What's New in Brooksville, Spring Hill Sports, and County Roads?

The investigation into John Fitzgerald Kennedy, a Brooksville man arrested last June in a child pornography case, has taken a serious turn. Authorities recently filed additional charges against him, signaling ongoing efforts to bring clarity and justice to this troubling situation. This development is significant for our community, as it highlights the continued vigilance of Hernando County law enforcement to protect children and hold offenders accountable. If you have children or grandchildren, it's a reminder to stay informed about local safety issues and support efforts to keep our neighborhoods secure.

Elsewhere in Hernando County, Saint Leo University’s softball team has climbed to the top spot in Division II rankings, a point of pride for folks who follow local sports. We also have a warm community story about House to Home dedicating a new home for the O’Reilly family in Brooksville, a reminder of the neighbors helping neighbors spirit here. Plus, Hernando County Commissioners are moving forward with plans for a half-cent sales tax proposal aimed at fixing roads, something that will impact all of us in the weeks and months ahead.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 47, a Brooksville man first arrested in June 2025, now faces additional charges related to child pornography. This development comes after a continued investigation by Hernando County authorities focusing on uncovering the extent of illegal activity. The seriousness of these charges reflects the county’s commitment to pursuing justice in sensitive cases involving the exploitation of minors. For neighbors, this case underscores how important it is to stay aware and support local law enforcement efforts that work behind the scenes to protect our community’s children. The investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be shared as they become available.

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The Saint Leo University softball team has earned the No. 1 ranking in NCAA Division II, a significant achievement as they prepare for their 2026 season. Known by their hashtag #BetOnSLUSB, the team has demonstrated resilience and consistent skill on the field, building momentum through a series of strong performances. This top ranking not only highlights Saint Leo’s athletic program but also brings positive attention to Hernando County and our broader community. For fans and families in Spring Hill and Brooksville, this sets the stage for an exciting championship pursuit. Local sports successes like this often boost community pride and serve as motivation for younger athletes in the area to pursue their own goals.

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House to Home, a nonprofit focused on creating affordable housing solutions in Hernando County, held a dedication ceremony on April 6 to celebrate the completion of a new home for the O’Reilly family in Brooksville. The event included members of the nonprofit’s executive team and local supporters who contributed time and resources to make the project a reality. For the O’Reillys, this new home offers a fresh start in a safe, stable environment, something many families in the area struggle to find. Efforts like this show how neighbors here come together to support each other, quietly improving lives in Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee, and beyond. As housing remains a challenge locally, organizations like House to Home will be key to helping more families find security.

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Hernando County Commissioners have instructed the County Attorney to draft an ordinance for a half-cent sales tax referendum to be presented to voters. The unanimous 4-0 vote reflects ongoing concerns about funding road repairs and improvements that have long needed attention throughout the county. For Spring Hill residents, this tax could mean more reliable funding for fixing potholes, upgrading intersections, and easing traffic congestion on key routes. The sales tax would create a steady revenue stream dedicated solely to these infrastructure projects, rather than relying on uncertain state or federal funds. Keep an eye out for details about the referendum in the coming months and think about how changes to local roads might affect your daily commute and neighborhood safety.

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Nature Coast Technical High School’s baseball team secured the Class 3A-District 7 championship after a hard-fought battle at Emerson Field. The game was intense, with players pushing their limits and the crowd rallying behind them with loud support. This win not only adds to the growing list of NCT’s athletic achievements but also energizes the team as they prepare for postseason competition. For Spring Hill residents, it’s a reminder of the talent and dedication coming from local schools. The coaching staff’s commitment and the players’ teamwork have brought recognition to Hernando County’s sports scene. Fans should keep an eye on the team’s progress in the playoffs, where every game will matter.

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Nature Coast Tech’s softball team marked Senior Day with a pair of solid wins, beating the Central Bears and Weeki Wachee Hornets at Sunwest Park. Under Head Coach Emily Gore, the Sharks improved their record to 10-2, showcasing the skill and cohesion that have defined their season so far. Senior Day is a special time, recognizing the dedication and hard work of the senior players who have helped shape the program over the years. For Spring Hill residents, these victories underscore the strength of local high school sports and the community support behind these young athletes. This strong finish to the regular season sets the Sharks up well as they head toward postseason play, with families and fans eager to see how far the team can go.

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U Pick Strawberry
April 17, 2026 | 9 AM – 4 PM
JG Ranch, 17200 Wiscon Rd., Brooksville
Strawberry picking and good farm fun.

Floor-It Friday
April 17, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 10 PM
Lead Foot City, 17109 Old Ayers Rd., Brooksville
Floor It Friday's at Lead Foot City is a Party Night! Drag Racing, Live Entertainment, Car, Truck & Bike meet, and more! *This Event is on Select Frid…

Parents Night Out - Tie Dye Night
April 17, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
Hernando YMCA, 1300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill
Drop the kids off for an unforgettable Tie-Dye Parents Night Out, where they’ll mix, swirl, and design their own vibrant masterpieces! From bold spira…

Music Bingo
April 17, 2026 | 7 PM – 9 PM
Brooksville Elks #2582, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill
Is there anything more exciting than playing Music Bingo? Test your music savvy and your luck (and possibly your singing talent) from 7:00 – 9:00 when…

Music Bingo Night
April 17, 2026 | 7 PM – 9 PM
Southern Axe House, 10507 Hearth Rd., Spring Hill
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 a…

Free Drink Event!
April 18, 2026 | 6:30 AM – 4 PM
Mountaineer Coffee Drive Thru, 15270 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville
Mountaineer Drive Thru turns 3! Celebrate with a free small drink all day, April 18th! Drive thru location only, 1 free drink per customer.

Record Store Day 2026
April 18, 2026 | 8 AM – 5 PM
Rock-it Records, 10480 Northcliffe Blvd., Spring Hill
Ok, some great News, Its Official we are now in da club, RSD just contacted us and we are part of the community we will have the RSD releases this Apr…

Spring Market at Warehouse
April 18, 2026 | 9 AM – 3 PM
Warehouse Coffee Co., 13763 Linden Dr., Spring Hill
Join us for our spring market! Vendors included various handmade items, baked goods, permanent jewelry, crocheted items, plants and more. Come support…
Outdoor Event, Family Friendly

U Pick Strawberry
April 18, 2026 | 9 AM – 4 PM
JG Ranch, 17200 Wiscon Rd., Brooksville
Strawberry picking and good farm fun.

Blueberry Festival on the Farm
April 18, 2026 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Green Acres Farm, 17500 Eldridge Ave, Spring Hill
2026 Blueberry Season: Blueberry picking and vendor craft fair
Family Friendly, Free Admission, Outdoor Event

Book Signing Event
April 18, 2026 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Citrus & Sage Bookshop, 309 S Main St., Brooksville
Come and Meet me Alicia Marie and get your exclusive signed copy of The Illusion of Us

Downtown Street Market - April 2026
April 18, 2026 | 10 AM – 2 PM
Brooksville Water Tower, 101 S Brooksville Ave, Brooksville
🌸🌿 BROOKSVILLE IN BLOOM! 🌿🌸 Downtown Street Market Celebrating Spring & the Iconic Brooksville Bell Flower Spring has arrived, and downtown Brooks…
Dog Friendly, Family Friendly

Healthy Kids Day at Hernando YMCA
April 18, 2026 | 10 AM – 12 PM
Hernando YMCA, 1300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill
Healthy Kids Day® is the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families. For over 30 years, YMCAs and their communi…
Family Friendly

Firefly at Marker 48
April 18, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Marker 48 Brewing, 12147 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

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
April 17, 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
April 17, 2026 | 11 AM – 5 PM
Ken's Spring Hill Service Center, 11175 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill

Chuck's Dog House (Hot Dogs | Italian Beef)
April 17, 2026 | 11 AM – 4 PM
Consumer Care Car Lot, 4240 Commercial Way, Spring Hill

It's Lemonlicious (Fresh Squeezed Lemonade | Dirty Sodas | Energizers)
April 17, 2026 | 12 PM – 6 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
April 17, 2026 | 12 PM – 7 PM
Pink Dinosaur, 3275 Commercial Way, Spring Hill

Dowdy's Flavors (Burgers | Fries | Wings)
“Family-owned. Chef-driven. On the move.” “Where family, flavor, and culinary craft come together on wheels.” 🙏🏻❤️😃👨🏻‍🍳💯
April 17, 2026 | 4 PM – 10 PM
Marker 48 Brewing, 12147 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

Mark Connors (Acoustic)
Mark Connors Music
Florida Cracker Cook Shack, 511 S. Broad St, Brooksville
April 17, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Stop on out for some good times, good food and music!
No Cover | Pre-purchase Required: No

Floor It Friday - Drag Racing and more...
Lead Foot City, 17109 Old Ayers Rd., Brooksville
April 17, 2026 | 6 PM – 10 PM
Floor It Friday's at Lead Foot City is a Party Night! Drag Racing, Live Entertainment, Car, Truck & Bike meet, and more!
$20 and up | Pre-purchase Required: No
Pre-purchase Tickets Here

Multiple Performers (Rock & Roll)
Rock & Roll Revival Music Festival
Florida Sand Music Ranch, 85 Myers Rd., Brooksville
April 17, 2026 | 6 PM – 6 PM
The powerful music of the 60s/70s left an indelible mark on the world. No other music has endured like this period in history. Join us as we relive, c…
Price Varies | Pre-purchase Required: No

Troupe du Jour (Comedy)
Troupe du Jour Family Friendly Comedy Night
The Live Oak Theatre, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville
April 17, 2026 | 7 PM – 9:30 PM
Live Oak Theatre invites the public to another comedy night performance of the season. This is its very own family friendly comedy troupe, Troupe du J…
$10 advance / $15 24-hours | Pre-purchase Required: Yes
Pre-purchase Tickets Here

JR Lewis (Country)
Live Misuc @ Jigger Bar
Jigger Bar, 7394 St. Andrews Blvd., Spring Hill
April 18, 2026 | 7 PM – 11 PM
Join us April 18th from 7PM–11PM for a live performance by JR Lewis bringing the energy, the vibes, and the kind of music that keeps your drink full a…
Pre-purchase Required: No

Wade Hunt Williams (Country Music)
Wade Hunt Williams - Live Music
Brooksville Elks #2582, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill
April 18, 2026 | 7 PM – 11 PM
“Faith, Family and Country” are the themes that resonate in Wade Hunt Williams Soulful Country music. Williams’s mission is to move you to sing, dance…
$5 Cover at Door | Pre-purchase Required: No

Jorge Valentine Band (Rock, Pop, & Country)
Uptown Bar & Grill, 3544 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill
April 18, 2026 | 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Come sing and dance along to all of your favorite Rock, Pop and Country songs! We perform hits from Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Poison, Ed Sheeran, Britney…
Pre-purchase Required: No

Ed Hildreth (Acoustic)
Ed Hildreth Live
Marker 48 Brewing, 12147 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville
April 19, 2026 | 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Come on out to the beautiful Marker 48 Brewing on Sunday April 19th 2:30-6:30 for some live music, great food, and cold brews. Great place great fun a…
Pre-purchase Required: No

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