from Kielbasa sausage to pirogues to bigos (hunter’s stew).
May 8, 2026 | 4 PM – 9 PM
Tidal Brewing Company, 14311 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill

Krafted by Kiki (Caribbean | Wings | Comfort Food)
Caribbean | Wings | Comfort Food
May 8, 2026 | 4 PM – 10 PM
Marker 48 Brewing, 12147 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

Yummy Thai Food Florida (Thai Food)
Yummy Thai Food. Fresh Healthy Meals cooked to order!
May 8, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Weeki Pub, 8070 Cortez Blvd., Weeki Wachee

The Lobster Tank (Lobster Rolls)
Lobster Food Truck Featuring authentic, original MAINE Lobster Rolls.
May 8, 2026 | 5 PM – 11 PM
Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Road, Brooksville

Smoothify (Smoothies)
May 8, 2026 | 6 PM – 8 PM
Crosspoint Church, 2440 Anderson Snow Rd., Spring Hill

Hernando County Blueberry Festival
Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Road, Brooksville
May 8, 2026 | 5 PM – 11 PM - May 9 | 9 AM - 11 PM - May 10 | 9 AM - 6 PM
🫐💙 2026 Hernando Blueberry Festival 💙🫐 Presented by the Community Markets & Events Get ready for a weekend packed with flavor, fun, and fresh-pick…
Pre-purchase Required: No

George Mac
Musical Performance
Bayport Inn, 4835 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill
May 8, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Pre-purchase Required: No

Floor It Friday - Drag Racing, Burnouts, Car Truck Bike Meet at Lead Foot City (May 8th, 6-10pm)
Lead Foot City, 17109 Old Ayers Rd., Brooksville
May 8, 2026 | 6 PM – 10 PM
BUY TICKETS & TECH CARDS DAY OF SHOW CASH or CARD AT THE GATES CALL 844-532-3366 FOR ANY QUESTIONS Floor It Friday's at Lead Foot City is a Party Nigh…
Pre-purchase Required: No

Captain Johnston Band
Marker 48 Brewing, 12147 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville
May 8, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Pre-purchase Required: No

Friday Night Live- May 2026
Hernando Park, 205 E. Fort Dade Ave, Brooksville
May 8, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
🎶🌟 JAM JONES IS HEADLINING! 🌟🎶 As the spring nights heat up, Brooksville Main Street is keeping the rhythm going with another unforgettable Frid…
Pre-purchase Required: No

20th Floor
Tidal Brewing Company, 14311 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill
May 8, 2026 | 7 PM – 9 PM
Pre-purchase Required: No

Greg Billings & The Stay Up Lates LIVE at The Hernando County Blueberry Festival
Nature Coast Events, 7015 Astor Dr., New Port Richey
May 8, 2026 | 7 PM – 9 PM
🎶 LIVE AT THE 2026 HERNANDO COUNTY BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL 🎶 Get ready, Hernando County… because a true Florida rock legend is taking the Marker 48 Brew…
Pre-purchase Required: No

The Wizard of Oz Jr.
The Live Oak Theatre, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville
May 8, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Youth Theatre production of Wizard of Oz Jr.
Pre-purchase Required: No

Crossfire Creek LIVE at The Hernando County Blueberry Festival
Nature Coast Events, 7015 Astor Dr., New Port Richey
May 8, 2026 | 9 PM
🎶🔥 FRIDAY NIGHT FINALE – CROSSFIRE CREEK LIVE! 🔥🎶 The party doesn’t stop… it gets even better! Closing out an incredible Friday night at the 202…
Pre-purchase Required: No

Partners In Crime LIVE at The Hernando County Blueberry Festival
Nature Coast Events, 7015 Astor Dr., New Port Richey
May 9, 2026 | 12 PM
🎶🫐 SATURDAY AFTERNOON VIBES – LIVE MUSIC ALERT! 🫐🎶 Get ready to keep the party going at the 2026 Hernando County Blueberry Festival on the Marker…
Pre-purchase Required: No

Bob Hope
Musical Performance
Bayport Inn, 4835 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill
May 9, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Pre-purchase Required: No

Magic DEBUT at Lazy Lizard
Lazy Lizard Hernando Beach, 3192 Shoal Line Blvd, Hernando Beach
May 9, 2026 | 6 PM – 10 PM
Let’s pack the house, fam‼️‼️‼️ Food, drinks & the MAGIC show🎶 Bring your dancing shoes‼️‼️‼️ Motown, R&B, MJ, Bruno, Prince, Robin Thicke, Ed She…
Pre-purchase Required: No

Firefly Band
Marker 48 Brewing, 12147 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville
May 9, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Pre-purchase Required: No

Mary Ellen Depetrillo, Fran Capo and Lou Angelwolf
Two Chicks and a Horsetail Comedy Show
Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery, 17810 Forge Drive, Spring Hill
May 9, 2026 | 7 PM – 11:59 PM
Be sure to be in attendance for this one night only event. It's the "Two Chicks and a Horsetail" comedy show starring Mary Ellen Depetrillo, Fran Capo…
$20 General Admission | Pre-purchase Required: No
Pre-purchase Tickets Here

DC & The Whiskey Revival LIVE at The Hernando County Blueberry Festival
Nature Coast Events, 7015 Astor Dr., New Port Richey
May 9, 2026 | 8 PM
🎶🫐 GET READY FOR DC & THE WHISKEY REVIVAL! 🫐🎶 The 2026 Hernando County Blueberry Festival just keeps getting better! We’re excited to welcome DC…
Pre-purchase Required: No

Jocelyn Hobson
Jocelyn Hobson LIVE at The Hernando County Blueberry Festival
May 10, 2026 | 1 PM
🎶🫐 SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT – JOCELYN HOBSON LIVE! 🫐🎶 Join us for a beautiful and inspiring performance on the Marker 48 Brewing - SpringWater Spirit Sta…
Pre-purchase Required: No

The Gaturz
Musical Performance
Bayport Inn, 4835 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill
May 10, 2026 | 1 PM – 5 PM
Pre-purchase Required: No

Kyle Ingram
Marker 48 Brewing, 12147 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville
May 10, 2026 | 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Pre-purchase Required: No

Trivia
Bayport Inn, 4835 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill
May 11, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Pre-purchase Required: No

Let us know your thoughts on today’s issue