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Inside Spring Hill, Issue #043
May 12, 2026
Spring Hill isn’t slowing down.
Thousands of new homes are reshaping Hernando County as officials scramble to manage rapid growth, while residents are now adjusting to brand-new waste disposal fees that quietly took effect May 1. At the same time, county leaders are unveiling major park upgrades, including one of Florida’s largest splash parks, expanded parking, new walking trails, and future recreation plans that could transform how families use local spaces for years to come.
There’s also some good news worth celebrating. Hernando High senior Kaleb Russell just earned a $180,000 Naval ROTC Marine Option Scholarship to Florida State University, and Springstead sophomore Lainee Mercer brought home two more state track medals for the community.
Plus, this week’s calendar is packed with charity golf, line dancing, trivia, open mic comedy, live music, blackberry picking, food trucks, book clubs, and plenty of ways to get out of the house before summer heat fully declares war on civilization.
Dive into today’s Inside Spring Hill for everything happening around town.
Spring Hill Area Weather
News & Information
Thousands of new homes are quickly reshaping Hernando County’s landscape as steady population growth drives a surge in development. County leaders now craft strategies to sustain this rapid expansion over time, directly impacting everyone who calls Hernando County home.
This ongoing rise in housing developments directly reflects the consistent population increase the county experiences. With thousands of new residences taking shape, officials focus on long-term planning, aiming to manage the sustained effects of this significant growth.
What will these vital plans truly mean for our community’s future?
Source: Bay News 9 (Hernando)
That once-free trip to Hernando County's convenience centers for household waste now comes with a price tag. Since May 1, residents pay $5.00 for up to five bags (60 gallons each) or $15.00 for all other household waste, a new charge county commissioners adopted on April 28. This significant shift came as part of a broader resolution increasing various waste disposal rates and convenience center fees.
Beyond household trash, commercial solid waste, construction and demolition debris, yard waste, sludge, personal watercraft, and all types of tires also saw rate hikes. Trash collection with Coastal Waste increased by 7.31 percent this year, set to drop to 4.00 percent annually from 2027 through 2035. These adjustments stem from a consulting firm's study, which identified 3.25 percent annual increases as necessary for disposal system assessments and tipping fees.
You still won't pay for recyclable materials or hazardous household waste disposal, and mobile home rates remain unchanged. How will these newly adopted rates impact our community's ongoing waste management needs?
Source: Hernando Sun (Feed)
Hernando County now boasts one of Florida's largest splash parks, a massive 6,003-square-foot attraction with 32 interactive water elements, completed late last summer. Community Service Director Chris Linsbeck shared this and other significant park upgrades with local leaders, addressing long-standing community needs and future plans.
Linsbeck’s team cut the ribbon on the Veterans Memorial Monument March 31 and installed shade sails over all playgrounds, including Pine Island and Pioneer Park, responding to community feedback about intense Florida heat. Major improvements are underway for other parks: Veterans Park gains 52 crucial parking spaces by converting a field, directly addressing safety concerns from street parking on Spring Hill Drive. Ernie Wever Park will see a revamp of its "eyesore" maintenance area into a proposed quadplex, disc golf course, and walking trail. Anderson Snow Park plans a rear connection for more parking and field space.
These projects tackle the evolving nature of youth sports and community recreation. An "aqua center" remains a discussion point for the master plan, hinting at further developments. How will these expansive projects continue to reshape Hernando's public spaces for residents and growing leagues?
Source: Hernando Sun (Feed)
$180,000 will launch Hernando High senior Kaleb Russell into a future as a Marine Corps officer, covering his entire education at Florida State University. United States Marine Corps members recently presented Russell with the Naval ROTC Marine Option Scholarship, securing full tuition, all mandatory fees, and stipends for books, uniforms, and living expenses.
Russell earned this incredible opportunity through exceptional academic performance, including a 4.33 GPA, an associate degree, and top 10 class rank. He also demonstrated athletic prowess with a black belt in Taekwondo, All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference honors in swimming, and participation in baseball. A preseason injury limited his senior baseball season, but Russell became an invaluable pinch runner, scoring 26 runs and leading the Leopards with six stolen bases.
After college graduation, Russell will commission as a Marine Corps officer, committing to at least four years of service. Coach Tim Sims called Russell "the most selfless player" he's coached, adding the Marine Corps gains "a great leader." What impact will this dedicated individual make as he serves our nation?
Source: Hernando Sun (Feed)
Two state medals now belong to Springstead sophomore Lainee Mercer, a truly significant accomplishment earned at the recent 3A state track and field meet. Mercer competed fiercely in Jacksonville on Friday, May 8, securing these coveted honors for her school and bringing distinction to our community. This achievement not only celebrates her individual talent on the track but also shines a spotlight on the dedication within Springstead's athletic programs.
Her success at such a high-stakes statewide competition brings considerable pride to the Springstead community, demonstrating the caliber of young athletes emerging from our area. Mercer now proudly displays these two awards, a tangible testament to the rigorous training, competitive spirit, and hard work she poured into her performance. It marks a memorable moment for the entire school.
With such an impressive showing already under her belt as a sophomore, what other triumphs will Lainee Mercer bring home for Springstead as her athletic career continues to unfold?
Source: Hernando Sun (FB Page)
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Local Events & Happenings
3rd Annual Elks Charity Golf Tournament – at Southern Hills
May 12, 2026 | 9 AM
Brooksville Elks Lodge #2582, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill
The Brooksville Elks Lodge #2582 is hosting its Third Annual Charity Golf Tournament on May 12, 2026. It will be held at Southern Hills Plantation Clu…
Public Bingo
May 12, 2026 | 5 PM – 8:15 PM
Spring Hill Moose Lodge #521, 5214 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill
� Attention Bingo Lovers! � Looking for a fun night out? Join us every Tuesday at 6:00 PM for Public Bingo at the Springhill Moose Lodge 521! � Doors…
Kid's Night at Florida Cracker Cook Shack
May 12, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Florida Cracker Cook Shack, 511 S Broad St, Brooksville
Bring out the whole family every Wednesday for Kids Night at the Florida Cracker Cook Shack in Brooksville, FL! Featuring balloon twisting and face pa…
Learn To Line Dance Class with Tom This Week!
May 12, 2026 | 7 PM – 8:30 PM
Brooksville Elks Lodge #2582, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill
Beginners – this class is the perfect opportunity to learn to line dance at a comfortable pace. You can’t dance if you don’t know how to do the steps…
Tidal Book Club
May 12, 2026 | 7 PM – 8 PM
Citrus & Sage Bookshop, 309 S. Main St, Brooksville
Join us May 12th from 7pm-8pm for our Tidal Book Club. The book is Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine Please join us to discuss the book, v…
Business Builders Spring Hill Weekly Meetup
May 13, 2026 | 11:55 AM – 12:55 PM
Marco's Pizza - 5150 Commercial Way, 5150 Commercial Way, Spring Hill
This is a FREE non seat specific networking group. All we ask is that you show up and participate. Bring lots of cards and get ready to meet new profe…
Food Purchase Required
Book Club for Tweens to Teens: Ages 11-16 years
May 13, 2026 | 5 PM
Citrus & Sage Bookshop, 309 S. Main St, Brooksville
Join us at 5pm for a book club for kids ages 11-16 years old. This book club will be led by the kids with adult help, but they will be deciding what…
Blackberry Picking
May 14, 2026 | 9 AM – 4 PM
JG Ranch, 17200 Wiscon Rd., Brooksville
U Pick Blackberries
Game Night on Thursdays!
May 14, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Brooksville Elks Lodge #2582, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill
Thursday nights are for fun and games at Brooksville Elks #2582 on County Line Rd! Cornhole is set up, cards are available, and the shuffleboard and…
🕰️ Optimizing Aging: Longevity Strategies for Vitality
May 14, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Integrative Healing at OM, 4248 Lake in the Woods Drive, Spring Hill
Join Dr. Maria Scunziano-Singh, MD, NMD, DipABLM, for a comprehensive and inspiring free lecture focused on proactive longevity—not just living longer…
Wendy From Tropical Trivia is Back
May 14, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Rookies Family Grille and Bar, 3095 Anderson Snow Rd., Spring Hill
Come join us for a fantastic night of Trivia with Wendy. She is officially going to be joining us every other Thursday Night to test your knowledge an…
Fantasy Book Club
May 14, 2026 | 7 PM – 8:30 PM
Citrus & Sage Bookshop, 309 S. Main St, Brooksville
This Book Club will be run by Zuly at Citrus & Sage. We will discuss everything Dungeon Crawler Carl as a release party for A Parade of Horribles!…
Romeo and Juliet youth production
May 14, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
The Live Oak Theatre, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville
Youth Theatre production of Romeo and Juliet
Local Food Trucks
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 12, 2026 | 6:45 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 12, 2026 | 9 AM – 5 PM
Ken's Spring Hill Service Center, 11175 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill
Cheese Dreams, LLC (Gourmet Grilled Cheese)
Cheese Dreams offers foods from Classic to Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Soups, sides and more
May 12, 2026 | 11 AM – 5 PM
Ken's Spring Hill Service Center, 11175 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill
Two Grandma Soul Food (Soul Food)
We are the best soul food truck in the Tampa Bay Area offering up some of the most amazing food..
May 12, 2026 | 11 AM – 6 PM
Pine Island Beach (2), 10840 Pine Island Dr., Spring Hill
La Florizza (Wood Fired Pizza)
Authentic wood fired pizza made in a Marra Forni brick oven
May 12, 2026 | 12 PM – 7 PM
Pink Dinosaur, 3275 Commercial Way, Spring Hill
LaurieCue (BBQ)
Proudly serving Award Winning, Real Wood Hot & Fast 'Cue, Fresh Sides, Sauces & Rubs
May 12, 2026 | 12:30 PM – 6 PM
Mobil (SR 50 & US 19), 6200 Commercial Way, Brooksville
Big Worley's BBQ & Burger (BBQ | Burgers)
Barbeque, Burgers, & Desserts
May 12, 2026 | 4 PM – 9 PM
Local Business Spotlight
Local Live Entertainment
Karaoke
Bayport Inn, 4835 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill
May 12, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Pre-purchase Required: No
Karaoke
Bayport Inn, 4835 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill
May 13, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Pre-purchase Required: No
Book BINGO!
Citrus & Sage Bookshop, 309 S. Main St, Brooksville
May 13, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Your ticket includes 1 spot for Bingo and 1 packet of bingo cards good for 5 games! Please only purchase 1 ticket per person who is attending - multip…
$5 | Pre-purchase Required: No
Pre-purchase Tickets Here
Line Dancing with Faith & DJ Dave Martini
R Country Bar & Grill, 7269 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill
May 13, 2026 | 7 PM – 9 PM
Do you want to learn the basics of line dancing from high social media presence, Award winner and choreographer of one of the hottest new line dances…
$5 for Dance Lessons | Pre-purchase Required: No
Open Mic Comedy Night
Tidal Brewing Company, 14311 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill
May 13, 2026 | 8 PM – 9:30 PM
Please join your host and Tidal’s awesome bartender, Ryan Cleveland, in the taproom every other Wednesday night for an open mic comedy night where we…
Pre-purchase Required: No
Bruce Cole
Musical Performance
Bayport Inn, 4835 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill
May 14, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Pre-purchase Required: No
Thursday Open Mic @ The Peacock Theater (Sparacia Witherell Family Winery)
Sparacia Witherell Family Winery & Vineyard, 21509 Snow Hill Road, Brooksville
May 14, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT STOP BY TONIGHT FOR LIVE MUSIC! 🫵🎶👀 The Peacock Theater will be having their Weekly Open Mic Tonight! 😎 Bring a Friend & An…
Pre-purchase Required: No
George Mac
Musical Performance
Bayport Inn, 4835 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill
May 15, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Pre-purchase Required: No
Ultimate Prince Experience @ Sparacia Witherell Family Winery (Revolution 5677)
Sparacia Witherell Family Winery & Vineyard, 21509 Snow Hill Road, Brooksville
May 15, 2026 | 6 PM – 9:30 PM
🪩 PRINCE FANS UNITE! 👊 WE’RE GONNA PARTY LIKE IT’S 1999. Ultimate Prince Experience @ Sparacia Witherell Winery 💃🏽 🎟️: GET TICKETS HERE 👉 htt…
Pre-purchase Required: No
Music Bingo Night By:Irvy
Southern Axe House, 10507 Hearth Rd., Spring Hill
May 15, 2026 | 7 PM – 9 PM
Get ready to sing it loud and mark it off! 🎤🎶 Join us at Southern Axe House for a night of Music Bingo — where your favorite songs replace numbers…
Pre-purchase Required: No
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From Mark and the Inside Spring Hill Team