Big changes are hitting Hernando County all at once. Local commissioners voted down a proposed half-cent sales tax referendum for roads, meaning voters won’t get a chance to weigh in on a funding plan officials say could have generated nearly $17.5 million annually for transportation improvements.

At the same time, Hernando County residents are waking up to new congressional district maps that shift local representation from Congressman Gus Bilirakis’s district to Congresswoman Laurel Lee’s.

There’s better news too. The Pasco-Hernando State College Bobcats just captured their second straight state championship and are now chasing another national title run.

And heading into Mother’s Day weekend, the county calendar is overflowing. The Hernando County Blueberry Festival is in full swing, sunflower fields are open, blackberry picking is back, local markets are packed, and live music, comedy, karaoke, and food trucks are happening all across the area.

Spring Hill is busy right now. Really busy.

The Hernando County Public Library System Staffordene T. Foggia Memorial Library (West Hernando Branch,) located at 6335 Blackbird Ave., Brooksville, FL 34608, is temporarily closed for renovations.

Mechanical repairs and renovations temporarily closed the Staffordene T. Foggia Memorial Library, our West Hernando branch, at 6335 Blackbird Ave. This immediately impacts local patrons, requiring them to find alternate library services. The Hernando County Public Library System confirms the facility remains inaccessible until mechanical repairs are completed and conditions return to normal for public access.

For those affected by the closure, three other Hernando County Public Library System locations operate on their regular schedules. Patrons can visit the Frederick Eugene Lykes Jr. Memorial Library (Main Library) on Howell Ave., the East Hernando Branch Library on Windmere Rd., or the Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library (Spring Hill Branch) on Spring Hill Dr. These fully operational branches continue to serve the community.

As West Hernando awaits the completion of these necessary repairs, residents will watch for updates on when their neighborhood library will once again welcome them.

Source: Hernando County Government (FB Page)

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Back-To-Back for the Bobcats!

Two years, two state titles! Pasco-Hernando State College Bobcats baseball team defended their championship, now setting their sights on a national repeat. The Bobcats decisively downed Lake-Sumter State College 3-1 in a championship rematch on May 2, clinching their second consecutive FCSAA Division II Region 8 State title.

Pitcher Hector Escobar earned Tournament MVP for his dominant complete-game performance in the rain-delayed final, while Head Coach Lyndon Coleman also secured Coach of the Year honors. This victory didn't come easy; the Bobcats clawed through an extra-inning semifinal against Palm Beach State after missing the Sun-Lakes Conference regular season championship for the first time in four years. College president Eric Hall lauded their hard work and resilience, affirming their community pride.

Now, the team heads to Palatka for the NJCAA DII Baseball South District Championship (May 8-10), facing Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. Will these tenacious Bobcats overcome their next opponent and bring home another national trophy?

Source: Hernando Sun (Feed)

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Hernando Commissioners Reject Half-Cent Referendum for Roads

Local roads continue to crumble as Hernando Commissioners refused to let voters decide on a dedicated funding source, shutting down a proposed half-cent sales tax increase by a 3-2 vote. This means residents won't see the measure on November's ballot, despite commissioners agreeing roads desperately need more money than existing gas taxes and impact fees provide.

Commissioners Steve Champion and Ryan Amsler supported the referendum, with Champion arguing a sales tax would also tap visitors and avoid property tax hikes. However, other commissioners pushed alternative solutions; Brian Hawkins suggested reducing overall millage while increasing it for transportation, a plan John Alloco also favored. Alloco noted voters rejected similar sales tax referendums twice before and pointed out that without new funding, roads will only worsen.

County Administrator Jeff Rogers reported a sales tax could bring in nearly $17.5 million annually, significantly more than a potential $4 million from a millage shift. While Commissioners expect more talks on road funding, they set no immediate dates. What other solutions will emerge, and can officials find common ground before our streets completely fall apart?

Source: Hernando Sun (Feed)

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Who’s Your Congressman? New Congressional Maps Scramble Hernando and Pasco Districts

Hernando County voters now have a new representative in Congress after Governor Ron DeSantis signed off on redrawn district maps Monday. This mid-decade redistricting shifts Hernando from Congressman Gus Bilirakis's 12th District to Congresswoman Laurel Lee's 15th District, impacting who local residents call for federal issues. The change means Bilirakis's 12th District loses Hernando and Citrus counties, now stretching into Downtown Tampa, while Lee's 15th District expands from Tampa to the Citrus-Levy County line, picking up towns like Dade City, Zephyrhills, and Wesley Chapel.

The newly approved maps, endorsed by the GOP supermajority, project Republicans will gain four more seats in Florida’s 28-member U.S. House delegation. Notably, Congressman Bilirakis lives in Pinellas County, which has not been part of his district since 2022. Congresswoman Lee, however, stated her home, district office, and most current constituents remain within the new 15th District boundaries.

How will these significant boundary shifts reshape local representation and influence congressional priorities for our community moving forward?

Source: Hernando Sun (Feed)

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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…

The Wizard of Oz Jr.
May 9, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
The Live Oak Theatre, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville
Youth Theatre production of Wizard of Oz Jr.

2nd Sunday Breakfast
May 10, 2026 | 9 AM – 11:30 AM
Brooksville Elks Lodge #2582, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill
Brooksville Elks Lodge 2582 Second Sunday Breakfast Public is Welcome!! No Reservation Necessary! Call the Elks Reservation Line at 352-942-9127…

Blackberry Picking
May 10, 2026 | 9 AM – 4 PM
JG Ranch, 17200 Wiscon Rd., Brooksville
U Pick Blackberries

Sunflower Festival at HarvestMoon Fun Farm
May 10, 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…

Musical Bingo
May 10, 2026 | 12 PM – 2:30 PM
Marker 48 Brewing, 12147 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

Sunday Funday w/ Violinist Andrew Polo
May 10, 2026 | 2 PM – 5 PM
Sparacia Witherell Family Winery & Vineyard, 21509 Snow Hill Road, Brooksville
Sunday Funday w/ Violinist Andrew Michael Polo will be performing This Afternoon! 🎻 His Show Starts @ 2pm 🎶. Boars Head Meat & Cheese Platters. 🤤.…

The Wizard of Oz Jr.
May 10, 2026 | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
The Live Oak Theatre, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville
Youth Theatre production of Wizard of Oz Jr.

The Edisons LIVE at The Hernando County Blueberry Festival
May 10, 2026 | 3 PM
Nature Coast Events, 7015 Astor Dr., New Port Richey
🎶🫐 SUNDAY FINALE – LET’S CLOSE IT OUT RIGHT! 🫐🎶 We’re ending the 2026 Hernando County Blueberry Festival on a high note with an incredible live p…

Sunday Night Karaoke w/ J. Lilley
May 10, 2026 | 6 PM – 8 PM
Sparacia Witherell Family Winery & Vineyard, 21509 Snow Hill Road, Brooksville
NEW BROOKSVILLE KARAOKE SPOT! 👀 This Sunday! 🎙️ Karaoke Night is now Every Sunday Evening Starting @ 6pm. Hosted By: Jordon Lilley. 🎵❤️⏰. KARAOKE…

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 9, 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 9, 2026 | 9 AM – 5 PM
Ken's Spring Hill Service Center, 11175 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill

The Lobster Tank (Lobster Rolls)
Lobster Food Truck Featuring authentic, original MAINE Lobster Rolls.
May 9, 2026 | 9 AM – 11 PM
Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Road, Brooksville

Cheese Dreams, LLC (Gourmet Grilled Cheese)
Cheese Dreams offers foods from Classic to Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Soups, sides and more
May 9, 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 9, 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 9, 2026 | 12 PM – 7 PM
Pink Dinosaur, 3275 Commercial Way, Spring Hill

Nina’s Wood Fire Pizza` (Pizza)
Nina's wood fired pizza offers a unique twist on the food truck industry.
May 9, 2026 | 1 PM – 10 PM
Marker 48 Brewing, 12147 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

Saucin' Wings (Wings)
May 9, 2026 | 2 PM – 8 PM
Tidal Brewing Company, 14311 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill

Spice Corner (Indian)
Authentic Indian flavors, home recipes. Butter chicken, chicken Tikka masala, Samosa, Naan, Indian tacos and Basmati rice.
May 9, 2026 | 4 PM – 9 PM
Broad Street Brewing Co., 291 E. Jefferson St., Brooksville

Hernando County Blueberry Festival
Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Road, Brooksville
May 9, 2026 | 9 AM – 11 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

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

SPRING HILL COMEDY NIGHT: From FOX & Comedy Central - Devin Siebold - LIVE On Saturday, May 9th!
Laffs2Go, 905 67th Street S, St. Petersburg
May 9, 2026 | 7 PM
Laffs2Go Presents: Devin Siebold from FOX, Comedy Central, Hulu & Amazon Prime! WHEN: Saturday, May 9th @ 7PM WHERE: Stage West Playhouse TICKETS: $20…
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

Hernando County Blueberry Festival
Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Road, Brooksville
May 10, 2026 | 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

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

Karaoke
Bayport Inn, 4835 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill
May 12, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Pre-purchase Required: No

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