March 16 - 22, 2018

HERNANDO COUNTY: A LEADER IN ARTIFICIAL REEF DEVELOPMENT Page 5 THE

Hernando Sun

March 16-22, 2018

Volume III, Issue L

Y O U R

SPORTS SPRINSTEAD SOFTBALL REMAINS FOCUSED FOR 2018

GET TO KNOW US

Q&A with

Lisa Macneil

Lisa MacNeil is a Hernando Sun staff writer, manager and database guru- learn more about her in this interview...

Q: What is your professional background?

A: I was the unofficial “computer girl” for almost three years before I landed my first IT job with PRIDE of Florida (now, PRIDE Enterprises) in 1993. Throughout the mid-90s, I taught business applications with corporate training companies and as an adjunct instructor for Pasco-Hernando Community College (Now Pasco-Hernando State College). Around the turn of the century, I was attending the University of Florida, where I was a systems administrator for a student housing co-op.

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History of Fort Cooper, Cove of Withlacoochee

By ROCCO MAGLIO HERNANDO SUN STAFF

The Second Seminole War fought from 1835 to 1842 included several battles in the area surrounding the Withlacoochee between the Seminoles and the United States Military. The most well known of these battles was at Dade Massacre in Sumter County, where on December 23, 1835 the Seminoles wiped out 110 US troops. The troops were on a resupply mission from Fort Brooke in Tampa to Fort King in Ocala.

The site of Dade’s massacre is about 10 miles southeast of the

Cove of the Withlacoochee. A large group of Seminoles lived in the Cove of the Withlacoochee which is now known as the Tsala Apopka Lake and is actually a chain of lakes located within a bend in the Withlacoochee River in Citrus County.

After the Dade massacre many farms and homesteads were burned around the state. It took time for the military to raise the necessary troops. There were only around 550 soldiers in Florida at the time of the Dade Massacre. General Gaines led a force of 1100 US Soldiers who See COVE, page 16

Photo of “Withlacoochee Abyss” by Jackson Walker on display at Fort Cooper

A wedding to remember

Couple get wed at Oak Hill Hospital to share it with a loved one.

See MACNEIL, Page 16

Newly weds Hannah & Shane Walker

BY SARAH NACHIN HERNANDO SUN STAFF WRITER

Every young woman dreams of a perfect wedding to remember. But few would dream of a wedding taking place in a hospital.

Hannah Bryan and her fiancé, Shane Walker, who live in Aberdeen, Maryland planned to be wed in October of this year, but she wanted her beloved grandfather, Jimmie Nichols, to walk her down the aisle since her father was no longer living.

However, eighty-two-year-old Nichols, was in Oak Hill hospital gravely ill recuperating from two open heart surgeries and suffering from esophageal cancer.

Hannah decided last month that her wedding couldn’t wait.

“My ‘pappy’ got on the phone with me and began to cry and said. ‘Hannah I’m going to dance with you at your wed-

From left to right: Hannah & Shane Walker with Jimmie Nichols From left to right: Shane Walker with Jimmie and Marlene Nichols.

See WEDDING, Page 20

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INDEX LOCAL & STATE 2 OUT & ABOUT 6 | SPORTS 11 BUSINESS & COMMUNITY 13 FUNNIES 18 | OPINION 19

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The Week of March 16 - 22, 2018 Hernando Sun Staff & Contributors Julie B. Maglio: Editor, Publisher Rocco Maglio: Barrista, Publisher Sue Quigley: Layout Designer and Staff Writer Lisa MacNeil: Staff Writer Cheryl Clanton: Photographer Andy Villamarzo: Sports Writer Melissa Fordyce: Community, Staff Writer Alice Mary Herden: Photographer Sarah Nachin: Staff Writer Toby Benoit: Staff Writer Ben Grudzinski: Staff Writer Dr. Domenick Maglio, Contributor William Holland: Contributor Caron Szolga: Staff Writer Donna Snapp: Ad Sales Representative (352) 428-8419 Ellen Corsi Tutko: Ad Sales Representative (614) 208-2066 Sarah Nachin: Ad Sales Representative Subscribe We currently offer a 52 issue subscription for $28.60 and 26 issues for $16.90. Fill out the form in this issue and mail along with your check made out to “Hernando Sun Publications” to P.O. Box 12203; Brooksville, FL 34603 For Subscription Customer Service, Please call (352) 238-5454 News Desk For news tips, concerns, or corrections call: (352) 238-5454 ID STATEMENT: Hernando Sun is published weekly, by Hernando Sun Publications, LLC at 13491 Simmons Lake Road, Brooksville, FL 34601.; Publication Title: The Hernando Sun; Publication number: 16590; Issue Date: March 16 - 22, 2018; Statement of Frequency: Weekly; Subscription Price: $28.60 annual, $16.90 semi-annual; Known Office of Publication: 13491 Simmons Lake Rd Brooksville, FL 34601; Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Approved at Tampa Bulk Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) 5433 W Sligh Ave Ste A Tampa, FL 33634-9651; POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Hernando Sun P.O. Box 12203 Brooksville, FL 34603

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Brooksville Fire Workshop results in more questions

By LISA MACNEIL, Hernando Sun Staff

A City Council Workshop was held on Monday, March 12, 2018 to determine the future of the Brooksville Fire Department, which operates at $1.7 million per year. The city is considering having Hernando county provide fire and emergency medical services.

City Manager Mark Kutney opened by discussing alternative fire-delivery services. The major models include paid (the current model), a combination of paid and volunteer, and strictly volunteer. In a complete Volunteer model, fire personnel are paid a “token amount, but no full-time fire protection personnel are employed.” A combination model would be composed of mostly paid personnel, with volunteers in the minority.

Other options exist, such as private sector fire-delivery services, and consolidating police and fire services, each having flexible options therein.

Brooksville Fire Department’s Interim Chief, Stan Mettinger said training and keeping volunteer firefighters would be tough, “It’s tough for anyone that has a 40-hour per week job, and they travel and hour to work each day, so that’s ten hours a day, five days a week, that’s 50 hours … then you’re going to require training at the firestation for one night a week, and pull a duty night, and maybe pull weekend duty … it’s time away from their family, and people are not willing to give up that time.” He went on to say that the usual scenario is for young academy graduates to work as a volunteer for experience, then eventually leave the department for full-time service elsewhere.

Hernando County Public Safety Director and Fire Chief Scott Hechler spoke of his agency’s current relationship with Brooksville’s fire department, “Because we are a team, we work out side by side, we risk our lives together, (in the Brooksville station) they sleep under the same roof and eat together.”

The county has been providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) services for Brooksville, which is a Basic Life Support (BLS) provider. Hechler reports that approximately 70% of emergency calls are medical in nature.

“It doesn’t matter where you sleep at night, it’s where you are,” Hechler said, acknowledging that consistent service, county-wide is important. “We bring to the table that consistency, that the entire county is together, and one, trying to provide services … from the totality of circumstances that might arise.” Hernando County Fire / Rescue (HCFR) currently provides hazardous materials (HAZMAT) response, as well as specialized aviation rescue.

“We’re doing it today, and we’ll continue to do it tomorrow.

Hechler said that units have not dispatched by geographical area for several years, rather they use an Automatic Vehicle Locator system. Since the engines are usually in motion, the system can send

School Board considers hiring company to help develop and streamline emergency response plan

BY BEN GRUDZINSKY HERNANDO SUN STAFF

During a School Board Workshop held on March 6, 2018, the Hernando County School Board (HCSB) considered instituting a program to assist in the development of an emergency response plan. The Board spoke with Brad Spicer, president and CEO of SafePlans, regarding a proposal that would implement a formal emergency response plan intended to streamline the measures taken by schools during an active emergency.

It was pointed out that the main reason for bringing up this information item was because it has been put off for ‘some time’ and in light of recent events, safety in schools has only increased in priority.

Brad Spicer remarks that in any emergency

situation at any school, the school itself and what is done is more likely to help and protect the lives of the students than any one trooper assigned to a particular campus.

To clarify, this was not an attack on the work the sheriff’s department does, but if a fire were to break out and the only course of action would be to wait for the fire department- it isn’t enough.

Spicer outlines that, in addition to student resource officers, there needs to be an emphasis on ‘citizen-initiated mitigation factors.’ This translates to a growth in program development and training for response- in addition to an increased focus on taking preventive measures and ensuring community-wide collaboration in emergency situations.

Spicer noted the customizability for the plans offered by Safe-

Plans in order to ensure compliance with State requirements and laws while still being able to produce efficient results.

Some of the services offered by SafePlans places an emphasis on communication- like sending out alerts to predetermined parties and recording all correspondence therein, making sure that whatever the situation may have been has been taken care of.

There are even outlines for schools detailing entrances and windows in case of emergency that can be accessed by emergency personnel.

The costs for all this was another point brought up by the HCSB, but given the nature of how comprehensive their services are, Bill Hall, the director of Fire Safety and Security, still advocates for their use above other companies in the country or state. If

any services were to be used, a budget amount $223,000 would have to be taken out of the school district’s ‘rainy day’ fund and would go to covering two years of the program, its implementation and any necessary training- the yearly cost after that would end up totaling $11,550.

Before anything formal was carried out, it was advised that the District wait and see what any new state legislation would require. Captain Hutchinson, from Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and coordinator for Student Resource Officer Programs, recommended the Sheriff’s Office review any measures offered by Spicer and SafePlans. With the Governor signing the school safety bill into law on Friday March 9the school board is likely to make a final decision in the near future.

Session leaves pile of dead bills tions that share property with schools appeared headed toward passage this year. The measure got through the TALLAHASSEE --- Banning Senate Judiciary Committee --- where “sanctuary” cities, revamping gama number of gun bills have failed in bling laws, approving new sexual-harecent years --- and had reached the rassment rules and even creating a Senate floor. license plate to commemorate the UniBut then came the mass shooting versity of Central Florida’s undefeated at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High football season were among numerous School in Broward County. The issues that died when the 2018 legisla- church-related bill remained pending tive session ended Sunday. in the Senate throughout the rest of the Senate Appropriations Chairman session and did not get a vote.

Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, was INSURANCE quick to praise the new budget for Neither of the big issues --- to reincluding $100.8 million to revive vamp laws dealing with a controversial the Florida Forever land-preservation practice known as “assignment of benprogram after a decade of neglect. efits” and to eliminate the “no-fault” But his effort (SB 370) to put into auto insurance system --- passed. law an annual $100 million amount for The House approved a bill (HB 19) Florida Forever, along with a separate to repeal the no-fault system, which bill to hike funding for the state’s requires motorists to carry personal-innatural springs and to restore the St. jury protection, or PIP, coverage. But Johns River, are measures he will have the Senate proposal (SB 150), which to pursue again next year. included a requirement for motorists to “The House version of the legiscarry $5,000 in what is known as medlation put off spending on Florida ical payments coverage, or MedPay, Forever until later years, and that was couldn’t get through committees. not acceptable,” Bradley said after the The insurance industry and business Senate concluded most of its business groups pushed for changes in assignFriday night. “I wanted to do it now.” ment of benefits, an issue that involves Overall, 2018 was not a stellar year policyholders signing over benefits to for passing bills, with the House and contractors, who then pursue payment Senate agreeing on 195 bills, four from insurers. But the issue stalled resolutions and one resolution-like early in the session in the Senate. “memorial.”

RED LIGHT CAMERAS Here are some of the higher-proAmong the first issues (HB 6001) file issues that died when the session out of the House this year was the anended: nual effort to eliminate a law, known as FRACKING the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act of The effort (SB 462 and HB 237) to 2010, that allows local governments to ban the controversial oil- and natuse red-light cameras. But as happened ural-gas drilling process known as in past years, the idea once again failed “fracking” gained support from some to get the green light in the Senate.

Senate Republicans, along with Demo‘SANCTUARY’ CITIES crats. But the House never took up the A priority of House Speaker Richard issue in committees.

Corcoran, the House passed a meaGAMBLING sure (HB 9) aimed at requiring local Lawmakers made a late attempt to governments to comply with federal reach agreement on a gambling deal immigration laws --- an issue that has amid concerns about a proposed conbecome known as preventing “sancstitutional amendment on the Novem- tuary cities.” But the Senate version ber ballot that would give voters --- not of the controversial measure (SB 308) the Legislature --- control of future stalled in the Senate Judiciary Commitgambling decisions. But legislative tee because of opposition from Demoleaders abandoned the effort Friday, crats and two Republicans, Sen. Rene as negotiators grappled with issues Garcia of Hialeah and Sen. Anitere such as a gambling agreement with the Flores of Miami.

Seminole Tribe of Florida and allowing SEXUAL HARASSMENT slot machines in counties where voters One of the hot topics as the session have approved referendums. began --- with once-powerful Sen. Jack GUNS AT CHURCH Latvala resigning after a damaging A proposal (SB 1048) that would investigation --- the House and Senate have allowed people with conwere unable to agree on how to prevent cealed-weapons licenses to carry guns and punish people who engage in sexuat churches and other religious institu- al harassment. The House approved a

BY JIM TURNER NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

the unit closest to the incident.

Should Brooksville’s fire and rescue fall under the county’s purview, the city’s equipment would be absorbed by the county and be updated with the same technology. Hechler added that Brooksville unit would still bear Brooksville’s shield and insignia.

Vice Mayor Robert Battista did not have any questions, saying, “I found the interlocal agreement to be plain English … I understand it fully.” However, several more questions arose during the discussion, regarding the specifics of the Municipal Service Taxing Units (MSTU) and Benefits Units

(MSBU), and a 2008 budget that Council Member Natalie Kahler referred to, and posed questions of Brooksville Fire’s command and personnel structure over the past ten years.

After a great deal of in-depth discussion of operations and personnel requirements and department management, Battista said, “My fear is … it’s the old ‘paralysis through analysis’. We’re going to analyze and analyze … and you never get 100% … and something will change right when you think you’ve got it all down.”

Council Member Joe Bernardini agreed with Kahler that the 2008

bill (HB 7007) that attached anti-sexual harassment language to other ethics issues. But the Senate didn’t go along with tying the issues together.

TEXTING WHILE DRIVING With the backing of Corcoran, a proposal (HB 33 and SB 90) to allow law-enforcement officers to pull over people for texting while driving cruised through the House and had advanced through the Senate. But Bradley let the proposal die in the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill faced concerns about issues such as minority drivers facing increased racial profiling if texting while driving became a “primary” traffic offense.

Bradley was unswayed by arguments that the bill would require law-enforcement officers to record the race and ethnicity of each person pulled over for texting while driving.

TRAINS AND ‘BO’S BRIDGE’ Derailed for the second year, Treasure Coast lawmakers failed to pick up needed support from outside their region to impose state rules (SB 572 and HB 525) about passenger trains, particularly All Aboard Florida’s Brightline service, which is expected to eventually run from Miami to Orlando.

Also, lawmakers didn’t approve a proposal to acquire the financially troubled Garcon Point Bridge --- known in Tallahassee as “Bo’s Bridge --- near Pensacola. The bridge, named after former House Speaker Bo Johnson who championed the project, has been in default for years. Toll revenue fell well short of what was projected in the original $95 million bond agreement.

Debt on the bridge has ballooned to $135 million.

UCF DEFEATED The annual push to create a slew of new specialty license plates combined during the session with euphoria following the University of Central Florida’s perfect football season. In the end, lawmakers punted on a license plate to commemorate UCF’s season and most other specialty tags, including an attempt by Auburn University alumni to create a license plate for the Alabama school.

VACATION RENTALS Lawmakers again waded into the controversial issue of preventing local regulation of vacation rental properties.

But despite backing from industry and business groups, bills (SB 1400 and HB 773) never were heard on the Senate or House floors.

budget should be studied. “If we close the door today, we have no other options.” Council Member William Kemerer added, “This is just our first workshop, and a lot of new information came out.”

The council voted unanimously to revisit the topic in April, after all new information is considered. As of this writing, the date has not been announced.

The Hernando Sun will continue to follow developments relating to the Brooksville Fire Department.

HCSO ARREST SUMMARIES Seated in a “Power Wheels” Ninja Turtle electric car smoking a cigarette and smiling at the officers

LINARTE, LUIS ANTONIO YOB: 1989 CHARGES: TRESPASS IN STRUCTURE/CONVEY, POSSESSION DRUG PARAPHERNALIA Arrested on 03/10/2018 23:00 XXXX AUGUSTINE RD, SPRING HILL Arrest Summary: “On 3/10/18 at approximately 2229 hours, I was dispatched to the residence of XXXX Augustine Road in reference to an unknown subject trespassing in the screened in porch of this residence.

Upon arrival, I responded to the rear of the residence and observed a Hispanic male, later identified as the defendant, Luis Linarte, seated in a “Power Wheels” Ninja Turtle electric car located inside a screened in portion of the residence.

The subject was smoking a cigarette while seated in this electric car and smiling at us. The homeowner advised the defendant does not have permission to be here and he was subsequently taken into custody.

I made contact with the homeowner, Lisa E., who advised she was home with her child during the time of this incident. She advised she does not know who this subject is and also that he was never invited on her property, which is fenced in with a 6

LOCAL GOV & EDUCATION MEETINGS City of Brooksville Council Meeting ; Monday, March 19, 2018, 7:00PM Location 201 HOWELL AVENUE, BROOKSVILLE, FL - JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, III COUNCIL CHAMBERS Contact City Clerk 352540-3816 Metropolitan Planning Organization Regular Meeting 3/20/2018 1:00 PM Government Center John Law Ayers Room 20 N. Main Street Brooksville, FL 34601 Brooksville Housing Authority Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 5:00PM; Location 201 HOWELL AVENUE, BROOKSVILLE, FL - JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, III COUNCIL CHAMBERS A joint meeting of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council Communications and Website Committees will be held: 2:30 p.m., Monday, March 26, 2018 Community Room, Capital City Bank, 14302 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill 34609.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss branding consistency among the Arts Council’s various external communications and expanding the Arts Council’s public outreach efforts.

All meetings of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council are open to the public and guests are welcome.

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting 3/27/2018 9:00 AM Government Center John Law Ayers Room 20 N. Main Street Brooksville, FL 34601 School Board Meetings 3/27/18; Informal 11:00 AM Workshop 2PM Employee Discip. Appeal 4PM Regular Meeting 6PM District Office-Board Room 919 North Broad Street Brooksville, FL 34601

foot privacy fence. She stated that she heard a loud bang on her screen porch and when she walked over to see what it was, she observed the defendant seated and smoking a cigarette.

The defendant was searched incident to arrest, and he was found to be wearing multiple layers of clothing. The defendant advised that he was “training for the ninja warrior competition.” While searching a pair of brown cargo shorts he was wearing, I recovered a small, brown pipe that contained a green, leafy substance. This substance field tested positive for marijuana using NarcoTest Kit 7608. The defendant was making irrational statements such as he was “God’ and he is a “national security Marine.”

The defendant was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center and charged with one count of trespassing to occupied structure or conveyance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Each count was issued a $1,000 bond, therefore totaling $2,000. The defendant was given a misdemeanor court date of Friday, April 6, 2018, at 0900 hours in Courtroom “C” of the Hernando County Courthouse.”

Attacked His Father with a blue hard cover book

MURPHY, STEPHAN THOMAS Jr YOB: 1987 TATTOO: UNKNOWN FIGURE WITH ANGEL CHARGES: DOMESTIC BATTERY Arrested on 03/09/2018 04:18 XXX WASHINGTON AVE, MASARYKTOWN Arrest Summary: “On 03/09/2018 while at the residence of XXX Washington Ave. the defendant, Stephan T. Murphy and his father, Stephan P. Murphy got into a verbal altercation. Hernando County deputies responded and separated both parties to their individual bedrooms within the residence.

Deputies were then called back to the residence a short time later where Stephan P. Murphy could be seen running from the residence screaming for help while being followed by the defendant.

Prior to law enforcement’s arrival, Stephan was lying in his bedroom when the defendant came back into his room arguing with him. The defendant then approached Stephan who was in bed while holding a book in his hand. The defendant then struck Stephan approximately three times in the left side of the head with the blue hard cover book.

There was redness and swelling to the left ear of Stephan who declined to be seen by EMS. The defendant was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center without further incident and turned over to Detention Deputies.

Due to the domestic nature of this case the defendant was given a no bond status.”

Entered Shed Behind IHOP in search of Ice and Threw glass at manager when approached

RAND, GEORGE TYLER Jr YOB: 1994 CHARGES: CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Arrested on 03/09/2018 10:10 RAMONA DR & WABASH TRL, SPRING HILL Arrest Summary: “I responded to IHOP located at 3660 Commercial Way in reference to a burglary to a structure which was later reclassed to a criminal mischief. Contact was made with the complainant, John C., who is the general manager at the IHOP Restaurant. John advised that he was in his office reviewing video surveillance where he observed an unknown white male near the back of the restaurant where the subject entered a shed that was left unlocked, which holds restaurant products. John advised this subject was holding what appeared to be a drinking glass. John then left his office and went outside to approach the subject, who was smoking a cigarette near the shed. John then got into a verbal altercation with the subject. The subject, who had

March 16 - 22, 2018 hernandosun.com

HERNANDO SUN

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The data provided is only arrest information. This data does not reflect charging decisions made by the State Attorney’s Office or the outcome of criminal trials. been a patron at the establishment, then threw the glass drinking container against the dumpster, where it shattered before running off.

John informed me that the glass drinking container was property of the restaurant.

Contact was made with George Tyler Rand at the intersection of Ramona Drive, and Wabash Trail in Spring Hill.

George matched the physical description of the unknown suspect observed on the video surveillance, as well as the verbal description provided

by John. The defendant was positively identified via his Florida ID, along with his prior booking photo.

The defendant confirmed that he was the subject at the rear of the IHOP Restaurant who broke the glass drinking container. The defendant advised that he entered the shed, thinking it was a freezer, thinking he could get ice for his beverage.

The defendant was arrested and transported to the Hernando County Jail without incident, where he was held with a $500.00 bond.

The defendant was issued a court date of 04/04/2018 in Courtroom C at 0900AM.” “I was just defending myself” and was accused that he “grabbed her a$$.”

BOYNTON, DUANE E YOB: 1965 TATTOO: REBEL FLAG/RT UPPER ARM CHARGES: DOMESTIC BATTERY Arrested on 03/09/2018 20:55 XXX BROAD ST, BROOKSVILLE Arrest Summary: “On 3/9/2018, I was dispatched to Cedar Acres Apartments located at XXX Broad St, Brooksville, Florida 34604 in reference to a Domestic Battery.

Upon arrival, contact was made with the defendant, Duane Boynton. The defendant advised he did not know why Law Enforcement had arrived and stated several times, “I was just defending myself.” The defendant was unable to describe what he had been defending himself from. The defendant was heavily intoxicated and had to be asked to sit down in order to prevent him from falling over.

The defendant advised he only had “eight beers,” but had also urinated on himself.

Contact was made with the victim, Lisa N. The victim advised while she and a group of friends were standing around a fire at the apartments, the defendant walked up and “grabbed her a$$” The victim advised the defendant did not have permission to touch her in that manner. The victim did not suffer any injuries, but she adamantly advised the touch was unwanted.

The victim and the defendant have a history of dating and lived together for four and a half years in the past. The couple has been separated for approximately one year, but the two have been intimate in the last four months.

Two witnesses, Susan K. and Virgil D., who were sitting around the fire made statements they witnessed the defendant touch the victim, Lisa N’s butt inappropriately. Both witnesses advised they were listening to music and “hanging out” around the fire, when the defendant, who was heavily intoxicated, approached the group and started causing a scene. The group asked the defendant to leave the fire but instead, the defendant stayed and inappropriately touched the victim.

The investigation determined the defendant, Duane Boynton, to be the primary aggressor and he was placed under arrest.

The victim, Lisa N. was given a victim’s services pamphlet with an intake date of Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 11:00 AM. The defendant was transported to the Hernando County Jail without incident and charged on one count of Domestic Battery. Due to the charge being domestic in nature, the defendant is being held on no bond.

The defendant was given the misdemeanor court date of Wednesday, 4/4/2018, at 9:00 AM in Courtroom C.” “I hope to choke on your vomit and die.”

ROBINSON, JOSHUA BRENDEN YOB: 1992 CHARGES: DOMESTIC BATTERY Arrested on 03/10/2018 01:45 XXXX AMHERST AVE, SPRING HILL Arrest Summary: “The defendant and Kaylee live at the

above residence as boyfriend and girlfriend; they have one child in common and have an intimate relationship.

The defendant and Kaylee were having a verbal altercation when the defendant stated, “I hope to choke on your vomit and die.” The defendant then called Kaylee a “stupid b%$5tch,” and Kaylee then slapped the defendant in the face with an open hand. The defendant retaliated causing the above altercation. The defendant was truthful and cooperative, and the statements of all the above subjects were consistent.

Due to the defendant retaliating against Kaylee and escalating the altercation, I determined that the defendant was the primary aggressor in the altercation and the defendant was arrested accordingly.

The defendant was transported to Hernando County Jail without incident and held on a no bond status. The defendant was given a court date of 04/06/2018 at 0900 hours in courtroom C.” Asleep at the wheel and when awoken by law enforcement attempted to Drive Off

NOVOTNY, STEPHEN TYLER YOB: 1991 CHARGES: FLEEING/ATT ELUDE POLICE OFFICER Arrested on 03/10/2018 06:42 SUNSHINE GROVE RD & CENTRALIA RD, BROOKSVILLE Arrest Summary: “On 3/10/18 I responded to the intersection of Sunshine Grove Road and Centralia Road in reference to a highway obstruction.

Upon arrival I observed a vehicle bearing Florida tag 879TDQ to be sitting at the stop sign with its brake lights activated. I activated my emergency lights due to my patrol vehicle as well as the defendant’s vehicle being in the roadway.

Contact was then attempted with the driver of the vehicle, who had been asleep. I knocked on the window and was able to make contact with the defendant through the driver side window that he opened.

The defendant was advised that I was a deputy with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and that he needed to put the vehicle in park. The defendant then closed the window and contact was attempted again. The defendant opened the window briefly before shutting it again and driving off. As the defendant drove off I yelled “Sheriff’s Office STOP!” but the defendant failed to do so.

I was then able to locate the defendant and the vehicle in another location. The defendant had been involved in a traffic crash. Florida Highway Patrol responded and investigated the traffic crash.

The defendant was placed into custody and transported to the Hernando County Detention center without incident. The defendant was given a felony court date of 4/3/2018 at 0900 hours in court room D. The defendant is being held on a $2000 bond per the bond schedule.”

ued to walk away. Oscar then ran across Forest Oaks Blvd, avoiding contact with me. Oscar was subsequently caught at Rhanbuoy and Forest Oaks Blvd. While on scene, the female, Casandra R. arrived and advised that they had an argument and she was never struck by Oscar.

Oscar Patscot was taken into custody and transported to Hernando County Jail, where he is being held on a $1,000.00 bond.

Oscar was given a court date of 04/06/2018 to appear in courtroom C at 0900 hours.”

The defendant stated it was “cocaine.”

KENDALL, DEVIN LAMAR YOB: 1986 CHARGES: POSS OF COCAINE, POSS OF MARIJUANA Arrested on 03/10/2018 22:01 NORTHCLIFFE BLVD & AZORA RD, SPRING HILL Arrest Summary: “On 03/10/2018 this affiant came into contact with Angela M. (the driver of the vehicle), Joeanna M. (the back rear passenger), and Devin Kendall, the defendant and front passenger, during a traffic stop conducted on Northcliffe Blvd and Azora Rd. The traffic stop was conducted due to Angela Magid not coming to a complete stop at the stop sign located on Century Rd and Northcliffe Blvd.

This affiant was then able to detect a strong odor of what appeared to smell like marijuana emitting from the vehicle.

The defendant was detained and a search revealed a small, clear plastic bag that contained a white powdery substance, along with three small, clear plastic bags of a green, leafy substance.

When asking the defendant what the white powdery substance was, the defendant stated it was “cocaine.”

The white powdery substance field tested positive for cocaine, and the green leafy substance tested positive for THC. The white powdery substance weighed a total of 0.9 grams (in the clear plastic bag), and the green, leafy substance weighed a total of 13.7 grams.

The defendant was arrested and transported to the county jail for the above offenses and is being held on total bond of $6,000.

The defendant was issued a court date for 04/03/2018 in Courtroom D of the Hernando County Courthouse, at 0900 hours.”

The defendant stated, “no, I’m going to bed” and attempted to run inside of his house

Man with No Shirt Chasing a female around Amscot

PACKAN, DAVID LAWRENCE YOB: 1974 TATTOO: BARBED WIRE LEFT ARM CHARGES: DUI-DAMAGE TO PERSON/PROPERTY, RESIST/OBSTR OFFICER W/O VIOL Arrested on 03/11/2018 03:00 PATSCOT, OSCAR KINLOCK AVE, SPRING HILL YOB: 1979 TATTOO: SKULL Arrest Summary: “On CHARGES: RESIST/OBSTR 03/11/2018 this affiant reOFFICER W/O VIOL sponded to 6185 Kinlock Ave Arrested on 03/10/2018 19:50 in reference to a possible hit RHANBUOY RD & FOREST and run where the driver was OAKS BLVD, SPRING HILL possibly under the influence Arrest Summary: “On 03/10/2018 while on a unrelat- of an unknown substance or alcohol. ed traffic stop, I had a civilian drive up to my traffic stop in a Upon my arrival, witnesses frantic manner, advising me advised that they had observed that a male subject wearing the defendant and their neighno shirt was chasing a female bor, David Lawrence Packon Forest Oaks Blvd around an, “crash” into their parked Amscot and was hitting her. I vehicle alongside the roadway. advised communications of the The witnesses also stated situation and was en route to they observed the defendant Amscot at the intersection of reverse his vehicle off of their Forest Oaks Blvd and Com1999 two door Mercury and mercial Way. Upon arrival I was unable drive away to his residence at locate the male and female. I 6169 Kinlock Ave. Both witwalked behind the Amcot and nesses provided sworn written did not see anyone. I walked statements. back to the front and observed Contact was made with the dea white male walking by the florist shop. I called out to the fendant in the driveway located at 6169 Kinlock Ave. Upon white male, later identified as this affiant’s arrival, this affiant Oscar Patscot and advised I observed the defendant to was with the Sheriff’s Office.

Oscar looked back and contin- have bloodshot, watery eyes, a

heavy odor of alcohol emitting from the defendant, and the defendant struggle to maintain balance in his (the defendant’s) driveway. This affiant was also able to observe damage to the front, right side of defendant’s pickup truck, with a red paint transfer (consistent with the color of the vehicle that was struck). This affiant informed the defendant that he was under the investigation of a possible crash and DUI that had just occurred at 6185 Kinlock Ave. The defendant stated, “no, I’m going to bed” and attempted to run inside of his house (thus, obstructing this affiant’s criminal investigation).

The defendant also refused all field sobriety exercises upon request.

The defendant was arrested and transported to the county jail for the above offenses and is being held on total bond of $2,000. The defendant also refused to submit for a breath test. The defendant was issued a court date for 04/06/2018 in Courtroom C of the Hernando County Courthouse, at 0900 hours.”

Trespassed From Speedway and entered the store and stole a cup of coffee

THOMAS, KENDRA D YOB: 1971 TATTOO: SCORPION CHARGES: RETAIL THEFT (SHOPLIFTING), RESIST/OBSTR OFFICER W/O VIOL Arrested on 03/11/2018 12:03 XXX CHAMPION DR, BROOKSVILLE Arrest Summary: “On 03112018 I was dispatched to the Speedway located at 1950 East Jefferson Street in reference to a Trespass.

Upon arrival, contact was made staff and customers at Speedway who advised that a black female, later identified as Kendra Thomas, dressed in a black shirt, tan pants and a unknown colored bandana on her head who was previously trespassed from the store came inside the store. While inside the store the the defendant stole a cup of coffee and walked out. They advised that she may live near the store and left walking westbound on Jefferson.

I then made contact with Christopher K. who advised that he knew where the defendant lived. Christopher advised that he would show me what duplex she stayed in if I took him there. While transporting Christopher to the location, I was notified via radio by Sergeant W. Cooper that he may be out with the subject in the retail theft. Upon arrival to the location (755 Champion Drive Brooksville, Fl 34601) Christopher advised me that was the same person who stole the coffee. As I exited the vehicle to let Christopher out of the vehicle I observed Sergeant Cooper attempt to detain the defendant. It was at that moment the defendant attempted to pull away from Sergeant Cooper’s grasp. I ran over to where they were located and I was able to get her left arm as she continued to pull away at which time the defendant was taken to the ground. The defendant was secured and placed in my patrol vehicle.

Sergeant Cooper returned to the store and subsequently transported a store clerk to the secondary location to do show up. The store clerk was able to positively identify the defendant as the person who stole the coffee.

Due to the defendant actions in the Speedway and with law enforcement, she was charged with (1) count of retail theft and (1) count of Resisting without violence.

The defendant was placed on a $3,000.00 and a given a court date of 04062018 at 0900 hours in courtroom C.”

4 HERNANDO SUN

hernandosun.com

March 16 - 22, 2018

LOCAL & STATE

Planning and Zoning Board gives green light for ‘Spring Center’ comp plan amendment

throughout each stage of the process.

Don Lacey of of Coastal In a 4-1 vote during their Engineering Associates March 12, 2018 meeting, addressed the board reprethe Planning and Zonsenting the developer, TTG ing Commission (P&Z) Properties of Brooksville. recommended approval Lacey said Spring Hill of a comprehensive plan never really had a center. amendment for the planned In the early development development, Spring Cen- of Spring Hill, the 450-acre ter. The Board of Countract was not available for ty Commissioners will purchase by the Deltona consider the P&Z recomCorporation, as the private mendation at an upcoming owner of the land did not regular meeting. wish to sell.

The P&Z board disLacey explained that cussed the rezoning of the if the land were to be 450-acre tract, currently zoned Residential, the end zoned Agricultural (AG) result could be piecemeal to Planned Development development, resulting District (PDD) to properly in a mixture of lot sizes. meet the intended require- Spring Center would be a ments of the town-center master-plan development style development that and “is expected to be is currently being called pedestrian-friendly, and Spring Center. less (vehicle)-friendly.”

Planner Cayce DagenBecause of the master-plan hart began the session by status, greenspace buffers presenting future land-use can be put in place where maps, showing the tract, desired. immediately west and Regarding increases in south of Explorer K-8, ex- traffic, Lacy explained, tending west to River Road “Houses generate traffic, and south to Running Oak whereas office, commerCourt. The eastern-most cial, services attract it. So border will run adjacent to by having attraction (of Jason Road and Greynolds traffic) within the center Avenue. The “Town Cen- … it will actually absorb ter” concept is a commercommunity traffic, as well cial hub, surrounded by as traffic from surrounding high-density single family communities.” units and multi-family Big-Box retailers such as buildings. Further away Walmart or Best Buy will from the commerce center, not be compatible with the moderate-density single design of the town cenfamily homes are planned. ter. The “architecturally The planned number coordinated” commerce of new residences total section is expected to host around 3000. businesses on the same The future land use map scale such as Whole Foods, currently shows the area theatres, and other commuzoned as Residential. nity buildings.

Addressing areas of most An emergency evacuaconcern among residents, tion center is also planned as well as the board, Ron for the area, although it Pianta of the Planning wasn’t specified if such a Department emphasized building would have other that the current focus is an uses. amendment to the FuLacey said that the ture Land Use maps and developer has met with Comprehensive Plan, and the School Board, and said, “There is a long way other authorities regarding to go to get to the stage of infrastructure, and so far, development.” Several eighteen policies are in analyses will be conducted place in this early planning

By LISA MACNEIL HERNANDO SUN STAFF

phase. Traffic analysis will be conducted at several stages. “A number of millions of dollars will be generated in transportation impact fees, in addition to lots of other economic aspects,” Lacey reported.

The revenue generated could be applied to road projects to remedy any difficulties that arise on Mariner, Northcliffe and other nearby roads.

Spring Center is defined as an “infill project,” since it’s surrounded by developed areas.

Roughly twenty area residents attended the Monday meeting, most of whom addressed the board, none in favor of the project. Anthony Basile lives on a bordering property, and conducted an unofficial survey of his neighbors and other affected residents.

Basile surmised various conversations and said that he and others have moved to Spring Hill to get away from high density areas to enjoy nature. “The area of Spring Hill has a population density of 898 people per square mile. Stuffing 3000 people onto 450 acres … seems pretty ridiculous.”

High density, increased traffic, affected wildlife, water demands and land disruption were the chief topics of concern brought by residents, some of whom do not reside close to the planned development area. One resident reported that he was approached about selling his home.

According to Lacey, no one from TTG Properties or Coastal Engineering have approached residents about the sale of their properties. Regarding the natural state of the property, Lacey cautioned that it is not a conservation area, and it is not protected from construction since it is zoned residential, and could be developed entirely with single-family homes,

effectively not changing the view of the land with respect to neighboring homes. “Construction is going to happen whether or not (Spring Center) is done or under the existing (comprehensive) plan.”

Those concerns were also shared among the commission, with traffic and population density at the top. P&Z Chair Lynn Gruber-White reminded all in attendance that modifications can be made and restrictions put in place when the actual rezoning process takes place.

P&Z Board member Alia Qureshi was the dissenting vote. She said, “I think it’s a beautiful design, but it is the wrong location.”

The 10 big issues in the 2018 legislative session

hospitals.

HIGHER EDUCATION: Throughout his term as Senate president, TALLAHASSEE --- The Stuart Republican Joe Negron has made a top Florida House and Senate ended the 2018 legislative priority of revamping the higher-education system. session Sunday by passGov. Rick Scott on Sunday ing a budget and a tax-cut package for the upcoming signed a wide-ranging bill that includes permanently year. The session became expanding Bright Future dominated in February scholarships. The bill also by the aftermath of the calls for expanding some mass shooting at Marjory need-based aid programs Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County. and would require the state university system to That led to a massive debate about how to improve use a four-year graduation school safety and whether rate as part of its performance-funding formula, to revamp the state’s gun instead of the current sixlaws. year measure.

Here is a recap of 10 HURRICANE IRMA: big issues from the 2018 Lawmakers came into the session: session still grappling with BUDGET: Lawmakers the effects of Hurricane passed an $88.7 billion Irma, which slammed into budget for the fiscal year the state in September and that starts July 1, though they were forced to extend caused billions of dollars in damage. The House and the session by two days Senate took steps such as to finish the spending ratifying rules for nursplan. The budget includes ing homes and assisted increased funding for education, with per-student living facilities to have backup generators and spending in the kindergarten through 12th-grade fuel supplies to help keep the facilities cool. Scott’s system going up $101.50. administration issued The Senate also pushed the rules after residents through increased fundof a sweltering Broward ing for nursing homes, while the House blocked a County nursing home died after Irma knocked out the Senate attempt to change building’s air-conditioning the way some Medicaid system. money is distributed to INSURANCE: The two hospitals. highest-profile insurance HEALTH CARE: After years of legal battles issues of the session involved proposals to in the hospital industry, lawmakers approved a plan eliminate the no-fault auto insurance system and to revamp the approval of revamp a controversial new trauma centers. They practice known as “assignalso approved a long-discussed proposal that could ment of benefits.” In the end, however, both issues lead to the use of “direct primary care” agreements, died. The House approved repealing no-fault, which which involve patients includes a requirement that and doctors contracting motorists carry persondirectly for primary care, reducing the role of insur- al-injury protection, or PIP, coverage. But the proposal ers. The House, however, was unable to convince the couldn’t get through Senate committees. Similarly, Senate to go along with eliminating the controver- the Senate did not approve changes sought by insurers sial “certificate of need” in assignment of benefits. regulatory process for

By Jim Saunders NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

K-12 EDUCATION: House Speaker Richard Corcoran and other school-choice supporters got a victory Sunday when Scott signed a controversial bill that will expand voucher-like scholarship programs. The bill includes creating the “hope scholarships” program, which will help pay for children who have been bullied in public schools to transfer to private schools. The bill also includes a heavily debated change that targets teachers’ unions whose membership falls below 50 percent of the employees they represent.

OPIOID EPIDEMIC: In one of the final issues decided during the session, lawmakers late Friday approved a bill to stem the opioid epidemic that has caused a surge in overdoses across the state. A key part of the bill calls for placing limits on prescriptions for opioids. In most cases, the bill would place three- or seven-day limits on prescriptions, though it includes exemptions for people who are terminally ill, need palliative care or suffer from major trauma.

The idea behind the limits is to prevent patients from getting addicted to painkillers.

PARKLAND AFTERMATH: The Feb. 14 shooting deaths of 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland forced lawmakers to quickly deal with school-safety issues and spurred a contentious debate about gun laws.

Scott on Friday signed a $400 million package that includes improving mental-health services and allowing trained employees to bring guns to schools. The package also raises the minimum age to 21 and imposes a three-day waiting period for people buying rifles and other long guns. The National

The Hernando Sun Newspapers in Education Program Our Newspapers in Education program is now in full swing. We are currently delivering 350 newspapers to schools across the county each week.

The Newspapers in Education program serves to familiarize young readers to newspapers and how to read them. Newspapers are provided to teachers for them to incorporate into their curriculum, thus giving students in our community a source of local knowledge.

The Hernando Sun is a member of the 501c3

Florida Press Educational Services, whereby allowing supporters of our program to make tax deductible charitable donations.

If you would like to support our Newspapers in Education Program, you may fill out the form below and send with your donation made payable to "Newspapers in Education" to Hernando Sun Publ PO Box 12203 Brooksville, FL 34603

HERNANDO SUN NIE DONATION

Rifle Association quickly filed a federal lawsuit challenging the age restriction.

TAX CUTS: Getting ready to hit the campaign trail, lawmakers Sunday approved a bill that includes about $170 million in tax breaks. The measure includes holding a threeday tax “holiday” in early August to allow back-toschool shoppers to buy clothes and school supplies without paying sales taxes.

A similar seven-day “holiday” will be held in early June for residents to buy hurricane supplies. The bill also includes tax breaks for farmers and ranchers who suffered damage in

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LOCAL & STATE

March 16 - 22, 2018 hernandosun.com

HERNANDO SUN

5

Hernando County: A leader in artificial reef development

BY LESLIE STEIN HERNANDO SUN STAFF

S

ince 1990 Hernando County has been active in artificial reef development.

Funding is provided by a combination of federal, state and local government, as well as private funds. This is done through the Division of Marine Fisheries Management of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The FWC assists in developing these reefs, enhancing existing reefs that are already successful and to monitor and assess artificial reefs. According to Frank Santo, chairman of the Hernando County Port Authority, there has been a a large grassroots effort by Hernando County which has had a huge impact on Hernando County’s ma-

rine system. These state and federal programs are driven by the recognition of benefits for commercial fishing and tourism.

Commercially important fish and sports species are frequently attracted to the artificial reefs for the food source and shelter they provide. As larger fish species migrate through the area in the spring and fall the artificial reefs provide shelter, food and resting areas for such fish as albacore, king fish, Spanish mackerel and cobia. Artificial reefs remain very popular with the fishing public and contribute significantly to local economies.

There are numerous considerations for artificial reef placement.

Some individuals may be concerned that artificial reef structures may dislodge and be a detriment to the shore. According to research by Ryan Fikes Staff Scientist, with the

Gulf Restoration Campaign National Wildlife Federation in an article in November 2013 titled Artificial Reefs of the Gulf of Mexico: A Review of Gulf State Programs & Key Considerations, artificial reefs need to be placed in clear shallow water with good light.

“Water depth at the reef site may critically affect reef material stability and long-term structural integrity” when considering wave conditions.

“The reef materials and designs should be properly matched to water depth and predicted wave conditions to ensure their stability. Planning for worst-case storms may need to be considered on sites where movement of materials would be detrimental or hazardous”.

The reef material design needs to be matched to the water depth and predicted wave condition to resist breakup, movement

Finished reef balls of differing sizes to accommodate a range of marine life.

A barge is loaded with cement structures ready to deploy into the water at Bendickson Reef on Friday Aug. 25, 2017. Photos The Hernando County Port Authority in cooperation with the Aquatics Services Department deployed reef balls off the shore of Hernando Beach Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. The Hernando County Port Authority in cooperation with the Aquatics Services Department deployed reef balls off the shore of Hernando Beach Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. by Lisa MacNeil

or burial. Detailed engineering is important for the success of an artificial reef.

There are few natural reefs in Hernando County and they tend to be over-fished. So artificial reefs allow distribution, growth, and protection of marine life. This relieves the pressure on the natural reefs. Due to the importance of site placement, careful planning and permitting is required as artificial reefs need to be placed near seagrass beds but have to be at least 150 feet away. Hernando County has a rich seagrass bed of 190,000 acres. The bottom is flat and sandy with seagrass interspersed between hard bottom areas. Hernando County seafloor has no structure only flat with occasional holes. Naturally occurring reefs

develop over hard, rocky bottoms. Areas between natural reefs are often loose sand that supports marine grasses, such as eelgrass or turtle grass.

The seagrass beds support many species and are important in the ecology of adjacent reef systems, providing foraging and breeding sites for reef fish. They provide food, habitat, and nursery areas for numerous vertebrate and invertebrate species. They are the ideal environment for juvenile and small adult fish for escape from larger predators. Many small organisms live in the soft sea bottom like crabs, clams, and starfish for protection from currents.

Initial monitoring of new artificial reefs which are placed near seagrass indicate after testing of the first week, there are

already juvenile grouper living on the reef.

Much research has been completed internationally in regards to the benefits of artificial reef development. Researchers Gary M. Serviss and Steven Sauers, who were the principal investigators in a detailed research article published in 2003, Sarasota Bay Juvenile Fisheries Habitat Assessment, proved positive impact of these reefs. Although they found the natural reef sites had a higher density of resident and transient species, the artificial sites had a slightly higher mean density of nursery fish. Monitoring indicated that the habitats are doing fairly well when compared to that of the natural habitat types.

Their research found See REEF, page 6

Oak Hill Hospital’s

For Your Health Community Education Series

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

“Breathe Well: Preventing COPD” 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Oak Hill Hospital GME Conference Center Presented By: Dr. Salman Muddassir Dr. Amrita Randhawa

Salman Muddassir, MD

Board Certified in Internal Medicine GME Internal Medicine Program Director

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• Hot Meal Will Be Served!

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• Limited Seating!

• Doors Open at 4:45 pm.

Amrita Randhawa, MD Internal Medicine Resident

Hernando Medical Offices GME

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1.9 Miles East From US 19 to State Road 50

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OAK HILL HOSPITAL CAMPUS – GME BUILDING 11307 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613

Call 352-597-6333 Hernando/Pasco • Call 352-628-6060 Citrus OakHillHospital.com/ForYourHealth

6 HERNANDO SUN

hernandosun.com March 16- 22, 2018

REEF BALLS from Page 5

The Hernando County Port Authority in cooperation with the Aquatics Services Department deployed reef balls off the shore of Hernando Beach Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017.

reefs in Hernando County which include but are not limited to, Bendickson Reef where there are 10 M60 army tanks placed in 1995, these are now overgrown with sea and fish life. Permits were recently approved and an additional 600 tons were added to the reef. Monitoring will be provided by FWC and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and US Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE). The Florida artificial reef program is the only state program that is not exclusively run at a state agency level. FWC depends on its partnership with local counties to hold reef permits and manage new reef deployments.

Another artificial reef is reef project #1 which is a shallow reef project with 130 reef balls in 3 different spots. These are carefully researched locations. Monitoring is planned for April 15th by the Scubanauts, who are coming to assess the fish populations and new life growing on the artificial reef. The Scubanauts are students in a marine science education for young

ISSUES

of concerns about racial profiling of minority from page 4 drivers. Currently, texting Hurricane Irma and would while driving is a “secondary” offense, meaning trim a lease tax paid by motorists can only be many businesses. cited if they are pulled TEXTING WHILE over for other reasons.

DRIVING: With supThe proposal would have port from Corcoran, it made it a primary offense, appeared lawmakers with police able to pull this year could approve over motorists for texting a long-discussed idea to behind the wheel. toughen Florida’s ban on texting while driving. But the proposal did not make it through the Senate, at least in part because

Florida is responding to fisheries and habitat decline with one of the nation’s most progressive artificial reef program, with Hernando County being one of the leaders in the state.

For information on sponsored reefs, contact Frank Santo 352-200-0493 / FASanto@tampabay. rr.com

men and women, ages 12- do County. Through this 18. These young marine organization, an individual scientists receive informal or business can sponsor a science education through reef ball. The reef balls underwater exploration will include permanent focusing on diving experi- commemorative plaques ence, and personal develand the location coordiopment. Hernando County nates will be provided to is fortunate to have these the sponsors so they may President Donald Trump; young scientists available visit their reef in the futo assist our community in ture. The sponsored reefs The White House; 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; Washingour marine research. will also provide educaton, DC 20500 Hernando County is also tional opportunities, as Comments: 202-456-1111; in the process of investiwell as great fishing spots.

Switchboard: 202-456-1414 gating 20 different sites All deployments will be 3/13/2018 ROCKY CR.,LITTLE PINE IS. BAY,, FL 8727122 Tidal Data Print View where the next batch of monitored by Scubanauts https://www.whitehouse.gov Help Print material will be placed.

International and data The reef ball material is analyzed by the students Senator Bill Nelson available and site planning of the University of 716 Senate Hart Office Building; Washington, DC 20510 and permitting is ongoing. Florida and other research NOAA/NOS/CO-OPS Permitting is the responinstitutions.

Artificial reef 202-224-5274 / Fax: 202-228-2183 Tide Predictions at 8727122, ROCKY CR.,LITTLEPhone: PINE IS. BAY, FL sibility of the ACOE in projectsFrom are2018/03/16 monitored 12:00 AMby LST/LDT to 2018/03/23 11:59 PM LST/LDT https://www.billnelson.senate.gov/ (Cedarof Keysources 8727520) | Time offsets (high: -20 min. low: 58 min.) | Height offsets (high: *0.83 ft. low: *0.83 ft.) federal watersSubordinate and byStation both| Ref.aStation variety such the ACOE and the FDEP as the Scubanauts, and so4.0 4.0 Senator Marco Rubio in state waters. Both agen- nar imaging of the seafloor 3.12 cies work 2.94 with the FWC and remotely operated 3.09 284 Russell 3.02 Senate Office3.08Building 2.96 3.0 2.99 2.99 2.94 2.94 2.84 2.82 2.73 reef during 3.0 the artificial underwater video. These 2.64 Washington2.40 DC, 20510 application process. Spon- assessments include fish Phone: 202-224-3041 2.15 sorships censuses and mapping, 2.0 are now being of2.0 fered through the Hernan- reef spacing and design, http://www.rubio.senate.gov/ do Environmental Land material stability, storm 1.09 1.0 1.0 0.80 Protectors (HELP). HELP impacts and compari0.53 US Rep Daniel Webster is a not-for-profit corposons of artificial reef fish 0.32 0.29 0.12 0.09 15 N Main Street, Ste B-0.15 -0.04those on ration created in 1976 communities -0.06 with 0.0 0.0 -0.16 -0.17 -0.20 -0.23 -0.24 and is one of the oldest adjacent natural reefs.

Brooksville, FL 34601 established environmental Approval has also been Phone: 352-241-9280 Tuesday & Thursday NOAA/NOS/Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services organizations in Hernanreceived for development 12:00 AM 12:00 AM 12:00 AM 12:00 AM 12:00 AM 12:00 AM 12:00 AM 12:00 AM 12:00

Get in touch with your Federal level elected officials

Height in feet (MLLW)

that many of the reef-dependent species such as tomtate, gray snapper, and gag grouper were observed and this also held true for the commercially important stone crab. The researchers also found that the diversity of the species tended to increase with the complexity of the material. More crevices provided more safety from predators. Also, the older the artificial reef the higher the diversity of adult fish and fewer juveniles. They found the less uneven surfaces like “concrete block, generally did not provide the number of protected spaces needed for some of the species to successfully habitate. This material type generally had low numbers and low species diversity.

However, increasing the complexity of a concrete block pile with the presence of reef balls greatly improved the diversity and numbers of fish species present.” This resulted in a wide variety of different species with four size classes, from the early juvenile stage of some up to the largest adult stages.

Mr. Santo stated that initially there was not much interest in the community for these projects, but now our county administrators have realized these artificial reefs have increased tourism and have had a sound environmental impact. As a result, Hernando County is getting respect among fisherman and the state for the advancement of protecting and enhancing our very important marine system.

There are currently a number of artificial

of an oyster reef and habitat restoration project in Centipede Bay. Research has proven that placement of oyster shell in bags will stimulate the growth of juvenile oysters, improve water quality and reduce shoreline erosion.

On March 11, community volunteers loaded bags of specially processed and disinfected oyster shell to be returned to the sea for oyster regeneration. This was sponsored by UF / IFAS extension. Oyster beds are dying in the state of Florida because of freshwater intrusion and lack of nutrients. Hernando County has a rich area of nutrients. The tentative launch date for the oyster beds is April 2018.

3/16

3/17

3/18

3/19

https://webster.house.gov/

3/20

3/21

3/22

3/23

3/24

Note: The interval is High/Low, the solid blue line depicts a curve fit between the high and low values and approximates the segments between.

Disclaimer: These data are based upon the latest informationTIDE available as of the date of your request, and may differ from the published tide tables.

CHART High/Low Tide Prediction Data Listing Station Name: ROCKY CR.,LITTLE PINE IS. BAY,, FL Source: NOAA/NOS/CO-OPS Action: Daily Prediction Type: Subordinate Product: Tide Predictions Datum: MLLW Start Date & Time: 2018/3/16 12:00 AM Height Units: Feet End Date & Time: 2018/3/23 11:59 PM Time Zone: LST/LDT Date

Day

Time

Hgt

Time

Hgt

Time

Hgt

Time

Hgt

2018/03/16

Fri

01:28 AM

2.94 H

09:25 AM

-0.20 L

2:20 PM

2.73 H

9:35 PM

0.32 L

2018/03/17

Sat

02:08 AM

2.99 H

09:56 AM

-0.16 L

2:44 PM

2.84 H

10:11 PM

0.12 L

2018/03/18

Sun

02:47 AM

2.99 H

10:26 AM

-0.06 L

3:09 PM

2.94 H

10:47 PM

-0.04 L

11:25 PM

-0.17 L

2018/03/19

Mon

03:27 AM

2.94 H

10:57 AM

0.09 L

3:34 PM

3.02 H

2018/03/20

Tue

04:09 AM

2.82 H

11:29 AM

0.29 L

4:02 PM

3.09 H

2018/03/21

Wed

12:05 AM

-0.24 L

04:54 AM

2.64 H

12:04 PM

0.53 L

4:33 PM

3.12 H

2018/03/22

Thu

12:50 AM

-0.23 L

05:47 AM

2.40 H

12:41 PM

0.80 L

5:10 PM

3.08 H

2018/03/23

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IN, OUT & ABOUT Library Programs SH- Spring Hill Branch Library, located at 9220 Spring Hill Drive.

WH- West Hernando Branch Library located at 6335 Blackbird Ave, Weeki Wachee, FL 34613 BV- Brooksville/ Main Library located at 238 Howell Ave, Brooksville, FL 34601 EH- East Hernando Branch located at 6457 Windmere Rd, Brooksville, FL 34602 March 19 Email with Gmail - BV 3/19/2018 10 AM - 12 PM Registration is open Email is easy! Learn how to send, receive, and organize your email; how to send photos and other documents, and more.

Meditation Mondays - WH 3/19/2018 11AM - 12PM Make your Monday a more mindful Monday with us meditation provides many health benefits for mind, body & spirit. First half discussion of resource followed by meditation. ¿Quieres que te cuente un cuento? Bilingual Storytime - WH 3/19/2018 5PM - 5:30 PM Join us during a bilingual Spanish/ English storytime! We will share books and sing Spanish

songs to celebrate, inspire and engage Latino children in our county.

March 20 Email with Gmail - WH 3/20/2018 10AM - 12PM Registration is open Email is easy! Learn how to send, receive, and organize your email; how to send photos and other documents, and more.

Storytime - BV 3/20/2018 10:30 - 11AM Stories, songs, and more in a storytime program designed for children between 18 months - 5 years old.

Beginner/Gentle Yoga Class - SH 3/20/2018 12:15 - 1:30 PM Join the waiting list Join certified yoga instructor Terry Schoonmaker for a gentle beginning yoga class to, as she says - “join me to learn & grow a little at a time, enjoying the health & well being that comes with listening to your body & connecting with mind & spirit.”

Movies @ Your Library 3/20/2018 2 - 4PM Movies on the big screen with free popcorn.

Classics Book Discussion - SH 3/20/2018 3 - 4:30 PM Read the chosen piece, then join others to share responses to it in a fun and informal atmosphere. New members are warmly welcomed.

Spring Cleaning with Essential Oils - SH 3/20/2018 3 - 4PM Learn how to use Essential Oils for your spring cleaning.

Art Attack! - WH 3/20/2018 4:30 - 6PM Registration is openIs there a future artist in your family?

Come to the Library and let

your kids be inspired by famous artists and works of art.

Kids between the suggested ages of 6 – 12 will learn about a famous artist and then make their own work of art.

All materials provided.

March 21 Email with Gmail - SH 3/21/2018 10AM - 12PM Registration is open Email is easy! Learn how to send, receive, and organize your email; how to send photos and other documents, and more.

Storytime - EH 3/21/2018 10:30 - 11AM Stories, songs, and more in a storytime program designed for children between 18 months - 5 years old.

Electronic Images from the Internet - SH 3/21/2018 12:15 - 1:15 PM Registration is open Getting images from the Internet is easy!

Financial Management Series - BV 3/21/2018 2 - 4PM This month’s topic: Credit Use LEGO Club - SH 3/21/2018 4:30 - 5:30 PM Build the coolest LEGO creations your imagination will allow using the library’s collection of LEGOs. Let’s Cook! - WH 3/21/2018 4:30 - 6:30 PM Registration is open Tired of precooked, frozen, tasteless meals? Learn to cook from scratch!

3/22/2018 10 AM - 12PM Registration is open Email is easy! Learn how to send, receive, and organize your email; how to send photos and other documents, and more.

Toddler Storytime -SH 3/22/2018 10:30 - 11AM Storytime time for toddlers featuring stories, songs, and fingerplays.

Preschool Storytime - SH 3/22/2018 11:15 AM - 12 PM Stories, songs, fingerplays, and much more designed for children between the ages of 3-5.

Writers Workshop - EH 3/22/2018 1 - 3PM Free and open to the public - meets every other Thursday. All levels of experience from beginners to published authors.

Our group is on-going and continuous, join at any time.

Bring pen and paper. For more information call 352583-2441.

Movies @ your library - SH 3/22/2018 2 - 4PM U.K. prime minister Winston Churchill must rally the nation to war against the Nazis.

Socrates Cafe - WH 3/22/2018 5 - 7 PM Guaranteed to leave you with more questions than you came with! Socrates Cafe is an opportunity for amiable, open-minded discussion of profound issues.

Ukulele Beginner Strum annd Sing - SH 3/22/2018 5 - 6:30 PM

March 22

March 23

Baby Storytime - BV 3/22/2018 10 - 11 AM A storytime featuring stories, bouce rhymes, songs and more just for babies and their caregivers.

Email with Gmail - EH

Baby Storytime - WH 3/23/2018 10 - 10:30 AM Registration is open A Storytime featuring stories, bounce rhymes, songs, and more just for babies and their parents!

VITA - SH 3/23/2018 10AM - 1 PM Volunteer Income Tax Assistance - by appt. only Essential Oils 101 - EH 3/23/2018 10:30 AM - 12PM Registration is open Essential Oils 101 Toddler Storytime - WH 3/23/2018 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM West Hernando Branch Library West Hernando Branch Meeting Room Storytime time for toddlers featuring stories, songs, and fingerplays.

Toddler Storytime - WH 3/23/2018 10:30 - 11AM Storytime time for toddlers featuring stories, songs, and fingerplays.

Preschool Storytime - WH 3/23/2018 11:15 - 11:45 AM Stories, songs, fingerplays, and much more designed for children between the ages 1/1 of 3-5.

SHINE - EH (individual counseling by appt. only) 3/23/2018 12 - 2 PM Free Medicare and Health Insurance Counseling and Information during open enrollment period. By appointment only. Call 352-593-0705 for more information.

CryptoQuote answer on page 15

March 16 - 22, 2018 hernandosun.com

HERNANDO SUN

7

IN, OUT & ABOUT

‘Local Forager’ to guide BGC on new Chinsegut Hill Nature Trail

Brooksville Garden Club Membership will picnic on the verandas and surrounding areas of Chinsegut Manor House & Retreat Center, 22495 Chinsegut Hill Road, Brooksville, 34601, 352799-5400, on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.

While having a BYOBag (and lawn chair) lunch at 12 Noon (soft beverages supplied by the Club), fellow Member, Marie O’Neill, will speak of the Hill’s native & exotic plants with a walking tour of the grounds for those interested.

Membership and guests who enjoy hiking will have an added treat.

The newly created Hill’s Hiking Trail will be guided by Joshua McAdams.

All Brooksville Garden Club’s meet-

ings are free and open to the public.

Chinsegut Hill’s Nature Trail was blazed for a mission to positively impact the mind body & soul’s development by leading pioneer, Joshua McAdams, who is north Tampa Bay’s official Local Forager.

A walk through the Chinsegut Hill Manor House and Retreat Center Nature Trail brings an abundance of discovery for everyone.

This includes finding wild food, medicine, peace, and other like minded people in search for knowledge. Join Joshua on a walk (with a foraging basket) into a special experience in which the Historic Chinsegut founders intended.

Photo courtesy of Joshua McAdams pictured with son, Noah, and their basket of their recently picked wild Chanterelle mushrooms.

All types models and modelers welcome!

IPMS/AMPS

Local congregation publishes fundraising cookbook

DANA’S RAILROAD SUPPLY NATURE COAST MODEL SHOW SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH 9:00 A.M.—Noon 4042 Deltona Blvd.

Spring Hill

Free Admission Tables Available

(352) 684-2484 Here’s the fun:

Give Easter Eggs a Spongeware Look

Front cover of fundraising cookbook published by the Fellowship Community Church in Spring Hill.

By HERNANDO SUN STAFF

CHICKEN RIGGIES Submitted by Georgia Tucci Chopped Garlic to taste 3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed 1 c chicken broth 1 c lg. can tomato sauce or puree 1/2 qt. half and half or heavy cream 2 lbs. Colby Jack cheese shredded 2 lbs. rigatoni Peppers red and green to taste Hot peppers to taste if you

No Pets Please!

want it hot Mushrooms to taste Hot sauce to taste Put chicken, garlic and oil in a pan and brown.

Add chicken broth and tomato sauce, peppers and mushrooms. Cook until peppers are soft but not mushy. Set aside.

Add hot sauce. Put half and half in pot, heat. add cheese and cook until melted and smooth. Add chicken to mixture, have it warm not hot. Cook on low heat for at least 1/2 hour.

Pour over pasta.

Here’s the stuff you’ll need:

—several eggs, blown (see below) or hard-boiled —non-toxic acrylic paint in favorite colors —recycled plastic lids or paper plates, one for each color —pieces of sponge, one for each color —spring-type clothespins or clips for sponge handles —egg cups —newspaper

HOW TO “BLOW OUT” AN EGG

Poke a small hole with a large safety pin at each end of a washed raw egg.

Carefully wiggle the pin or a toothpick

into one of the holes to break the yolk.

Place a drinking straw over the hole on top, and blow through the straw, collecting the contents of the egg in a small dish. Rinse out the empty shell and let dry completely before decorating.

STORAGE

Clean egg cartons make good containers for neat stacking in a storage bin in your home. *** Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”

Shrimpa Palooza © 2018 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

www.ShrimpaPalooza.com

Great Times, I Guarantee!

Mardi Gras Homosassa Style

Come Early Don’t Miss The Parade

Homosassa Springs

Saturday, March 24 • 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Yulee Dr., Old Homosassa, FL • Parade Starts at 10 AM

Shrimp, Bands, Parade, Food, Beer, Cocktails, Vendors, Kid’s Zone, Arts & Crafts, Beads

ENTERTAINMENT

10:30 am..............Cajun Dave Noon.......Shadow Ridge Band 4:00 pm....Strutt Dance Band Info call 352-201-2520

000T0NS

Fellowship Community Church is pleased to announce the publication of their cookbook Recipes from the Heart. Proceeds from the cookbook will go toward funding youth and children’s programs at the church. The youth program, Called To Conquer, will use funds for mission’s trips and projects, while the children’s group, Kidz Ministry will support their Sunday services and Vacation Bible School.

The Fellowship Community Church is a Bible-based, Wesleyan church with a mission tomake an impact for God’s Kingdom. They welcome all community members and more information about the church can be found on their website at www.fellowshipspringhill. org.

Recipes from the Heart is filled with over 300 tried-and- true recipes from church and community members. Fill your family meal times with recipes from categories including Breakfast, Crock Pot, Main Dishes and even a Sugar Free section. For a taste of this delicious recipe collection check out the Chicken Riggies below submitted by contributor Georgia Tucci.

Cookbook chairperson Dawn Austin commented, “This cookbook has recipes that came from the hearts of so many people.

It was truly a joint effort from the church and community making it a special project. It’s great to know so many people care about the youth, as they are our future.”

Books are being sold by the Fellowship Community Church youth group, 11250 Spring Hill Dr, Spring Hill or can be

purchased directly from Austin by calling (352) 340-1541, texting (315) 868-0023 or email ken19ny98@yahoo.com

Easter soon will be here, with eggs of all colors and designs to brighten our homes. We like to try a variety of egg-decorating techniques, from the easy commercial dyes in a tablet to experimenting with natural dyes that we concoct with onion skins, tea and berries.

Many of the artistic memories live on in egg cartons stored away in the “Easter” box. They last because we blow out the contents of raw eggs and clean them before we decorate. Like ornaments on a Christmas tree, the kid-decorated eggs come out annually. Full of memories, they’re lovely hanging from blossoming spring branches.

This year’s decorating technique is inspired by enduring spongeware pottery, popular in our country for centuries. The speckled look is super-easy to create, and it’s fun for the whole family to do together. Color the eggs first in soft colors if you wish, or keep them natural, and then just dab, dab, dab a cheerful palette of non-toxic paints here and there with a sponge.

1. Working on a newspaper-covered surface, place an egg in an egg cup.

Clip a sponge piece to a clothespin, and squeeze a puddle of paint onto a lid or plate.

2. Dip the sponge lightly in paint.

Dab onto a piece of newspaper a few times, then lightly dab all over the top half of the egg. Let dry. Turn egg over and repeat on bottom half. Repeat with additional colors and eggs.

3. Hang decorated hollowed eggs from branches, or display them in a pretty bowl. If using boiled eggs, keep refrigerated until served.

8 HERNANDO SUN

hernandosun.com March 16 - 22, 2018

THE HERNANDO

Sportsman's Club

Located 9 miles North of S.R. 50 on U.S. Hwy 19

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

IN, OUT & ABOUT Upcoming events that will get you out and about...

Event Previews

• 80 Acre shooting facility • Clubhouse •General Rifle/Pistol Range • IDPA • USPSA •Junior Programs & 4-H • IHMSA • Archery •Skeet, Trap & Five Stand Range • Cowboy SASS •Black Powder Rifle/Pistol • Bullseye • Steel • High Power • Rifle • Action Rifle • Fast Draw • Appleseed Rifle • Bowling Pin

HUNTERS Education Classes

RANGE HOURS

Monthly Firearms classes for CCW SAT. & SUN 9AM-3PM

Tues - Fri 9AM-2PM; Tues and Thurs Eve. 5PM - 7PM www.hernandosportsmansclub.com 352-597-9931

THE 2018 ANNUAL MERMAID CALENDAR SIGNING SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018 9 AM TO 10:30 AM WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, Florida 34606 For one day only, the World-Famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids will hold a signing for the 2018 Weeki Wachee Mermaid calendar. The event will take place Saturday, March 24, 2018, from 9 AM - 10:30 AM. The famed sirens will greet guest in front of park, under the iconic adagio statue. Admission not required to meet the mermaids. Calendars will be available for sale for only $15. This special price is extended for those at the signing and not available online. The mermaids rarely get an opportunity to meet park guests, so they are very excited to meet-n-greet everyone. Don’t forget to bring your camera! The 2018 Weeki Wachee Mermaid calendar is a limited edition, collectors item for all mermaid enthusiast. Renowned Photographer, Andrew Brusso, once again provided stunning images, and will also be available at the signing. Proceeds from the sales benefit the Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

BROOKSVILLE

19259 Cortez Boulevard

352.796.1451

OUTDOORS

SPRING HILL

PICK YOUR OWN STRAWBERRIES NOW UNTIL THEY LAST 9 AM TO 4 PM AT JG RANCH, BROOKSVILLE

3290 Commercial Way

352.683.0018

www.killingsworthagency.com

Jeff & Debrah Casey invite you to their farm to pick strawberries which has over 50,000 plants of strawberries each season. We have buckets that you can use for picking and bags to take your berries home. Dress appropriately for the current weather. Old shoes as it may be muddy. No sandals or flip-flops. Hats and sunscreen for protection from the sun. Picnic areas are available for guests to use. You may want to pack a lunch. Sunday picking by arrangement. Call 352.799.0556 for more information.

JG Ranch is located at 17200 Wiscon Road, Brooksville, FL 34601.

FROM OUR TABLE TO YOURS

by Cheryl Clanton

Banana Bread

2018 5TH ANNUAL LOQUAT FESTIVAL SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018 9 AM TO 9 PM

Ingredients

1 1/34 cup flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 ½ cup sugar 2 eggs 2 ripe medium bananas mashed makes 1 cup ½ cup oil ¼ cup plus 1 tbsp buttermilk 1 ½ tsp vanilla 1 cup chopped Walnuts

Directions

large bowl, combine dry ingredients, sifted. In another bowl, combine eggs, bananas, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Add nuts.

Pour into greased 9x5x3 inch baking pan. Bake at 325 for 1 hour + 20 minutes or until bread tests done. Cool Hint: Recipe does not double well so yield 1 loaf at a time.

The festival will include lectures on growing, harvesting, and preparing loquats. Known and unknown specialists will present on the ways and wonders of our celebrated fruit. Various types of trees will be available from local groves and nurseries. If weather, our changing climate, our local trees, and The Great Mother are in harmony with our schedule, we will have plenty of fresh loquats. All manner of canned loquats: jellies, jams, compotes, canned halves and slices will be available. Sponsorship of Leaves of Loquat and the Loquat Poetry Festival is welcome.

Loquat Poetry will again be featured, and this year cash prizes will be awarded for the top three poems in two categories: Professional and nonprofessional.

Join us for this important cultural moment in New Port Richey and the entire loquat world!

The Loquat Festival is held at Frances Avenue Park, New Port Richey Florida.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY ALL DAY ALL NIGHT ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY SATURDAY-SUNDAY, MARCH 17-18, 2018 AT NOON Get your Irish on at Hernando County’s home town brewery! The green beer will be flowing steady all day, night and weekend! Live music and favorite bands will perform throughout the day and night.

BarbieCue will be serving corned Beef and Cabbage all day from 12-9pm and we will also have Nina’s Wood Fire Pizza, Tony’s Cheesesteaks, Got Lobstah and Sophie’s Sweet Treats! All drinks $5 all Day and night utilizing a token system. Special beers on tap as well as green sangria. An Irish photo booth available for shenanigans! Extra seating and shade will be available in our “authentic Irish Tent Pub” but you are welcome to bring your own chairs as well. Extra serving areas will be spread around to keep the lines down and extra bathrooms too. Slainte!

Marker 48 Brewing is located at 12147 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, Fl.

ARTS AND CRAFTS ARTS AND CRAFTS EXHIBITION HOSTED BY THE HERNANDO COUNTY COMPUTER CLUB MONDAY, MARCH 26, 6PM Hernando Computer Club will showcase the talents of its club members and friends at its March 26 general meeting. The exhibition will feature photography, painting, pottery, sewing, embroidery and crafts. This event will take place in the Fellowship Hall of Grace Presbyterian Church, 8375 Spring Hill Drive.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity to purchase items donated by the artists in a Silent Auction.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.hcc.org or call 352-684-7171.

March 16 - 22, 2018 hernandosun.com

March 17

HERNANDO SUN

Calendar of Events

Hernando Youth Orchestra WHEN: Sunday, March 18, 3:30pm – 5:00pm Wine Tasting Fundraiser WHERE: Heather Community Center, 9100 Nakoma WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 2018 7 to 9 p.m.

Way, Weeki Wachee.

WHERE: Strong Tower Winery, located at 17810 Forge Description: Instruments to loan (and learn), and Music Drive, Spring Hill, FL 34610 to share! Kids (ages 6-21): Want to play classical Description: The Hernando County Public Library music, but lack an instrument? Need low-cost lessons? invites the community to join us for a fun evening Check us out! HYO loans violins, cellos, trombones, to benefit the Friends of the Library of Hernando and clarinets to our young musicians…and we give County, Inc. This fun evening will include music, wine low-cost violin and guitar lessons, too! If you already tastings, appetizers, desserts, a 50/50 raffle, wine know how to play—even better! Join us; we want you. basket raffle and a Chinese Auction. The tickets have Rehearsals: Sundays 3:30-5:00. Visit www.hernandoya cost of $15 per person or $25 per pair. Both event outhorchestra.org and raffle tickets can be purchased at all Hernando Pick Your Own Strawberries County Public Library branches, the Little Red School- WHEN: Now until they last 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. house Bookstore (1208 Kenlake Avenue, Spring Hill), WHERE: JG Ranch, 17200 Wiscon Road, Brooksville, FL or at the door at the Strong Tower Winery. Wine 34601 available for purchase by the glass or bottle as well as Description: Farm operated by Jeff & Debrah Casey soda and water. For additional information or reserva- has over 50,000 plants of strawberries each season. tions, contact: Regina at tokyovin@gmail.com or (727) Come pick fresh strawberries now. We have buckets 271-4163. Visit www.HernandoCountyLibrary.us for that you can use for picking and bags to take your locations or more information and follow @Hernanberries home. Dress appropriately for the current doPublicLibrary on Facebook for event updates. weather. Old shoes as it may be muddy. No sandals St. Patrick’s Day All Day All Night Party! or flip-flops. Hats and sunscreen for protection from WHEN: Weekend, March 17 & 18, 12pm – Sun, the sun. Picnic areas are available for guests to use.

March 18, 12am You may want to pack a lunch. Sunday picking by WHERE: Marker 48 Brewing, 12147 CORTEZ BLVD, arrangement. Call 352.799.0556 for more information.

BROOKSVILLE, FL, Description: The green beer will be flowing steady March 22 all day, night and weekend! We have live music and some of your favorite bands performing throughHernando Audubon Society Meeting out the day and night, starting with Noah Broe from WHEN: Thursday, March 22 @ 7 pm to 9 pm 12-3:30pm, DeShun from 4-7pm and Shawn Scheller WHERE: 131 S. Main St., Brooksville and The Contenders 7:30-11:30pm. BarbieCue will Description: Research ecologist Dr. Ariam Jiminez will be serving corned Beef and Cabbage all day from discuss collaborative research occurring in Cuba and 12-9pm and we will also have Nina’s Wood Fire Pizza, Florida: “Birds Know No Borders, Neither Does (Nor Tony’s Cheesesteaks, Got Lobstah and Sophie’s Sweet Should) Research. The meeting will be held at BrooksTreats! ALL drinks will be $5 ALL Day and NIGHT ville Women’s Club, 131 S. Main St., Brooksville. All utilizing a token system to help with wait times. Extra Hernando Audubon activities are free and open to seating and shade will be available in our “authentic the public.

Irish Tent Pub” but you are welcome to bring your March 23 own chairs as well. Extra serving areas will be spread around to keep the lines down and we will have extra Chuck-wills widow night hike bathrooms available.

WHEN: Friday, March 23, 7pm – 9pm Slainte!

Description: Chuck-wills widow birds are more often heard than seen. This unusual looking night time flyer March 18 can often be heard at Chinsegut. This night hiking opRock of Ages Performance portunity focuses on Chuck- wills widows and other WHEN: Sunday, March 18, 2:00pm – 4:30pm night flyers. This program is open to ages 5+ and will WHERE: 8390 FOREST OAKS BLVD, SPRING HILL, include an approximately half mile hike in the dark.

Description: HAIR....It was all about the hair in the Limited to 20 participants, please register online or by eighties. Book by Chris D’Arienzo. Adult - Center calling (352) 754-6722. Program length: 1.5 -2 hours / $25.00 Adult - Sides / $19.00 Student - Center / $20.00. Call or email to get your tickets today! 352 March 24 683-5113 / StageWest@att.net / http://stagewestflorida.com/ Train Show & Swap Meet WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2018, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Open House, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Dana’s Railroad Supply, 4042 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34606 Description: ALL SCALES ENCOURAGED. Table TOUCHSTAR CINEMAS space $10.00 per table. (Bring your own table and SPRING HILL 8 Friday, March 9, 2017 through March 15, 2018 chair). Set up time 7:30 a.m. (352) 684-2484. www. danasrailroadsupply.com.

Movie Times

Clean Air Bike Ride - Withlacoochee State Trail WHEN: Saturday, March 24 7:00am – 3:00pm WHERE: Liberty Park, 268 N Apopka Ave, Inverness, FL Description: Rain or Shine. No Mass Start. Continental Breakfast for all Entrants. The ride begins at the Inverness Trail Head this year, with additional SAG stops at Ridge Manor, Istachatta, and Citrus Springs.

This paved Withlacoochee State Trail winds through Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties in West Central Florida. The Trail Head is 2/10 mile north of the Old Historic Courthouse in downtown Inverness. Choose from 4 distances: 14 Miles: Heading South from the Trailhead, take our shortest loop and enjoy a scenic ride to Historic Floral City. 28 Miles: Enjoy a fully supported SAG stop at the small town of Nobleton, including a park, music, and restrooms! 48 Miles: This is our most popular distance and the SAG stop is located at Ridge Manor Trailhead (24 miles South) with large food and beverage support. 100 Miles: For the more serious rider. Ride the trail from end to end and complete this 50 mile stretch out and back with limited road crossings and plenty of wide open space to spin your wheels. Email: citruscountyevents@gmail. com March 27 Spring Hill Garden Club March Meeting: Medicinal Plants WHEN: 27 March 2018, 1:00 pm WHERE: Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill Description: Dr. Diedre Cagle, an obstetrics and and

9

Easter

Easter Bunny Skate Party WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2018 1:00pm – 4:30pm WHERE: The Locomo Skate-Dance-Party 10451 County Line Rd, Spring Hill Description: Join us at Locomo for our Skate with the Easter Bunny Party. $5 including regular skates. Skate along to today’s top music and taking photos with our Skating Easter Bunny! Make sure to bring your cameras! Games will be played! Prizes will be given.Snack Bar specials. Raffles given out to each paid guests for a chance to win Locomo prizes!

Community Good Friday Service WHEN: Friday, March 30, 2018 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

WHERE: Hernando County YMCA, 1300 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, Florida 34609 Description: Presented by the YMCA and the Hernando Christian Ministerial Association, the annual Good Friday Service provides an opportunity to bring members together from across the community to worship and enjoy the inspiring words of many.

Buccaneer Bay Water Egg Hunt WHEN: Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 11:00–14:30 WHERE: Weeki Wachee Springs, 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, Florida 34606 The annual egg hunt at Buccaneer Bay continues this year on Saturday, March 31. Age group and times as follows. Ages 0-3 11 AM (Kiddie Pool); Ages 4-6 12 PM (Kiddie Pool); Ages 7-10 1 PM (Beach); Ages 11-13 2 PM (Beach) Don’t forget to bring your own basket and swim suit! The event is included in the price of admission.

Call (352) 592-5656 for more information.

5th annual Hop n Glow WHEN: March 31, 2018 17:30–21:00 p.m.

WHERE: Anderson Snow Sports Complexanderson snow road, Spring Hill, Florida 34609 Description: The Greater Hernando County Chamber Young Professionals and C.E.T.A. invite you to Hop n Glow 2018. This black light and glow-in-the-dark themed, family fun evening event offers a Bunny Hop Dance Floor, 6 Age Defined Egg Hunts (starting at 6 pm), black light face painting, Bunny Appearance, and so much more! Proceeds benefit Education and Training grants and programs throughout Hernando County, including the grade schools! ickets available at hernandochamber.com.

Really Big Easter Party WHEN: Saturday, March 31, 2018 10 a.m. to 12 noon WHERE: Northcliffe Baptist Church, Northcliffe Blvd., Spring Hill Description: Come out and enjoy a FREE morning of Easter Egg Hunts (toddlers - 5th grade), food, bounce houses, popcorn, snowcones, and much more!

This event is free for the entire family! Visit northcliffeonline.org for more information and tickets.

gynecology specialist in Spring Hill, will be speaking on medicinal plants, what works and what doesn’t. Bring a plant for the plant exchange or just enter the drawing to choose a plant from those donated by members and guests. Meetings are free and open to the public.

Contact 352-683-9933 or www.naturecoastgardens. com April 2 Florida Master Naturalist Coastal Restoration Course WHEN: April 2, 2018 through April 4, 2018 8:30 am to 5:30 pm WHERE: UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County, 16110 Aviation Loop Drive Brooksville, Florida 34604.

Description: The new Coastal Shoreline Restoration module is now being offered at the UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County Office. This course focuses on living shoreline restoration and is intended to improve participants’ understanding of the science and application of living shorelines. It includes foundational training on the ecology, benefits, methods, and monitoring techniques for restoring oyster reefs, mangroves, and salt marshes. Graduates of this course will be better prepared to promote and assist with restoration projects.

Registration Fee: $155 - $175. To register or to view course schedule, visit: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/ fmnp/CR18-02.html. For more details, contact Florida Sea Grant Agent Brittany Hall-Scharf: 352-754-4433 or bhallscharf@ufl.edu

Clubs & Societies Please confirm dates and times by calling the contact person provided for the listing. To provide changes for a listing, email suequigley@hernandosun.com AARP Hernando County Driver Safety Programs AARP Hernando County training in Hernando County. For reservations or more information, call (352) 678-3090 or Skip at (352) 683-6840.

Accordian Adventure Accordian Adventure informal group consists of accordionists that are enthusiasts of all levels of performance. For more information, call Cathy at (352) 686-0975 or Peg at (352) 4425574.

Acoustic Guitar Club Spring Hill Acoustic Guitar Club goal is to play together, have fun doing it and to provide encouragement and support for each other in an effort to become better players. For more information, call Curt at (352) 666-3951 or Ken at (352) 684-6789.

African Violet Club of Spring Hill African Violet Club of Spring Hill has supplies available, and anyone interested in growing African violets is invited to attend meetings. For more information, call Thad Scaggs at (352) 345-5271.

American Legion Auxillary Unit 186. Meetings are held Monthly on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.at Post 186. The Post is located at 12091 Cortez Blvd.

Brooksville, Fl. 34613.

Ballroom Dance Club The Dance Club is held every 1st, 2nd and 4th Friday from 6-9:00 P.M. with a free dance lesson, during break. Wine and beer permitted. Every 3rd Friday there is a Theme Party.Held at the Senior Citizens Club, 7925 Rhanbuoy Rd., Spring Hill, Fl. 34606. Call 352-597-0107 Book Discussion Groups Book Discussion Groups meet

regularly at library locations in Hernando County. For more information, call Jeanne DelVecchio at (352) 754-4866.

All of the groups are open to new members.

Bowling Buddies Bowling Buddies is a singles bowling group that bowls for fun. For more information, call Nancy at (352) 688-4115.

British Car Club Nature Coast English Car Club is open to all British car owners and enthusiasts. For more information, call Jay Gerdin at 352.398,9243.

Ladies of the British Commonwealth Ladies of the British Commonwealth meets regularly at the Spring Hill Branch Public Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. This is a new group; all women of British lineage are welcome. For more information, call (352) 688-6503.

Brooksville Garden Club meets the second Wednesday of every Month from September to May at 12 noon.

The Country Kitchen, 20133 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville 34601.

12 PM “Dutch Treat” order off menu or just come for the 1:00 PM Speaker and stay for our Member’s updates of projects and field trips which includes all. Interested? Call (352) 799-4319.

Brooksville Horseshoe Club The club meets regularly. New, backyard and experienced players are welcome. Horseshoes are available for loan, and there is no cost to play.

Call Richard Watson at (352) 584-4102.

Corvette Club Nature Coast Corvette Club meets regularly.

For more information, visit the club’s website at www.ncvette. com

Crescent Community Clinic Crescent Community Clinic is a volunteer-run, nonprofit clinic that provides primary medical, dental and mental health services to uninsured adults ages 18 to 64 who meet federal poverty guidelines. To volunteer or sponsor future Friends of the Clinic functions, call (352) 610-9927.

Domino Club Spring Hill Domino Club meets regularly for socials. Call Nancy, club secretary, at (352) 346-6337.

Elks Lodge 2582 The Elks Lodge 2582 located on County Line Road meets regularly.

Members and guests are welcome. Other activities include bingo, dominoes, cards, billiards, music and a cash bar.

Call 352.596.2582 Fantasy African Violet Club The Fantasy African Violet Club meets the second Saturday monthly, except in December. Meeting starts at 1 p.m. The program Topic is African Violet Cousins/ Other Gesneriads. For more information, contact Thad Scaggs at 352-345-5271, tascaggs@gmail.com or Carol Chmiko – scootsno@yahoo. com - Meetings are held at the Weeki Wachee Senior Citizens Club, 3357 Susan Dr. and corner of Toucan Trail First Hernando Republican Club First Hernando Republican Club meets regularly.

Email chairman@hernandorepublicans.org or email recfhrc@tampabay.rr.com.

Friends Travel Club Call (352) 684-7568 for more information or visit www.springhillregional. net for more information.

Genealogy Interest Group Genealogy Interest Group meets regularly. For more in-

formation, call (352) 796-1623.

Grumman Retiree Club Grumman Retiree Club, Midwest Florida Chapter, meets at 11:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month (except June, July and August) at Buffet City, 13235 Cortez Blvd. (State Road 50), Brooksville. All former Grumman and Northrop Grumman employees and their guests are invited to attend. For club information, call Bea Hall at (352) 686-9529 in Hernando County; or Gus Krayer at (352) 586-1558 in Citrus County.

H2U Partner’s Club Partner’s Club features the following activities at the club located behind Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill: Yoga, line dance, rug hooking, needlework and exercise.

Membership is $20 a year, which includes membership into the H2U program. For more information, call (352) 597-6383.

Hernando Audubon Society Hernando Audubon Society will resume meetings and field hikes in September. For more information, call Linda Vanderveen at 352.428.2629 or email lindalark85@gmail.com Visit online at www.hernandoaudubon.org Hernando Beach Club Meets at 3145 Flamingo Blvd.

Friday dinners and events throughout the year. Visit hernandobeachclub.com or call 352.596.5878 for details.

Hernando Computer Club At its March 26 general meeting, the Hernando Computer Club will host an “Art and Craft Exhibition” where club members and friends will showcase their creations. Photograph, painting, pottery, sewing,

embroidery and crafts will be on display. This will take place in the Fellowship Hall of Grace Presbyterian Church, 8375 Spring Hill Drive. Doors open at 6 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity to purchase items donated by the artists in a Silent Auction. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.hcc.org or call 352-6847171.

Hernando County Arts Council would like to invite the public to our meetings on the 2nd. Thursday every month at Brooksville City Hall, 201 Howell Ave. Brooksville, FL 34601 in Council Chambers at 5:30 pm.

Our mission is to encourage, support and promote all of the creative arts and assist in bringing these arts to the citizens. Visit website hernandoarts.org or e-mail hernandofinearts@gmail.com. Contact Jan Knowles 352.279.5182.

Hernando County Button Collectors Group Join our monthly meetings for button history and button age and material identification. Meets 1-2:30 p.m. (usually the 3rd Monday of the month) at the Brooksville Main Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. For more info, visit our Facebook page or email holeybuttons@ gmail.com.

Hernando County Kennel Club meets at 8:00 PM on the third Thursday of the month at Hernando Council #1 Senior Citizens Center, 8187 Fort Dade Ave. Brooksville. Visit webmaster@hernandocountykennelclub.org Hernando County Retired Educators Association Please join us if you are a person formerly employed as an

educator or other school employee. We meet every other month at 10 a.m. at the Enrichment Center (next to Brooksville hospital) on Cortez Blvd. in Brooksville. Please visit the website www.frea.org.

Merry 352-835-7210 Hernando Harmonizers Hernando Harmonizers meet on Monday evenings. A fun and friendly group of men who enjoy singing barbershop harmony and other styles of music. Visit hernandoharmonizers.org/contact.html Hernando Historical Museum Association has three Museums open to the public, Tuesday thru Saturday 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. They are The May Stringer House, The 1885 Train Depot and The Countryman Family One Room Schoolhouse. We are always in need of volunteers in several different areas; Tour guides for adult and students; Museum greeters, Grounds Assistants & Special Events Assistants to name a few. For more about our Museums please visit our website hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com. For more information, call 352-515-3054 & please mention this ad!

Hernando Horseshoe Club Meets every Thursday at Tom Varn Park in Brooksville at 9 a.m. New members welcome.

Call Richard Watson at 352 584-4102 or email richardpwatson@bellsouth.net.

Hernando Jazz Society meets regularly and conducts nine performances each year from September through May. For information call Bill McLoughlin 352-799-9690/visit hernandojazzsociety.org Hernando Porcelain Artists

See CLUBS page 10

10 HERNANDO SUN

hernandosun.com

March 16- 22, 2018

Adopt Me Today!!!

Deer humans,

Please help Willow by sharing her story if you can’t help her by adopting.

Willow (10314211) is a young blue terrier, approx. 50 lbs. She has been at the shelter for a few weeks now. She is getting very unhappy in her kennel, and therefore does not show well to many potential adopters. She is a different girl outside! Look at how calm and nice she is, just sitting in the sun. If only The right person would come along who recognizes how stressful it is for a dog to sit in a small kennel 24/7, getting out about twice a week when it’s playtime for about 20 minutes! It is no life! Willow is looking for her savior NOW –could it be you? Willow is a sweet dog, but probably would do best as an only animal in the home, but if there are other dogs in the home a meet and greet is highly encouraged.

Come and meet this beauty at Hernando County Animal Services, 19450 Oliver St, Brooksville, FL

wil yu pleez com to the sheltr and see us we wud lov yu to adopt us we want to brin’ you joy. We now that every huoman needs a cuddly sol mat, so let us be the ons.

Come and see us at 19450 Oliver St. Brooksville, FL.

Love,

10314452 - This handsome adult male Terrier mix walks well on a leash and seems all set for St. Petty's day, don't ya think? Come meet him today! Hernando Animal Services,19450 Oliver St. Brooksville, FL 352-796-5062

RIGHT: 10314480 - I’m a big boy with a playful side. Once I figured out what that purple thing was, I was a happy go lucky ball chasin’ pup.

So far, I seem ok with other dogs though a meet and greet is suggested. Hernando Animal Services,19450 Oliver St. Brooksville, Fl 352-796-5062

10314387 - This big boy is a total love bug. He had fun going up to each of the other kennels and saying hello to the other cats and then came right over for a snuggle. The cats of Hernando County need your love too! Hernando Animal Services,19450 Oliver St. Brooksville, FL 352796-5062

G#10314332 - Take a “Gander” at this fella. He is an adult male Goose who is quite talkative.

We think he is saying “Adopt me!” Hernando Animal Services,19450 Oliver St. Brooksville, FL 352-796-5062

10314480 - I'm a big boy with a playful side. Once I figured out what that purple thing was, I was a happy go lucky ball chasin' pup. So far, I seem ok with other dogs though a meet and greet is suggested. Hernando Animal Services,19450 Oliver St. Brooksville, Fl 352-796-5062

CLUBS from Page 9

meet regularly in Brooksville. The group welcomes new members interested in learning the art of paitning china. Call 352.592.4814 Hernando Quilters Guild meet every Monday at 10 am in the Turning Point Church fellowship Hall, 19384 Ingram St. Brooksville. Contact Carol Meisberger at 352-796-6371.

Hernando Youth Orchestra Come share the music. Rehearsals Sundays at 3:30 p.m. at the Heather Community. For details, visit hernandoyouthorchestra.org.

High Point Community Ballroom Dance Classes The High Point Community holds ballroom dancing classes every Wednesday at the Community Center located on Clubhouse Drive, Brooksville. Call 352.683.3699 for more information.

Historic Brooksville Wood Turners meets every first Thursday of the month at the Brooksville Christian Church at 6197 Broad St. in Brooksville. Meeting begins at 7 p.m. prompt. Visit www.woodturner.org/ members/?id=24458381 Humane Society of the Nature Coast holds adoption events throughout the year. Rescue groups will be on hand with dogs and cats available for adoption.Call (727) 842-9279 or visit www.humanerescue.org Hungarian-American Club

Hungarian-American Club holds monthly gatherings wherein authentic Hungarian meals are served, while listening to folk songs and dance tunes.

New members welcome. For club information,visit the club’s website at www.hunclub.org Illinois Club of Spring Hill The club meets regularly. All welcome to join. Call 352.597-0346.

Keep It Local Keep It Local is a networking group that meets every Wednesday from 7:45 am to 9:15 am at the Spring Hill Diner, 3426 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. Meeting begins promptly at 8 am. Contact Melanie at 352.263.7749 or email her at melaniegrossi@tampabay.rr.com.

Kiwanis Club of Brooksville Ridge Kiwanis Club of Brooksville Ridge holds regular breakfast meetings. Contact Pierre Richard at 352.596.6632. kiwanisofthebrooksvilleridge.com.

Kiwanis Club of Nature Coast Kiwanis Club of the Nature Coast meets regularly Spring Hill. For more information, visit www.kiwanisnaturecoast.org Kiwanis Club of Spring Hill Meets weekly on Tuesday at noon at the Town Square Mall. For more information on the Club and Upcoming Events please contact Godfrey Eason, Membership Chair geas46@ bellsouth.net Kiwanis Club of Weeki Wachee Meets 1st and 3rd Monday evenings

of the month at 6 p.m. Visit weeki-wachee.kiwanisone.org Long Island CluB Long Island Club meets at 11 a.m. the third Wednesday of every month at St. Stephen’s Church, 5326 Charles St., New Port Richey. Coffee and cake are served prior to the meeting. For more information, call (727) 861-0171.

Michigan Club Michigan Club welcomes back some Snowbirds. Contact Martha Wauters 352-835-7492 or Barb or Dave Selback 352-592-9663 Marine Corps League, Spring Hill Detachment 708: 8405 Sunshine Grove Road, west of Brooksville.

Visit the website at mcl708.org. (352) 597-7979.

Monday Night Singles The group is for singles 50 and older. For more information, call Joanne at (352) 5966969 or Phyllis at (352) 596-3125.

NARFE Chapter 1322 NARFE Chapter 1322 holds its monthly meetings at the Marine Corps League Detachment 708 at 8405 Sunshine Grove Rd. Brooksville, Florida. We meet the third Friday of every month at 1:00 P.M. except for June – August. As a group, NARFE supports legislation beneficial to current Federal employees and annuitants and opposes legislation contrary to their interests. We are prepared to assist you in any way we are able to. We are always looking for new members. Contact Dennis Foley at 352-754-6160 or e-mail peacock1973@att.net for information.

Nature Coast Art League: Members meet from 10 a.m. to Noon every Monday at the Spring Hill Community Center (The Lake House), 1202 Kenlake Avenue, Spring Hill. Shadow Chasers (plein air group) meet at 9 a.m. every Wednesday; call (787) 517-6455 for location. A general meeting is held from 1-3 p.m. on the third Monday of every month (September through May) at The Lake House. New members are welcome. Visit www.naturecoastartleague.com For further info call (352) 556-5640 or (352) 610-4643.

Nature Coast Basket Guild We meet the second tuesday of the month .

September thru April at the Enrichment Center at 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd, Brooksville, Fl at 11 am. Learn how to weave a basket or just come join us. Contact: Arlene 256-599-1374 Nature Coast Bridge Club The Nature Coast Bridge Club offers games regularly. Games for all levels of players are offered, and beginners.

Call 352.556.389 Nature Coast Gardens Meetings are free and open to the public. Contact: 352-683-9933 or www.naturecoastgardens.com.

Nature Coast Orators Toastmasters Club: Meets 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednes-

days at Bayfront Health Brooksville Enrichment Center, Suite 120, Medical Arts Building, 17222 People Helping People in Hernando County A nonprofit, interfaith, all-volunteer organization dedicated to helping the needy and homeless.

Call (352) 686-4466. www.phpinhc.org Poor Rich’s Chess Club Poor Rich’s Chess Club meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m at Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Call 352.678.6987.

Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central Members of Rotary meets Thursday at 12:15 p.m. at Silverthorn Country Club, off Barclay Avenue in Spring HIll. Call 352-238-5389 Rotary Club of Brooksville Members of Rotary meets at noon Thursdays at Southern Hills Plantation Club, 19850 Southern Hills Blvd. Visit www. brooksvillerotary.org.

Rotary Club of Spring Hill meets Thursdays at 7:45 a.m. at the IHop Restaurant, US.19, Commercial Way, Spring Hill. Guests are welcome.

Visit www.shcrotary.org or call 352.666.4107.

Senior Citizens Club of Hernando County Senior Citizens Club of Hernando County, 7925 Rhanbuoy Road, Spring Hill, Call 352.596.1711.

SHARP Crime Watch SHARP Crime Watch meets at the Senior Citizens Club of Hernando County, 7925 Rhanbuoy Road, Spring Hill. Voluntee needed. Call (352) 683-5936 or email scrimewatch@tampabay.rr.com Sons of Italy Friendship Lodge 2728 New members welcome. Call 352.688.9637 Sons of Italy Lodge 2502 Sons of Italy Nature Coast Lodge 2502. Call 727.862.3170 South Brooksville Neighborhood Watch is seeking volunteers.

Meetings are held from 6 to 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month at 601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Brooksville. Call (352) 397-1423.

Spring Hill AGLOW International Spring Hill Aglow International meets from 8:45 a.m. to noon the third Monday of each month at Evergreen Woods, 7030 Evergreen Woods Trail, Call Rachael at (352) 848-4182.

Spring Hill Bocce Club Spring Hill Bocce Club meets regularly every Tuesday and Friday at Delta Woods Park. New members welcome. Annual dues are $5. Call 352.596.3503 Spring Hill Camera Club Spring Hill Camera Club meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Brooksville Enrichment Center, Medical Arts Building, Suite 120, of the Brooksville Regional Hospital campus, 17222 Hospital Blvd., off State Road 50, Brooksville.

Membership is open to all beginning

and experienced film and digital photographers.Call Bill at (352) 556-3708 or visit its website at www.springhillcameraclub.org Spring Hill Domino Club meets regularly. Singles dance parties every Wednesday at its club on County Line Road. Free dance lessons offered. Call 352.346.6337.

Spring Hill Garden Club meets regularly. The nursery is open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Saturdays. Call 252.683.9933 for more information..

Subvets WWII Weeki Wachee meet regularly. All qualified discharged, retired or active members are welcome.

Call Robbie Roberts at (352) 592-5161 or (352) 428-3964.

Suncoast Ship Model Society meets regularly at the Weeki Wachee Senior Citizens Club in Spring Hill. Open to all modelers.Call 352.592.6419 Suncoast Harmony Chorus, west-central Florida chapter of Sweet Adelines, International, Real women singing real harmony. We are looking fore more singers. The ability to read music or prior vocal training is not a prerequisite. We meet every Tuesday 7 PM, Salishan Gracious Retirement Living, 191 Astaire Ln., Spring Hill 34609 Call Cindy at 352-597-4376, or visit www.suncoast-harmony.com.

TOPS Chapter 208 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Thursday, 6 p.m. at Gulf Ridge Park Baptist Church, 20200 Manecke Road, Brooksville.

Call Linda 352-796-1236 USA Dance Club Adventure Coast Chapter 6090 Join us every 2nd Thursday of the month at the Lake House, 1202 Kenlake Ave, Spring Hill for an evening of dance with DJ Pete’s fabulous music. All types of music and a free dance lesson included. Free snacks and coffee or BYO. Members $6/Nonmembers $8. Call 352.515.5008 or 631.220.7029 VFW Post 10209 Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10209 offers weekly activities at its Post located at 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, off Anderson Snow Road, Spring Hill. Call (352) 796-0398.

VFW Post 1681 and Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 1681 and Ladies Auxiliary holds bar bingo every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. the second Sunday of every month in Brooksville. Call 352.796.4449 VFW Post 8681 Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8681 offers weekly activities at its Post located at 18940 Drayton St., off County Line Road, Spring Hill.

Call (727) 856-1860.

VFW Post 8713 & Ladies Aux. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8713

See CLUBS page 11

March 16 - 22, 2018

hernandosun.com

HERNANDO SUN

11

SPORTS

Hernando baseball aims for 20-win season

By ANDY VILLAMARZO is a great squad when HERNANDO SUN STAFF it comes to practices. If

The year 2014 is the last time Hernando’s varsity baseball team posted a 20-plus win campaign.

With a 23-5 record nearly four years ago, the Leopards have struggled to get back to that elusive mark.

Hernando has steadily declined since then when it comes to victories, with the program winning 18 games in 2015, 17 in 2016 and 15 last year. Coming off a 2017 season in which Hernando was able to clinch a berth in the Class 5A playoffs, the Leopards are now poised to make a run at winning 20 games and once again contending for the district championship.

Losing to rival Nature Coast 15-5 in the Class 5A, District 7 championship and eventually falling 4-1 to Orlando Bishop Moore in the regional quarterfinals has Hernando back in the talks of being a playoff contender once more. The Leopards have plenty of talent returning to the roster, including sophomore Connor Morgan. Morgan currently leads Hernando with two home runs and eight runs batted in.

“I’ll always say that the best team wins,” Hernando coach Tim Sims said. “Pitchers and hitters situationally are very good. From top to bottom, we’ve got a great group. From experience wise, this group has played a lot of baseball. This team

CLUBS from Page 10

& Ladies Auxiliary, 1681 E. Jefferson St., Brooksville, offers weekly activities. For more information, call (352) 796-4449.

VFW Post 9236 offers activities at the Post located at 3435 Shoal Line Boulevard. For more information, call the Post at (352) 596-9236.

Weeki Wachee Anglers, Inc. Membership in this fishing and social club is open to adults and children. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each on the first Wednesday of each month at Glen Lakes Country Club, 10485 Glen Lakes Boulevard. The banquet room is open 5-7 p.m. with food for purchase (debit/credit cards only); cash bar is available. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. and is free/open to the public. Call Ron at 207-608-5442 or Anita at 317-966-0000 or visit www. weekiwacheeanglersinc.com.

Weeki Wachee Area Club Weeki Wachee Area Club holds bingo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at 7442 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach.

For more information, call (352) 596-3316.

Weeki Wachee Arts and Crafts Group: meets every Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Weeki Wachee Senior Citizen Club, 3357 Susan Drive (corner of Toucan Trail) in Weeki Wachee Acres, Spring Hill. Call Leslie Dun-

we can improve defensively, we need to just tighten up on defense.”

Currently 6-2 on the season heading into the spring, the Leopards have been one of the county’s most aggressive teams on the base pads, stealing 21 bases through eight games.

Leading the team in steals is Dylan DuPhily with five steals. With Hernando averaging just over eight runs per game, the Leopards will be back in the hunt for a district crown.

“Connor Morgan and Dylan DuPhily have gone off to good starts for us,” Sims said. “We only have three senior starters really. Carson Lashley has had one start for us but he’s gotta chime in on the mound for us to be good. There’s some very, very good teams in our district with very good players.”

The Leopards’ pitching is another reason for optimism, as senior Jackson Short and junior Marrick Aske have both accounted for wins this season and are leading Hernando’s pitching staff.

Hernando’s pitchers will need to be on point heading into the Farm Bureau Classic, which will be hosted by the Leopards.

“We are excited about the Farm Bureau Classic this year,” Sims said. “We’ve got 16 teams in the tournament again and all the coaches are very excited about it again.

We open against a good Zephyrhills team and we are ready to go. It’s

can, 352-428-7904 for further information.

Weeki Wachee Woodcarvers The Weeki Wachee Woodcarvers meet regularly at the Weeki Wachee Senior Center. New Members welcome. Call Mike Rice at 352.683.9087 for more information.

Wellington Democrats The Wellington Democrats meet regularly at the Wellington at Seven Hills Clubhouse, off Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill For more information, contact Gene Ehrich at WellingtonDemocrats@gmail.com Withlacoochee Rockhounds Interested in Rocks, Fossils, Jewelry making? This is the club for you. Meets 7 pm, 2nd Wed. monthly at Weeki Wachee Senior Citizens Center, 3357 Susan Dr., Spring Hill. Are you an expert-we could use your help. If not, maybe we can help you. Visit website www.withlacoocheerockhounds.com or call Dorwin at 352-610-9422. Bring your minerals, fossils or jewelry to show or be identified.

Women’s Army Corps, WAC Vets Hernando Chapter 97 meet regularly at American Legion Post 186 located at 12091 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. The group does not meet in July or August. Call Barb Miles at (352) 556-3315.

Any changes, please contact Sue Quigley at suequigley@ hernandosun.com or call 727.808.9587.

a great test for the two teams whoever can make the finals. Nature Coast is looking like one of the favorites heading out there heading into the Classic.”

The Farm Bureau Classic will feature many local and out of area clubs, but before that, they will face Loudon Redskins from Tennessee. Hernando will matchup against Loudon this week before the tournament begins and though the Redskins have just started to begin their regular season slate of games, the contest will be interesting one for onlookers. Other teams taking part in the tourney includes, Nature Coast, New Port Richey River Ridge and Zephyrhills.

Connor Morgan at bat last season. Photo by Cheryl Clanton.

High School Sports Schedules Week 3/19/2018 thru 3/25/2018 Central High School Bears MON

03/19/18

V BASEBALL

CITRUS FARM BUREAU TOURNAMENT

HOME

04:00:00 PM

MON

03/19/18

V SOFTBALL

CITRUS PARK CHRISTIAN @14075 KEN AUSTIN PKWY, BROOKSVILLE 34613

AWAY

06:00:00 PM

TUES

03/20/18

V BASEBALL

TBA FARM BUREAU TOURNAMENT GAME 2

HOME

TBA

TUES

03/20/18

V SOFTBALL

CITRUS

AWAY

07:00:00 PM

THURS

03/22/18

V BASEBALL

TBA FARM BUREAU TOURNAMENT GAME 3

HOME

TBA

THURS

03/22/18

V SOFTBALL

SEVEN RIVERS CHRISTIAN

HOME

07:00:00 PM

FRI

03/23/18

V BASEBALL

TBA @ SPRINGSTEAD FARM BUREAU CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

AWAY

TBA

SAT

03/24/18

JV BASEBALL

NATURE COAST

AWAY

12:00:00 PM

Hernando High School Leopards MON

03/19/18

JV BASEBALL

CITRUS

AWAY

06:00:00 PM

MON

03/19/18

V BASEBALL

ZEPHYRHILLS FARM BUREAU CLASSIC

HOME

07:00:00 PM

TUES

03/20/18

V BASEBALL

TBA FARM BUREAU CLASSIC

HOME

TBA

TUES

03/20/18

JV BASEBALL

CRYSTAL RIVER

AWAY

06:00:00 PM

THURS

03/22/18

V BASEBALL

TBA FARM BUREAU CLASSIC

HOME

TBA

FRI

03/23/18

JV BASEBALL

SPRINGSTEAD

HOME

04:00:00 PM

FRI

03/23/18

JV BASEBALL

LECANTO

AWAY

06:00:00 PM

FRI

03/23/18

JV BASEBALL

SPRINGSTEAD

HOME

07:00:00 PM

Nature Coast Technical High School Sharks MON

03/19/18

V BASEBALL

RIVER RIDGE FARM BUREAU TOURNAMENT

TBA

04:00:00 PM

WED

03/21/18

JV BASEBALL

WEEKI WACHEE

HOME

06:00:00 PM

WED

03/21/18

V SOFTBALL

WEEKI WACHEE

AWAY

07:00:00 PM

SAT

03/24/18

JV BASEBALL

CENTRAL

HOME

12:00:00 PM

F. W. Springstead High School Eagles MON

03/19/18

V BASEBALL

FIVAY

AWAY

07:00:00 PM

TUES TUES

03/20/18

V SOFTBALL

DUNNELLON

HOME

07:00:00 PM

03/20/18

V BASEBALL

TBA FARM BUREAU TOURNAMENT

TBA

TBA

THURS

03/22/18

V SOFTBALL

ACADEMY AT THE LAKES

HOME

06:00:00 PM

THURS

03/22/18

V BASEBALL

TBA FARM BUREAU TOURNAMENT

TBA

07:00:00 PM

FRI

03/23/18

JV BASEBALL

HERNANDO

AWAY

04:00:00 PM

FRI

03/23/18

V SOFTBALL

CRYSTAL RIVER

AWAY

07:00:00 PM

FRI

03/23/18

JV BASEBALL

HERNANDO

AWAY

07:00:00 PM

SUNLAKE FARM BUREAU SPRING BREAK TOURNAMENT

HOME

04:00:00 PM

NATURE COAST

AWAY

06:00:00 PM

NATURE COAST

HOME

07:00:00 PM

Weeki Wachee High School Hornets MON

03/19/18

V BASEBALL

Hernando Sportsmans Club WED

03/21/18

JV BASEBALL

WED

03/21/18

V SOFTBALL

FRI

03/23/18

V SOFTBALL

CITRUS

HOME

07:00:00 PM

SAT

03/24/18

V SOFTBALL

MARS (PA)

TBA

10:15:00 AM

Events Calendar

Hernando Christian Academy Lions

MON MON

16121 Commercial Way, Brooksville, FL 34614 03/19/18 V SOFTBALL ACADEMY AT THE LAKES March 9 - 16, 2018 03/19/18 V BASEBALL ZEPHYRHILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

AWAY

05:00:00 PM

AWAY

06:00:00 PM

TUES

03/20/18

V SOFTBALL

CITRUS PARK CHRISTIAN

HOME

04:30:00 PM

TUES

03/20/18

V BASEBALL

CITRUS PARK CHRISTIAN

HOME

04:30:00 PM

THURS

03/22/18

V BASEBALL

ACADEMY AT THE LAKES

HOME

04:00:00 PM

FRI

03/23/18

V SOFTBALL

FOUNDATION ACADEMY

HOME

04:30:00 PM

12 HERNANDO SUN

hernandosun.com March 16 - 22, 2018

SPORTS

Springstead softball remains focused in 2018

BY ANDY VILLAMARZO HERNANDO SUN STAFF

The sting still hurts for Springstead’s varsity softball team from last season’s Class 6A, Region 2 championship loss to Land O’ Lakes.

What made it hurt just a little bit more for the Eagles was the fact that the Gators ended up becoming the eventual Class 6A state champions when it was all said and done.

Now eight games into the 2018 season, Springstead has picked up right where it left off.

The Eagles are currently sporting an impressive 8-0 record and have handily handled any opponent that has stood in their way. Springstead has allowed a mere four runs and recorded five shutout victories. Nothing less than winning the district and making a deep postseason run will help satisfy the Eagles this time around.

Springstead senior pitcher Kayla Cruz has been dominant in her five starts this season, compiling a record of 5-0 and boasting an earned run average of 0.42. To go along with those stunning stats, Cruz has also struck out 35 batters and allowed just four runs. The ace of the team will be relied upon heavily to guide Springstead to another stellar campaign.

Not to be completely out done by Cruz is fellow pitcher Mariah Galhouse, who is a junior on the roster. Galhouse has been the team’s No. 2 pitcher this season and has done an impressive job so far. The junior is sporting a record of 3-0, no runs allowed and has struck out 20 so far this season.

Not only can Springstead impress on the mound, but the Eagles

Number 32 Audrey Selby with first run of game against Crystal River, earlier this season.

have been swinging the bats consistently at the plate as well. With 63 runs scored this season, Springstead has shown the ability to put up runs at a record pace. Galhouse leads the team with a batting average of .593, with nine runs batted in and six doubles.

The Eagles have belted three home runs so far, as senior Paige Pfent has accounted for two of the homers.

The grind of the regular season is underway and despite having such high aspirations, Springstead has loaded itself once again with several area powers on the schedule.

This weekend is the annual Leopard Softball Slam Tournament, which will take place in Brooksville at Tom Varn Park. Also taking part in the tournament from Hernando County will be teams like host Hernando and Nature Coast, respectively.

SHS Number 23 Mariah Galhouse The Eagles will see

Welcoming Burn Boot Camp to the Hernando County Chamber of Commerce Coverage by CHERYL CLANTON

Front row left to right: Tori Passarella, Scott Passarella, Amy Passarella, Trisha Donavan, Jill Kern and Jean Herberts. In attendance Hernando County of Commerce: Patricia Crowley, Debbie Cutlip, Dana Cutlip, Tonya Szado, Bob, Liebl, Debbie Weaver, Charlotte Carter, Wynne Davis to name a few.

Burn Boot Camp, new chamber member, is a boutique fitness concept where like-minded women come together, to build confidence and inspire one

another through fitness.

There are several ways to sign up for the camps.

Also able to work with members needing special attention regarding any

Left to Right: Scott Passarella, Tori Passarella, Jill Kern, Amy Passarella, Trisha Donavan

health or disabilities .

Hours: Monday thru Friday AM camps: 5:30 / 6:30 / 9:30 PM camps: 4:30 / 5:30 (co-ed) 6:30 (co-ed) Saturday morning camps: 8:00am (co-ed & members only) 9:00am (co-ed & open to public) Child care Free for Members only. Childcare personnel have had background checks & CPR training.

Address: 4132 Mariner Blvd.

Spring Hill FL 34609

Number 37 Paige Pfent Senior Catcher

their fair share of solid competition, facing the likes of Bloomingdales from Hillsborough County and Dunedin from Pinellas County. Both the Bulls and the Falcons should provide good measuring bars on where the Eagles are at going into spring break. The goal still remains to erase the

sting they still feel from last year’s narrow loss to Land O’ Lakes. The road to redemption has begun and Springstead is passing so far with flying colors.

Solution to Crossword on page 15

March 16- 22, 2018 hernandosun.com

HERNANDO SUN

13

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY BUSINESS / COMMUNITY BRIEFS PHSC seeks employers for job, internship fair Pasco-Hernando State College, CareerSource Pasco Hernando, the Hernando Chamber of Commerce, and Hernando County Office of Economic Development are seeking employers to participate in the Opportunity 2018 – Hernando Job and Internship Fair on April 5, 2018 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The event will be held at the PHSC Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Ct. Local health care, manufacturing and other employers interested in promoting open positions and future opportunities will meet with job seekers, including community members and PHSC students. Employers interested in participating should contact Breanna Perry, coordinator of career services, at 352-797-5174, or email to careerservices@ phsc.edu.

The job fair is open to anyone looking for a job. Job seekers may preregister for this event at jobfairphscSH2018. eventbrite.com.

B U S I N E S S

S P O T L I G H T

Ferris Groves: An Old Florida experience Doc Ferris’ legacy lives on growing, marketing citrus and berry products

By JULIE B. MAGLIO THE HERNANDO SUN

S

ometime before the end of their season in midApril, you must take a drive out to historic Floral City and visit Ferris Groves. The colorful farm store built in 1959 is old Florida at its finest. Here you can purchase their citrus and berry products and a variety of jams, preserves, syrups, milkshakes and even locally raised beef.

While their citrus products are now grown Want to be throughout Florida due to a tour guide?

Citrus Greening, the “Ferris Berry” strawberries Do you love history? and blueberries are grown Your help is needed just three hours a week. Retir- on the Duval Island farm ee’s welcome!! along Lake Tsala Apopka We have three musein Citrus County. There ums, The May-Stringer are 85 acres devoted to House – a 14 room Victo- strawberries and another rian home is perched on 40 acres for blueberries. top of a hill overlooking the city of Brooksville has Ferris Groves employs 10 staff throughout the over 11,000 artifacts on year and during the busy display; The 1885 Train season, about 100 contract Depot was to be part of a railway system connecting employees. travelers and freight from The owner of Ferris the ports of the East Coast Groves, is Southern of Florida to the Gulf Citrus Corporation - who of Mexico and The One purchased the 450 acre Room Schoolhouse Museum – a representation of Lake Tsala Apopka propthe first school built in the erty from Harriet Ferris 1850’s by Fredrick Lykes, in 1978 along with the packing plant and farm will bring you back in store located on Highway time to experience a fun and interactive lesson 41. Ferris Groves was while sitting at authentic the brainchild Harriet’s wooden desks. husband, L.G. “Doc” Visit our website www. Ferris, an outgoing and hernandohistoricalmuseu- ingenious marketer who massoc.com or call Mary at 352-515-3054 for more was the grand-nephew of the inventor of the Ferris information.

Wheel - George Washington Gales Ferris.

9th Annual Hogan Doc came to Florida Law FirmCharity Fishing Tournament to in 1925 to join other benefit HPH Hospice

members of the Ferris family in investing in Floral City property. His father, James Cleveland Ferris, who was president of Simmons Bed Manufacturers in Kenosha, Wisconsin, “sank” $100,000 in a Homosassa development after his retirementaccording to Hampton Dunn’s Back Home- a The iconic sign for Ferris Groves beckons passersby to stop in for some fresh produce. history of Citrus County.

The elder Ferris hoped Parson Browns, Hamlin that Duval Island would and Valencia oranges, prove more successful Temple oranges, tangelos, and wished to develop an white, pink and ruby red upper echelon golf club grapefruit. There were community there. Howev- around 70 employees er, plans fell through after during harvest season, the 1926 hurricane and the working in the processing real estate market bust. plant, in the fields and at Doc was left with Duval the retail store.

Island after his father While 85 percent of passed away in 1927.

Florida citrus were grown Doc’s idea for Duval from lemon stock, Doc Island did not involve told Milton Plumb, farm golf. He knew the island’s editor of the Tampa Tririch soil and proximity bune, “Hammock land and to the water would be sour orange stock- that’s ideal for citrus groves. the formula for whatever There were already about success I have made.”

20 acres of citrus trees Doc marketed and Above: Doc Ferris, “The King of Citrus” planted on the island sold their citrus products when he acquired it, some throughout the country estimated to be 100 years and worldwide. Railcars old. In 1938, he became a were loaded from the full time resident of Floral packing plant. Every City and in 1942, he Christmas Doc sent his built a packing plant for citrus to the President of $75,000. the United States. In 1959, They say the very old President Dwight Eisencitrus trees were around hower personally thanked 40 feet tall and pickers him for the generous gift were paid 35 cents per in a letter explaining that box (2 bushels) to harvest while Mrs. Eisenhower is them. A single tree could away, “all of my grandyield about 80 bushels. children… needless to Harvesters were paid 25 say, are joining in my cents per box for the 30 enjoyment of the fruit.” foot trees. At the height of Ferris Groves also had production, Ferris Groves a large presence in South had over 350 acres and Florida, where Doc’s wife 31,000 trees in many Above: Ferris Groves employees serve up fresh See FERRIS, Page 15 squeezed oj and milkshakes. citrus varieties including

The 9th Annual Hogan Law Firm Charity Fishing Tournament to benefit HPH Hospice (Hospice), a Chapters Health Affiliate, casts off on Saturday, May 5, 2018 from Bayport, Florida. The event begins at 7:00 a.m. with breakfast provided by Chick-Fil-A. The Awards Dinner, sponsored and catered by Sonny’s BBQ, will immediately follow the tournament.

Event details, rules, and angler registration forms are available at www. hlf-fishingtournament.com Above: Community members pose for a photo in front of or you may email info@ the fire truck Doc donated to the newly formed Floral City hoganlawfirm.com or call volunteer fire department.

352-799-8423 for more information.

Angler registration is $100 per angler. Although pre-registration is encouraged, angler registrations will be accepted the morning of the event. All anglers receive an angler gift bag, angler shirt, and breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cash prizes are paid to the top three teams. The first prize team for the last tournament was awarded $1,200 in cash. All proceeds from the tournament benefit HPH Hospice.

The event’s Title Sponsor is The Hogan Law Firm, LLC. Other sponsors include: Topline Hy-Lift Johnson, Inc., Tree Care

by Robert Miller, Builder’s Automation Machinery Co., LLC, Chickfil-A, Sonny’s BBQ, Frick Family Foundation, and Charles Schwab.

Since its inception The Hogan Law Firm Charity Fishing Tournament has raised more than $162,000 to benefit HPH Hospice.

A variety of their Florida grown citrus is available to purchase at the Floral City farm store.

Below: Fudge for sale at the counter

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14 HERNANDO SUN

hernandosun.com March 16 - 22, 2018

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

Art in the Park Festival showcases local talent

by SARAH NACHIN HENANDO SUN STAFF

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erfect Florida weather greeted the 34th Annual Art in the Park festival sponsored by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council on March 10 and 11. The weekend event drew an estimated 6,000 people to Tom Varn Park in Brooksville. Vendors and exhibitors came from all over the state and the country.

Art in the Park had something for everyone.

A dozen vendors served up food ranging from paella to pretzels. Among the entertainment featured was classical music performed by the Hernando Symphony and Hernando Youth Orchestras.

Whiskey Rain’s repertoire included rock, country music and well-known Jimmy Buffett tunes.

The Tampa Bay band is made up of a drummer and three guitar players - Rodney Krieg, (lead singer and rhythm guitar), Dean Smith (drummer), Jeremiah Halversen (back up singer, lead and rhythm guitar), Mark Loechelt (bass). Although the four have only been together for going on three years, their singing, playing and stage presence was on a professional level.

“We do this basically for fun right now since most of us have jobs. We want to get into writing more of our music,” states band spokesman, Halversen.

There was a wide range of fine art genres on display and also for sale.

Four artists were awarded ribbons - first, second and third, as well as Best of Show.

Tony Moore won Blue Ribbon for his pencil sketches. Some of his sketches were realistic, while others were abstract. Gregory Jones won second place for his oil paintings and Roy Williams was awarded the Yellow Ribbon for his miniature oil paintings on masonite. Although Williams has been painting for many years, he has only been doing the finely-detailed miniatures for the past ten years.

The average time spent painting one is about seven hours, but the whole process takes longer because he has to wait for the paint to dry on each portion before continuing with the next.

Rolly Ray Reel of Maitland, Florida won Best of Show for his abstract mixed media sculptures. The 76-year-old

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Blue ribbon winner Tony Moore with his pencil sketches.​

Reel has been exhibiting for fifty-two years. Each piece takes an average of three to five weeks to complete.

Other exhibitors included Alex Yunusova and his daughter, Lilia.

Originally from Russia, they live in Orlando now.

Alex creates hand-blown and lampwork glass. Lilia helps him manage his business.

Godwin Kou exhibited Paul O. Shaskan displaying his oil paintings. brush painting and calligraphy works. Born in Canton, China, he came to the United States in 1986. Kou has received numerous accolades over the years.

Along with the fine arts, there was a wide variety of fine handmade crafts. These ranged from jewelry and purses to wooden outdoor furniture. Separate prizes were awarded in the Fine Crafts category.

There was also a chilAshley with her artistic photography. dren’s tent set up where youngsters could create their own art. A number of non-profit organizations, such as Brooksville Main Street, Hernando County Fair Association and Heritage Museum had displays of brochures and photographs. Several companies promoted their businesses and the Republican Party of Hernando County also had a tent.

Jan Knowles, Project Coordinator for the Fine Arts Council, deemed the two-day festival a success.

“One goal was for more Godwin Kou displaying his brush painting & calligraphy variety in Arts and Crafts and we did want more Fine Art. We met our goal and then some,” Ms. Knowles stated.

For more information on the Hernando County Fine Arts Council call 352-279-5182 or go to http://www.hernandoarts. org/

Don Burgher on his fiddle

Lilia & Alex Yunusova with glass figurines

Children’s art tent participants: Isabel and Owen Ramos

Best of Show - Mixed media sculpture by Rolly Ray Reel

Above: Roy Williams with his miniature oil painting on masonite.

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

March 16- 22, 2018 hernandosun.com

HERNANDO SUN

15

Operation Heart F.E.L.T Awarded $5,000 from Killingsworth Agency through insurance award program Community Support through Social Media Can Increase Total Donation to $10,000

BY HERNANDO SUN STAFF

Killingsworth Agency has earned a 2018 Safeco Insurance® Make More Happen Award in recognition of its exceptional volunteerism and commitment to making positive change happen in the local community. The award includes a $5,000 donation that will go directly to Operation Heart F.E.L.T (Feeding Empty Little Tummies), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals to homeless and displaced Providing nearly 100,000 free meals to hundreds of local schoolchildren each year, the team at Operation Heart F.E.L.T. children in local schools. has been able to make a difference throughout Hernando County and are looking to expand their scope to include ad“My team and I have ditional schools. The nonprofit group has already received a $5,000 donation from Killingsworth Agency made possible worked with Operation through a 2018 Safeco® Make More Happen Award, and hopes to double the amount with support from local residents Heart F.E.L.T for nine years, and we are incredibly on social media. thankful for being awarded the Safeco Insurance Make to raise an additional $5,000. the inspiring stories of our More Happen Awards More Happen Award so we make a difference.”

Beginning on Wednesday, If the story is shared from agents with their commuprogram helps to recognize can give back even more,” March 14, Killingsworth Safeco’s social media sites nities through social media the amazing work agents do said Danielle Healis, an Agency and Operation Heart at least 200 times on Facewhile raising funds for in areas like Brooksville and independent agent for Killthese outstanding nonprofit motivate others to do the ingsworth Agency. “Opera- F.E.L.T will have their story book, Twitter, Instagram or featured on the official Safe- LinkedIn, the total donation organizations,” said Robyn same.” tion Heart F.E.L.T has had co Insurance® CENTER Facebook for the nonprofit will double Hawking, Safeco Insurance Operation Heart F.E.L.T, SPRING HILL ENRICHMENT a significant impact on our page (Facebook.com/Safeto $10,000.

Southeast Region Territory which serves students 10441Quality Florida 34609 Medical Arts Building Suite #105 community and Drive these Spring funds Hill, 2018 Make Located on the campus of Bayfront Health Spring Hill with a chance coInsurance) “We are excited to share MARCH Manager. “Safeco’s throughout Hernando will help them continue to CPR Training available! Call 597.8875 SHINE-593.0705 684.7568

MONDAY

FERRIS

TUESDAY

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was no longer able to care 1 for herself. She passed 2 from page 13 8-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles 8-4 Cards, Board Games & away in 2005. and 9:00-10:00 Chair Doc Exercise 8:30-9:00 Weights & Squats 9-11 Share A Craft 9:00-9:40 2 mile walk Harriet were both laid to 10-11:30 Crochet Classes 9:40-10:00 Tai Chi Harriet ran the business. rest10:30 across from Musicthe with street Gale 9-11 Share A Craft 9-4 SHINE by Appt Only Callthe12:30-4 They maintained several FerrisMah-Jongg Groves store 12:30-4 Advanced BROOKSVILLE ENRICHMENT CENTER 593-0705 stores and hotel outlets in andCanastapacking plant Hand & Footat the Sun-Coast the Fat! MARCH 2018 17222 Traffic Hospital Blvd Brooksville, Fl 34601 Medical Arts Building Suite1:00-Chewin’ #120 1:00Chewin’theFat 6:30-8:30 Mom to Mom MiamiLocated for the sale of the Hills of Rest cemetery.

SchoolMeetof&Bayfront Eat on the campus Health Brooksville 3-6:00 TLC for Mom’s 544.6022 fruit.352.279.6489 Today, Ferris Groves SHINE-593.0705 CPR Training available! Call 597.8875 Bayport Inn AARP Driving Doc “The King of farm store is bustling with 352.678.3090 Citrus” was well known seeking out MONDAY 5 TUESDAY 6 WEDNESDAY7 THURSDAY8customersFRIDAY 9 for his congeniality their delicious citrus, pre8-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles 8-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles2 8-4 Cards, Games & 8-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles 8-4 Cards, Board Games & 1 and showmanship. He8:30-9:00 Weights & Squats 9:00-10:00 Chair Exercise pies, syrups, 9:00-10:00 Chair Exercisefresh Puzzles 8:30-9:00 Weights & Squatsserves, Walking in the CourtyardWalking in the Courtyard9:00-9:40 2 mile walk 9-11 Share A Craft 9:00-10:00 Chair Exercise 10-2 Vocational Rehab 9:00-9:40 2 mile walk squeezed employed colorfully orange juice and anytime anytime 9:40-10:00 Tai Chi 10-11:30 Crochet Classes 9-11 Share A Craft 10-12 Ceramics Tai Chi 8-49:40-10:00 Cards, Games & Puzzles 8-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles decorated milk shakes.

They 9-11 Share A Craft 10:30 Music with Gale have 9-12 Painting station wagons, 10-12 Mah-Jongg Lessons 9-11 Share A Craft 8-12 Crafts 8-12 Crafts 11-12 Social Seniors 12-1 Blood Pressure checks by 9-4 SHINE by Appt 1-4 Advanced Mah Jongg 9-4 SHINEBINGO

by Appt Only Callstrawberry convertibles andOnly beautiful milkshakes 8:30-9:30 Workers packing1-4:00 produce at Ferris Groves9:30-11 in Floral City. A 11:30-12:30 Blood Pressure Home Exercise Instead Call 593-0705 593-0705 Alzheimer’s 9-12 Gourd 8-3farm Sewing Class with young women to promote pieces ofpainting fresh checks by Home Instead 12:30-4 Mah-Jongg number of historic photos are on display in the store.

12-3:00 Current Events 1:00-Chewin’ the Fat! Support 10-12 Relax thru 10-1 Quilters & Stitchers 12:30-4 Advanced Coloring the Fat! 12:30-4 Groves Canasta- Hand &make 1:00-Chewin’ 1:00-3:00 Memory Café- strawberries Ferris and an and an orange 10-1 Quilters with a Cause 1:00-Chewin’ the Fat! CreativeResearch Art Scrabble Canasta- Hand & Foot and drove it back community1-3celebrated Sun-Coast Traffic 1-4:00 $18,000 Foot Meridien impression.

But on a local cream smoothie 1-3 Deaf Services & FREE 1:00-Chewin’ the made with 3-5 Our Perfect Storm 1:00-Chewin’ the Fat! 6:30-8:30 Mom to Mom down to Floral City. Upon Doc Ferris5:30 SchoolDayCognitive for many amplified Phone Fat Training- real oranges.

1-4:00 Painting level, his generosity was They also Meet &forEat 6:30-8:30 TLC Mom’s 3-6:00 TLC for Mom’s arrival at the future Floral years to commemorate 352.279.6489 7:30-9:00 AL-Anon an outstanding quality. Bayfront carry local honey, cheese City firehouse, 1200 com- this gift.

Inn AARP Driving Around 1963, before the products and locally raised munity 800 members gathered Doc passed away in John Gary Grubbs Blvd 352.678.3090 Floral City Volunteer Fire for a dedication ceremony 1975. Harriet took over Ferris Beef in a variety of Brooksville, Florida 34601 Department even had a cuts. and there was6 a parade the business for a few 5 up to 7 8The store is convenient9 firehouse, Doc drove Inverness toWalking the in the CourtyardWalkingfrom in the Courtyardyears, but severe freezes Walking in the CourtyardWalking in the CourtyardWalking in the Courtyard13 his hometown of Kenosha, ly located adjacent to the anytime 12 14 15 16 anytime anytime anytime firehouse. He isanytimedestroyed the trees and she 8-4 Cards, Cards,(future) Games Sun 11th Games & & Puzzles Puzzles 8-4 Cards, Games & 8-4 Games & 8-4 Board Games & Withlacoochee Cards, Games && Puzzles 8-4Cards, Cards,Board Games & Puzzles 8-4Cards, Cards, Games & Puzzles 8-4 Cards, Games Puzzles Wisconsin, purchased a8-4 State Trail, City8-4 of Brooksville 9-10 Mile Exercise quoted to have said, “That sold the business in 1978.

8-12 Miracle Crafts Puzzles Puzzles 8:30-9:00 Weights & Squats 9:00-10:00 Chair Exercise 8-12 Crafts 8-12 Crafts 8:30-9:30 Exercise 8-4 Cards, Games & fire Puzzles 8:30-9 Basic Squat Tai Chi fully equipped truck making it a popular stop 9-5 SHINE

BY APPT &Share Recreation 9:00-10:00 9:00-10:00 Chair Exercise 9:00-9:40 2 mile walk Parks 9-11 A Craft 9:30-11 BINGO 8:30-9:30 Exercise was one of the greatest 10-4 AARP_DSP Harriet lived in their home 8-12 CraftsChair Exercise ShareBINGO A Craft 9:30-11 9-11the Share AExercise Craft Mining 10-2 Vocational Rehab 9:40-10:00 Tai Class Chi 10-11:30 Crochet Classes for department for9-11 forfitness bicyclists.

The 9-12 Gourd painting Association 8-3 Sewing 9-12 Crocheting & Knitting offers classes forold all Fire 8:30-9:30 11-12 Social Seniors moments in my life.”

The on Duval Island until she 10-11:30 Florida Retired 9-12 Painting 10-12 9-11 10-1 ShareQuilters A Craft & Stitchers 10:30 Music with Gale 10-12 Relax thru Coloring 10:30Ceramics Humane Society 11-12 Beach Ball Bash

Station is also nearby, now the Floral City Heritage Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the area’s rich history.

Ferris Groves products can be purchased at roadside produce stands and online to send as gifts via their website at www. ferrisgroves.com/shop/ but neither will give you the authentic old Florida experience of the 1959 Floral City farm store.

County, started in 2009 by helping just six families.

The organization now serves more than 100,000 meals annually through the support of volunteers from Killingsworth Agency who have been involved since day one. Employees donate their time shopping for food, packing meals, delivering bags to schools and refilling empty backpacks.

The organization currently serves 12 schools, which only accounts for half of the schools in Hernando County. With the $10,000 donation from Killingsworth Agency, Operation Heart F.E.L.T. will be able to increase their annual operating budget to accommodate additional schools and reach more students.

Safeco’s Make More Happen Awards focus on nonprofits in the areas of health, safety, education and civil service. Throughout 2018, Safeco will select a total of 24 independent agents for awards and will donate up to $240,000 to the nonprofits they support.

The Make More Happen Awards are one of Safeco Insurance’s Agent Giving Programs.

IF YOU GO: Heritage Hall Museum Address: 8394 E Orange Ave Floral City, Florida 34436 Ferris Groves: 7607 S Florida Ave, Floral City, FL 34436 www.ferrisgroves.com

MARCH 2018

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7

1:00 Alzheimer’s Support

9-4:00 Puzzles

9-4 Nature Coast Basket

Games Suite #120 Located; on the campus of Bayfront Health Brooksville; 544.6022 Group by appointment 9-4 Nature Coast Basket Weavers Weavers 9-4:00 Puzzles 10-4 American Red Cross 27 26 282110-4 American Red Cross 9:30-1:00 VITA FREE 19 8-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles20 8-4 Cards, Games & Tax Preparation-Call Puzzles 688-8502 9:00-10:00 Chair Exercise Walking in the Courtyard10-2Share Pinochle 9-11 A Craft anytime 9-12 1-3 Painting Creative Art 9-4 SHINE by Appt Only 8-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles Call 593-0705 8-12 Crafts 12-3:00 Current Events 8:30-9:30 Exercise 12:30-4 Canasta- Hand & 11-12 Beach Ball Bash Foot 1-4:00 Alzheimer's 1:00-Chewin’ Fat! 9-4 Cards &the Board 1-4:00 Painting

12

Games 9-4:00 Puzzles 9:30-1:00 VITA FREE Tax Preparation-Call 688-8502 10-2 Pinochle 26 1-3 Creative Art

9

8 Cards, Games & Puzzles 8-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles 9-10 Miracle Mile Exercise 8-12 Crafts 8:30-9:30 8:30-9 Basic Squat Tai Chi 8-4 Cards, BoardExercise Games & 9-5 Share SHINE APPT9-12 Crocheting & Knitting 9-11 A BY Craft Puzzles 9:30-11 BINGO 9:30-12 HCChair QuiltExercise Guild BOD 11-12 Social Seniors 9:00-10:00 10-12 Deaf Services 11-12Vocational Blood Pressure 1:00-Chewin’ the Fat! 10-2 Rehabby 10:00 Ear Wax Removal HomeCeramics Instead 1-4:00 Scrabble 10-12 10:00Free Neck Massages1-3 Deaf Services & FREE 10-12 12:30-4:00 Mah-JonggCanastaLessons Terlep Chiropractic HandMah & Foot amplified Phone 1-4 Advanced Jongg 8-3 Sewing Class 1-3 Warm Up America 6:30-8:30 TLC for Mom’s 1:00-Chewin’ the Fat! 10-3 HC Quilt Guild 1-3 Pencil Sketching 9-4 Cards & Games 9-4 Cards & Board Games 12:30 Meet & Eat1:00 Music with Gale 9-4 Puzzles 9-4:00 Puzzles Bayport Inn 6:30-7:30 AA Support Group 9-4 AARP-DSP Pinochle 1:30-3:30Tobacco Cessation 10-2 6:30 Our Perfect Storm- MG 9:30-3:00 HC Quilt Guild 11-1 only Class 7 SHINE-appointment Toastmasters- Public 1:00 Alzheimer’s Support Call 593-0705 3-5 Group Brainby Injury Speaking appointment 6-8 Mary Kay 6:30-7:30 Nurse Support

13

14

27

9:30-1:00 VITA FREE Tax

2922Preparation-Call 688-850230 23

Walking in the Courtyard7:00-9:00 HCARA

anytime Walking in the Courtyard8-4 Cards, Board Games & 8-4 Cards, Games&&Squats Puzzles anytime 8:30-9:00 Weights 8-12 Crafts 2 mile walk 8-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles 9:00-9:40 9:30-11 BINGO 8-12 Crafts 9:40-10:00 Tai Chi 8:30-9:30 Exercise 8-3ASewing 9-11 Share Craft Class 9-12 Gourd painting 10-1 Quilters Stitchers 9-4 SHINE

by Appt&Only Call 10-12 Relax thru Coloring 1-3 Creative Art 593-0705 10-1 Quilters with a Cause 1:00-Chewin’ the Fat! 3-5 Our Perfect Storm 6:30-8:30 Mom to Mom 9-4 5:30 Cards Cognitive & Games Training 9-4 Cards & Board Games 6:00-10:00 9-4:00 Puzzles CPR-AED 9-4:00 Puzzles 10-47:30-9:00 American AL-Anon Red Cross 9:30-1:00 VITA FREE Tax 12:30-4 Nature Coast Basket Weavers Preparation-Call 688-8502

16

15

CLOSED~

2-4 Florida Cancer Center

28

anytime

19

8-4 & Puzzles 9-4Cards, CardsGames & Board 8-12 Crafts Games Exercise 8:30-9:30 9-4:00 11-12 Puzzles Beach Ball Bash 9:30-1:00 VITA FREE 1-4:00 Alzheimer's 7-9:00 Club TaxCamera Preparation-Call

20

1:008-3 Alzheimer’s SewingSupport Class

appointment 6-8 Group MarybyKay 6:30-7:30 Nurse Support

8:30-9:30

Exercise

9-12 Crocheting & Knitting 21 11-12 Blood Pressure by 9-4 Cards & Board Games Home Instead 9-4 Puzzles 12:30-4:00 Canasta10-2 Pinochle Hand & Foot 11-11-3 SHINE-appointment only Warm Up America Call 593-0705

1-3 Pencil Sketching

1:00 Music with Gale 6:30-7:30 AA Support Group 6:30 Our Perfect Storm- MG 7:00 Toastmasters

anytime 8-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles 8-12 Crafts 9-4 Cards & Board Games 9:30-11 BINGO 9-4 Cards & Games

22

23

9-4:00 Puzzles 9:30-1:00 VITA FREE Tax Preparation-Call 688-8502

8-3 Sewing Class 9-4:00 Puzzles 10-1 Quilters & Stitchers 10-4 American Red Cross 1-3 Creative ArtBasket 12:30-4 Nature Coast Weavers 3-5 Our Perfect Storm 5:30 Cognitive Training7:30-9:00 AL-Anon

CLOSED~

Solution to Sudoku from p 18: Solution to Crossword from page 12: 27 28 29 26 www.bayfrontbrooksville.com 9-4 Cards & Board Games 9-4:00 Puzzles 9:30-1:00 VITA FREE Tax Preparation-Call 688-8502 10-2 Pinochle 1-3 Creative Art 6-9:30 Marine Corp League Detachment 466

9-3:30 Basket Weavers 9-4 Cards & Games 9-4 Puzzles 1:00 Alzheimer’s Support Group by appointment

9-3:30 Basket Weavers

9-4 Cards & Board Games 9-4 Puzzles

10-2 Pinochle

11-1 SHINE-appointment only Call 593-0705

9-4 Cards & Games 9-4:00 Puzzles 10-4 American Red Cross 12:30-4 Nature Coast Basket Weavers

CLOSED~

*Room Rentals available thru the City of Brooksville Call 544-6022 for more Information

30

(puzzle on page 6)

688-8502 10-2 Pinochle 1-3 Creative Art

anytime 8 Cards, Games & Puzzles 8-12 Crafts 9-4 Cards & Games 9-5 SHINE BY APPT9-4 Puzzles 9:30-11 BINGO 12:30 Meet & Eat 10-12 Deaf Services Inn 10-3 Bayport HC Quilt Guild

30

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The Quarry Mining Association Enrichment MAR CALENDAR; 800 John Grubbs Blvd; Brooksville Walking in the CourtyardWalking in the Courtyard- Center 8-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles Walking in theGary Courtyard-

16 HERNANDO SUN

COVE from page 1

sailed from New Orleans and arrived in Tampa on February 10, 1836. They went to recover the bodies from the massacre reaching Dade Battlefield on February 20 and burying the soldiers.

After burying the soldiers, General Gaines’ force continued on to Fort King for supplies, but Fort King was low on supplies, so the force headed to Fort Drane near Williston where they received seven days worth of rations.

They decided to return to Fort Brooke via a different trail, so they could engage the Seminoles in their stronghold: the Cove of the Withlacoochee. General Gaines was unable to cross the Withlacoochee due to the Seminoles rifle fire.

General Gaines requested reinforcements while his forces battled with the Seminoles for over a week.

General Gaines’ force ran out of provisions and they were forced to eat their horses, mules and dogs.

The reinforcements arrived on March 6, and together they were able to drive off the Seminoles.

After the ability of the Seminoles to hold off a force of a thousand soldiers, General Scott came up with grand plan.

MACNEIL from page 1

In the years between UF and coming to Hernando County, I worked for several startups, and subcontracted for HP, Dell, and other national companies.

Q: How did you get into technology?

A: In 1990, I was aiming at a career in medicine.

I started working for a clinic that was almost completely computerized, which was almost science fiction in that era. Every

hernandosun.com

Five thousand troops in three columns would attack the Seminoles from three directions. The columns were all delayed, so they arrived at different times.

Two of the columns arrived on March 28 and the third arrived on March 30. On March 29 the soldiers had crossed the Withlacoochee and found the villages in the Cove of the Withlacoochee deserted.

It was decided that they could move quicker without the sick and wounded. They left Major Mark Anthony Cooper with five companies and a small artillery company along with the sick and wounded on the west shore of Lake Holathlikaha on the Western edge of the Cove. All together Major Cooper had almost 400 soldiers. The soldiers under Major Cooper built a stockade fort on a rise overlooking the lake as protection against indian attack. It was quickly tested as they were attacked by Osceola and a large group of warriors (more than 500 warriors). There were several battles between the Seminoles and the soldiers, but soldiers were able to fight off the attacks. Just as supplies were running out at Fort Cooper, General Scott returned on April 18 with more soldiers and supplies. Major Cooper, day I was amazed at what I could at the keyboard, rather than tracking down and rifling through stacks of paper. I was working alone in the clinic laboratory one Saturday, when the lab computer started beeping, and I saw that the Lab Director was “calling” from her home. Our online conversation was the coolest thing I’d ever seen, and it wasn’t very long after that I’d bought my own computer.

Q:What are you up

March 16- 22, 2018

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

New fashionable Boutique grand opening

The Old Military Road was used to transport cannon, ammunition, food and medicine to the troops fighting in the Cove during the Second Seminole War. You can find this road at the Fort Cooper State Park not too far from where the Fort once stood.

the five companies, the sick and wounded were evacuated. Fort Cooper was named after Major Cooper.

It was manned from 1836 until 1842.

The proximate of a Fort Cooper and the ability of the soldiers to enter the Cove of the Withlacoochee convinced Osceola and other Seminole leaders that the cove was no long a safe haven. The large population of Seminoles living in the Cove of the Withlacoochee moved south during the Second Seminole War. Archaeologists in the 20th Century rediscovered where Ft. Cooper had been located. Fort Cooper was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

A reenactment known as ‘Fort Cooper Days’ will be held on March 17-18, 2018, at Fort Cooper State Park in Inverness, Florida.

This reenactment is held each year on the third weekend in March. “Fort Cooper Days is a two-day event, complete with two battle reenactments daily, Living History demonstrations, Period Arts and Crafts, live music, food and refreshments.”

IF YOU GO: Address: 3100 S. Old Floral City Rd. Admission for the reenactment: $5.00 General admission Adult $1.00 Children 6 to 17 Free – Children under 6 Hours: Daily 9:00 am to 4:00 pm March 17-18, 2018 Battle reenactments twice daily at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

Ali Jackson ‘ Lopez and Diana Bennett, co-owners of Southern Sisters Boutique.

BY CHERYL CLANTON HERNANDO SUN STAFF

On Wednesday March 7, 2018, the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting welcomed a new member business: Southern Sisters Boutique located at 1391 Kass Circle Spring Hill, Fl. The store’s grand opening took place on March 3, 2018.

The owners of the fashionable boutique are are Ali Jackson ‘ Lopez

and Diana Bennett. Both ladies are very upbeat and will help you with putting a style together. Southern Sisters Boutique specializes in gently used and new womens designer clothing and accessories, as well as infants and home décor, handmade soaps.

Website: Http://Souther-sisters.com Phone# 352-293-3667.

Open Monday thru Saturday from 10am - 5pm

to currently besides working at The Hernando Sun?

Hernando Sun in their distribution audit.

Q: You’ve worked for several local companiesA: I started a technology which ones? company, Awake TechnolA: Just one in Hernando ogy that assists our clients County: Tracers Informain many aspects of busition Specialists. The job ness technology. We build offer from Tracers was the and fix web sites, work reason I moved to Herwith content management nando County. Although systems, develop cusI’d done a bit of everything tom solutions to analyze as a generalist, Tracers data. For instance, Awake gave me the opportunity to Technology has developed focus on full-time developa data entry and analysis ment. application to assist the Q: What have you learned about technology in the area?

A: I was pleasantly surprised to find such a tech presence in the area, all with varying focus. During a gathering of local people working in technology, I spoke with a developer who writes programs that control temperature in refrigeration units. It was the first time I’d heard of such a niche. With so many ways to employ technology today, and the potential for growth in Hernando county, I think we have more to learn, in we’ve not yet conHernando County Crime ways Stoppers WANTED sidered.

Q: What is it like havHernando Sun ing your own business?

A: I’ve learned there is Friday Newspaper Ad Publication no recipe for starting your own company. Aside from Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, Date: 3/12/2018 legal and tax paperwork, customers and personal supporters attending the ribbon cutting for Southern Sisters Boutique.

See MACNEIL, Page 20

17375 Spring Hill Dr., Brooksville, FL 34604 More than 400 Booths on 19 Acres!

Always Free Parking & Admission!

Pets Welcome!

352-796-0268

Food, Fun & Entertainment!

Great Deals & Wide Variety!

New, Used, Vintage & Antiques!

To: Hernando Sun Julie Maglio Sent via email: editor@hernandosun.com

From: Hernando Co. Crime Stoppers Peggy Brooks Hernando Co. Sheriff’s Office pbrooks@hernandosheriff.org ARIES (March 21 to April 19) ConPhone 352-797-3806 gratulations, Lamb. This is the week Cell 352-279-1627 to finish your project and then bask in your well-earned approval. (And if WANTED you like, you also can say “bah” to all Name: Vanney I. Allen, Jr. those detractors.)

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The DOB: 04/25/1996 bold Bovine could find a new opporHgt: 5’09” Wgt: 195 ! l l tunity too intriguing to be ignored. a C PleaseSpring Hill, FL But don’t charge into it. Go slowly so you see how things develop as you get Note: Photo also attachedmore to email involved.in jpeg format GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might try to soften your stand on that important issue. A little more flexibility actually could get you what you’re Name: Vanney I. Allen, Jr. looking for. A new friend enters the picture midweek.

DOB: 04/25/1996 CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your inner voice is on the mark when it Hgt: 5’09” Wgt: 195 advises you to tackle that family probSpring Hill, FL lem now! The sooner you’re able to come to terms with it, the better it will be for everyone.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Someone reveals important news about a If you recognize this subject or have any longtime associate. But before you information, please call Crime Stoppers! decide how to deal with this informaYou will remain anonymous and be eligible tion, make sure it’s reliable, and not for a CASH REWARD... simply self-serving.

VIRGO (August 23 to September CALL Hernando County Crime Stoppers 22) Some intensive soul-searching Toll Free 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) early in the week can help you reach or go to a decision by week’s end that should www.HernandoCountyCrimeStoppers.com please both you and the other person Pd by CSTF involved. Good luck.

Hernando County Crime Stoppers

WANTED !

WARRANT

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) The possibility of a career change is intriguing. Learn more about what it can offer and what it cannot. Weigh everything carefully.

And ask questions.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Work is your priority this week as you try to make up for lost time.

Expect help from someone who cares about you. Things take a welcome turn by the weekend.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A health problem causes some anxiety early in the week. But prompt medical attention soon eases everyone’s concerns. Enjoy an artsfilled weekend.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) As much as you might resent it, a changing situation could require you to adjust your plans accordingly. The good news: An associate agrees to cooperate.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) That old problem is finally resolved, just in time for you to take on a new work-related project. This one could be the super door-opener you’ve been looking for.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) The early part of the week presents some difficult hurdles. But once you get over them, you can start to focus on matters that are more important to you.

BORN THIS WEEK: You are respected for your honesty and your dedication to doing the right thing, no matter how difficult that might be. © 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

March 16 - 22, 2018

hernandosun.com

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF THE MARCH 27, 2018 SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Hernando County, Florida will hold the following meetings on March 27, 2018 in the School Board Room, 919 N. Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34601: Informal at 11:00 P.M. Workshop at 2:00 P.M. Employee Disciplinary Appeal 4:00 P.M. Regular Meeting at 6:00 P.M. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting is asked to advise the agency at least five (5) days before the meeting by contacting Kelly Pogue at (352) 7977000. If you are hearing impaired, please contact the agency by calling (352) 797-7202.

If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the School Board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, he/she will need a copy of the official record of the meeting. The official record of any School Board meeting consists of the official minutes approved by the Board including any back-up materials or documents submitted to it and a transcript of the audio and/or visual recording of the meeting if any made and maintained by the District.

It is the responsibility of the party requesting a copy of audio/visual recording to have it transcribed for appellate purposes.

Originated by Mark Johnson, Chairperson of The School Board of Hernando County, Florida By: Lori M. Romano, Ph.D., Ex-Officio Secretary and Superintendent of Schools (03/16/2018)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR HERNANDO COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2017-DR-002012 Division: MELISSA BOCK, Petitioner, and LEVI D. HILLMAN, Respondent NOTICE OF ACTION FOR PUBLICATION TO: LEVI D. HILLMAN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Petition for Temporary Custody, and for payments of support, has been filed against you. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to this action on Laurel C. Ackley, Esq., of NORTH TAMPA LAW GROUP, LLC, Petitioner’s attorney, whose address is 26852 Tanic Dr. Ste.102, Wesley Chapel, Florida 33544, on or before March 21, 2018, and file the original with the clerk of this court at Hernando County Courthouse, 20 N. Main St, Brooksville, Florida 34601, either before service on Petitioner’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

DATED this 9 day of February, 2018.

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By:/s/ JBT Deputy Clerk (02/23/2018), (03/02/2018), (03/09/2018), (03/16/2018) NOTICE OF AGENCY ACTION BY THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR HERNANDO COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION Case No: 17-CA-1099 Division: STRESS FREE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, AS TRUSTEE, FOR LAND TRUST NO HERNANDO TD 4/5Plaintiff, v.

MICHAEL ROBERTSON, TIMOTHY ROBERTSON, DEBRA MARSHALL, RICHARD ROBERTSON, BELINDA MCGUOIRK, and LAURA ROBERTSON Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF HERNANDO

TO: BELINDA MCGUOIRK, and LAURA ROBERTSON,

whose residence is unknown if they be living; and if they be dead and the unknown defendants who may be spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, and all parties claiming an interest by, through, under, or against the Defendants, who are not known to be dead or alive, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property described herein.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to Quiet Title on the following real property located in HERNANDO County, Florida: Lot 6, Block O, Leisure Retreats, Unit No. 1, as per plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book 12, Pages 1-8 inclusive, public records of Hernando County, Florida.

Also known as: 14445 Wren Rd. Brooksville, Florida 34614 has been filed against you and you are required to file a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on NATALIA OUELLETTE, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is Law Office Grant D. Whitworth 14502 N Dale Mabry Hwy, #200, Tampa, Fl., 33618, on or before March 21, 2018 (no later than 28 days from the date of the first publication of this notice of action) and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney, or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition filed herein.

Done on this 24th day of January, 2018.

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.

Please contact Peggy Welch, the ADA Coordinator at the Office of the Trial Court Administrator, Hernando County Courthouse, 20 North Main Street, Brooksville, Florida 34601, Telephone (352) 754-4402, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

By, /s/ Natalia Ouellette, Esq. Attorney for Plaintiff Law Office Grant D. Whitworth 14502 N Dale Mabry Hwy., #200 Tampa, FL, 33618 (813) 72842-6664 Florida Bar No. 68905 Natalia@wtg1.com L 1277

17

OBITUARIES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR HERNANDO COUNTY, FLORIDA

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR HERNANDO COUNTY, FLORIDA

Case No.: 2007 DR 2592 Stephanie Conner (Ventry) Former Wife/Petitioner,

Case No.: 2018-DR-292 David Brian Smith, Petitioner, and Syndi Anne Smith, Respondent

And Henry Ventry, III Former Husband/Respondent.

SUMMONS: PERSONAL SERVICE ON AN INDIVIDUAL TO: Henry Ventry III A lawsuit has been filed against you.

You have 20 calendar days after this summons is served on you to file a written response to the attached complaint/petition with the clerk of this circuit court, located at: Room 246, 20 N. Main Street, Brooksville, FL 34601. A phone call will not protect you. Your written response, including the case number given above and the names of the parties, must be filed if you want the Court to hear your side of the case.

If you do not file your written response on time, you may lose the case, and your wages, money, and property may be taken thereafter without further warning from the Court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may call an attorney referral service or a legal aid office (listed in the phone book).

If you choose to file a written response yourself, at the same time you file your written response to the Court, you must also serve a copy of your written response on the party serving this summons at: P.O. Box 703, Lutz, FL 34658; Physical Address-19409 Shumard Oak Drive, Ste. 103, Land O Lakes, FL 34638.

If the party serving summons has designated email address(es) for service or is represented by an attorney, you may designate email address(es) for service by or on you. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents, upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and Email Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: Syndi Anne Smith Respondent’s Last Known Address: Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on David Brian Smith, whose address is 1022 Howell Ave, Apt. B5; Brooksville, FL 34601 on or before March 23, 2018, and file the original with the clerk of this court at 20 N. Main St, Rm 246; Brooksville, Florida 34601, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

DATED this 9th day of February, 2018.

DON BARBEE/ SEAL CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By /s/Sonya Sanders Deputy Clerk (02/23/2018), (03/02/2018), (03/09/2018), (03/16/2018)

Ninabelle Purdy (Lighty) 86, Deceased, February 18, 2018.

Personal representative Kelda Draper, 2845 Imperial Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106.

(03/09/2018), (03/16/2018), (03/23/2018), (03/30/2018)

THE STATE OF FLORIDA TO EACH SHERIFF OF THE STATE: You are commanded to serve this summons and a copy of the complaint in this lawsuit on the abovenamed person.

DATED: OCTOBER 26, 2017 CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: Deputy Clerk /S/ Jaclyn Tomaszewski (SEAL) (02/23/2018), (03/02/2018), (03/09/2018), (03/16/2018)

Don Barbee Jr Clerk of the Court, Hernando Seal /s/ Elizabeth Markidis Deputy Clerk 2-7-18 (03/02/2018), (03/09/2018) (03/16/2018), (03/23/2018)

HERNANDO SUN

Bible Word Search answer on page 18...

Notice is given that the District has determined that a permit is not required pursuant to Rule 62-330, F.A.C., for activities known as Weeki Wachee Cell Tower. The project is located in Hernando County, Section 29, Township 22 South, Range 17 East. The permitting inquiry was received from Vertex Development, LLC, whose address is 405 S. Dale Mabry Highway, #244, Tampa, FL 33609.

The Project File Number is 747372.

Daniel Eugene Chapman Jr., age 37, was a resident of Spring Hill, FL. Dan passed away on March 8, 2018. He is survived by his parents, Dan and Kathy Chapman; his siblings: David Chapman, Dani Chapman, Amy Miller, and Adam Chapman.

Zika Helen Louise, passed away on Tuesday, March 6,2018.

Helen is survived by her sons Jamie (Erna), and Danny,daughters Mary and Cathrine Ann, 13 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Src; Downing Dowell Gary J., of Spring Hill passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2018. He was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran.

He is preceded in death by his son Jeffrey. Gary is survived by his wife Laura, son Barry; 2 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Src; Merritt Valli Joseph Isadore, passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2018. Src; Turner McNeley John L. passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2018.

He is preceded in death by a grandson, Shawn.

John is survived by his wife Kathe, 3 sons Kent (Sonia), Kevin and Mack (Karen), 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandson.

Src; Turner Luke Terrence“Terry” M., age 63 of Hudson passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2018. Terry was predeceased by his parents Robert and Peggy. He is survived by his one son Dylan (Samantha) two daughters Ashley (Todd), Sarah (Nate), and 4 grandchildren.

Src; Turner

Iwinski Margaret, Age 88 of Brooksville, passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2018. She is survived by her daughters, Linda (William) and Nancy (Jeff); 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren.

Src; Brewer Miller Charles Martin, Sr. “Hot Rod”, Age 74 of Brooksville passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2018. He was preceded in death by his wife Fayette. Charles is survived by his sons Charles Jr. (Dawn); Steven (Bob Sweeney); Dellun(Leisa); daughter Ann (Celeste Henry); 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, his friend and girlfriend Pamela Lewis. Src; Turner Hall Desi Alexander passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2018. He is survived by his mother, Debra and his father.

Src; Merritt Travis Raymond Jay, Age 57 of Spring Hill passed away Friday, March 9, 2018.

He is survived by his daughter, Lacie; and 1 grandson. Src; Brewer Stephenson Howard passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018. Src; Turner Niemeyer Bruce E. Age 77 of Brooksville passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2018.

He is survived by his partner, David; son, Gregory; daughter, Lisa Ann; and 2 grandchildren. Src; Brewer Wade John W., passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Src; Turner Davidson Florence Helen passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Src; Turner

BLOOD MOBILE SCHEDULE Friday, March 16

The file(s) pertaining to the project referred to above is available for inspection Monday through Friday except for legal holidays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Tampa Service Office, at 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, Florida 33637.

Winn-Dixie Markets 11092 Spring Hill Dr. Spring Hill 10:00a.m. to 5:30p.m.

Arland Car Wash 7377 Broad St. Brooksville 11:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

NOTICE OF RIGHTS Any person whose substantial interests are affected by the District’s action regarding this matter may request an administrative hearing in accordance with Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes (F.S.), and Chapter 28-106, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), of the Uniform Rules of Procedure. A request for hearing must (1) explain how the substantial interests of each person requesting the hearing will be affected by the District’s action, or proposed action; (2) state all material facts disputed by each person requesting the hearing or state that there are no disputed facts; and (3) otherwise comply with Chapter 28-106, F.A.C. A request for hearing must be filed with and received by the Agency Clerk of the District at the District’s Brooksville address, 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604-6899 within 21 days of publication of this notice. Failure to file a request for hearing within this time period shall constitute a waiver of any right such person may have to request a hearing under Sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S.

Saturday, March 17 Walmart 1485 Commercial Way Spring Hill 10:30a.m. to 6:030p.m.

Marshall’s Department Store 7143 Coastal Landing Brooksville 12:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.

Florida Cracker Kitchen 962 E. Jefferson St. Brooksville 6:00p.m. to 10:00p.m.

Sunday, March 18

Because the administrative hearing process is designed to formulate final agency action, the filing of a petition means that the District’s final action may be different from the position taken by it in this notice of agency action. Persons whose substantial interests will be affected by any such final decision of the District in this matter have the right to petition to become a party to the proceeding, in accordance with the requirements set forth above.

Mediation pursuant to Section 120.573, F.S., to settle an administrative dispute regarding the District’s action in this matter is not available prior to the filing of a request for hearing.

(03/16/2018)

Puzzle on page 12

11089 Ancient Tr. Brooksville 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Forest Oaks Assisted Living Facility 8055 Forest Oaks Blvd. Spring Hill; 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.

Walmart 13300 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville 4:30p.m. to 6:00p.m.

Thursday, March 22 Hernando County Northwest Waste 14450 Landfill Rd. Brooksville 9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.

Spring Hill Health & Rehab Center 12170 Cortez Blvd. Spring Hill 12:30p.m. to 5:00p.m.

Grace World Outreach Church 20366 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville 8:30a.m. to 1:00p.m.

Sam’s Club 13360 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville 12:30p.m. to 4:00p.m. .

Friday, March 23

Forest Oaks Lutheran Church 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd. Spring Hill 8:30a.m. to 1:00p.m.

Oak Hill Hospital 11375 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville 7:00a.m. to 7:00p.m.

Goodwill Industries 4750 Commercial Way Spring Hill 1:30p.m. to 5:30p.m.

Suncoast RV Park 9029 US Hwy 19 Port Richey 9:30a.m. to 2:00p.m.

Brooksville Bike Rally and Cruise In 20 N. Main St. Brooksville 2p.m. to 6p.m.

Walmart 1485 Commercial Way Spring Hill; 3:00p.m. to 6:00p.m.

Monday, March 19

Saturday, March 24

Walmart 1485 Commercial Way Spring Hill; 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

Life Church 18924 County Line Rd. Spring Hill; 8:30a.m. to 1:00p.m.

Davis Family Hearing Center 5119 Commercial Way Spring Hill; 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m.

JC Penny Department Store 1399 Wendy Ct. Brooksville 10:00a.m. to 5:30p.m.

Sam’s Club 13360 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville 2:30p.m. to 6:00p.m.

Walmart 2163 W. CR 48 Bushnell 11:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

Tuesday, March 20

Sunday, March 25

Breakfast Station 1242 S. Broad St. Brooksville 9:00a.m. to 12:30p.m.

Christian Church in the Wildwood 10051 Country Rd. Weeki Wachee 8:00a.m. to 1:00p.m.

Walmart 13300 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

Brooksville Health Care Center 1114 Chatman Blvd. Brooksville; 1:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.

Cornerstone Baptist Church 13171 Tara St. Spring Hill 11:00a.m. to 3:00p.m.

Wednesday, March 21

Sam’s Club 13360 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville 2:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.

Belle Parc RV Resort

Walmart

18 HERNANDO SUN

hernandosun.com March 9 - 15, 2018

MARRIAGES Marasco Richard Anthony and Harari Lois Elaine 3/7/18 Moore Joshua Lee and Richter Sarah Felicia 3/7/18 Bush Shane Garrett and Thomas Brittany Nicole 3/7/18 Schuck Scott Michael and Shields Toni Marie 3/7/18 Castillo Mateo David and Piscopo Amanda Lynn Nikol 3/8/18 Miranda Robert Anthony and Ramirez Hernandez Emily Esther 3/8/18 Rucker Robert Thomas and Wickstrom Kendall Leigh 3/8/18 Mulyck Donald Ivan and D’ascoli Amanda Jane 3/8/18 Gilmour Seth Michael and Boggs Brooke Elizabeth 3/8/18 Richardson Dwayne Timothy and Varney Amanda Lee Lynn 3/9/18

Lanham Thomas Christopher and Phillips Angela Marie 3/9/18 Moser Timothy Shawn and Corulla Samantha 3/9/18 Vargas Magdaleno Julio Cesar and Torres Bello Anelyn Katerina 3/9/18 French Raymond Allen Lee and Carter Brandy Ann 3/9/18 Corini Theodore Benjamin and Bautista Julie 3/9/18 Camacho Martinez Roberto and Duran Thalia Isabel 3/9/18 Dunn James Steven and Pearson Emily Blake 3/12/18 Buckley Stephen Michael and Hohenstern Judith Angela Christina 3/12/18 Price Tracy Eugene and Overstreet Leah Johnston 3/12/18 See MARRIAGES, Page 20

Solution to Soduku on page 15

© 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.

King Features Weekly Service

March 12, 2018

1. Is the book of Mark in the Old or New Testament or neither?

2. What kind of physical problem did Timothy have of which Paul advised a little wine? Back, Stomach, Head, Legs 3. From Proverbs 22, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great ...”?

Riches, Witness, Corruption, Love 4. What is the Hebrew word that’s usually translated as “blessing”? Brocho, Chosson, Chumash, Ducket 5. From Acts 8, who baptized the Ethiopian eunuch? Isaiah, James, Philip, Paul 6. How old was Abraham when he died? 75, 175, 202, 256 ANSWERS: 1) New; 2) Stomach; 3) Riches; 4) Brocho, 5) Philip; 6) 175 Visit Wilson Casey’s new Trivia Fan Site at www.patreon.com/triviaguy.

(puzzle on page 17)

March 16 - 22, 2018

hernandosun.com

HERNANDO SUN

19

OPINION DOMENICK J. MAGLIO, PH.D.

LETTE R TO T H E E D ITO R

WILLIAM F. HOLLAND

Letters to the Editor: We welcome your comments which may be published in the newspaper and our website. They should be no longer than 400 words and include the name, daytime phone number and email address of the author for verification purposes if necessary. Your submission may be edited prior to publication. Only your name and town will be published.

For more information, contact Julie Maglio at 352.238.5454.

Traditional Realist

Be alert, check public school claims

M

in national polls most Americans believe the job congress is doing is horrible. Yet when it comes to re-election of their own local establishment congressional representative they usually overwhelmingly win. Their own congressman is doing an excellent job but all the others are not. This defies mathematical odds.

The same phenomenon happens with people concerning their child’s school. Their child’s school is a high functioning one while others in the district are less than adequate.

This happens even when the national polls demonstrate that according to the public, US education is in deplorable shape as compared to the US education system in the 1960s or even currently developing countries.

The reality of the state of our local schools is much harder to determine today than ever before.

The sheer enormity of our school districts and individual schools make them truly difficult for parents to assess. In the past teachers were recruited from the neighborhood.

Parents knew their child’s teacher and the administrator both inside and outside the school. Many of the principles were the same individuals who were in charge when they were educated. People were more stable and accountable to the local people in the neighborhood.

Fast forward, we now live in a mobile society. People are transient, have few roots in the community. Teachers and administrators have more impressive titles but little power and no direct accountability to parents and students. No one is directly in charge. A bureaucratic committee is running our public schools. Our schools are so large they have to have numerous administrators.

The principal has not only one vice principal but several of them.

The clerical staff is no longer a couple of secretaries but an entire department of specialists assigned to various sections including public relations. This group controls the news flow by massaging the school district performance data.

Citizens have been lulled into not believing their own eyes.

The sugar coating of our public schools has become a super con art.

The principal has to directly answer not to the parents, rather to the local school district office of various level bureaucrats. The head superintendent of schools is an elected or appointed political position directly responsible to the local board of education. Each school board member is supposed to represent a division of the entire district. The school board is accountable to enforce state mandates and regulations that are formulated by bureaucrats in the state capital and the State Department of Education.

Federal and state intervention in our local schools has hurt, not improved our students’ education and our teachers’ ability to create a safe and stimulating learning environment. President Obama’s administration devised the “Promise Program.” This program, like most federal ones, used grant money to entice school districts to participate in the program. The stated See MAGLIO, Page 20

Domenick Maglio, PhD. is a columnist carried by various newspapers, an author of several books and owner/ director of Wider Horizons School, a college prep program. Dr. Maglio has a new book, available on Amazon and other sites, entitled, IN CHARGE PARENTING. You can visit Dr. Maglio at www.drmaglio.blogspot.com.

Dear Hernando Sun Editor and Readers: Evil is amongst us

has suffered. We have become so frightened of “labeling” people with its legal ramifications that we have ignored their problems. We wait until a heinous act has been committed before dealing with it, and the call to disarm America bit by bit once again pushes to the forefront.

Distraught citizens in the emotion of the moment call for boycotting the NRA and businesses supporting it. This organization’s blame for causing this last catastrophe is like blaming the Ford Motor Company for a driver gunning it through a red light only to smash into an oncoming vehicle, killing all of its occupants.

Like those at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, I have been shot at and witnessed injured and dead students falling in pools of blood around me. The horror never leaves you.

There are no simple and easy answers when dealing with evil. We want to enact a solution to prevent murder from ever happening again.

But it will happen again.

It has been with us since the beginning of time (Genesis 4:8) and will continue through the end times, Pure evil exists and its manifestation is heightened in the politically correct culture we have been nourishing for far too many years.

Jumping on the anti-gun and NRA bandwagon will prevent nothing. Perhaps it might give one a good feeling that “something has been done,” but we need well-thought out solutions to a deep-rooted problem of alienation and mental illness in our society. Internet use hasn’t helped to develop healthy egos either, as face to face discourse

I

There are many creative as well as conventional solutions, from sheriff’s substations on campus and allowing resource officers to do their jobs to dealing with the effects of antidepressants on the brain and reopening mental hospitals.

With our PC mentality too many are afraid to let authorities know of their concerns due to repercussions. And, as we have seen in Parkland, even when authorities have been notified at all levels multiple times, pleas for help were ignored.

Anyone derelict in their line of duty should be held accountable. Period.

But let’s rise above the blame game. Cherished lives were lost. The next murderer is out there, waiting to strike. Evil is amongst us.

Thank you.

Sincerely, Margie Yurtinus

Mona’s Brows

’m a fan of art. I’ve sculpted clay, burned wood, tooled leather, scraped the back of mirrors, drawn with pencil and ink, painted in oil and acrylic, and tried Sumi-e, which is Japanese painting and really difficult.

I even have a couple of my artistic attempts hanging on my walls, oil from twenty-eight years ago and poster-paint from fifty-two years ago.

But I am not an artist.

However, I do consider myself an art critic, in my own right. I most emphatically demand that a picture of a can soup is boring.

Pointillism is pointless.

All other -isms might look good in a nightclub but should never hang in a home. And what Alexander and Bob Ross made on TV is nothing like what they created when they had several hours to paint in private. I also insist that what is promoted as great artwork from the past isn’t always.

From an anthropologist’s point of view, the art of previous centuries might be informative, but little of it is noteworthy. Art experts must insist on greatness so they can make a living.

And that’s impressive all by itself, persuading the wealthy that such and such drawings and paintings and sculptures are so remarkable that they must be preserved in a museum. Culture, you know.

I do recognize a few amazing artists. While it is impossible to know the painters’ names, cave art has always been one of my favorites. Not all of it, of

GOOFY STUFF

By VINCENT CARDEGIN course. The renderings of animals, even megafauna, are amazing for the time, even though they qualify as an -ism.

But I don’t like that they never painted themselves like that. I want to see a few portraits on those rock walls, other than handprints.

Well, maybe in caves not yet found. The movie “The Croods” kind of addressed that.

From more recent times, another of my favorites is Michelangelo, and his Pietà.

But isn’t the reclining figure a little too flat? I think he accidentally chipped off the tip of the nose and had to re-carve the whole thing an

MINISTER / CHAPLAIN

inch lower. And his Sistine Chapel looks like illustrations by Family Guy’s cartoonists.

I also admire Leonardo da Vinci, but his books of drawings are no better than what I drew when I was fourteen.

And the painting that has so dominated the artworld, his Mona Lisa, which some say is the wife of a nobleman, and which has inspired extraterrestrial theorists because there is a balloon in the air behind her, and excited the gay community because her eyes and nose line up with a drawing thought to be of him, is really not so mysterious.

Shadows in the cheeks make that smile. I think it’s a portrait of his mother, and he kept it and work on it for the rest of his life because he couldn’t remember what her eyebrows looked like.

God is more than enough

W

e’ve all heard the song, “He’s got the whole world in His hands” but did you know this is actually from scripture? We read in Isaiah chapter 40 and verse 12, “Who has calculated the waters in the hollow of His hand, and who has measured the heavens and determined the dust of the earth, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?”

Today, if you feel that your crisis is too much for God to take care of, if you believe your problem is too big for God to handle, and if you are convinced your enemy is just too powerful, God wants you to know that you are not seeing life in a correct perspective. God is for you and this means that nothing or no one is greater than His power. You and God are a majority no matter how bleak your situation.

He is saying to stop confessing how huge your problems are and start declaring how awesome your God is! Doubt sees God through the eyes of our emotions but faith sees our circumstances through the eyes of God. Pray and believe that He is in total control and that He always wants the best for your life. Just for a moment, let’s stop and consider how powerful God is and how we can know that nothing is too difficult for Him. Imagine an ordinary marble and let’s say this represents the size of the earth. To better understand the size comparison of earth to our sun (which is actually a small star) we would need a container large enough to put 1 million marbles inside.

This would be the equivalent of approximately twenty 55-gallon drums of marbles. Alright, let’s use the marble again except this time it will represent the size of our sun. To have a realistic idea of the size of our sun in comparison to one of the billions of larger stars in the universe, we would need to measure 20 feet which would represent the distance across just one of them. Mind boggling but just imagine, He simply spoke everything into existence.

Do you have visions, dreams, and prayers in your life that you are looking for Him to answer? We all do. Since God created all things then He can definitely provide whatever you need today!

To understand the contrast in distance from the earth to the moon verses from the earth to Mars, it has been calculated using a quarter to represent the distance from the earth to the moon and the length of a football field from the earth to Mars.

Yes, it’s difficult to understand how big the universe is because our tiny brain cannot grasp it, but it helps our faith to think about these facts and realize that God spoke everything into existence.

Let us not forget that He also keeps everything spinning, balanced and tilted perfectly since the beginning of time. Jeremiah 33 and Genesis 22 compares the number of stars with the grains of sand on the seashore. Before the invention of the modern telescope it was possible to only see about 4000 stars, counting all that were visible from every point on earth.

Many astronomers were convinced that Bible passages related to nature and creation like those verses in Jeremiah and Genesis were just exaggerations. Now with the technology of the Hubble telescope which is traveling deep into space and sending back new images of the universe, science now agrees with the Bible that there are truly as many stars as there are grains of sand. God created you, knows you and loves you more than anything.

Our Creator is definitely more than enough for every person See HOLLAND, Page 20

William F. Holland Jr., DD., C.ED.D. can be contacted at P.O. Box 1394, Nicholasville, KY 40340

20 HERNANDO SUN

WEDDING from page 1

ding.’ My groom, being the amazing man that he is, told me on Thursday, March the 1st that he bought us tickets to go see Pappy and that we were going to get married on

hernandosun.com

Saturday the 3rd in his hospital room so Pappy could dance with me at our wedding,” Hannah recalled.

With the help of her sister in Indiana, Heather Webster, who would be the maid of honor, they hurriedly began planning

The happy couple share a toast.

MAGLIO from Page 19

purpose was to “reduce the schoolhouse to jailhouse pipeline.” The result has been to ignore sociopathic students to lower negative statistics in order to receive the additional funds. This policy was a major factor in keeping Nikolas Cruz from getting needed help.

It has kept dangerous students in school without any consequences all over the nation.

On the local school district level it is currently almost impossible to determine the actual effectiveness of the individual school. Almost every power broker in the district would like to attract new perspective businesses to the area.

Chambers of Commerce need high functioning schools to close the deal to bring new business and to maintain established businesses in the community.

It is in the vested interest of the local establishment to elevate the reputation of the public schools. These mainstays of local business have many incentives to sell the school district’s reputation to the surrounding counties.

Public relations department reports sugar coat assessment results that highlight dubious elements and conceal

blatant statistical shortcomings of the district’s performance. The school’s public relations department makes the local businessman’s pitch easier by providing snippets of assessment results to create an illusion of positive results.

When today’s high school graduates have less academic proficiency than high school graduates in the first half of the 1900s, no amount of today’s grade inflation can hide student’s deficiency in academic skills, knowledge and reasoning ability from discerning parents. The media interviews with college students from the most prestigious universities in the nation are impossible to dismiss.

It is a stunning example of the pathetic state of the US education. It is a maze of confusing bureaucratic layers with citizens having practically no voice.

Our educational system has to be radically revamped or America will lose its prominence as a world leader. This can only be accomplished by reestablishing direct accountability to parents in the local school district for actual comprehensive education of their children. Immediately we should end state and federal mandates, which serve only political interests not that of our

March 16 - 22, 2018

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

the event. This is where Oak Hill Hospital stepped in and joined in.

The hospital arranged for Mr. Nichols to be moved into a private room for the day. The hospital administrator, doctors, nurses and other staff all wanted to help. The chef made the hors d’oeuvres and wedding cake, the staff decorated the room and the hospital even provided a photographer and videographer.

Hannah explains how the whole thing came together in just three days.

“My groom and I got off the plane and went straight to the Tampa courthouse to get our marriage license from there we had to wait for my sister’s plane to land. She had a layover in Detroit and was making my veil while she waited. After picking up my sister she dropped me off at David’s Bridal an hour before closing [to get her dress] while they went to pick Hannah Walker shares a moment with her grandfather, Jimmie Nichols. up flowers from Trader Joe’s (My sister is a The maid of honor, Coordinator and Debbie my life! God is so good florist). I found the perfect Heather Webster comin Administration. and faithful! We feel dress and shoes and we mented, “They really did Although the wedding extremely blessed and headed to Brooksville.” treat us as if we were was not as Hannah had thankful for the entire On the big day, the royalty. They went above planned it would be, it staff at Oak Hill hospital bridal party went to Oak and beyond. We were was probably the most and all the strangers along Hill Hospital. The staff so blown away at how memorable experience of the way that made this had set up a room for much they gave to us and her life. day so very special for them to change clothes lavished on us.”

“It was beautiful. My us.” in. Nurses had gotten her She remarked, “All the pappy walked me down And even better, the grandfather spruced up nurses assisted- they were the aisle in the only way couple will still have for the big day, too. Apexcited and a part of it it he could in a chair while their previously planned proximately fifteen guests was really a ministry to holding my hand. Pappy wedding in October for attended the ceremony, our family.” Heather was was able to stand briefly friends and family who but with the hospital staff particularly thankful for and we held each other couldn’t be at this imcelebrating with them it the efforts of Katie Stacy, and danced for a moment. promptu ceremony. seemed like a large affair. the Oak Hill Marketing It was the best day of

MCNEIL from Page 16

The most consistent part of my day is waking up between 4 and 5 AM and responding to important emails that came in overnight. The worst difficulties get my attention first thing in the morning, which is when my brain is in high-gear, and well before the phone starts ringing. After the difficult problems are solved, I welcome the shifting of gears covering stories for the Hernando Sun. Q: Where are you from?

A: Originally from Wellesley, MA, a Boston suburb. I’ve lived primarily in Florida for the greater part of 41 years.

student’s education.

Domenick Maglio, PhD. is a columnist carried by various newspapers, an author of several books and owner/director of Wider Horizons School, a college prep program.

Dr. Maglio is an author of weekly newspaper articles, INVASION WITHIN and a new just published book, entitled, IN CHARGE PARENTING In a PC World. You can visit Dr. Maglio at www. drmaglio.blogspot.com.

Q: What do you enjoy about Hernando County?

A: Aside from golf and being on the water, I love the connection to connection to local business.

I also love the choices Hernando offers in living.

You can live within walking distance to shopping, or you can live on acreage far away from anything, or right on the water.

Q: Why were you working in Prison/Correctional facilities and which ones did you visit?

A: I landed my first IT job with PRIDE of Florida (now, PRIDE Enterpris-

MARRIAGES from Page 18

Garcia Alvarez Odannis Sebastian and Estevez Rivas Aymet Samantha 3/12/18

es) in 1993. PRIDE is an acronym for Prison Rehabilitation Industries and Diversified Enterprises, which employed state prison inmates for various industries inside prison campuses. My role was to bring PCs to the PRIDE campuses, to replace dumb-terminals that were linked to one central mainframe in St. Petersburg.

Most of my time was spent at Miami-Dade, Glades, and Starke. Part of the Starke project required entry onto the Raiford campus, but I was not allowed to enter Raiford due to age policies Negrete Daniel Juan Robert and Gullo Brandi Nicole 3/13/18 Perry Douglas Francis and Wickel Ryan Elizabeth 3/13/18

Shaw Scott Quientin Earl and Campbell Julie Michele 3/12/18

Allen William Michael and Taylor Lisa Darlene 3/13/18

Hernandez Leandro and Murphy Sara Michelle 3/12/18

Widmer Ryan Lee and Manchester Britney Nichole 3/13/18

Carter James Warren and Bonikowski Nicole Marie 3/12/18

Hynes Francis Michael and Laskowski Amy Lee 3/13/18

Tomassi Paul Anthony and Palaima Marissa Lynn 3/12/18

Herby Randy Scott and Parnell Jena De 3/13/18

Cain Alton and Walker Sheila Ann 3/12/18

Rolerad Jason Paul and Brownlee Andrea Maria 3/13/18

Scalise Vincent Peter and Ward Jessica Marie 3/13/18

Molina Jose David and Erickson Heather Renee 3/13/18

Moore Jon Mathew and Antonson Stefanie Lynn 3/13/18

Petko Joseph Bruce and Florea Kira Nerise 3/13/18

Johnson Dustin Zachary and Durden Savanna Marie 3/13/18

Laubacker Timothy Michael and Timm Veronica Rose 3/13/18

at the time.

Q: What do you like about working for Hernando Sun? A: Honestly, everything. I love learning and research, and those are required when covering local news. It hardly seems like work when I’m writing about our waterways, local business people and community events. I even get to incorporate my technology side when it’s time to crunch numbers for official statistics.

HOLLAND from page 19

who has ever lived and will ever live. He is big enough to deliver you, wealthy enough to provide for you, powerful enough to heal you, and strong enough to deliver you.

His unconditional love is infinite and He longs to give you exceedingly abundantly above and beyond everything you could ever imagine. God has a perfect plan for your life.

Do not give up and never stop believing for your breakthrough because we serve a big God and His promises never fail!

Matthew 19:26 says, “Jesus looked at them and said, with man this is impossible, but with God ALL things are possible.”

Ask for the free comforting and encouraging scripture CD, “Keeper of my soul” at billyhollandministries.com