Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2019

INVASIVE CANE TOAD FOUND IN BROOKSVILLE — page 17

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Dawn Center awarded highly sought grant

OP-ED

Dawn Center is one of 100 agencies nationwide to receive Mary Kay grant

BY MEGAN HUSSEY MHUSSEY@HERNANDOSUN.COM

SPORTS Solid win for Lady Eagles basketball PAGE 15

More than 72,000 adult and child abuse victims in the United States receive domestic violence services in a single average day, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence. And locally, the Dawn Center for Domestic and

Sexual Violence served more than 1,900 survivors in Hernando County last year alone. Now, the center who helps so many itself will receive a helping hand.

The Mary Kay Foundation, a subsidiary of Mary Kay Inc. cosmetics, has given the Dawn Center a $20,000 unrestricted grant to support local survivors of domes-

tic violence in Hernando County; designating the center among the 100 agencies nationwide awarded a total of $2 million in grants through the foundation in support of October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

"The award is to help with operaSee GRANT, Page 4

Big Cat Rescue welcomes Max, Kimba and Simba

Birding adventures for beginners

Three male tigers safe after being rescued from Guatemalan circuses

PAGE 7

GOOFY STUFF Scented Candles PAGE 23

Nine-year-old male tiger Simba at ADI's temporary rescue sanctuary located in Guatemala. Photo courtesy of Animal Defenders International (ADI).

By SUE QUIGLEY Hernando Sun

More than a year ago, the Hernando Sun reported on the efforts of Big Cat Rescue and Animal Defenders International (ADI) — agencies dedicated to ending the suffering of tigers and other big cats in many

areas of the world, particularly those cats trapped in horrific conditions in circuses.

ADI works closely with Big Cat Rescue in Tampa and recently helped enforce the ban on animals in circuses in Guatemala.

After banning the use of an-

imals in circuses in 2017, the government of Guatemala invited ADI to help enforce this law, as the Los Angeles-based organization has successfully done in Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru.

Operation Liberty, launched See BIG CATS, Page 20

Boys basketball preseason classics ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ALICE MARY HERDEN

Weeki Wachee and Central join-in hosting their first preseason basketball classic Hernando County, FL ---The week before Thanksgiving, three Hernando County high schools took an opportunity to invite nine teams outside the county to host their preseason basketball classic.

Springstead Unique Torain in mid-air for a 2-pointer against Umatilla on Wednesday night during the annual Glory Days preseason classic.

Central Breakfast Station Preseason Classic Central High hosted their first Breakfast Station preseason basketball classic on Tuesday Night as The Villages, Central Florida Catholic, and Cypress Creek traveled to See CLASSICS, Page 13

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Kanye West: Sign of Hope?

Does the approach of Nov. 28th bring to mind a Kanye West “Sunday Service” or a party bringing together a group of Pilgrims and their Indian friends nearly 400 years ago to start what has become an American tradition?

It is not much of a stretch to see the similarities in either or both versions of Thanksgiving.

At the heart of both events is/was a worship ceremony filled with prayers of gratitude and fervent singing and dancing, both religious and secular. Those involved had/have personal reasons to be thankful to God. Yet each is/was much more than an occasion to worship.

“Sunday Service,” the subject of recent headlines, is not per se a holiday event — so far, at least. But the theme definitely is one of thanksgiving. Throughout the concert performances

by West and his choir in Atlanta, Chicago, at Joel Osteen’s mega Lakewood Church in New Orleans, on YouTube and elsewhere, the iconic rapper declares his thanks to God “for saving me, for replenishing me, for delivering me.”

That “born again” testimony is not a solemn expression in a quiet sanctuary but a vital part of an energetic and boisterous, improvisation filled celebration that could happen in a stadium, on the street, in a field, most any place where there is room.

As for the Pilgrims (a term you seldom see in See TAFT, Page 22

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81 64 INDEX

LOCAL & STATE 2 OUT & ABOUT 7 SPORTS 12 BUSINESS & COMMUNITY 18 OPINION 21, 22 LEGAL NOTICES 23

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Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

LOCAL & STATE

Hernando Sun Staff & Regular Contributors

FROM multi-state crime spree TO golden goats

Julie B. Maglio: Editor, Publisher Rocco Maglio: Barrista, Publisher Sue Quigley: Layout and Community Reporter Lisa MacNeil: Local Government and Community Reporter Cheryl Clanton: Photographer, Community and Sports Reporter Andy Villamarzo: Sports Reporter Mel Suiter: Sports Reporter Melissa Fordyce: Community Reporter Alice Mary Herden: Photographer, Community and Sports Reporter Sarah Nachin: Community Reporter Toby Benoit: Hunting Sports, Community Writer Kathryn Dentato: Government Reporter Jessica Williams: Reporter Sabrina Sivert: Reporter Robert Helde: Reporter Vincent Cardegin: Columnist Dr. Domenick Maglio: Columnist William Holland: Columnist

state news in review Supreme Court may hear dispute on Janet Reno Homestead in Kendall, Fla. Whether or not Janet Reno’s homestead in Kendall, Fla. will be sold or donated to Miami Dade College may rest on the decision of the Florida Supreme Court. Reno originally intended for the homestead to be donated to University of Miami, but UM turned down the offer. Family members are divided on the matter.

Ellen Corsi Tutko: Ad Sales Representative (614) 208-2066 Dali Rivera: Ad Sales Representative (917) 604-5667 Sarah Nachin: Ad Sales Representative

Pam Bondi on White House Communications Team

Subscribe We currently offer a 52 issue subscription for $31.50 and 26 issues for $18.90. 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

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi now serves on the White House communications team. She said last week that while Trump would like to testify in the impeachment proceedings, he will not be advised to do so, as the legitimacy of the court proceedings are in question.

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26 states are spending $350 million on 2020 Census efforts

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The Week of Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019 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: Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019; Statement of Frequency: Weekly; Subscription Price: $31.50 annual, $18.90 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

CORRECTIONS: Last week the last paragraph of the Rose Rocco article was cut off. Here is the full paragraph: Rose Rocco worked hard to improve the community and we are better for it. She followed her heart and was passionate about helping others. She was a devoted mother, wife, and friend to many.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEETINGS Brooksville City Council Meeting Monday, December 2, 2019 7:00 PM Location 201 HOWELL AVENUE, BROOKSVILLE, FL - JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, III COUNCIL CHAMBERS Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting Monday, December 9, 2019, 9:00 AM Location: JOHN LAW AYERS ROOM 20 NORTH MAIN STREET BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA 34601

Workshop 6:00PM Regular Meeting Location: HCSD DISTRICT OFFICE - BOARD ROOM 919 N. BROAD STREET BROOKSVILLE, FL 34601 Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting Tuesday, December 10, 2019 9:00 AM Location: JOHN LAW AYERS ROOM 20 NORTH MAIN STREET BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA 34601

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, 11AM Informal School Board Meeting 2:00 PM School Board

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — With less than a month and a half remaining until the new year begins, most states have put together what’s known as a “complete count committee” that organizes efforts statewide to get people to participate in the 2020 Census.

However, a handful of states — Florida, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Texas — are lacking these state-sponsored committees.

More than half of the states have backed up their 2020 Census outreach efforts with money. Here’s a list of the 26 states that have allocated almost $350 million for outreach for the decennial census, the amount they’re appropriating and how much that breaks down per resident.

The decennial census will help determine the allocation of $1.5 trillion of federal dollars and how many congressional seats each state gets: Alabama, $1.2 million, $0.25 Alaska, $600,000, $0.81 California, $187 million, $4.73 Colorado, $6 million, $1.05 Connecticut, $500,000, $0.14 Georgia, $3.7 million, $0.36 Hawaii$750,000, $0.53 Illinois$30.5 million, $2.39 Maryland, $5 million, $0.83 Massachusetts, $325,000, $0.05 Michigan, $500,000, $0.05 Minnesota, $2.2 million, $0.39 Montana, $100,000, $0.09 Nevada, $5 million, $1.65 New Jersey, $9 million, $1.01 New Mexico, $3.5 million, $1.67 New York, $60 million, $3.07 North Carolina(asterisk), $1.5 million, $0.14 North Dakota, $1 million, $1.32 Oregon, $7.7 million, $1.84 Pennsylvania, $4 million, $0.31 Rhode Island, $500,000, $0.47 Utah, $1 million, $0.32 Virginia, $1.5 million, $0.18 Washington, $15.5 million, $2.05 Wisconsin, $1 million, $0.17 ___

Hernando County Crime Stoppers Please

Call !

WANTED !

Name: Dequan Tyson DOB: 05/25/1990 Hgt: 6’00” Wgt: 160 lbs.

Tampa

WARRANT

If you recognize this subject or have any information, please call Crime Stoppers!

You will remain anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD...

CALL Hernando County Crime Stoppers Toll Free 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or go to www.HernandoCountyCrimeStoppers.com Pd by CSTF

EDITOR'S NOTE: THE ABOVE FUGITIVE IS WANTED ON A FELONY WARRANT. CHARGE INFORMATION:

FELONY - CT1: ROBBERY STRONGARM; CT2: BURG OF A STRUCTURE WITH ASSAULT; CT3: WITNESS INTIMIDATION; CT4: GRAND THEFT; BOND - CT1: $10,000; CT2: $25,000 CT3: $10,000; CT4: $2,000 HCSO CASE - 2019-21110

(asterisk)North Carolina’s funding is pending ___ Source: National Conference of State Legislatures, Associated Press Ruff ride: Florida dog bumps car into motion, gets solo trip PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Florida authorities say they responded to a rogue vehicle spinning in reverse around a suburban cul-de-sac with a lone occupant inside: a Black Labrador.

News outlets report residents called police Thursday after seeing the dog trapped and clambering around in the car as it spun in circles in a Port St. Lucie neighborhood.

Police say they think the dog’s owner stepped away from the running car and that’s when the pet knocked it into reverse. Neighbor Anne Sabol says she watched the furry speed racer take out a mailbox and a trash can.

Sabol says the dog was in high spirits after being rescued, adding it “jumped out of the car, wagging his tail.”

Police stopped the joyride by punching a passcode into the driver’s door. No one was hurt.

Recall: 86 tons of chicken fried rice; may have plastic bits OAKLAND, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi company is recalling more than 86 tons of chicken fried rice because it may contain bits of plastic.

Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. of Oakland, Mississippi, reported the problem after customers complained, according to recall notice Friday from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The agency said it hasn’t had any confirmed reports of injury or illness, and the health risk is considered low.

The 54-ounce (1.5 kilogram) packages were shipped to retailers in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey and Texas.

They’re labeled “Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken With Japanese-Style Fried Rice.” The date codes are 3559007, 3559008, 3559015, 3559190 and 3559191 and the best by dates are 1/7/2020, 1/8/2020, 1/15/2020, 7/9/2020 and 7/10/2020.

Each package holds six 9-ounce (255-gram) microwavable bags of mixed rice, vegetables and chicken.

Authorities say anyone with one of those packages should throw it out or return it to the seller.

It would need to submit 766,200 signatures by a February deadline to get on next year’s ballot.

The other legalization measure, which would require the state to regulate marijuana in the same manner as alcohol, is backed by the committee Sensible Florida. The committee had submitted 92,438 valid signatures as of Friday and also is awaiting Supreme Court scrutiny of the proposed ballot wording.

Make It Legal Florida has quickly outdistanced Sensible Florida in raising money, according to finance reports.

As of Oct. 31, Sensible Florida had collected about $205,000 in cash and about $245,000 in in-kind contributions and spent just under $160,000 since the committee was formed four years ago.

Make It Legal Florida, launched in August, has brought in more than $2.7 million in cash and $114,500 in in-kind contributions, and spent more than $2.6 million, the finance reports show.

MM Enterprises USA, LLC, a company linked to Florida medical marijuana operator Med Men, has contributed nearly $1.2 million to the effort, while Surterra Holdings, Inc., which is linked to operator Parallel, has put more than $1.6 million into the committee, according to the reports.

Landscaping woes lead Florida school to golden goats

Group Ready To Fight Recreational Pot Efforts

TITUSVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida school district is bringing in a crack squad of four-legged experts to deal with an overgrown patch of rough terrain, where hidden gopher tortoises, snakes, steep banks and vertical drop-offs make it too hazardous for grounds crews to handle.

Florida Today reports about two dozen goats will descend into a fenced area around a pond next to Imperial Estates Elementary in Titusville next week.

Grounds services supervisor Matt Nolle says the area is too dangerous for heavy equipment, or even people on foot. Goats are better for the environment and can get into places humans can't. He says, "Somehow, four legs is an advantage."

The Brevard School District is paying about $4,500 to hire the goats from Rent-a-Ruminant, a landscaping livestock company. ___ Information from: Florida Today (Melbourne, Fla.), http://www. floridatoday.com

November 22, 2019 Dara Kam, NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

Editor's Note: Forget this newspaper stuff. I'm getting into the goat business.

TALLAHASSEE --- With recreational marijuana advocates working to get two separate initiatives on the November 2020 ballot, opponents have formed a political committee focused on defeating the legalization efforts.

Organizers of Floridians Against Recreational Marijuana, or FARM, issued a news release Friday announcing the formation of the political committee, aimed at combating “the mega-marijuana, outof-state corporate interests” behind legalization.

Prominent Republican political consultant Pat Bainter, owner of the firm Data Targeting, is associated with the effort to defeat the pot proposals, according to the release.

“Our coalition has come together to defeat this dangerous ballot initiative, which will drive an increase in health care prices, increase costs on businesses and kill jobs and increase the burden on taxpayers that will pay for the costs associated with recreational marijuana,” said Brian Swensen, who will manage the antirecreational marijuana campaign.

The committee is comprised of “a coalition of citizens, businesses, anti-drug advocates, patients --- such as veterans seeking affordable health care --- and medical community professionals,” according to the release.

The opposition comes as backers of two competing measures continue to collect money and petition signatures in attempts to gain the support necessary to make it onto the 2020 ballot.

The political committee Make It Legal Florida is seeking to pass a constitutional amendment that would allow adults 21 or older to “possess, use, purchase, display, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and marijuana accessories for personal use for any reason.”

The committee has the backing of companies linked to two of Florida’s licensed medical marijuana operators.

According to the state Division of Elections website, Make It Legal Florida had submitted 108,345 petition signatures as of Friday afternoon, easily topping a 76,632-signature threshold to trigger Florida Supreme Court review of the proposed ballot wording.

Fla. man accused of requesting terror bomb attacks on deans MIAMI (AP) — A Florida man has been charged with trying to get the Islamic State to target two college deans in terrorist attacks.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami announced the arrest Monday of 23-year-old Salman Rashid.

He's been charged with soliciting another person to commit a crime of violence.

The FBI began investigating Rashid in April 2018 following violent social media posts.

Investigators says Rashid solicited a confidential human source to contact members of ISIS this past May to conduct a terrorist attack.

Officials say Rashid suggested multiple targets over the summer but settled earlier this month on deans at Miami-Dade College and Broward College, where Rashid had been suspended or expelled. Authorities say Rashid requested explosive devices be used and provided details about where they should be placed.

Court records didn't list an attorney.

FDLE arrests three for multistate crime spree; 2 additional suspects remain at large ORLANDO, Fla.–FDLE Agents arrested three suspects charged with organized retail theft who are suspected of an elaborate scheme stealing thousands from retailers throughout the Southeast United States. Agents believe the theft ring is responsible for more than 100 thefts in 23 Florida counties. Two suspects remain at large.

The investigation began in May after FDLE was contacted by The Home Depot about a barcode switch scam. Agents believe the suspects printed fraudulent UPC barcodes on adhesive stickers and then placed the false labels over UPC barcodes on more expensive products at The Home Depot and Target stores.

The investigation shows one suspect placed the false barcodes on the merchandise in store while another purchased the products.

See STATE NEWS Page 9

LOCAL & STATE

Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019 hernandosun.com

Arrest Summaries “Yes, always.”

FOLEY, DIANA MARIE YOB: 1979 CHARGES: AGG BATTERY, DOMESTIC BATTERY Arrested at: 11/18/2019 14:56 SPRING HILL, FL Arrest Summary: On November 18, 2019, was dispatched to a residence Spring Hill, FL in reference to a domestic battery.

Upon my arrival, I Observed the victim, standing in the garage of the residence. The defendant, Diana Foley, exited their recreational vehicle (RV).

Contact was made with the defendant, who was swaying back and forth. As the defendant began to speak, I could smell an odor of intoxicants emitting from her person. I Asked the defendant if she was intoxicated which she said, “Yes. Always."

The defendant stated she and the victim were in a verbal argument inside kitchen of their residence, which lead into the bathroom of the residence.

The defendant stated that the argument became physical when Daniel pushed her and struck her with a comb. The defendant continued and said, "Yes, I cut (the victim) with the knife on his elbow.”

The defendant could not provide how she came to be in possession of the knife or why she picked up the knife. The defendant’s order of events changed multiple times. The defendant did have dry blood on her upper right cheek; however, she could not explain why there was dry blood there.

Ithen made contact with the victim. He stated that he was in a verbal argument with the defendant, which turned physical when the defendant struck him in the face with a closed fist “roundhouse" to the left side of his face. The victim continued to say that he was standing outside in the garage when the defendant approached him and cut “fillet”

him on his left forearm.

Contact was then made with Tracy Kohler, who was sitting at the kitchen table. Tracy is the defendant's son's teacher.

Tracy verbally stated that the defendant walked in and out of the residence through the garage door multiple times.

She heard the defendant open kitchen drawer, observed a blue sleeve for the kitchen blade fly across the kitchen, and then heard the defendant say, “I have a knife." Tracy then observed the suspect walk back outside into the garage to where the victim was standing.

The defendant intentionally walked into the kitchen and retrieved a knife out of the kitchen drawer. The defendant intentionally and knowingly walked back into the garage and cut the victim against his will.

The victim sustained a 5 inch cut on his right forearm.

As Iwas attempting to read the defendant her Miranda Warnings, she began to speak over me and would not remain quiet.

The defendant was placed under arrest for Ct1: Aggravated Domestic Battery and Ct2: Domestic Battery. the defendant was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center without incident.

The defendant was given a court date of12/20l2019 at 0830 hours and is being held on a no bond status.

A Family Establishment

STOUT, IO AEA YOB: 1982 CHARGES: RESIST OFFICER W/O VIOLENCE, DISORDERLY COND/ BREACH PEACE, DISORDERLY INTOXICATION Arrested at: 11/20/2019 19:26 14387 SPRING HILL DR, SPRING HILL, FL, 34609

THE HERNANDO SUN

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AT T E N T I O N : T h e d a t a p r o v i d e d i n t h e a r r e s t s u m m a r i e s i s o n l y a r r e s t i n f o r m a t i o n .

This data does not reflect charging decisions made by the State Attorney’s Office or the outcome of criminal trials.

Arrest Summary: Upon arrival contact was made with the complainant, Denise B., who is the manager of Beef O’Brady’s. Denise advised on today’s date prior to my arrival the defendant, later identified by his Florida Identification card as Io Stout was advised he was no longer allowed to purchase any more alcoholic beverages due to being intoxicated. Denise further advised the defendant exited the above mentioned business and proceeded to sit on the sidewalk, located approximately (6) feet away from where the main entrance to the business is, furthermore advising this is where customers enter through. Denise stated while the defendant was exiting the business he continued to fall down onto the sidewalk unable to maintain his balance. Denise advised she proceeded to ask the defendant if she could contact a ride for him to return home, at which point she advised the defendant screamed, “f*** you" repeatedly and proceed to throw his phone onto the sidewalk in an aggressive manner. Denise advised due to the defendant causing a disturbance outside the restaurant coupled with disrupting the business operations, she contacted law enforcement.

Contact was made with the defendant at which point I Observed him to be highly intoxicated with strong odor of alcohol emitting from his person. Further observation of the defendant revealed his eyes to be bloodshot and watery, coupled with slurred speech. I asked the defendant to provide his identification due to him requesting Hernando County Fire Rescue to respond at which point he screamed at me to “go f*** yourself”. I Continued to attempt to obtain his identification where he screamed “your mother's a c***, your sister is a c***, and your brother is a c***". It should be noted at the time the defendant was screaming said Obscenities there were multiple underage children walking approximately (6) feet away from where the defendant was sitting, causing concern for the parents for the children’s safety. As the defendant was advised multiple times to calm down he proceeded to scream at me “go f*** yourself”.

Based on the above mentioned information the defendant

was taken into custody.

While attempting to place the defendant into handcuffs, the defendant pulled his left arm away from me, not allowing me to secure the handcuffs around his wrists.

The defendant was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Hernando County Jail and turned over to jail staff. Once at the jail the defendant was given a misdemeanor court date of 12-13-19 at 0900 hours in courtroom “C” of the Hernando Courthouse and a bond of $2,000.00 per the bond schedule.

Locked in, and out of gas

CUPPS, MICHAEL ANTHONY YOB: 1983 CHARGES: BURGLARY COMMERCIAL, GRAND THEFT Arrested at: 11/18/2019 12:31 16425 SPRING HILL DR, BROOKSVILLE, FL, 34604 Arrest Summary: On November 2nd, 2019, Michael Anthony Cupps (the defendant) entered the Storesmart Storage/UHAUL facility (a completely enclosed facility located at 2465 Anderson Snow Rd, Spring Hill, FL) in his 2012 white Nissan Frontier (bearing the FL tag JENS23), accompanied with three other unknown male suspects.

Via video surveillance, your affiant was also able to view the defendant's vehicle bearing the Florida tag JENS23.

Your affiant then conducted a search via my Driving and Vehicle Information Database (DAVID) software on the aforementioned tag which revealed the vehicle to be a white, 2012 Nissan Frontier.

This vehicle is currently registered to Michael Anthony Cupps (the defendant).

Your affiant recognized the Nissan Frontier bearing

Florida tag JENS23 as well as the defendant's name, due to recent and numerous encounters with the defendant at the residence of --- Hallcrest Ave, Spring Hill, FL. While reviewing the surveillance video, your affiant was able to observe the aforementioned Nissan Frontier enter the storage facility (at 2122 hours on November 2nd, 2019), then unlawfully trailer out a large boat belonging to one of numerous victims. Shortly after, your affiant observed the Nissan Frontier return to the aforementioned facility (at 2151 hours on November 2nd, 2019) without the large boat and trailer that it was attached to. The Nissan Frontier then unlawfully trailered out a white enclosed trailer belonging to one of numerous victims.

The aforementioned Nissan Frontier then returns shortly after (at 2211 hours on November 2nd, 2019) without the aforementioned white enclosed trailer to unlawfully attach another trailer (a victim's 6x12 Triple Crown trailer), that was loaded with one Pro Stance zero-turn lawn mower, and one Pro Turn zero-turn lawn mower. After attaching the aforementioned trailer, the white Nissan Frontier then leaves the storage facility again (at 2219 hours on November 2nd, 2019) Shortly after, the white Nissan Frontier returns to the storage facility without the aforementioned trailer and lawn mowers (at 2330 hours on November 2nd, 2019).

After re-entering the storage facility for the final time, It appears that four subjects (including the registered owner, the defendant) became locked in (this was later discovered that the key code they were utilizing to gain entry to the facility stopped working). After walking around the storage facility for approximately (3) hours, the suspects end up pushing their white Nissan Frontier out of the facility (It appeared that they had actually run out of fuel). While observing the aforementioned subjects via video surveillance, your affiant was able to observe the defendant's right calf tattoo (that is currently documented in this agency's ACISS software on his right calf) in plain view. It should also be noted that during this night in question, the defendant was wearing camouflage shorts that allowed his tattoo to be directly visible.

Later that day (on 11 /03/19) at approximately 1400 hours, Patrol Deputies discovered a victim's trailer with the boat still attached, and a secondary trailer after responding to a suspicious incident call at 2323 Circuit Way. Patrol Deputies were then able to discover that the aforementioned discovered items were related to the aforementioned thefts.

As your affiant's investigation continued, the aforementioned burglaries and thefts amounted to a current total of $101,345.00 of stolen/ recovered property, and $7,300.00 of damage to the UHAUL facility, and various victim's property. At the time of this affiant's writing, victims continue to come forward revealing further thefts that were not visible on camera (it is suspected that the additional thefts occurred while the suspects were stuck inside the facility).

On November 18th, 2019, your affiant made contact with the defendant at the Hernando County Detention Center (the defendant was currently in custody for HCSO case 2019-37493, DWLSR and the possession of drug paraphernalia). Post Miranda, the defendant admitted guilt to the aforementioned thefts and further admitted to being the "driver." The defendant also admitted (post Miranda) to fraudulently utilizing a gate code to unlawfully gain access into the facility.

Your affiant was then able to establish probable cause for the arrest due to the following: The defendant's vehicle is observed on video surveillance, the defendant Is observed on video surveillance, the defendant's unique calf tattoo is captured on video surveillance, and the defendant admitted guilt to the thefts (Post Miranda).

While still in custody, the defendant was additionally charged with the above offenses. The defendant was issued a court date for 12/20/19, in Room E of the Hernando County Courthouse, at 0830 hours. The defendant was also Issued a total bond for $30,000.00.

It should be noted, that at the time of your affiant's writing, there are still (3) unknown suspects Involved in the aforementioned incident.

and took him into custody without incident – Subject was Baker Acted – 2019-38186.

38272.

Sheriff’s Office Briefing Notes Wed., Nov. 20, 2019 • Deputies responded to: o Suspicious Incident – District 2/Zone 2 – Deputies were dispatched to the Racetrac gas station, 9410 Cortez Blvd., early Thursday morning in reference to an individual who appeared to be confused and in need of medical attention. The individual was Marchman Acted and taken to Oak Hill Hospital. A search of the person’s vehicle found unknown chemicals in the back seat. Hazmat responded and removed the chemicals and rendered them safe – Investigation active – 201937799. o Grand Theft from a Dwelling – District 2/Zone 3 – A homeowner caught a teen in the backyard trying to steal a puppy. Arrest/Female – 201937874.

• Schools: o West Hernando Middle School – A student swung a PVC pipe in the direction of school staff, almost hitting the person in the face – Investigation active – 201937818. o West Hernando Middle School – A student was found in possession of a vaping device. Student was issued a Juvenile Civil Citation – 201937828.

Thurs, Nov. 21, 2019 • Deputies responded to: o Agency Assist/Death Investigation – District 2/Zone 1 – Deputies responded to the Hernando Beach Boat Ramp in reference to a marine incident involving a drowning. The U.S.

Coast Guard is handling the investigation – 2019-37893. o Vehicle Burglary – District 2/ Zone 6 – Deputies responded to an area where a vehicle burglary was reported. Upon further investigation it was discovered there had been six burglaries to unlocked vehicles where various items were taken – Investigation active – 2019-37894. o Suspicious Incident – District 1/Zone 9 – A child reported seeing a vehicle follow her to and from school for the last few days. Deputies were unable to locate the suspicious vehicle – Investigation active – 201937962. o Flee and Elude – District 1/Zone 6 – As the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop the driver fled. After pulling into a driveway, the driver fled on foot. Deputies were unable to locate the suspect – Investigation active – 2019-37996. o Battery – District 2/Zone 4 -A couple got into an argument that turned physical, when the male suspect slapped the female victim in the face – Arrest/Male – 2019-37983. o Aggravated Battery – District 2/Zone 7 – A student was walking home when he said a vehicle pulled up next to him and shot him with a BB gun – Investigation active – 201937960. o Shooting Investigation – District 2/Zone 6 – An individual walking home heard multiple gun shots – Investigation active – 201937997.

• Schools:

o Suncoast Elementary – The school resource deputy was made aware an incident that occurred on the bus on Nov. 20. One student was making fun of another student. When they got off the bus one student threw a football at the other student. The student who was hit with the football then made a threat of violence – School discipline. o Westside Elementary – A student made a threat to hurt other students – Investigation active – 2019-37991.

Friday and Weekend, Nov. 22-24, 2019 • Deputies responded to: o DWLSR/Possession of Methamphetamine/Providing False ID to LEO/Escape – District 1/Zone 7 – A deputy made contact with Charles Hurst, W/M DOB/10-19-1990, at the Circle K, 35075 Cortez Boulevard as the suspect was sitting on a motorcycle.

Initially, the suspect provided a false name to the deputy.

When the deputy could not find a record for the name the man provided the suspect admitted he had a suspended license. As the suspect was being searched he ran away, only to be recaptured a short distance later. He also had two active warrants out of Sumter County. In addition, 1.87 grams of methamphetamine and a needle were found in his possession – Arrest/Male – 2019-38122. o Battery on LEO/Domestic Battery/Resisting with Violence – District 2/Zone 1 – Deputies responded to the area in reference to a missing juvenile.

When deputies arrived they spotted the missing juvenile with her mother. The deputy

Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Zone/District Map

noted the teen was twisting the mother's arm through a car window. When the deputy went to intervene, the teen shoved the deputy – Arrest/Female – 2019- 38098. o Agency Assist – District 2/ Zone 6 – Investigation active – 2019-38117. o Residential/Conveyance Burglary – District 1/Zone 2 – A homeowner reported that an unknown individual broke in their home between 11/1 and 11/23 and removed several rifles and cash from the residence. The unknown suspect also entered a vehicle on the property where they removed a rifle and tools.

Four sets of tires and rims were also taken from a shed – Investigation active – 201938162. o Possession of a Firearm by a Felon/Irrational Subject – District 1/Zone 3 – Family members told law enforcement a particular family member was making irrational statements.

He mentioned to family members about someone using methamphetamine prior to grabbing a 9 mm handgun and going outside. The individual was not permitted to possess a firearm. Deputies quickly located the individual

o Organized Fraud – District 2/Zone 3—During the course of 8 shifts an employee stole more than $3,000 worth of lottery tickets and $1,500 in cash from the register – Arrest/ Female – 2019-38242.

o Commercial Burglary – District 1/Zone 8 – When deputies arrived they discovered a lawnmower had been taken from the business – Investigation active – 201938227.

o Suicide Threat – District 1/ Zone 5 – 37 YOA Male/Baker Acted – 2019-38300.

o Death Investigation – District 1/Zone 5 – 63 YOA/Female – 2019-38230.

• Schools:

o Residential Burglary – District 2/Zone 4 – Suspect was caught on video removing a Ring floodlight camera along with other items – Arrest/Male – 2019-38092.

o Deltona Elementary – A student pushed a school staff member – Investigation active – 2019-38072. o Weeki Wachee High School – Student admitted to attempting to commit suicide – Student Baker Acted – 201938033.

o Trespass/Battery LEO – District 2/Zone 7 – Victim called to have his ex-girlfriend trespassed from his property.

While being arrested the suspect shoved the deputies – Arrest/Female – 2019-38190.

o Powell Middle School – One student touched another student inappropriately – Investigation active – 201938032.

o DWLSR/Possession of Methamphetamine – District 1/Zone 7 – During a traffic stop it was discovered the driver had a suspended license and was in possession of methamphetamine. The passenger was found in possession of marijuana – Arrest/Female x 2 – 2019-

o Springstead High School – A student was found in possession of a vaping device that tested positive for THC – Arrest/Male – 2019-38040.

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HERNANDO SUN

LOCAL & STATE

hernandosun.com Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

Video voyeurism charges don't stick HERNANDO SUN STAFF SPRING HILL, Fla, - In March 2019, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office arrested Stanley William Arnold, 61, with video voyeurism and Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information/ Unlicensed Practice of a Healthcare Professional. Arnold managed the Great One Oriental massage business located at 4121 Mariner Blvd in Spring Hill.

The state attorney’s office dropped all charges relating to video voyeurism. Arnold pled no contest to Unlicensed Practice of a Healthcare Professional.

Detectives stated they found “covert” video cameras set up to

monitor three of the four massage rooms. Arnold told detectives that he used the cameras to ensure employees were not participating in any illegal activity.

There was also an unlicensed massage therapist who worked at Great One Oriental Massage, Xiaoping Guangzhou Smaller, 55. Smaller was charged with one felony count of Unlicensed Practice of a Healthcare Professional.

The Sheriff’s Office reported that Arnold placed a photo of Smaller over the photo of a former employee's licensed massage therapist credentials.

Arnold pled not guilty to the 3 counts of video voyeurism. The defendant’s lawyer was Todd Foster

with Koche & Foster P.A.of Tampa, FL. In September 2019, the state attorney’s office filed an Announcement of No Information for the video voyeurism charges on the grounds of “other legal issues.”

The prosecutor in this case was Joseph O. Church, Assistant State Attorney.

Arnold pled guilty to the charge of conspiracy for the unlicensed practice of healthcare professional.

Arnold was given two year probation and a $5000 fine in addition to other requirements.

Chair, Vice Chair chosen in School Board Organizational meeting

by KATHRYN DENTATO BROOKSVILLE, Fla, NOV. 19, 2019School Superintendent John Stratton called the meeting to order, explaining that he was presiding over the meeting as the school board was selecting a new chair. He introduced each board member. Stratton asked for a moment of silence and led the pledge of allegiance.

Item #4066 – Adoption of the Agenda. Stratton asked for a motion to adopt the agenda, which Gus Guadagnino made, and Jimmy Lodato seconded. The agenda was approved 5-0.

Item #4067 – Election of Chairperson. Stratton asked for nominations. Kay Hatch nominated Linda Prescott. Lodato nominated Guadagnino. Prescott nominated current Board chair Susan Duval.

After nominations were closed, Hatch asked Duval about her interest in serving another term. “Only if it’s the pleasure of the Board,” Duval replied.

Voting was taken verbally due to the number of nominees. Prescott received one vote from Hatch, as Duval abstained. Prescott voted against herself.

Lodato and Guadagnino both voted no for Prescott.

Guadagnino received a vote from Lodato and himself. The other three members voted no.

In the third round, Guadagnino and Lodato voted against Duval, who received three votes in favor.

Duval retained her position as chair.

Item #4068 – Election of Vice Chairperson. Duval asked for nominations. Hatch nominated Prescott.

Lodato nominated Guadagnino. Each member was polled for his or her vote. The only vote against Prescott was Lodato.

The agenda order was changed slightly to accommodate a presentation by Dr. Bill Vogel from the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS). Vogel said he has been working with Stratton since he was appointed Interim Superintendent. He has been impressed with Stratton’s desire for increased community involvement and student achievement.

The certification is noted in Florida Statues. The course lasts one year. Stratton attended trainings workshops and took three exams to complete the requirements of the course. Vogel presented Stratton with the certificate.

Item #4069 – Approval of the schedule of upcoming meetings from December 2019 through November 2020. The informal meetings will continue since they are beneficial. The first Board meeting each month will convene at 5:00 pm to recognize staff and student achievements. Guadagnino moved to approve the schedule and the additional items. Lodato seconded the motion. The schedule was approved 5-0.

Item #4070 – Committee Designations. There are more than two dozen positions the board members fill, including alternates. There were not many changes from the previous year.

Guadagnino - Parent Academy Advisory

Committee, Anti-Bullying Committee, CTE Advisory Committee, Hernando County Education Foundation, Value Adjustment Board (alternate), Moton School Advisory Committee, Strategic Plan Pillar (People), ESSS Advisory Committee (alternate), SunTech Advisory Committee, Insurance Committee, Legislator and Sheriff Liaison Committee (alternate) Lodato – Legislative Committee, Value Adjustment Board, Half Cent Sales Tax Committee, two Strategic Plan Pillar (Facilities Operations), District Safe Schools Committee, Capital Funds Committee, CTE Advisory Committee (alternate), BOCC, Insurance Committee (alternate), Legislator and Sheriff Liaison Committee Hatch – Achievement Gap Committee (alternate), Anti-Bullying Committee (alternate), Strategic Plan Pillar (Communication and Community Engagement), Planning and Growth Committee, Small School District Council Consortium (alternate), Community Center Task Force (Fox Chapel Middle School), District Safe Schools Committee (alternate), Gifted Advisory Committee (alternate), Truancy Committee (alternate), Legislative Committee (alternate) Prescott – Small School District Council Consortium, Gifted Advisory Committee, Truancy fCommittee, ESSS Advisory Committee, Strategic Plan Pillar (Student Achievement), HCEF alternate, Achievement Gap Committee, BOCC, SunTech Advisory Committee (alternate), COE Review Team. Legislative Commitee Duval –Staffing Plan Task Force, Calendar Committee,

Raising school impact fee ordinance will be topic for public hearing This is an update to the article we published last week on school impact fees

by KATHRYN DENTATO Hernando Sun Reporter

Superintendent John Stratton stated the school board’s case at the Nov. 19, 2019 Hernando Board of County Commissioners meeting for raising the school impact fees to $6352 from $2133 per new construction single family home. Stratton said in the meeting that he’d be satisfied with 100 percent of the 2005 rate ($4,266 per new construction single family home).

After citizen comments, Commissioner Mitten proposed that the impact fee be increased to 50% of the 2019 study ($3,176.00). Allocco recommended the fees should be collected at Certificate of Occupancy. Mitten amended his motion to include that and Allocco seconded it. The BOCC directed staff to prepare an ordinance for public hearing.

The BOCC passed the motion with a 4-1 vote.

Commissioner Dukes opposed the motion.

Planning and Growth Committee (alternate), Capital Funds Committee (alternate) Matt Mulvaney was appointed by the School Board to serve on the Value Adjustment Board for the 2018-2019 school year. Duval asked Stratton to discuss another year’s appointment with Mulvaney.

Duval asked for a motion to approve the list of committee assignments. Guadagnino made the motion and Prescott seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Item #4071 – Appointment of the School Board Attorney Prescott nominated Mrs. Nancy Alfonso, wife of the current School Board attorney Denis Alfonso. The board members laughed at this, saying Mr. Alfonso could serve as an alternate. Duval asked for a motion to approve the appointment of Mrs. Alfonso to represent and advise the school board as general counsel. Hatch made the motion, and Lodato seconded it. The motion was carried 5-0.

The organizational meeting recessed briefly to discuss matters under the Hernando County School Board Leasing Corporation.

Item #4072 – Approval of the minutes from the 11/20/18 meeting. Hatch made the motion and Prescott provided the second. The motion carried 5-0.

Item #4073 – Appointment of the School Board Chair to become Leasing Corporation President. The motion was made by Guadagnino and seconded by Hatch. The

GRANT

"Anytime you write for a grant you are hopeful, but I was also from page 1 realistic about the competitive nature of a nation-wide contest like tional costs of Dawn Center’s many The Mary Kay Foundation," she intervention services to include the said. "After recently investing our 24/7 helpline, 40 bed crisis shelter, reserve funds into opening a legal and outreach services that include office in Brooksville, our agency support groups, legal support, and knew we were coming into a particcounseling," explained Shannon ularly tight budget year. Learning Sokolowski, MNM, Executive of the award was an immediate Director of Dawn Center. "The relief that the risk we had taken in emergency shelter, in particular, expanding our services was absohas run at or over capacity for most lutely worth it!" of this year. When the shelter is Sokolowski says that she is full, the cost of everything is more grateful that The Mary Kay Foun(food, supplies, and utilities)." dation, who estimates that it will Sokolowski says that the Dawn serve more than 399,000 women Center, which has served Hernando and their families through its doCounty since 1993, is receiving mestic violence support grants this more requests for shelter and year, "has risen to help meet that assistance as the community grows. need in our community”--but that And as the need for services grows, more help is needed. she said that she was "surprised and "The shelter is always in need elated" to receive the Mary Kay of household supplies like paper grant. products, cleaning products, new

See HCSB, Page 21

(packaged) undergarments in all sizes, non-perishable food items, and/or gift cards or monetary donations to cover the cost of fresh foods for shelter or transportation costs to help survivors get to needed appointments," she said.

Donors or prospective volunteers can contact giving@dawncenter.org or (352) 639-0892 to make arrangements to donate.

The Mary Kay Foundation reveals that an average of more than 11,000 requests for domestic violence services go unfulfilled due to a lack of resources. Shannon Sokolowski and the staff at the Dawn Center are determined to ensure that this does not happen in Hernando County.

"We never want to turn anyone away from help," she said. "And this grant ensures we won’t need to!"

For more information, visit www. dawncenter.org.

Break it Down: School District Step Increases, Performance Pay and Market Adjustments

FY 2019-2020- approved Nov. 19, 2019

Hernando United School Workers Contract

Market Adjustment: additional $0.40 per hour for all HUSW members and Bus Operators will receive an additional $0.40 per hour increase.

Confidential Employees

(Employees who require access to confidential information for collective bargaining. Confidential Employees are not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.)

Effective: Dec. 20, 2019 (an annualized increase based on the employee's contract start date.)

Market Adjustment: $0.40 per hour increase added to the base salary.

Cost: The approximate total cost of the step increase and market adjustment including salary and benefits is $1,494,828.44

Market Adjustment and Step Increase Cost: $127,591.48 including salary and benefits

Ratified by School Board: Nov. 19, 2019

Approved by School Board: Nov. 19, 2019

School-Based Administrative Employees Market Adjustment: 4.25% Performance Pay: Florida Statute 1012.22 requires that school-based administrators receive a salary increase based on their evaluation rating.

The recommended performance pay is for Highly Effective ratings to receive a performance increase of $100 and Effective ratings to receive a performance increase of $75.

Performance Pay and Market Adjustment cost: Approximately $214,554.74, general fund costs including salary and benefits

Professional/Technical/Supervisory Employees (These employees are not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.)

Market Adjustment: 4.25% to base salary Market Adjustment cost: $264,813 including salary and fringes

Hernando County Teachers’ Association (HCTA) Contract Market Adjustment: 4.25% increase to the base pay of all instructional staff members.

Performance Pay: The performance agreement includes Highly Effective ratings receiving a $100 increase and Effective ratings receiving a $75 increase.

Pre-K Teachers: All pre-k teachers considered to be non-qualified teachers and therefore not eligible for the State's Best and Brightest Bonus will receive the Recognition bonus based on the State's recognition requirements, each qualified pre-k teacher will receive an estimated $800 bonus.

Cost: The approximate cost of performance pay and the market adjustment is $3,877,775.85, for general funds including salary and benefits. The cost for the previous fiscal year was $2,766,782.22 The approximate cost of the Best and Brightest bonus is $278,800, for general funds including salary and fringes. The approximate cost of performance pay and market adjustment is $267,753.48, for federal funds including salary and fringes. Total cost is approximately $4,123,129.33 Ratified by School Board: Nov. 19, 2019

Total Cost of Above Increases: $6,224,916.99

LOCAL & STATE

Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

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THE HERNANDO SUN

LOCAL & STATE

hernandosun.com Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

Veterans HEAT Factory holds discussion on PTSD

by SARAH NACHIN sarah@hernandosun.com

On Friday, Nov. 22, 2019 the Veterans HEAT Factory sponsored a free “Lunch and Learn” at the Joni Industries Building.

It was open to veterans, first responders and anyone else interested in learning more about PTSD and what many of these public servants go through, as well as how to help them with these issues.

The guest speaker was Frank (AJ) Jones, a Veterans’ Administration (VA) Peer Support Specialist. He related his own journey dealing with PTSD and discussed PTSD signs & symptoms, plus what assistance and help is available to those dealing with this syndrome.

Jones was an army medic and served in Egypt. Due to his guilt at believing he had not done enough to help the occupants of a crashed helicopter, he started to experience PTSD. He came back to the states and started hearing voices. The doctors accused him of making it all up in order to get out of the military.

Jones became an alcoholic and ended up homeless. He was even Baker Acted several times. Sixteen years ago

he started to turn his life around when he went to a homeless shelter. Jones got the help he needed to get on the road to recovery.

One activity he did was writing out his traumas and then talking about them.

“I’m a firm believer that the healing is in the telling. Sixteen years ago there’s no way that I’d be able to stand up here and tell you to the extent of what I just told you, but every time I stand up and talk about this stuff I heal a little bit, ” Jones

From left to right: Frank Jones, Lucy Stasio, Gus Guadagnino, Mike Prescott, Marsha Burdick, Brent Henman

stated.

In addition to Jones relating his personal story of dealing with PTSD, two others also told of their experiences. Dale Madrishin was an Army veteran of the VietNam War. He mentions how he suffered from all the symptoms for almost fifty years. Back in the 70’s there were no programs to help veterans. Madrishin handled his negative feelings with alcohol. He attempted suicide four times.

“I’ve learned through this program that I do not blame everything on PTSD. That used to be my fallback,” Madrishin remarked.

Lucy Stasio was an officer with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office for twenty-two years. She was diagnosed with PTSD more than ten years ago after someone attempted to kill her. She was given a three-month leave but there were no programs available at that time to help her deal with it.

“I didn’t want to admit that there was anything wrong with me. I just wanted to get back to work, so the doctor cleared me after three months. I kept sweeping those events under the rug,” Ms. Stasio explained.

But those feelings came

out eventually. She felt her life coming apart.

Eventually, she decided to retire without letting anyone know why because she knew they would judge her.

“After retirement, depression set in. I felt useless and worthless,” she continued.

Then several months ago, Lucy happened to run into Gus and he told her about his program. She started volunteering at the HEAT Factory doing whatever tasks needed to be done, cheering up people and also working through the program, herself. Now she has a

purpose in life.

HEAT Factory was founded by Joni Industries owner Gus Guadagnino two years ago. It serves military veterans and first responders with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) or, as Guadagnino prefers to call it, - PTSI (Post Traumatic Stress Illness). Dale Madrishin, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of HEAT Factory, and a veteran who suffers with PTSI, explains that they prefer that term because the word “disorder” has such a negative connotation.

The acronym HEAT

stands for Honoring, Empowering, Assisting and Training. The organization fulfills its mission by offering support to these men and women through classes on anger management and managing relationships.

Guadagnino has provided a large warehouse-size room at Joni Industries with exercise equipment for them to work out with. HEAT also offers yoga classes, art therapy and job preparation training, among its many services. They collaborate with other agencies, such as the VA, the Community Coalition and CareerSource.

Besides the veterans at the Lunch and Learn, other participants included several HEAT board members and representatives from local businesses and organizations.

Brent Henman served nineteen years in the Air Force and is a reservist at the present time. He worked as a military police officer. He was injured in combat in the Middle East. When he returned to the states, he did not take advantage of the programs to help him re-integrate into the family.

See VHF, Page 21

October Real Estate Report from Hernando County Association of Realtors HERNANDO COUNTY SINGLE-FAMILY CLOSED SALES CONTINUES TO INCREASE FROM A YEAR AGO

This report describes member activity for the association and is not confined to any specific geographic area.

October 2019

October 2018

Percent Change Year-over-Year

331

278

19.1%

89

75

18.7%

Median Sale Price

$190,000

$173,500

9.5%

Average Sale Price

$204,990

$188,376

8.8%

$67.9 Million

$52.4 Million

29.6%

96.8%

96.9%

-0.1%

Median Time to Contract

26 Days

27 Days

-3.7%

Median Time to Sale

67 Days

62 Days

8.1%

New Pending Sales

348

308

13.0%

New Listings

400

470

-14.9%

Pending Inventory

498

470

6.0%

Inventory (Active Listings)

820

985

-16.8%

Months Supply of Inventory

2.6

3.3

-21.2%

Closed Sales

Percent Change Year-over-Year

3,167 331 306 327 341 354 365 336 339 256 212 319 289 278

6.3% 19.1% 1.7% 18.1% 13.3% 5.4% -1.6% -0.3% -0.3% 12.3% 1.0% 6.7% 9.5% 0.7%

Sum m ar y St at i st i cs Closed Sales Paid in Cash

Dollar Volume Median Percent of Original List Price Received

Closed Sales

Month

The number of sales transactions which closed during the month Economists' note : Closed Sales are one of the simplest—yet most important—indicators for the residential real estate market. When comparing Closed Sales across markets of different sizes, we recommend comparing the percent changes in sales rather than the number of sales. Closed Sales (and many other market metrics) are affected by seasonal cycles, so actual trends are more accurately represented by year-over-year changes (i.e. comparing a month's sales to the amount of sales in the same month in the previous year), rather than changes from one month to the next.

400

Closed Sales

The median sales price of existing single-family homes in Hernando County rose 9.5 percent to $190,000 in October 2019 from $173,500 in October 2018, according to statistics released today by the Hernando County Association of REALTORS®. The number of closed sales of existing single-family homes increased 19.1 percent to 331 in October from 278 a year ago.

The median sales price of existing townhousescondos decreased yearover-year by 10.3 percent to $130,000 in October, down from $145,000 in October 2018.

“Median single-family home prices continue to show an increase yearover-year indicating continued confidence in the housing market,” said Pat Richard, 2019 president of the Hernando County Association of REALTORS®.

The inventory (active listings) of existing single-family homes for sale in Hernando County decreased 16.8 percent to 827 compared to 985 in October 2018. The inventory of existing townhouses and condominiums for sale in Hernando County decreased 40.7 percent to 35 listings from 59 listings in October 2018.

New single-family home for-sale listings were down 14.9 percent to 400 single-family homes compared to 470 listings in October 2018. New townhouse-condo listings decreased 20.6 percent to 27 compared to 34 listings in October 2018.

The number of months’ supply of existing singlefamily home inventory for sale—an indication of the absorption rate based on home sale volume—was 2.6 months for single-family homes in October, compared to 3.3 month’s supply of inventory in October 2018, a decrease of 21.2 percent. Condominium and townhouse inventory decreased 33.3 percent to 1.8 months from 2.7 months in October 2018.

The average percent of original list price received

Monthly Market Detail - October 2019 Single Family Homes Hernando County Association of REALTORS®

2015

2016

Year-to-Date Oc t o be r 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018

2017

2018

2019

300 200 100 0

J F MAM J J A S O N D J F MAM J J A S O N D J F MAM J J A S O N D J F MAM J J A S O N D J F MAM J J A S O

Produced by Florida Realtors® with data provided by Florida's multiple listing services. Statistics for each month compiled from MLS feeds on the 15th day of the following month.

Data released on Thursday, November 21, 2019. Next data release is Thursday, December 19, 2019.

decreased 0.1 percent year-overyear with sellers receiving 96.8 percent of their asking price for existing single-family homes in October, compared to 96.9 percent asking price in October 2018.

New pending sales (under contract but have not closed yet) for single-family homes increased 13 percent in October to 348 compared to 308 in October 2018.

Townhouses and condominium

pending sales decreased 14.3 percent in October to 24, compared to 28 in October 2018.

Closed short sales for singlefamily homes increased 28 percent in October to four, compared to zero a year ago. The median sales price of a short sale singlefamily home in October 2019 was $246.000t. Closed foreclosure sales decreased 14.3 percent to 12 in October, compared to 14

in October 2018. The median sales price of single-family home foreclosures increased 19.4 percent to $147,475 in October compared to $123,500 a year ago.

Hernando County Association of REALTORS® serves as the voice for real

estate in Hernando County and provides programs, services, ongoing education, and legislation representation to its approximately 800 members.

Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

hernandosun.com

THE HERNANDO SUN

IN, OUT & ABOUT

Hernando Audubon offers birding adventures for beginners

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALICE MARY HERDEN

Hernando Audubon offers a beginner program for those interested in the adventures of birding.

As birding becomes more popular for those of all ages, the excitement of spotting birds is also a way to learn more about Florida’s wildlife.

“We never know what we are going to see,” Linda Vanderveen said. “Of course, the winter months are the best, especially nice during the migration time because we get some unusual birds, like the Indigo Bunting.”

Linda Vanderveen, Secretary for Hernando Audubon, has been leading the Birding 101 program for the past seven years. The program takes place at Chinsegut Conservation Center in Brooksville where a diversity of species can be found throughout the year.

Beginner to avid birders search for birds on the boardwalk overlooking May’s Prairie.

A handful of experienced and beginning birders gathered together on the back overlook where an incredible variety of feeder birds made their morning appearance.

Chickadees, Tufted Titmouse, Cardinals as well as Palm Warblers flew to the feeders filled with sunflower seeds.

“We can usually find Red-headed Woodpeckers, which are really fun for beginning birders to see because they are so showy and bright,” Vanderveen said.

The Red-headed Woodpeckers happened to be a popular bird for the day and even spotting some juvenile Red-headLinda Vanderveen (plaid shirt) searches for birds in May’s ed Woodpeckers. The Prairie. May’s Prairie located within Chinsegut Wildlife This snag is a perfect hiding place for a Red-headed woodpecker’s winter stash of and Environmental Area in Brooksville, FL. juveniles have brown insects and acorns. colored feathers on their heads, but after a season of molting their feathers come in bright red.

It was another successful program for those that participated in birding 101, and what better way to end the hike than seeing a juvenile Bald Eagle gliding freely above the clear blue Florida winter sky.

Readers’ Choice “We want to encourage people that just want to Silver Winner 2019 try it, to come out and go Country Depot has an extensive array of birding with us. There is gifts that will please everyone on your list. no pressure. We are out Apparel, jewelry, home décor, yard décor, to have a good time and handbags and more! Country Depot has it have a nice walk in the all for any occasion. woods,” Vanderveen said.

Mon-Friday 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm Interested in Birding?

Unique Gift Shop

Check out Hernando Audubon for birding trips or email: hernandoaudu- A Sandhill Cranes are permanent residents at Chinsegut Wildlife Environmental Area. bonpresident@gmail.com They are seen gathering seed from the ground feeders behind Chinsegut Conservation Center. for more information.

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Enjoy our special events scheduled throughout the holidays!! We look forward to seeing you!

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For more information or help applying, please call 1-855-JOB-2020 Federal Relay Service: 1-800-877-8339 TTY/ASCII www.gsa.gov/fedrelay The U.S. Census Bureau is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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THE HERNANDO SUN

hernandosun.com Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

IN, OUT & ABOUT

Upcoming Event Preview

Everything that will get you out andabout...

SANTA PAWS PET PHOTOS SUNDAY, DEC. 8, 2019 FROM NOON TO 3 PM We are hosting our Santa Paws pet photo event again at the Rotary Centennial Dog Park on Sandlor St. in Spring Hill. *One 4x6 printed photo for only $10!* We'll also have lots of great raffle items so remember to bring some extra cash for your raffle tickets!

(Cash or check only please) Hosted by Operation Kindness For Hernando County Animal Services, Inc. Rotary Centennial Park is located at 10375 Sandlor St, Spring Hill, FL

CHRISTMAS ON MAIN STREET - ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING. THURSDAY, DEC. 5, 2019 5 PM - 8:30 PM Celebrate with us as we welcome the holiday season!

Our magical Annual Tree Lighting celebration takes place once again right here at the courthouse in historic downtown Brooksville.

Stroll down Main Street and capture the essence of an old-fashioned Christmas.

Visit our downtown merchants and unique street vendors offering one of a kind holiday wares.More details to be released about the Annual Tree Lighting celebration as we get closer to the date! This is only the beginning of our 25 Days of Christmas celebration! Be sure to like and follow our Brooksville Main Street Facebook page and visit our official website www.HistoricDowntownBrooksville.com to keep up to date with all of the individual events as they are released.

We're working to make this Christmas season full of memorable moments to share with your friends and family. Tell everyone you know about this magnificent celebration right here in historic downtown Brooksville!

Hernando County Court, 20 N Main St # 362, Brooksville, FL 34601

THE HERNANDO

SpORTSmAN'S Club

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

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

• 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

HOLIDAY WREATH BRUNCH WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4, 2019 FROM 11 AM TO 1 PM

As the holidays approach bring a touch of color home by creating a woodsy wreath for your indoor space. This event includes brunch and holiday beverages as well as all materials and instruction needed to create a one of a kind wreath. Cost $20 per person.

Register to attend through Notaclueadventures.com or find our event on Facebook.

Chinsegut Conservation Center is located at 23212 Lake Lindsey Rd, Brooksville, FL 3460

HOLIDAY PALOOZA AT TOWNE SQUARE MALL SATURDAY, DEC. 7 10 AM TO 3 PM Join us for a Holiday Palooza featuring some of your local vendors, crafters, and community businesses!

This event will take place inside Towne Square Mall, we will have all kinds of vendors for your shopping pleasure. Find some neat Holiday items from custom designed jewelry to fashion clothing, and everything in between!

We are looking for Vendors, if you know anyone that may be interested have them send us a message!

Description: Hosted

by Alzheimer's Family Organization.

Towne SquareMall is located at 3021 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, Florida 34606

'TIS THE SEASON — BEST PLANTS FOR FLORIDA HOLIDAYS THURSDAY, DEC. 5, 2019 FROM 10:30 AM TO 11:30 AM

Hosted by the Hernando County Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program - Lilly Browning and University of Florida/ IFAS Extension at Hernando County Participants will learn which holiday plants will thrive in our climate during and after the holidays and the best ways to care for them.

Presented by Lilly Browning. at 6335 Blackbird Ave, Brooksville, FL 34613-6376,

Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019 hernandosun.com

How's the weather?

Submit briefs to pr@hernandosun.com EDUCATION 7th Amendment Scholarship Opportunity This scholarship was created to give high school seniors and college students an opportunity to achieve higher education and reach their goals.

The essay for this contest must be at least 600 words speaking about the importance of the 7th amendment in the US Constitution. First prize is $2,500 and this contest opens on March 1st, 2020 and closes May 1st, 2020.

More information about this great contest can be found here; https://www.helpinginjuredpeople. com/college-scholarship/.

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

It is going to be a beautiful Thanksgiving and as a matter of fact it is going to be a fantastic week of weather for Hernando and surrounding counties.

The days are going to be sunny with highs 75 to 80 while the nights will be clear with lows in the 50s. A strong cold front will drop down from the North during the first week of December and much cooler weather will return about December 2nd through the 6th with highs dropping into the 60s and lows near 40. Get prepared, that will be a chilly week with gusty north wind.

The National Weather Service recently concluded a survey covering a 20-year period on the greatest cause of weather-related fatalities for each state across the country and the findings were rather interesting.

On the Eastern Florida coast there are more fatalities from rip currents and this is something that can be avoided in most cases if you stay out of the water when there are advisories in effect. In western Florida the big danger is lightning, we are the lightning capital of the United States. There have been three fatalities in the state this year, one of those at Clearwater Beach. Check out and like our Facebook weather page, Tampa Bay Weather Watch. If you have weather questions or need data, my email is weather1@charter. net

Big Brothers Big Sisters Orientation & Training Description: Join us as a defender of potential by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister and together, we can change the world. All it takes is 4-8 hours a month, depending on the program, with a focus on being consistent and spending one-to-one quality time with your Little. Let's clear a path to a child's biggest possible future.

The first step is to attend a Big Orientation & Training session where you’ll learn about our programs, commitments, expectations and our kids.

Get more details about volunteering » https://bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big/ We have two school based programs in the county: Brooksville Elementary and Spring Hill Elementary Contact: Sheri Chancey, 352-410-4442, sheric@bbbstampabay.org Dates/Times/Locations: Dec. 12 (Thursday), Noon-1:30 p.m., YMCA, 1300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill Hernando County Retired Educators Association Please join us if you are a former employee of any district or state school. We meet the first Tuesday of every other month-Feb.,Apr.,June, Aug.,Oct.,Dec.at 10:00 am in the Medical Arts Enrichment Center, next to the Bayfront Health Brooksville hospital on Cortez Blvd.

We have interesting meetings with speakers on a variety of topics. We monitor our FRS pension and support future teachers with scholarships.

Look us up on facebook or go to the HCREA unit of FREA website.

National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) NARFE Chapter 1322 meets every third Friday of every month with the exception of June-August at 1:00 P.M. at the Enrichment Center of the Medical Arts Complex at Bay Front Health Hospital located at 17222 Cortez Blvd, Suite 120 Brooksville, FL. As a group, NARFE supports legislation beneficial to current Federal employees and annuitants and opposes legislation contrary to their interests. There will be no meeting in October or November. Our next meeting will be Friday, December 20th at 1:00 P.M. Contact Dennis Foley at 352-754-6160 or e-mail peacock1973@att.net for information.

Hebrew Classes Temple Beth David 13158 Antelope St. SH is offering an Adult Hebrew Grammar Class on Wednesdays from 9:30am to 11:00am. Also, an Adult Beginner Hebrew Class from 8:00am to 9:30am and from 11:00am to 12:30pm. Tuition is $5.00 per class for non-Temple Members and a fee per student for a textbook. Call Lynn @352-688-5578 or email lynn12036@gmail. com for more information.

The First Hernando Republican Club invites all Hernando County registered Republicans to join us at our next meeting. Our club meets at 6:30 P.M. on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at the Hernando County Association of Realtors building, 7321 Sunshine Grove Road, Brooksville. Our members are a welcoming group of politically active citizens whose aim is to educate and motivate civic awareness and participation in the political process. For more information please call 727-534-4941.

Hernando Youth Orchestra is seeking young musicians, ages 6 to 18, to play in a real orchestra. Need lessons? An instrument? Maybe we can help. Want to play in a band someday?

Start now! You'll learn teamwork and discipline.

You will work with other young musicians to make beautiful music and every hour you spend with us counts toward Community Service.

We rehearse Sundays 3:30-5:00at The Heather Community Center, 9100 Nakoma Way, Weeki Wachee.

Sign up at our website, www.hernandoyouthorchestra.org.

Nature Coast Community Service Foundation seeks unwanted RVs to help house homeless people. RVs must be drivable, but those needing some inside repair are OK. Donations are tax deductible. NCCSF is a 501(c)3 organization that serves the homeless where they live with food, clothing, bedding, and compassion.

For more information or to donate call 352-6009555.

THE ARTS HERNANDO COUNTY FINE ARTS COUNCIL would like to invite the public to their 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 our citizens. SAVE THE DATE our “36th. ART IN THE PARK” event is March 14 & 15, 2020. For info go to our website at hernandoarts.org or e-mail hernandofinearts@gmail. com. You may contact Jan Knowles if you wish at 352.279.5182.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Ongoing Adult Grief Support Groups HPH Hospice offers these ongoing, free support groups for adults. There is no need to register.

For more details, please call the Bereavement Department at 727-816-3647.

HERNANDO COUNTY Second and fourth Tuesdays 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

HPH Hospice, 12254 Cortez Boulevard Brooksville Second and fourth Thursdays; 3 – 4 p.m.

People Helping People Health Clinic 1396 Kass Circle; Spring Hill, FL 34606 The Health Clinic will be open on: Wed. Dec. 4, Dec. 18 from 10am to 1pm Uninsured low-income clients can register and be evaluated by a Nurse Practitioner for general medical problems. For information please call: People Helping People 352-686-4466 or 352650-9006 Boutique of Hope November Update November is a time when we give special thanks to God for all His blessings. THE BOH feels blessed to be able to reach out to help women who have cancer or who are survivors.

We are grateful to be able to offer you FREE wigs, bras, hats, turbans and more if only you will come. We are at the Crescent Community Clinic near Golden Corral at 5244 Commercial Way and open Tues./Wed. from 10 to 2. We will greet you with smiles and hugs and help you find just what you need to cheer you up, and get ready for the holidays. We really need volunteers who can work a shift and/or sew turbans and tieback scarves so please call Claire at 428-4143.

Gamma Xi Master, Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority holds fundraiser for Veterans Heat Factory

STATE NEWS from page 2

Suspects routinely purchased dozens of items costing stores thousands of dollars in a single transaction.

After the purchases, suspects mailed the items to another suspect who sold them online for large profits. Agents say the thefts cost retailers more than $150,000 in Florida alone.

Suspects arrested are Usman Ali, 33, Rand Clark, 58 and Gwendolyn Walker, 53. Currently wanted are Harold Wilson, 62 and Keith Conyers, 56. The Home Depot and Target loss prevention associates assisted with this investigation.

Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute this case.

cut off blood supply,can andrange this causes stroke is. Strokes from a heart attack if the plaques are lodged unnoticeable to devastating to fatal. in the people arteries with of theatrial heart, a stroke if Most fibrillation in the medication brain and various problems if inof take to reduce the risk other parts of the body. stroke.

In people who have a history of stroke, Eating poorly can increase the risk of it’s particularly important to take steps heart disease and stroke as well, but to reduce further risk. That means a dismost commonly this happens via a cussion with your doctor about whether different mechanism. High amounts you are on the best treatment for atrial of saturated fat -- such as in ribeye fibrillation and whether you have evisteak, which is fattier than many cuts dence of cholesterol plaques. of beef -- increase the risk of damage Even if you don’t have any evidence to blood vessels through buildup of of plaques, a healthy diet of mostly cholesterol plaques. These plaques plants, with whole grains, nuts and cut offsome blood supply, causes seeds, fatty fish ifand youthis enjoy that a heart attack if the plaques are lodged and sparse amounts of meats reduces in the health arteries of the heart, a two stroke many risks.

However, or if in the brain and various problems three steaks a year is not going to causeif in other The partsbest of the body. harm. data available shows In people who have history that people who have a 100 gramsof(just stroke, it’s particularly important to over 3 ounces) of red meat a week are take steps to reduce further risk. at the lowest risk of developing blood That means a discussion vessel problems.

It’s not clearwith thatyour zero whether you are on the isdoctor betterabout than that small amount. best treatment foraatrial fibrillation In any event, I am firm believer that and whether you have evidence enjoying life is the goal. If havingofa steak a few times a year is truly enjoyable, the risk is small, and you should enjoy those meals without guilt. *** DEAR DR. ROACH: What is the body’s rate of absorption for calcium? — A. ANSWER: The textbook answer is 20% to 40%, but in reality, the answer is very complicated, as it depends on total body and intracellular calcium, vitamin D levels, presence of phosphates in food and other factors. The short answer is that it’s usually exactly what it needs to be when things work properly. If the body is deficient in calcium, then absorption is maximal, but still most calcium in food is not absorbed. *** Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column

Beta Sigma Phi Sorority recently had a fundraiser for Veterans’ H.E.A.T. Factory at Marker 48, Hwy 50, Brooksville, Florida. They raised $1,200.00 to be donated before Christmas! The Veterans’ H.E.A.T.’s mission statement: Veterans who have PTSD through services that unlock their full potential, inspire personal encouragement, community integration and support and their ability to reenter the workforce and achieve lifelong success’. The sorority wishes to thank Marker 48 and everyone for their support and attendance for this worthy cause!

King Features Weekly Service

DEAR DR. ROACH: I was diagnosed fibrillation DEARwith DR.atrial ROACH: I was a year ago.

A week with afteratrial that, fibrillation I had an MRI diagnosed that showed hadafter a ministroke a year ago. AI’d week that, I and probably several others in the had an MRI that showed I’d had past.

I love ribeye steak, and eat it a ministroke and probably several maybe orpast. threeI times a year. Is others two in the love ribeye this safe?

—eat R.A. steak, and it maybe two or ANSWER: fibrillation three times aAtrial year. Is this safe?is a rhythm -- R.A. problem of the heart. The natural rhythm is lost, so the heartbeat becomes irregular.

Because isof the ANSWER: Atrial fibrillation lack of normal movement the heart, a rhythm problem of theinheart. the canrhythm pool and formso clots in Theblood natural is lost, the atrium; becomes these clotsirregular. can travel theleft heartbeat downstream lodge vessel.

Because oftothe lackinofa blood normal Clots can cutinoff blood movement thethe heart, thesupply bloodto the they clots lodge. canarea poolwhere and form in It’s the most critical whenthese it happens in the brain, left atrium; clots can travel since if brain cells die, function is lost. downstream to lodge in a blood A stroke is just focal of cell vessel.

Clots cana cut off area the blood death in the brain.

The size and location supply to the area where they of the area the brain where cellitdeath lodge.

It’sinmost critical when occurs determines how significant the happens in the brain, since if brain stroke is. Strokes canisrange cells die, function lost. from unnoticeable fatal.

A stroketoisdevastating just a focaltoarea of Most people with in atrial medcell death thefibrillation brain. Thetake size ication to reduce of stroke. and location ofthe therisk area in the Eating poorly increase the risk brain where cellcan death occurs of heart disease and stroke as determines how significant thewell, but most commonly this happens via a different mechanism. High amounts

MUSEUM ANNUAL MEETING All members of the Hernando Historical Museum Assoc., Inc. and interested persons are invited to the Annual Meeting of the Association. This meeting will be held on Monday, December 2, 2019 at 6p.m. at the Perkins Restaurant at 4685 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606. Dinner to follow the meeting. Please call 352-799-0129 with any questions.

http://www.frea.org. Diane: 352-628-4681

November 25, 2019

Does A-Fib Diagnosis Mean No More Steak?

9

Business & Community Briefs

Adult Education Classes are being offered at Temple Beth David 13158 Antelope St. Reb Tuviah will be leading us in “Exploring the Genesis Story”. The classes will be held on Mondays at 10:30am and 7:30pm. The dates and topics are: 12/9 (Joseph). Classes are free for TBD members and $5 for non-members. The classes are open to the public. For more information call 352-686-7034.

BY STEVE NORRIS HERNANDO SUN

THE HERNANDO SUN

cholesterol plaques.

Even if you don’t have any evidence of plaques, a healthy diet of mostly plants, with whole grains, nuts and seeds, some fatty fish if you enjoy that and sparse amounts of meats reduces many health risks. However, two or three steaks a year is not going to cause harm. The best data available shows that people who have 100 grams (just over 3 ounces) of red meat a week are at the lowest risk of developing blood vessel problems. It’s not clear that zero is better than that small amount.

In any event, I am a firm believer that enjoying life is the goal. If having a steak a few times a year is truly enjoyable, the risk is small, and you should enjoy those meals without guilt. *** DEAR DR. ROACH: What is the body’s rate of absorption for calcium?

-- A.

ANSWER: The textbook answer is 20% to 40%, but in reality, the answer is very complicated, as it depends on total body and intracellular calcium, vitamin D levels, presence of phosphates in food and other factors.

The short answer is that it’s usually exactly what it needs to be when things work properly. If the body is deficient in calcium, then absorption is maximal, but still most calcium in food is not absorbed. *** Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible.

Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. (c) 2019 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

10

HERNANDO SUN

hernandosun.com

FARMERS MARKETS

Calendar of Events

450 Beverly Ct, Spring Hill, Florida 34606 Event Sponsorship's, Marketing and Vendor Opportunities Available. For more information call (352) 796-0697 or visit www.

HernandoChamber.com Come discover absolutely, positively the many advantages to living in Hernando County!

Spring Hill Farmers Market Saturdays 10AM- 3PM 3021 Commercial Way; Spring Hill, Florida 34606 We are an outdoor market featuring local small businesses.

We have over 45 vendors every week. Beasley Farms, Everlast Dec. 7 orchids, Yalahala Bakery, Better Baked Goods, Come Unity Garden, Growin’ Crazy Acres, Healthy Green CBD oil, Avon, Amish Holiday Palooza Food, Moringa, Hurds Bagels, Edens Nectar and so many more Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 10 AM – 3 PM local, talented vendors.

Towne Square Mall 3021 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, Florida 34606 Brooksville Farmers' Market The Brooksville Farmers Market every Sunday, 9am-3pm, 615 Old Join us for a Holiday Palooza featuring some of your local vendors, crafters, and community businesses!

Hospital Drive, Brooksville, FL 34601. 1st Sunday, Yoga at the This event will take place inside of Towne Square Mall, we will Market; fourth Sunday, Hernando County Extension education have all kinds of vendors for your shopping pleasure. Find some series. November special events: November 24th "Junk in the neat Holiday items from custom designed jewelry to fashion Trunk Community Garage Sale" and "Hernando Rock Hounds Gem and Fossil Show and Workshop." Live music every weekend, clothing, and everything in between! kids games, local produce, arts, crafts, "Fresh Access Bucks" Lionel Train Day SNAP matching program provides up to $40 matched for EBT users each day they use their card at the Market. Details at www. WHEN: Saturday, December 7, 2019, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

HernandoGrowers.org or www.Facebook.com/HernandoGrowers, WHERE: Dana’s Railroad Supply, 4042 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34606 352-584-5773.

Description: History and Sale of Vintage Cars.

ADMISSION FREE! (352) 684-2484. www.danasrailroadsupply.

ONGOING com.

Toasting the Holidays New Art Exhibit Craft Sale / Yard Sale The Holidays are almost here! Another beautiful year filled with WHEN: 9AM-3PM Dec. 7 talent and color. The artwork in the gallery is for sale. Perhaps Where: Topics RV Resort; 13063 County Line Rd in Spring Hill you will find that special piece that you cannot live without?

Lots of vendors The Uptown Gallery at the Brooksville City Hall is open to the public from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Daily except Brookridge Social Dance on December 7th from 7-10 pm Holidays.

We are located at 201 Howell Avenue, Brooksville, Florida 34601 will host it's "Tis the Season to be Jolly" Dance with Angelo performing at 8150 Hampton St, Brooksville. Dance music from the 50's to the 80's. Casual Dress, BYOB - Coffee and Ice Downtown Brooksville Festival of Trees provided. $7 per person, tables of up to 10 - bring your friends, Through Dec. 9 our snowbirds are coming back so phone Val at 352-616-0242 205 E Fort Dade Ave, Brooksville, FL 34601-2613 and reserve your spot, limited availability at the door. Also, Ring A beautiful collection of decorated Christmas trees created by in the New Year with our Catered Dinner/Dance and watch the local businesses and organizations in the City of Brooksville.

All trees will be showcased November 25th - December 9th, 2019 Midnight Ball Drop, $40 per person. and available to the public for purchase.

Christmas on the Florida Frontier All proceeds for this event will go to the Brooksville Main Street December 7, Saturday, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. program to help support our mission to revitalize our historic Celebrate a pioneer Christmas at Dade with old timey music, downtown. wreath making, punch tin crafting, Virginia Reel, caroling, rag, corn husk and clothes pin doll making, soap carving, period Nov. 28- 30 demonstrators, home-made wassail, popcorn over a fire, candlemaking, old time general store, frontier foods and more. Cost is Thanksgiving Bluegrass Festival $5/vehicle. At Dade Battlefield: 7200 Battlefield Parkway; Bushnell, Nov 28 at 9 AM – Nov 30 at 5 PM Join us as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Sertoma Youth FL 33513; (352) 793-4781 Ranch Thanksgiving Festival! Excellent bands, beautiful venue Tournament of Love and all day youth programs. 100% of the proceeds from our festival go directly to the ranch to continue its mission to provide The inaugural Tournament of Love to benefit HPH Hospice will a rustic outdoor recreational area for the children free of charge. be held at Rivard Golf Club on December 7, 2019. Bring your foursome ($180) or sign up yourself ($45) to compete for fun and Make your plans now to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner on the prizes including a 2020 Kia from Friendly Kia. Other sponsors grounds and bring a covered dish to share at 2pm. We provide the turkeys! For tickets and camping, call Lynda at 828-265-9929. include Kohl's, Dino's Plumbing, Joni Industries and many more.

Contact Patrick Hramika at (352) 457-1429 or Rivard Golf Club at Don't wait!

(352) 796-1410 to sign up!

Black Powder Band 5th Annual Hilly Hundred When: Friday November 29, 2019 7-10PM; Nov. 30 6-9 PM Where: Masaryk winery/Upicktopia 19125 Phillips Rd Brooksville Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM Back by popular demand - the 5th Annual Hilly Hundred!

FL 34604 Free online registration at A multi-talented band that spans many genres of music. The https://raceroster.com/events/2019/25026/hilly-hundred Barnyard food trailer will be there with their awesome treats.

Ready for the challenge of riding a FREE century, 66 miles or 32 For more info call 352 308 0110 miles in Brooksville?

This year we are also offering for the first time a 32 mile route Country Depot Small Business Bash / Shop Small option! Same great scenery with some of the hills too.

WHEN: Saturday, November 30, 2019, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

FREE to participate, but we encourage all participants to donate WHERE: Country Depot, 34 N. Broad St., Brooksville, FL 34601 Description: Small Business Bash in Downtown Brooksville. 11:30 a new, unwrapped toy or gently used bicycle to our toy drive for Guardian Ad Litem of Hernando County. a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Live Music with Eddie McConnell. ADMISSION http://guardianadlitem.org/about-us/ FREE! (813) 297-6276. Facebook: Country Depot, Instagram: This has traditionally been a SELF-SUPPORTED ride. But we are country_depot, or www.countrydepotstore.com. working to potentially provide SAGS this year! Until it is officially announced, please plan to provide your own drinks / food. The Small Business BASH route does pass numerous convenience stores / parks which will Saturday, Nov 30th 9am - 2pm serve as the supply points if you need anything.

13 S. BROOKSVILLE AVE. Complete at least 50% of the passport from the Shop Small tent This is a drop ride but several pace groups will form based on attendance. and be entered for a chance to win a gift card to a participating store! There are several gift cards to win and grab bags while they Rollout: 7:30 AM Sharp; Distance: 100 Miles; Elevation: 3,773 ft last. Shopping, vendors, entertainment, animal balloons, food, 2019 Susan Moore Memorial Big Cat Christmas! prizes and FUN Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 10 AM – 1 PM Wildlife Survival Sanctuary Small Business Saturday 18212 Booming Rd, Spring Hill, Florida 34610 November 30, 2019 9am - 2pm W.S.S., a nonprofit 501c3 exotic animal sanctuary, is pleased Passport pickup on Main Street next to Lowman Law Firm Mark your calendars to join us here in Brooksville as we celebrate to announce our 2018 Susan Moore Memorial BIG CAT CHRISTMAS!!! This will be our 17th Bigcat Christmas event! We the heartbeat of our downtown - our small businesses! We dedicate it to Susan Moore, a founding member and the heart are once again participating in the American Express Passport and soul of our sanctuary who we unfortunately lost on February Program.

27, 2016. Susan's birthday was December 10th, so it seemed like Join us on Main Street between Lowman Law Firm and the the right time to honor her! So come visit your furry & feathered Jennings Building on November 30th for Small Businesses neighbors!!!!! All children attending will receive a FREE Christmas Saturday to pickup your passport. Then begin exploring, present!!!! (while supplies last!) shopping and dining in our beautiful downtown Brooksville.

Purchase tickets for our biggest MEGA-RAFFLE, with more prizes When you complete at least 50% of your passport you get the than ever!! Plus we will be holding a separate raffle for a new opportunity to be entered into a drawing. If selected, you will win a gift card to one of our beloved locally owned and operated 1 TB Sony PS4!!!! We will have several unique items available thru silent auctions! The Sanctuary operates ENTIRELY on public downtown businesses support, so donations are GREATLY needed!!!!

Monetary donations and/or any of the following items are Snow Bash appreciated: Paper towels, bleach, GALLON size Ziplock bags, Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 10 AM – 4 PM and MEAT ONLY baby food for Asia! For info call (352) 797-4785 at Tom Varn Park in Brooksville Kick off the Winter Season right... with Snow! That's right, at our or visit our website: www.WildlifeSurvival.com.

ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT! 3rd Annual Snow Bash event we are bringing the snow and we Driving directions: Take US 41 to Bowman rd ( 1 mile south of will be back with a Designated Sledding Area!

There is will be Live Entertainment, Activities, Music, Games, Local County line rd.) Turn East on Bowman rd., travel approx. 1 mile, Vendors, a food court and of course SNOW! Come out and enjoy then turn left on Booming rd. We are approx. 800 ft on the right. the day in the beautiful shade trees in Tom Varn Park, located in Dec. 12 the center of Hernando County making it a quick trip for all to CPR/AED Class enjoy!

WHERE: Brooksville Enrichment Center at the Brookville HospiDec. 5 tal Medical Arts Building room 120 WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019 at 6 p.m.

Christmas on Main Street: Annual Tree Lighting The class is held at the Brookville Hospital Medical Arts Building December 5, 2019 at 5 PM – 8:30 PM room 120 (Enrichment Center) This class is designed for the proCelebrate with us as we welcome the holiday season! fessional health care. Provider and meets the guide lines of the Our magical Annual Tree Lighting celebration takes place American Heart Association. Nonhealth care professionals are once again right here at the courthouse in historic downtown welcome to attend. Part of these proceeds are donated To the Brooksville. Stroll down Main Street and capture the essence of Enrichment Center. The total cost is $35.00. To reserve a seat an old-fashioned Christmas. Visit our downtown merchants and please call Bob Kanner at 352-597-8875. unique street vendors offering one of a kind holiday wares.

More details to be released about the Annual Tree Lighting Dec. 13- 15 celebration as we get closer to the date! This is only the beginning of our 25 Days of Christmas celebration!

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Dec. 13- 15; FRI 7:30PM; SAT 2:30PM & 7:30PM; SUN 2:30PM Dec. 6 The Live Oak Theatre Residents' Reception 21030 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville, Florida 34601 Friday, December 6, 2019 at 5 PM – 8 PM Adults - $20 Pasco-Hernando State College

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Children 13 and under - $5 with the purchase of an adult ticket purchase tickets at mkt.com/liveoaktheatre TICKETS ARE GOING FAST! Hernando County Utilities Water Awareness Series Offers Class on Lawns Hernando County residents are invited to attend a free seminar, “Winter Cold Protection in Your Florida Yard & Cool and Colorful Yards” on Friday, December 13, 2019, 10:00am – 12:00pm at Hernando County Utilities, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, 34613.

BJ Jarvis, County Extension Director, Citrus County, will talk about how to keep your Central Florida plants safe during a frost or freeze event. Lilly Browning, Hernando County Florida-Friendly Landscaping will show how to turn your yard into a winter wonderland - Florida-Style!

Light refreshments will be served. Registration is requested.

Call 352-754-4705 to register for the free class, or register on-line at http://HernandoWAS2020.eventbrite.com Breakfast with Santa.

December 14th 9-11am Join us for a winter wonderland full of arts and crafts, games, breakfast and of course, pictures with the jolly man himself.

Y Members: Free Community Members: $5/person YMCA of the Suncoast--Hernando County 1300 Mariner Blvd; Spring Hill, FL 34609; 352.688.9622 Train Show & Swap Meet WHEN: Saturday, December 14, 2019, 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. ADMISSION FREE! Table space $10.00 per table. (Bring your own table and chair).

Set up time 7:30 a.m. (352) 684-2484. www.danasrailroadsupply. com.

May-Stringer Community Christmas Tree Lighting 601 Museum Court, Brooksville, FL Saturday, December 14th, 2019 6:00PM - 9:00PM Admission $5.00 HANDICAP ACCESS AVAILABLE on First Floor Only; Tour our Victorian Home Decorated by Our Local businesses Aarons, Checkers, Chinesegut Nature Center, Coastal Cooling Heating, Country Kitchen, Done Rite Pools, Junior Service League, Marker 48 Brewery, Patricia’s Boutique and Suni Skyz Farms. Bring your Cameras- Special Appearance by Santa!

Enjoy Santa’s Hot Chocolate & Homemade cookies Downtown Brooksville Christmas Parade Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 10 AM – 1 PM N Main St, Brooksville, FL 34601 Kiwanas Club of Spring Hill with Special guests Remember When Christmas Festival- Destination Brooksville Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 12 PM – 6 PM Little Lady Cafe 13 S Brooksville Ave, Brooksville, Florida 34601 A full day of fun with Santa! After the parade downtown, there will be Santas everywhere, a singing Santa on stage, photos with Santa, pet photos with Santa, kids activities, animal balloons, food, vendors and FUN! Then a free outdoor movie! Dreams do come true in Santa's favorite town, Downtown Brooksville.

NIGHTS OF LIGHTS 2019 FORT COOPER STATE PARK This year’ s Nights of Lights will be held at Fort Cooper State Park, 3100 S. Old Floral City Road in Inverness on Dec. 13, 14, and 15 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Friends of Fort Cooper, this annual event welcomes thousands of visitors who enjoy listening to holiday music as they wander through the trails, trees, pavilion and social hall that are decked out in holiday lights and decorations.

Santa Claus welcomes children each night in the social hall.

Visitors roast marshmallows and create their own s’mores at a bonfire supervised by volunteers. . Refreshments will be served in the park pavilion all three nights. In lieu of an entrance fee, visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or toy for the Citrus United Basket of Inverness or pet food for the Citrus County Animal services.

Brooksville Bike Rally Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 9 AM – 3 PM 615 Old Hospital Dr Brooksville, Fl 34601 (The Morgue) Live music with Bottoms Up, Sunday, December 15th from 11 A.M. - 3. P.M. The Brooksville Bike Rally will include Biker Games, live music, vendors, Food and more!

Dec. 20 - 22 Historic Downtown Brooksville Mural Tour Dec. 20; 10:30AM Hernando County Arts Council 300 South Main St, Brooksville, Florida 34601 Join Jan Knowles, local historian and Arts Council’s Projects Coordinator, on a one-hour walking tour of downtown Brooksville’s murals and public art. Jan says, “We invite you to visit our historic downtown, learn the insider information on our murals and other public art, have a lovely luncheon at one of our excellent restaurants, and check out a shop or two.”

•Tours begin and end at the Hernando County Courthouse steps, 20 North Main Street, Brooksville, FL. •Tour time: 10:30 am–11:30 am (Check-in 10:20 am).

•Advanced registration is required. Register at hernandoarts.org/ murals.

•Minimum of 5 and maximum of 15 people required for the tour to be conducted.

•Donation only–your donation helps support the arts in Hernando County.

•For more information, to register by phone, or to schedule custom tours on other days, call Jan Knowles at 352-279-5182, or email hernandfineoarts@gmail.com.

The tours are sponsored by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council and featured on the Florida Mural Trail.

MOVIE TIMES SPRING HILL 8 Address: 2955 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606 Phone: (352) 666-6656

Friday Nov. 29

Frozen II in RealD 3D (PG) Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel 104 minutes 11:00 AM, 11:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:50, 2:05, 2:20, 4:40, 4:55, 5:10, 7:30, 7:45, 8:00, 10:25, 10:35, 10:45 The Good Liar (R) Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen 109 minutes 12:15, 3:45, 7:15 Harriet (PG-13) Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr. 125 minutes 3:30 PM The Irishman (R) Robert De Niro, Al Pacino 209 minutes 11:00 AM, 4:00, 9:00 Motherless Brooklyn (R) Edward Norton, Bruce Willis 144 minutes 11:45 AM Terminator: Dark Fate (R) Linda Hamilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger

128 minutes3:45, 7:00, 10:25 Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (PG) Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning 118 minutes4:00, 7:00, 10:00 Zombieland: Double Tap (R) Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson 99 minutes12:30, 10:15 Joker (R) Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro 122 minutes 12:00, 7:15, 10:15

Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019 hernandosun.com

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 Please note that if events are full at the time we gather this information, they will not be printed on the calendar.

Nov. 30 Game On! - EH 11/30/2019 10AM - 4PM Enjoy family gaming at the East Hernando Branch!

Medicare 101 - WH 12/2/2019 1 - 2PM; 12/3/2019 10:30 - 11:30 AM For people new to Medicare or anyone who would like a better understanding of how the program works. A fun discussion with plenty of time for questions.

Dec. 2 Why Pre-plan a Funeral? - WH 12/2/2019 2 - 3PM; 12/4/2019 3 - 4PM; 12/5/2019 3 - 4PM Why Pre-plan a Funeral? (Life Insurance is not enough).

Read with Turbo - SH 12/3/2019 10:30 - 10:45 AM; 12/3/2019 10:45 - 11AM; 11 - 11:15 AM; 12/3/2019 11:15 - 11:30 AM Registration is open Reading dogs such as Turbo help children to develop the skills they need to read in a relaxed environment. Kids can bring their own book or read one of ours. They can read to Turbo by themselves or bring one (1) sibling or BFF, if they so choose.

children between 3 - 5 years old.

Adult Coloring Class - WH 12/3/2019 1:15 - 3PM Registration is open Pick a Color, Any Color.

Movies @ Your Library - EH 12/3/2019 2 - 4PM Movies on the big screen with free popcorn.

Learn to Sew! - WH 12/3/2019 4PM - 5:30 PM Registration is open Come to our monthly sewing class where you can learn the basics and make a simple project to take home. Class size limited.

Registration required.

Dec. 4 Beginners Tai Chi - BV 12/4/2019 10:30 - 11:30 AM Registration is open Are you curious as to how you can help your breathing and movement?

Tai Chi might be the answer. .

Storytime - EH 12/4/2019 10:30 - 11AM Stories, songs, and more in a storytime program designed for children between 18 months - 5 years old.

Financial Management Series - WH 12/4/2019 2 - 4PM This month's topic: Calendar-Based Budgeting Medicare 101 - BV 12/4/2019 2 - 3PM For people new to Medicare or anyone who would like a better understanding of how the program works. A fun discussion with plenty of time for questions.

Nonfiction Book Discussion - SH 12/4/2019 2 - 3:30 PM Book discussion for adult nonfiction fans - ask for a copy of the reading and join in.

Coding for Kids - WH 12/4/2019 4:30 - 5:30 PM Registration is open Each month, we'll go over basic programming and coding skills and then put them to the test using Scratch. Whether you have experience or not, all kids are welcome!

Dec. 3

Dec. 5

Toddler Storytime - BV 12/3/2019 10:30 - 11AM; 12/5/2019 10:30 - 11AM; 12/6/2019 10:30 - 11AM Stories, songs, and more in a storytime program designed for children between 18 months - 3 years old.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program - WH 12/5/2019 10:30 - 12PM Topic: Tis the Season – Best Plants for the Florida Holidays

Preschool Storytime - BV 12/3/2019 11:15 - 11:45 AM; 12/5/2019 11:15 AM - 12PM; 12/6/2019 11:15 - 11:45 AM Stories, songs, and more in a storytime program designed for

Read with Jesse - BV 12/5/2019 10:30 - 10:45 AM; 12/5/2019 10:45 - 11AM; 12/5/2019 11 - 11:15 AM; 12/5/2019 11:15 - 11:30 AM Registration is openReading dogs such as Jessie help children to develop the skills they need to read in a relaxed environment. Kids can bring

THE HERNANDO SUN

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MARRIAGES

their own book or read one of ours. They can read to Jessie by themselves or bring one (1) sibling or BFF, if they so choose.

Medicare 101 - SH 12/5/2019 2 - 3PM For people new to Medicare or anyone who would like a better understanding of how the program works. A fun discussion with plenty of time for questions.

Dungeons & Dragons Beginners Club 12/5/2019 3:30 - 5:30 PM Get ready to create your characters and roll the dice! Join us to play Dungeons & Dragons at the Library.

Ukulele Strum and Sing - WH 12/5/2019 4 - 5:30 PM Get together with other uke enthusiasts and enjoy strumming and singing your favorite tunes. All ages and skill levels welcome.

Socrates Cafe - SH 12/5/2019 4:30 - 6PM Guaranteed to leave you with more questions than you came with! Socrates Cafe is an opportunity for amiable, openminded discussion of profound issues.

Fabrizi, Michael and Rivera, Sacha Marie on 11/20/2019 Nauman, Andrew Lowell and Halmuth, Laura Jessica on 11/20/2019 Peterson, Edward Allen and Upton, Paula Jean on 11/20/2019 Faller, James Brown and Thompson, Anita Marie on 11/21/2019 Ortiz, Tony Ray and Demetriou, Despina Ann on 11/22/2019 Koch, William Richard and Kell, Katherine Elaine on 11/22/2019 Dulinskas, Edvardas and Kmieliauskaite, Diana on 11/22/2019 Fleming, Travis Micheal and Dean, Danielle Elizabeth on 11/22/2019 Decelle, Joseph Walter and Decelle, Linda Sue on 11/22/2019 Press, Jonathan Samuel and Krisa, Sabrina Lynn on 11/22/2019 Marquez, Sauceda David Uriel and Ortiz, Acevedo Priscila Mary on 11/22/2019 Drenth, Gary Allen and Standafer, Deborah Lois on 11/22/2019 Crossman, Christopher Chase and Fish, Stephany Anne on 11/25/2019 Escoda, Julian Ceasar and Bilsborough, Madison Naomi on 11/25/2019 Greenough, Colin Michael and Lynch, Lori Pam on 11/25/2019 Love, David Thomas and Mccandless, Vickie Lynn on 11/25/2019 Stewart, Terrence Jacob and Miller, Alyssa Kay on 11/25/2019 Smith, Charles Edward and Foreman, Paige Lanette-Mae on 11/25/2019 Vines, Anthony Francis and Lewis, Crystal Amber on 11/25/2019 Hockett, Kim Lee and Kent, Angela Kate on 11/25/2019 Othouse, Jeremy Joseph and Schreiner, Brooke Ashley on 11/25/2019 Fischbach, Mitchell Joseph and Anderson, Brittany Marie on 11/25/2019 Waters, Derek Gregory and Hotte, Lauren Ann on 11/25/2019 Zerzan, Michal and Wolff, Sarah Jean on 11/25/2019

Solution to Crossword on page 16

Dec. 6 Baby Storytime - WH 12/6/2019 10AM - 10:30 AM A Storytime featuring stories, bounce rhymes, songs, and more just for babies and their parents!

Beginner Ukulele Holiday Strum and Sing - EH 12/6/2019 10 - 11:30 AM Registration is open Now that you've learned the basics, hone your skills during our special Holiday Strum & Sing sessions.

History and Biography Book discussion - BV 12/6/2019 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Please join us to discuss "The Gulf: The Making of An American Sea" by Jack E. Davis. Winner of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for History.

SHINE - EH (individual counseling by appt. only) 12/6/2019 12 - 2PM; 12/6/2019 1 - 4PM Free Medicare and Health Insurance Counseling and Information during open enrollment period. By appointment only. Call 352-5930705 for more information.

Tai Chi 2 - BV 12/6/2019 1 - 2PM Registration is open Have you completed our Beginner's class and would like to learn some new moves? Then Tai Chi 2 is for you!

CALENDARS FOR ENRICHMENT CENTERS MINING ASSOCIATION ENRICHMENT CENTER 352.544.5900 John Gary Grubbs Blvd; Brooksville

1:00 Alzheimer’s Support Group by appointment

12:30-4 Nature Coast Basket Weavers

DEC. 2 9-4 Cards & Board Games 9-4:00 Puzzles 1-3 Creative Art

DEC. 4 9-4 Cards & Board Games 9-4:00 Puzzles 11-1 SHINE-appointment only Call 593-0705 4:45-7:30 Funtastic Gymnastics- Call 352.942.0012 to sign up

DEC. 6 9-4 Cards & Board Games 9-4:00 Puzzles 12:30-3:30 Early American Rug Hookers

DEC. 3 9-4 Cards & Games 9-4 Puzzles

DEC. 5 9-4 Cards & Games 9-4:00 Puzzles

SPRING HILL ENRICHMENT CENTER 10441Quality Drive Spring Hill, Florida 34609 Medical Arts Building Ste #105; Located on the campus of Bayfront Health Spring Hill tel. 684.7568 DEC. 2 8-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles 9:00-10:00 Chair Exercise 9-11 Share A Craft 9-12 Painting 9-4 SHINE by Appt Only Call 593-0705 12-3:00 Current Events 12:30-4 Canasta- Hand & Foot 1:00-Chewin’ the Fat! 1-4:00 Painting DEC. 3 8-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles 8:30-9:00 Weights & Squats BROOKSVILLE ENRICHMENT CENTER 17222 Hospital Blvd Brooksville, Fl 34601 Medical Arts Building Ste #120 Located on the campus of Bayfront Health Brooksville tel. 544.6022 DEC. 2 8:30-4:30 Phoenix Rising Program (CS) (Room #1) 9-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles 9-12 Crafts 9:30 Exercise 10:30-12:00 AARP DriverTek workshop 1-4:00 Alzheimer's 6-8:00 SCA Meeting DEC. 3 8:30-4:30 Phoenix Rising Program (CS) (Room #1) 8-3 Sewing Group 9-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles 9-12 Crafts

9:00-10:00 2-mile walk 9-11 Share A Craft 10:30-11:30 YOGA 11-12 Social Seniors 1:00-Chewin’ the Fat! 1-4:00 Scrabble 1-3 Deaf Services & FREE amplified Phone 6:30-8:30 TLC for Mom’s DEC. 4 8-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles 9:00-10:00 Chair Exercise 10-2 Vocational Rehab 10-12 Ceramics 10-11 Bingo 12:30-4:00 Advanced Canasta Hand & Foot 1-4 Advanced Mah Jongg 1:00-Chewin’ the Fat! DEC. 5 8-4 Cards, Board Games & 8:30-9:00 Weights & Squats 9:00-10:00 2-mile walk 9-11 Share A Craft 9-5 SHINE BY APPT 9:30-11 BINGO 10-11:30 Florida Retired Educators Association 10-12 Deaf Services& FREE amplified Phone DEC. 4 8:30-4:30 Phoenix Rising Program (CS) (Room #1) 9-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles 9:30 Exercise 9-1 Crocheting, Knitting & Warm Up America 10-4 AARP/DSP 11:30-12:30 Blood Pressure 12:30-1:00 The Grande “Deal of Fortune” W/Karen (Ballroom) 12:30-4:00 CanastaHand & Foot 1-3 Pencil Sketching 1:00 Music with Gale 6:30-7:30 AA Support Group 7 Toastmasters- Public

9-4 SHINE by Appt Only Call 593-0705 10:00 – 4:00PM AARP DriverTeK 1:00 Chewin’ the Fat! 1-4 Scrabble 6:30-8:30 Mom to Mom DEC. 6 8-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles 9:00-10:00 Chair Exercise 9-11 Share A Craft 10-11:30 Crochet Classes 10-11 YOGA 11-12 Blood Pressure checks

by Home Instead 12:30 Music with Gale 12:30-4 Mah-Jongg 12:30-4 Advanced Canasta- Hand & Foot 1:00-Chewin’ the Fat 3-6:00 TLC for Mom’s

Bible Word Search puzzle on page 21

Speaking DEC. 5 8:30-4:30 Phoenix Rising Program (CS) (Room #1) 9-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles 9-12 Crafts 9:30-11 BINGO 8-3 Sewing Group 10:30-12 Caring K9’s 1-3 Creative Art 6-8 DC (SAS) Room #1 7:30-9:00 AL-Anon DEC. 6 9-4 Cards, Games & Puzzles 9-12 Crafts 9:30 Exercise 10-1 Quilters with a Cause All New! 12-2:30 First Friday Flicks – Ballroom

Solution to Sudoku from page 16:

(puzzle on page 21)

12

HERNANDO SUN

SPORTS

hernandosun.com Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

SPORTS

Winding Waters, Weeki Wachee, and Springstead cheer teams represent at cheer competition ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALICE MARY HERDEN

Hudson --Cheerleaders from Winding Waters, Weeki Wachee, and Springstead competed in the Division Competitive Cheer Competition at Hudson High School on Nov. 22, 2019.

Weeki Wachee varsity cheerleaders were added to this year’s line up, along with Winding Waters K-8 team who were the 2019 UCA Game Day - Junior High NonTumbling Cheerleading Champions.

“We are working on defending our title this year,” said Teresa Edwards, the head coach for Winding Waters, junior varsity, and varsity cheerleading. Her assistant coach is Allison Bates.

The first performance began with Winding Waters Junior High Division. The Yellow Jackets competed in the Junior High Game Day Division as well and were the only ones in their division; they happily came out on top.

“Last night, the middle school team (Winding Waters) didn’t go up against any other middle schools, but they still had a really strong showing,” Edwards said. “They really were very strong and energetic. I was very proud of them, and they worked really hard.”

Weeki Wachee cheerleaders competed in the VA Game Day Division against Avon Park, Bayshore, and Hudson. Despite dealing with injuries and newcomers filling in for those injuries, Teresa Edwards was delighted by their performances.

“They put on a great routine, and came together as a squad,” Edwards said. “This is the first time Weeki Wachee has ever competed in the Game Day Division. They put in so much time and effort every day working and still had to cheer for football and basketball games. They balance it all, we are really proud of them.”

Springstead is going into their second year in competitive cheer.

Shannon Herod’s cheering

Winding Waters competed in the Junior High and Junior High Game Day division at Hudson High School Friday night.

routines are already planned out for the year.

The competitive side of the Lady Eagles cheering squad is stronger in standards and pushing the limits in routines.

“When we went into warm-ups last night, we hit our routine three times, we got out on the mat, and we didn’t,” said competitive cheer coach Shannon Herod. “A lot of nerves go out on the mat. I need for them to get those first time jitters out.”

Springstead faced Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, and Sunlake in the Varsity Division. Eagles placed fourth due to some routine technique errors, but overall the experience was something many of the cheerleaders needed.

“I am super proud of my girls,” Herod said. “Our difficulty score was very high, and I know that. Our routine is very tough this year, but I know my girls can do it. We need to hit it that first time in front of a crowd so they can get that confidence, that’s what I was hoping for last night.”

“Do we have a lot of work to do, absolutely, and it’s always those little tiny techniques that have to change and be applied so that we can hit our routine,” Herod added.

The next big competition for these girls is coming up on December 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds for the UCA Central Florida Regionals.

RIGHT: Winding Waters, Weeki Wachee, and Springstead cheer teams represent at cheer competition,

Sports Calendar 11/21/2019 thru 11/29/2019

Central High School Bears

FRI

11/29/19

BOYS BASKETBALL

TBA - WWHS Tournament @ Weeki WacheeHigh School 12150 Vespa Way, Weeki Wachee FL 34614

AWAY

TBA

SAT

11/30/19

BOYS BASKETBALL

TBA - WWHS Tournament @ Weeki WacheeHigh School 12150 Vespa Way, Weeki Wachee FL 34614

AWAY

TBA

MON

12/2/19

BOYS JV / V SOCCER

Hudson High School

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

TUE

12/3/19

BOYS JV / V BASKETBALL

Lecanto High School Conference Game

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

TUE

12/3/19

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Lecanto High School Conference Game @ Lecanto High School 3810 W. Educational Path, Lecanto FL 34461

AWAY

7:30 PM

WED

12/4/19

GIRLS WEIGHTLIFTING

South Sumter High School @ 14075 Ken Austin Parkway FL

AWAY

3:30 PM

WED

12/4/19

BOYS JV / V SOCCER

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

WED

12/4/19

GIRLS SOCCER

AWAY

6:30 PM

TUE

11/26/19

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Hudson High School @ HHS 14410 Cobra Way, Hudson FL 34669

AWAY

7:30 PM

MON

12/2/19

BOYS SOCCER

Hernando Christian Academy @ Hernando Christian Academy 7200 Emerson Rd., Brooksville FL 34601

AWAY

4:00 PM

MON

12/2/19

GIRLS SOCCER

Wesley Chapel High School

HOME

6:00 PM

TUE

12/3/19

BOYS JV / V BASKETBALL

Weeki Wachee High School Conference Game @ Weeki Wachee 12150 Vespa Way, Weeki Wachee FL 34614

AWAY

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

Weeki Wachee High School Conference Game

HOME

7:30 PM

Springstead High School Conference Game @ Springstead 3200 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill FL 34609

AWAY

3:00 PM

6:00 PM

Nature Coast Conference Game Nature Coast Conference Game @ Nature Coast High School 4057 California St, Brooksville FL 34604

Hernando High School Leopards

TUE

12/3/19

GIRLS BASKETBALL

WED

12/4/19

GIRLS WEIGHTLIFTING

WED

12/4/19

GIRLS SOCCER

Crystal River High School

HOME

WED

12/4/19

BOYS SOCCER

TBA

TBA

TBA

THU

12/5/19

BOYS JV / V BASKETBALL

The Villages High School (Varsity - Conference Game)

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

THU

12/5/19

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Villages Conference Game @ Unknown location

AWAY

7:30 PM

TUE

11/26/19

GIRLS JV / V BASKETBALL

River Ridge High School @ RRHS 11646 Town Center Rd, New Port Richey FL 34654

AWAY

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

MON

12/2/19

BOYS JV / V SOCCER

Cypress Creek High School

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

MON

12/2/19

GIRLS JV / V SOCCER

@ Zephyrhills High School 6335 12th St, Zephyrills FL 33542

AWAY

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

TUE

12/3/19

GIRLS JV / V BASKETBALL

AWAY

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

WED

12/4/19

GIRLS WEIGHT TRAINING

NCT

HOME

3:30 PM

Nature Coast Technical High School Sharks

Citrus High School GC8 Conference Game @ Citrus High School 600 W Highland Blvd, Inverness FL 34452

WED

12/4/19

BOYS JV / V SOCCER

Central High School GC8 Conference Game @ Central High School 14075 Ken Austin Pkwy, Brooksville FL 34613

AWAY

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

WED

12/4/19

GIRLS JV / V SOCCER

Central High School Conference Game

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

WED

12/4/19

GIRLS JV / V BASKETBALL

Land O' Lakes High School

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

F. W. Springstead High School Eagles

Springstead performing their pyramid routine during Friday night’s competition at Hudson. High.

MON

11/25/19

GIRLS JV / V BASKETBALL

Fivay High School Conference Game

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

TUE

11/26/19

BOYS JV / V SOCCER

Citrus High School Conference Game

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

TUE

11/26/19

BOYS JV / V BASKETBALL

Pasco High School

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

MON

12/2/19

GIRLS JV / V SOCCER

Land O'Lakes

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

TUE

12/3/19

BOYS JV / V BASKETBALL

Crystal River High School

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

TUE

12/3/19

GIRLS JV / V BASKETBALL

Crystal River High School @ CRHS 3195 Crystal River High Dr, Crystal River FL 34428

AWAY

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

WED

12/4/19

BOYS JV / V SOCCER

Lecanto High School Conference Game @ Lecanto High School 3810 W Educational Path, Lecanto FL 34461

AWAY

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

WED

12/4/19

GIRLS JV / V SOCCER

Lecanto High School

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

WED

12/4/19

GIRLS WEIGHTLIFTING

Hernando High School

HOME

3:00 PM

WED

12/4/19

GIRLS JV / V BASKETBALL

WWHS @ Weeki Wachee High School 12150 Vespa Way, Weeki Wachee FL 34614

AWAY

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

THU

12/5/19

BOYS JV / V BASKETBALL

Gulf High School

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

Weeki Wachee High School Hornets THU

11/21/19

BOYS BASKETBALL

Tarpon Springs High School Thanksgiving Tournament

HOME

7:30 PM

THU

11/21/19

BOYS BASKETBALL

TBA Thanksgiving Tournament

HOME

TBA

MON

12/2/19

BOYS JV / V SOCCER

South Sumpter HS @ SSHS 706 N. Main St, Bushnell FL 33513

AWAY

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

MON

12/2/19

GIRLS SOCCER

Fivay @ FHS 12115 Chicago Ave, Hudson FL 34669

AWAY

7:30 PM

TUE

12/3/19

GIRLS JV / V BASKETBALL

Hernando Leopards GC8 Conference Game @ HHS 111 Ernie Chatman Run, Brooksville FL 34601

AWAY

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

TUE

12/3/19

BOYS JV / V BASKETBALL

Hernando High School Conference Game (Varsity - GC8)

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

WED

12/4/19

BOYS JV / V SOCCER

Citrus Hurricanes GC8 Conference Game

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

WED

12/4/19

GIRLS JV / V BASKETBALL

Springstead Eagles GC8 Conference Game

HOME

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

WED

12/4/19

GIRLS JV / V SOCCER

Citrus Hurricanes GC8 Conference Game @ Citrus 600 W Highland Blvd, Inverness FL 34452

AWAY

6:00 PM / 7:30 PM

HOME

7:00 PM

Hernando Christian Academy Lions MON

12/2/19

BOYS SOCCER

Hernando Christian Academy

Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

SPORTS HUNTING

Toby Benoit is a best selling novelist and professional outdoorsman with thirty-five years of experience guiding and outfitting for big game all across America. Toby is a renowned archer and turkey hunting expert who manufactures custom game calls and is a regular judge at NWTF sanctioned turkey calling events across the Southeast.

Talking the Talk

There are a lot of people out there who apparently think that whitetail deer are simply cute little mutes wandering about the forest. Well, although they aren’t the loudest of critters, they’re far from mutes. The fact is, they have a pretty fair range of vocalizations from social grunts, a “hey how are ya” type of call, to a shrill wheeze, sounding the alarm of danger. But, one call that’s been mighty important for deer hunters to learn, is the bleat.

The bleat is a three to four second burst of high pitched nasal sound, not at all unlike that of a hungry baby goat. It’s purpose, is what makes it worth learning to replicate to a hunter; it’s the sound of a whitetail doe in estrous looking for a mate. A randy old buck hears that sound and he’s liable to slip in close looking for love and unwittingly receive a dinner invitation from a lucky hunter. As well, mature does will respond to the bleats as if to investigate who it is trying to seduce the local bucks.

There are lots of ways to reproduce the sound; one mostly forgotten to today’s modern hunters, yet still passed down amongst some of the Native Americans I know, is simply to suck vigorously on the back of your hand allowing air to make noise. Once you learn what the sound actually sounds like, it’s not difficult to bend the hand sounds to imitate that of the bleat.

There are also dozens of commercially made calls cluttering the shelves at most sporting outlets.

All of them in the hands of a hunter willing to invest a minimum of practice, can recreate that love-struck sound competently enough.

The easiest of all of these retail offerings is a silly little can, manufactured

by Primos Game Calls, called cleverly enough, “The Can.” All you have to do is turn it over and the baffled air chamber inside reproduces a very nice bleating sound.

Regardless of what me tool or method you use with a to pretend to be lonely and willing doe, learn it and use it on stand this time of year in the whitetail woods. It can turn the tide on an otherwise unproductive hunt. In fact, I used doe bleats on a few recent hunts that ended quite well. In the last week, some lucky first –time hunters have left here with full coolers and great memories thanks to that little sound.

One of which was my

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Boys basketball preseason classics Brooksville for a two-day game competition.

“This is our first preseason game; it’s a typical preseason game. We struggled with the first half,” said Coach Matt Zendecki.

“I am happy how the boys responded in the second half, and I thought they played a lot harder. It’s our first game together as a squad, we’re rusty, but I am happy.”

Central’s first game for the regular season is up against Bishop McLaughlin on November 26. Last season Central lost by only two points to Bishop McLaughlin: 46-44.

Zendecki said that the team has to get ready when they start playing their regular season.

Some offensive discipline displayed during the first half against Cypress Creek is something they can’t afford going forward.

“We have to be ready when we start the season next week,” Zendecki said. “Our motto for this year is to get better every game.”

Tuesday Night Villages 61 vs Central Florida Catholic 67 Central 65 vs Cypress Creek 44 Thursday Night Scores not reported (NR) Cypress Creek NR vs Villages NR Central NR vs Central Florida Catholic NR Weeki Wachee High School’s Preseason Classic Weeki Wachee jumped at the opportunity to host their first preseason classic, as well. Inviting Lecanto, Real Life Christian Academy, and North Tampa Christian Academy to their home court.

“It gives us a good measurement to see where we are,” said Weeki Wachee basketball coach Steve Boyett.

Last season the Hornets played six games on the road before their regular season started, which may have put somewhat of a stress factor on the team.

However, they are making up for that this year by hosting a Thanksgiving Tournament on Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30. The teams that will be competing in the tournament are

adopted nephew, thirteen year old Hunter Geer.

Hunter had accompanied me to the woods twice before his successful morning hunt. We were on a small tract of private land in the south end of our county and had a fun morning watching multiple deer at a distance.

Finally a very old doe’s curiosity got the better

Tarpon Springs, Lecanto, and Central.

“Truthfully, the best coaching moments and the best ways to advance is through things you’ve done wrong so you can improve on those things.

They all remember the things they do right, so we’ll break down the film, and we’ll definitely find things that we need to work on. We have a long way to go, but we are a long way from where we started, so I am proud of them,” Boyett said.

Tuesday Night Lecanto 70 vs North Tampa 41 Weeki Wachee 58 vs Real Life Christian Academy 56 Thursday Night Lecanto 56 vs Real Life Christian 27 Weeki Wachee 79 vs North Tampa 60 Springstead Glory Days Preseason Classic Springstead held its 8th annual Glory Day’s preseason classic on November 20 and 21.

“We are bringing a team back that are more experienced and ready to go. We have nine returning players from last year, and it didn’t end the way they wanted to, they’re hungry,” said coach Matthew McGarry.

Springstead is coming out of the 2018-2019 season with 12 wins and 11 losses. This particular preseason game tested players’ focus and discipline. It also gave them an opportunity to screen one particular team they will be facing in their regular game line up: Fivay.

Springstead lost to Fivay on November 26, 2018, 55-48, during last year’s preseason classics. In this year’s classic, Springstead beat Fivay 69 to 42. The two teams will face off again at Fivay on Jan. 22, 2020, for the District 5A-6 tournament.

“This is a huge evaluation tool, especially getting teams from all over the place,” McGarry said.

“We don’t see Umatilla, and we don’t see Trinity Catholic that often, and to be able to see what the other counties are doing, it’s a good thing. We need to expand and get out and to go up against teams that we know nothing about.”

of her and she closed the distance enough for young Hunter to seal the deal.

As always, if you have any comments, questions or just want to share your success from the woods, give me a shout out at Toby@HernandoSun.com. God Bless and Good Hunting!

from page 1

Springstead coach Matthew McGarry talks to his players during a time out Wednesday night during the annual Glory Days preseason classic at Springstead High School.

Central coach Matt Zendecki talks to his players during a time out Tuesday night during the Breakfast Station preseason classic at Central High School.

“Preseason is just a way to gauge where we are.

I have a lot of questions about this team, and some of those questions will be answered throughout the year,” McGarry said. “I keep telling my guys there is no such thing as paper champions, we have got to be able to answer the bell every night.”

Springstead Glory Days Preseason Classic Results:

Wednesday Night Trinity Catholic 39 vs Fivay 66 Springstead 65 vs Umatilla 35 Thursday Night Umatilla 61 vs Trinity Catholic 57 Springstead 69 vs Fivay 42 Preseason classics are a way for each basketball coach to get a different look at how their team

Weeki Wachee coach Scott Boyett talks to his players during a time out Thursday night during the Hornets preseason classic at Weeki Wachee High School.

PHSC MEN'S BASKETALL RESULTS Nov. 19/ 7:00 pm Loss to State College of Florida Manatees 59-21 November 22 / 7:00 pm Win over Trinity Baptist College New Port Richey, Fla. 69-64 November 23 / 6:00 pm Loss to Oxford College of Emory University at Oxford, Ga. 83-80

Hunter Geer and his first deer ever, taken on a hunt with his Uncle Toby.

coordinates before the regular season begins. It helps to fine-tune some player’s mechanics, as well as refine how players work together.

All in all, the preseason classics for Central, Springstead and Weeki Wachee were successful.

Players and coaches are prepared to compete in their 2019/2020 winter basketball season.

November 26 / 7:00 pm vs St. Petersburg College Titans New Port Richey, Fla. Score not available

Upcoming Games: December 4 / 7:00 pm vs Trinity College Tigers at home in New Port Richey, Fla. December 6 / 7:00 pm at Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown, N.C. December 7 / 3:00 pm at Catawba Valley Red Hawks Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, N.C.

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Springstead wins preseason Glory Days Classic Tourney

BY ANDY VILLAMARZO HERNANDO SUN SPRING HILL, Fla. - The 2019-2020 is expected to be a big breakout year for Springstead’s boys basketball team and if the results in preseason action mean anything, the Eagles should be a club to keep an eye on.

Springstead hosted the Glory Days Preseason Classic tournament and were able to run the table and eventually defeated Hudson Fivay 69-42 in the tournament’s title game last week. The Eagles now head into the regular season with confidence as one of the area’s top teams coming out of Hernando County.

The improvement for Springstead is already being seen here in preseason action, as the Eagles started off last year losing to Fivay 55-48 to begin the campaign. Now the Eagles end the preseason defeating the Falcons soundly and can build off the tourney victory with some good opponents taking part.

The other two teams that also took part in the tournament was Ocala Trinity Catholic and Umatilla, who played in the consolation third place game. The Celtics went 21-7 last season and soundly beat the Eagles during the regular season, while the Bulldogs had a rough 20182019 season and finished at 4-22. With Trinity Catholic being a perennially good program, it gave the tournament another solid team.

Springstead is coming off a 12-11 season in which they lost 79-69 to Sunlake in the semifinals of the district tournament, the Eagles are inching themselves towards taking the next step in claiming a postseason spot.

It won’t be easy whatsoever for Springstead, however, as they are in a district also with Sunlake, Land O’ Lakes and Mitchell, all teams that have made the postseason at one point in the last five years.

This year’s version of Springstead’s boys basketball team will feature a new top player on the team in Unique Torain, who takes over as the club’s leading returning scorer. Torain averaged around 17 points per game last season and could be pushing 20-plus points per game this 2019-2020 campaign. Matt McGarry’s team has several other pieces surrounding Torain, but will need the senior to be the overall focal point for the Eagles.

The pressure isn’t essentially on Springstead to be the best team coming out of Hernando County, as Nature Coast figures to continue its reign as an area powerhouse but the Eagles are taking aim at turning the corner.

That could be this season and contending for a district championship shouldn’t be a distant goal for the Eagles.

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@ gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @avillamarzo.

The Soccer Reports Bell's Eagles fight to the end

BY JONATHAN STONE HERNANDO SUN

The Citrus Bowl in Inverness was the venue as Sarah Bell took her Springstead Eagles team to face off against the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes went 11-5 in 2018-19 but this week two encounter wasn’t going to be a repeat of the 6-0 victory the Eagles enjoyed last term at home. Piper Sullivan in the visiting Eagles goal was rarely untroubled in an encounter that was largely played in midfield through the first 60 minutes. Neither team having a notable shot

Hernando in the battle despite absent coach

BY JONATHAN STONE HERNANDO SUN

Hernando Leopards entered the season under guidance from new head coach Dan Watson so far without a win to their name. However it was stand in coach Tim Whatley that saw his team battle to the bitter end against rivals Springstead. The Leopards started the first half on top and it was Nathan D’Alfonso who had the Leopards best chance in the opening passage of play.

The Eagles finding it tough to get past the ever physical presence of Connor Morgan in the back. As the Eagles started to come into things, it was Caleb McVicker working well with James Campbell that saw McVicker’s shot rebound back off the post and keep the game tied at 0-0.

Bryson Derryberry between the sticks for the Leopards hadn’t conceded so far this season and kept his statistics on the up as Devin Salazar broke down the wing only to find Derryberry strong at the back. Inconsistent refereeing was starting to frustrate both the Eagles fans and their back four as Collin Andreu found his way into match referee Mike Mele’s notebook for a yellow card. The second half

on target and both Sullivan and Autumn Mitcheltree, between the sticks for the home team, able to keep control of the ball whenever it came close. The last 20 minutes gave way to much more goalmouth action and it was Mitcheltree who was forced into nerve wracking moments as both Alyssa Williams and Gina DeRonda came close. It was freshman DeRonda who came closest to breaking the deadlock but a smart double save out of Mitcheltree kept the Eagles flying close, but never piercing the Hurricane net. It looked as if the Eagles whom lost 14 games in 2018-19 might end up on the losing end of this one as they were forced to play out the final 7 minutes a player

short after seeing midfielder Williams blue carded. However the Eagles held firm to move to 1-0-2 and stay without a loss through their first 3 games.

It wasn’t to be a good week for the Eagles as they ended the week travelling to cross county rivals Hernando Leopards. The Leopards who had cruised to victory over Zephyrhills on Monday were determined to get back to winning ways. A midweek loss to Citrus 4-0 was made even worse following a possible season ending injury to defender Ryleigh Bishop.

It was the Leopards who came out on top against Springstead on Nov. 22 with goals from Huber and Bryson Wylie netting a brace

which took them to a 3-1 victory and a 5-2-1 record entering the Thanksgiving break. However coach Shrader’s team will be banking on better fortunes so that the injury list doesn’t increase any further. Coach Mainella and her Weeki Wachee Hornets never got out of the starting blocks on Wednesday night as a strong and determined Lecanto team ran away with a 7-0 victory. The result could have been worse for the Hornets had Lecanto not emptied their bench mid way through the second half. They stopped the run of defeats on Friday night as the Central Bears were the visitors. The two teams playing out a 0-0 tie.

started much the way as the first as the Leopards took the game to Springstead. Whatley was pacing up and down the sideline barking orders to his players as the game fizzled into a midfield affair.

It wasn’t until just after the second half water break that the deadlock was broken and it was to be the Eagles, who broke down the left hand side with Kegan Lewis breaking through the back four.

Crossing the ball directly into the path of Sevy Lopez-Harries who had little to do as he guided the ball into the back of the net. The Leopards immediately tried to get back into things with Jacob Powell and Jacob Kelly both working hard but the final ball just wasn’t to be. At the back fouls from Coile, Beckwith, Morgan and Fagin all entering the referee’s notebook. It was to be Coile once more who committed a tactical foul on the edge of the box stopping the Eagles with a clear and obvious shot on goal that landed him with his second yellow card of the match, forced to sit out the final few minutes and watch the Leopards battle with a man short as they tried to no avail to get back in the game.

Connor Morgan, who recently signed college forms for Baseball is now playing Soccer for his third season.

“I’m definitely here for the footwork and stamina. That footwork is helping me at 3rd base into becoming a much better and stronger player as

I stay within Florida,” said Morgan.

The continual changing of coaches, Whatley now standing in for the second time already this season, cannot be helping the Leopards. “I was there our second game on Wednesday against Weeki and under my experience we lost that game through just one player. Coming here is tough, they have a good program and the kids rose to the challenge.

We had a chance to win a game against a team that we had no business challenging.

We had some set pieces that we should have taken better advantage of.

“Hernando has a reputation of being physical and that bodes well for us moving forward, our plan was to be physical but overall I’m happy and I can’t say enough about what Derryberry has done only conceding 1 in almost 2 games,” commented Whatley after the game.

Springstead’s Lopez-Harries (Sr) said, “Wasn’t a great game for us today, a little scrappy but it was an upside scoring the winner. We have to learn from today. As a senior I will be leaving the Eagles to join the US Marine Corps.”

“It was definitely frustrating but we have been able to work through the midfield and see what we have to work on.

This game brought out all of our weaknesses. Campbell was our savior defensively but unfortunately due to injury he is a great player that we can

utilize in different positions.

In order for us to grow we need to watch, learn and grow from the film. I was expecting my player getting taken out to be a red card, but we have to adjust to the game, the elements and overcome them.

There were some not so great calls and we should have got more, unfortunately we are not going to get the referees that we had at Nature Coast every game. The two female officials there both had a great game, and it’s a shame we don’t get them more often,” commented coach Burns after the final whistle.

Elsewhere in Hernando County and the Sharks of Nature Coast ended the week on a high after a draw against Springstead earlier in the week. This time out they cruised to a 4-0 victory against Crystal River behind a Jaxsen Soto hat trick, and a Tony Howard effort. They move on to 4-0-1 for the season. Weeki Wachee are now 6-0 as Shane Tarbox’s team have only conceded 2 goals in their opening 6 games, while scoring 22 at the other end. A 3 game winning week against Crystal River, Lecanto and Central saw them enter the break on a high and surely on the way to a district title?

Weeki Wachee will face off against Nature Coast on Friday Dec. 6 at home, in what will be a 7.30pm kick off and the Hernando Sun will be there to bring you all the action!

Saint Leo University Opens the Conference with a Win

BY MEL SUITER HERNANDO SUN

SAN ANTONIO, Fla. --- Happy Thanksgiving!

Saint Leo University celebrated Thanksgiving Day early by defeating Florida Tech University 75-70, for the Lions' first victory in the conference and improving their overall record to 5-1 this season, but there was plenty of drama late in the game.

Just another typical Saturday night plus the excitement of opening night of basketball in the Sunshine State Conference. At home, inside the Marion Bowman Activity Center on the campus of Saint Leo University, the action on the court gave the crowd a good preview of the up and coming attraction from the conference.

It looked like midway in the second half with an 18 point lead for the Lions, that there was no chance that the Panthers would be able to come back.

They did!

Florida Tech deployed a confusing full press defense that Saint Leo University had some trouble finding the answer to and almost allowed the Panthers to escape the Jungle with a win.

In the first half, the Lions finished the half with a 10-0 run and took the lead into the locker room. Leading the way for the Lions senior guard Kyran McClure, he finished the game with 21 points and four assists.

The defense for the Lions in the first half held the Panthers down on the floor, only allowing Florida Tech University to shoot 34.8 percent from the field.

At the start of the second half the game plan for Saint Leo University was to work

the ball from the perimeter and get the ball inside into the paint area. The plan was working and it forced the Panthers defense to collapse.

Lions’ senior post player Tyler Carter took advantage of the sagging defense.

He would go to work in the paint, getting physical under the basket and when he had the chance, he would drive the ball into the basket. Carter finished the game with 11 points and five rebounds.

A sticky man-on-man defense played by the Lions forced the Panthers to turn the ball over 21 times and the Lions transformed those turnovers into 23 points.

Saint Leo University basketball coach Lance Randall had several options and a good rotation from his players from the bench. Leading the Lions forward Gintaras Bartaskas who came into the game scored 12 points and shot 50 percent from the floor.

“We got great scoring in the second half and Kyran, G.B. and T.C. they preserve for us and got some salvation for us,” Randall said about the win. “We were up by 16 points, unfortunately we had some moments going down the stretch. You can’t foul this team in those situations and put a team like that on the line.”

Then it happened!

With six minutes left in the ball game, Florida Tech University unleashed a dynamic, full court press that would force the ball to the wing and then that would create a trap situation against the Lions, creating 16 turnovers and allowing the Panthers to gain momentum and have a chance to win the game.

“We did not execute our press breaker,” Randall said about his team against the full court press defense. “It was a teaching moment.”

St. Leo Kyran McClure (12) at the net against Georgia College on Nov.16; FILE PHOTO BY BETTY KOLAR

Florida Tech University created a lot of physical play under the basket and in the paint area, the full court defense created some exciting moments for the Lions. It was the Panthers inability not to block out and giving up offensive rebounds that helped the Lions to keep this win.

Saint Leo University was able to get 11 offensive rebounds and keep the basketball for a second chance at the basket but ironically, the Lions were out rebounded by the Panthers 36-34 for the game.

Florida Tech University basketball coach Billy Mims said after the game, his team played their style of basketSee ST. LEO, Page 15

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Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019 hernandosun.com

Solid win for Lady Eagles basketball team over Central

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MYA GENARDI

SPRING HILL, Fla.- The gym lights shine bright on those who fly, and did they ever for the Eagles at their home game against Central on Nov. 22, 2019. This basketball game put the crowd through a rollercoaster of emotions, found in both teams’ determination and hope for the outcome of the game. First quarter started up and the Eagles quickly took their lead.

With 4 minutes left in the first quarter the bright scoreboard already read Eagles for 10 and Central 0. Is this the beginning of a fast and easy win for the Eagles?

Or will the Bears tread on and push their ambition?

With 30 seconds left to spare of the first quarter, Central player #32 J. Richard, shoots for the three pointer, makes the point and gets her team hungry for a comeback.

The players approach into their second quarter; Springstead at a shocking 20 points and Central with 3. Ready for a show the little but high spirited crowd cheers on their girls as they make their way to the court. Springstead’s defense comes out crazy high with the

from page 14 ball by being physical and he thought that the press gave the Panthers a chance.

“Both teams made some sloppy play early but both teams are fighters,” Mims said before boarding the bus.

“They fought and we fought back. They made two big runs one at the end of the first half and then they went on a 22-7 run, I thought both teams were very competitive.”

Mims also described the action on the court as a typical Sunshine State Conference basketball game, with good drama and great action out on the court.

Nature Coast ends roller coaster 2019 football season at 6-6

BY ANDY VILLAMARZO HERNANDO SUN

Springstead vs. Central- Nov. 22, 2019.

remarkable team workmanship compared to Central’s chaotic struggle to keep the ball and communication with their teammates. Central player #20 K. Mattison pushes strong with an amazing 3 pointer. Thus, raising her team’s score to 6 and amplifying their confidence. Mattison stated after the game she knows her team

could have done better, with players getting more open.

With two minutes to spare in the second quarter the frustration in the Central Coach rises and the teamwork fades with it.

Springstead, refusing to slow down, knocks down every pass Central throws out, stealing the ball and making basket upon basket! The Eagle girls

Springstead vs. Central- Nov. 22, 2019.

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THE HERNANDO SUN

“It is the ACC of Division 2 basketball,” Mims said describing the basketball competition in the Sunshine State Conference. “I don't know why they don’t pack the stands for games! For six bucks, I don’t care where you come from, if you come from Dade City, San Antonio or anywhere else around here it is the best entertainment for the money!”

Florida Tech University sophomore center Sesean Russell lead all players with 22 points for the game. Panther's junior forward Nieja Jordan leading all players with 11 rebounds, he also scored eight points for the Panthers.

Saint Leo University will

take some time off for the holiday and spend some time away from the court and the rigerious basketball season.

Spend some quality time just celebrating the holiday with friends and family.

The next game for the Lions will be a road trip to the city of Lakeland, Fla. to participate in the Terrace Hotel Thanksgiving Classic hosted by Florida Southern College.

The first contest for the Lions will be against Valdosta State University, Friday evening Nov. 29 starting at 5:30 p.m. The second game for the Lions will be played Saturday Nov 30, starting at 5:30 p.m.

are flying mighty high tonight!

Though remaining “humble” as Springstead player #11 Brooklyn Glines states, the girls stay focused and prepared for any chance of their opponents comeback. Leading into the third quarter, the score stands at 35 Springstead and 6 Central.

The third quarter starts with obvious frustration on both teams’ faces, Eagles determined to stay on high alert and Bears fueled with disappointment… or is it anger that will give them the power to throw their demise away.

Central prepares for their first free throw by player #21 A.Kinney, with the pressure high the Bear misses leaving 2 minutes and 16 seconds of the quarter left with a score of 45 Eagles to 6 Bears.

The Eagles move in with some nice free throws and good steals leaving the crowd with out of their seats excitement in the last seconds of the quarter.

The Eagles finish out the third quarter with whopping high score of 51, leaving fans to question where Central’s plays lie.

The ladies walk into their last quarter prepared for their inevitable outcomes, but will Central play hard and earn a good end to the game?

The quarter begins, and immediately Springstead player #22 Tallia Russell makes her team a two pointer.

Russell stated that her favorite point of the game was that even in the last quarter her team “put in everything” and “didn’t stop at any point.”

As the timer counts down and the end is near, the Central girls lean on their players #32 J. Richard and #20 K. Mattison to feed them a couple more points and a good rise to the end.

Although, with only 52 seconds left in the game, Springstead player #11 Brooklyn Glines shows the determination of her team and leaves the score at 63 Springstead and 11 Central.

She states at the end of the game that she aims to “keep going harder, and keep the streak alive.”

The Lady Eagles soared high tonight on the court and kept the game alive throughout it.

Girls basketball game results last week HHS- LOSS 79-56 to Crystal River High School Conference Game Nov. 19

SHS-LOSS 77-43 to Fivay High School Conference Game NOv. 25

HHS-LOSS 41-32 to Lecanto High School Conference Game Nov. 22

NCT- LOSS 72-25 to Wildwood, Nov. 18

SHS - LOSS 46 - 32 to Lecanto High School Nov. 19 SHS- WIN 54-22 to Pasco High School Conference Game Nov. 20 SHS- WIN 63-11 to Central High School Nov. 22

NCT- WIN 57-14 to Central, Nov. 19 NCT- WIN 48-37 to Weeki Wachee, Nov. 22 Weeki Wachee WIN 50-31 to Citrus Nov. 18

BROOKSVILLE- When Nature Coast took a look at the clock winding down on its 2019 season a couple weeks ago in its 35-14 region semifinal loss to Orlando Jones, the Sharks still had a lot to be proud of themselves for.

Despite having one of the most up and down seasons amongst any of the five Hernando County prep football teams, Nature Coast was still able to pull themselves together in time to win a district championship and reach the playoffs. NCT had two quarterbacks throughout the season, but still relied upon the playmaking abilities of Fabian Burnett, who helped guide Nature Coast to the region final in 2018.

Overcoming the loss of Michael Weston from 2018 was really the biggest question mark surrounding the team during the off-season and despite his near 3,000 yards rushing being off the roster, the Sharks made it happen. Nature Coast pulled off another district championship against the odds.

Facing an Orlando Jones team that is quite arguably one of the top teams in central Florida, not many gave the Sharks a chance to be in the game versus the Fightin’ Tigers. Within 28-14 in the fourth quarter before Jones added another score, one thing Nature Coast never did was give up. Though the Sharks did have some losses that seemed head scratching, it was a trial by fire season.

Now head coach Cory Johns and his staff will have to rebuild or reload as they say, with another big senior class seeing its way out this off-season. One of those seniors will be Burnett, who was the do-all athlete the Sharks utilized heavily the last two seasons. Vaughn Sykora, who came over via transfer from Weeki Wachee, will also be on his way out.

Three starters on Nature Coast’s offensive line will be graduating along with a host of others on the defensive side of the football. Only a handful of key contributors from the last two seasons will still be around as seniors, with running back Kinyatah Morgan being the mainstay for the Sharks. This will be a much different looking Nature Coast squad once spring football rolls around in late April.

With Springstead improving and Hernando on the rise with many underclassmen, could Nature Coast’s time as the No. 1 team in the county be numbered?

Only time will really tell the story if the Sharks can continue their run of district titles and postseason appearances. The Sharks are officially on the clock.

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @avillamarzo.

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FUNNIES

Solution to Soduku on page 11

© 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.

6. Which king ordered Daniel into the lions’ den? Darius, Eglon, Herod, Caesar ANSWERS: 1) New; 2) Er; 3) 12 years; 4) Solomon; 5) 50th; 6) Darius Christmas gift? “Test Your Bible Knowledge: 1,206 Questions to Sharpen Your Understanding of Scripture,” by Wilson Casey, is available in bookstores and online. (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

King Features Weekly Service

BIBLE TRIVIA 1. Is the book of 2 Thessalonians in byorWilson Casey the Old New Testament or neither?

2. In Song of --- Solomon 2:1, the calls herself two kinds of 1.Shulamite Is thethe book Thessaflowers, rose of and1the ...? Daisy, lonians in theSage Old or New Lily, Cinnamon, 3.

From Titus 1,orPaul wrote, “Unto Testament neither? the pure all things are ...”? Gold, Righteous, Worthy, Pure 2.4.From Genesisis 38, who by What archangel mentioned name the first book individual of Jude? Gabriel, wasinthe Silas, Michael, Melchizedek killed

by God for being 5. In 1 Kings 21, who forbade wicked?

No one has, Naboth to give his vineyard to Ahab?

Onan, Gomorrah TheEr, Lord, Jezebel, Absalom, Balaam 6. In Psalm 103:5, what bird’s youth is renewable? Dove, Eagle, Raven, 3. How long had the Swallow woman been sick2)that ANSWERS: 1) New; Lily; 3) touched the hem Pure; 4) Michael; 5) of TheJesus’ Lord; 6) Eagle garment?

1 hour, 5 days, “Test Your Bible12 Knowledge,” 6 months, years featuring 1,206 multiple-choice questions by columnist Wilson Casey, is now available in stores and online.

5. The year of jubile (jubilee) comes around every ... year? Fifth, 25th, 50th, 100th

October 15, 2018

4. From 1 Kings 6, who constructed the first altar covered with gold? Gideon, Josiah, Noah, Solomon

(puzzle on page 11)

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Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

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Invasive Cane Toad found in Brooksville

BY BRITTANY HALLSCHARF, MARINE AGENT II WITH UF/ IFAS EXTENSION HERNANDO COUNTY

During the mid-1930s to 1940s, poisonous cane toads were introduced into Florida to control agricultural pests found in sugar cane fields. Their ravenous appetites and large mouths were attributes thought to be ideal for pest management.

However, it is believed this round of released toads did not survive.

In subsequent years, the pet trade industry was responsible for additional cane toad releases.

Roughly 100 cane toads were released in the Miami Airport by a pet trader in the 1950s. Other intentional and accidental releases have been documented throughout South Florida. Unfortunately, the invasive cane toad is now well established as far north as Tampa.

Sadly, the first documented cane toad was collected in downtown Brooksville on October 24, 2019. The toad was brought to the UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County Office and identified by Marine Agent Brittany Scharf and UF Wildlife Ecology Specialist Dr. Steve Johnson. The toad is now on display at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Chinsegut Conservation Center for educational purposes.

Cane toads compete with native southern toads and oak toads for habitat and food. However, cane toads prefer human-modified habitats, such as yards and golf

courses, over natural areas, and love pet food that is left outside. Because of this, pets have an increased risk of interacting with these poisonous invaders. Although cane toads are not aggressive, they do release toxins when attacked which can be fatal to dogs and cats.

Office for identification confirmation. If you are unsure of your identification, this step is recommended to prevent accidental euthanasia of native toads.

Generously apply benzocaine or lidocaine ointment to the toad and place in freezer for 24 hours.* What should you do if Report the sighting you suspect your pet has to your local UF/IFAS attacked a cane toad?

Extension Office and the Early Detection & DistriWipe mouth of pet. bution Mapping System Using a hose, flush (https://www.eddmaps. pet’s mouth for 15 org/report/). minutes. Make sure For more information: water flows OUT of pet’s https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ mouth. uw432; https://edis.ifas.

Contact your veterinar- ufl.edu/uw345 ian immediately. *Based on Australian How can you tell if the studies to ensure a hutoad is an invader? mane death.

Cane toads have large, triangular poison glands on shoulders (indicated by yellow circle on image). Native toads have small, oval glands.

Cane toads have a ridge around their eyes and nose (indicated by yellow arrow on image).

Cane toads do NOT have a pair of raised ridges on top of their heads (indicated by red arrow on image). Native toads may or may not have distinct ridges.

Adult cane toads can measure anywhere from three to nine inches long.

This is much larger than native toads.

Did you find a cane toad?

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Prior to handling, be sure to wear gloves.

In a secured container, bring toad to your local UF/IFAS Extension

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18

HERNANDO SUN

hernandosun.com Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

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HERNANDO SUN

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

hernandosun.com Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

19

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

Parent Academy of Hernando County Schools Hosts Fun and Educational STEAM Fest

by SARAH NACHIN HERNANDO SUN

When many of us we were in school, science and math may have been considered difficult and possibly even boring.

However, for students in Hernando County these subjects are considered fun and interesting because of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) program that is promoted here.

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019 children and their parents got to experience hands-on activities in these areas thanks to the STEAM Festival held at Nature Coast Technical High School. Five schools - Brooksville Elementary, West Hernando Middle School, Explorer K-8, Deltona Elementary and Fox Chapel Middle School - along with some local companies and organizations, set up exhibits and headed up activities. Some of the companies and organizations participating were Baycare Behavioral, Hernando County Public Library and Chinsegut Conservation Center. Children from pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade were invited to attend.

The Parent Academy of Hernando County Schools coordinated the event. This organization is comprised of six professional women - Ivette Mendoza, Kelly Gormley, Beth Zacharias, Shelby Santos, Luisa Bonilla Arroyo and Rachelle Pinder.

Ms. Mendoza, Coordinator of Family and Community Engagement, explained, “Our goal for the STEAM Fest was to expose children to the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math.”

“The mission of the Parent Academy is to provide training for families to better help their children academically. We also have other training in areas of social and emotional adjustment. For example, we do the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren summit that provides resources for our grandparents,” she added.

There are currently two Parent Academy community centers. One is located at Fox Chapel Middle School and one on Varsity Drive (near the school board building) just opened on Nov. 20. They house a wide variety of resources for parents and students.

Classes and workshops are also held there.

Beth Zacharias, Parent Academy Liaison, stated, “At these centers we are linking parents with community organizations such as NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Regions Bank comes in and does economics for high school students.”

At Wednesday evening’s STEAM Fest, there were activities to interest and challenge children of all ages. For example, Channel 13 Fox Network meteorologist Tyler Eliasen demonstrated how hail is formed using a hair dryer and a ping pong ball.

Shannon Durling and Debbie Hubert, forensic technicians with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, showed how fingerprints are identified using magnetic powder.

The children placed their fingertips on a sheet of white paper, then brushed the magnetic powder on the paper and the fingerprints appeared like magic.

Joe Sede, a retired teacher, was in charge of the flight simulator. Children sat in front of the simulator and got a realistic sensation of flying a jet.. One boy, whether intentional or not, even did acrobatics, making the plane fly upside

down and sideways.

At another station, children got to test the aerodynamics of different objects. Prior to shooting a pom-pom and then a bottle cap from a catapult made of popsicle sticks, they estimated which one would travel the furthest.

Then, using a tape measure laid down on the floor, they measured the distance traveled by each one and compared the figures.

One of the most popular activities, judging by the crowd gathered around the table, was the butter “churning.” Heavy cream was poured into a container and then the children shook it for several minutes until the cream solidified into butter. Afterwards they got to eat a piece of bread smeared with their own homemade butter.

For Chris Myers, a fourth grader at Brooksville Elementary School this was his favorite.

“The most fun activity tonight was making butter.

I had to shake the container for about seven minutes.

This is my third time coming to the STEAM Fest,” Chris remarked.

Second grader Natalie Cannon, also a Brooksville Elementary student commented, “The spray painting was the most fun thing I did here. I liked it because you got to make a picture and take it home. I also learned about weather.”

The STEAM festival showcased two very important programs in Hernando County schools.

The Parent Academy is helping parents become more involved in their children’s academic life thereby creating a more successful and rewarding experience for the students.

The STEAM program is teaching children that Science and Math can be fun, while Technology and Engineering aren’t just for “brainiacs.” They are also learning to appreciate the Arts, as well. Because of the STEAM program it is probable that many Hernando County students will go on to pursue careers in these fields.

For more information on the Parent Academy call 352-797-7000 or go to https://www.hernandoschools.org/Page/3721 .

Forensic Techs Debbie Hubert & Shannon Durling demonstrate fingerprint identification techniques to Jackson and Alexis Carabello.

Retired teacher Joe Sede helps Ryden Manche operate the flight simulator

(L-R) London & Dallas Rogers experiment with physics.

FAR LEFT: Tyler Eliasen demonstrates how hail is formed to Nick Montero & his mother Natasha Miranda.

Parent Academy holds ribbon cutting at new community center

by SARAH NACHIN HERNANDO SUN

BROOKSVILLE, Fla. - On Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019 the Parent Academy of Hernando County held a ribbon cutting at its new community center located at 991 Varsity Drive in Brooksville. The new center will serve the east side of the county and offer the same services that their other center at Fox Chapel Middle School offers.

The Parent Academy’s mission is to provide training and support for the families of children who attend Title 1 Program schools. Title 1 is a federal government program that provides assistance to local schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families. There are fourteen Title 1 schools in Hernando County.

Attending the ribbon cutting were Parent Academy staff, Superintendent of Schools John Stratton, school board members Gus Guadagnino and Linda Prescott and several members of the district school board staff.

“The Parent Academy is committed to building strong communities through collaborative partnerships. The opening of the Parent Academy Community Center east will enable us to offer more services and resources to reach our families as we work to link the community and parents for all students to reach their highest potential,” stated Ivette Mendoza, Coordinator of Family and Community Engagement.

Ms. Mendoza, the other five staff of the

Superintendent John Stratton cutting the ribbon.

Parent Academy and volunteers worked for two months getting the building ready.

It was formerly used for another school program. They power-cleaned and painted, as well as spruced up the grounds. A number of local corporations helped in the effort. Bayfront Hospital Brooksville donated chairs, Walmart Supercenter #3526 gave them a grant, the Nature Coast Lions Club donated carpeting and Lowes of Spring Hill donated mulch and plants for the grounds.

Superintendent John Stratton remarked, “The talented ladies of the Parent Academy aren’t afraid to dream big. Whatever they decide to do, they get it done.”

Parent Academy Staff (L-R) Ivette Mendoza, Shelby Santos, Kelly Gormley, Luisa Bonilla Arroyo, Beth Zacharias. Not pictured - Rachelle Pinder.

The Parent Academy coordinates several events during the year. These include a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Summit, an annual seminar helping this underserved and growing population of new "parents."

They also host a Back to School Bash. Another popular event is its annual STEAM Fest to familiarize students and their families with the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (see a The Gathering Room at the detailed article academy. about this event on page 17 in this edition).

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests were invited to tour the facility which consists of a large community training room, a smaller gathering room, an office and a kitchen. Family Chiropractic Center for Wellness barbequed hot dogs and served beverages and chips to the attendees. Everyone also enjoyed a delicious cake commemorating the ribbon cutting.

For more information on the Parent Academy call 352-797-7000 or go to https://www.hernandoschools.org/ Page/3721 .

20

HERNANDO SUN

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

hernandosun.com Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

BIG CAT

BIG CAT RESCUE SANCTUARY

from page 1

in May 2018, ADI established from scratch a temporary rescue center in the country to care for the rescued animals until they could be relocated to their forever homes.

A total of 15 tigers and 6 lions were rescued during Operation Liberty, including the remaining six tigers from Circo Hermanos Ponce, who had refused to hand over the animals when Max, Simba, and Kimba were taken into ADI’s care.

The family of 6 tigers, including two cubs, were found and removed by ADI from a junkyard in November 2018. Aside from the three tigers going to Big Cat Rescue, the other big cats will be relocated to the new ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa.

The operation took more than a year to process with Big Cat Rescue providing financial support for the animals until the necessary paperwork to bring the animals to the US could be completed.

“It was complicated to complete all the necessary health and import-export paperwork to get the cats

Rescued circus tigers — 9-year-old Max (left) and 3-year-old Kimba (right) who now have a forever home at Big Cat Rescue in Tampa. Photos courtesy of Animal Defenders International.

here,” said Big Cat Rescue Public Relations Director Susan Bass, “and very happy that we can now welcome Max, Simba and Kimba to their new home.”

After traveling by air from Guatemala to Miami International Airport, Max, Simba and Kimba were then transported by road arriving at Big Cat Rescue on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019.

This is the largest international rescue of exotic cats for Big Cat Rescue in almost 25 years.

Male adult tigers Kimba (3 years old), Max and Simba (both 9 years

old) were rescued from a Guatemalan circus called Circo Hermanos Ponce in June 2018.

The circus had agreed to voluntarily surrender the animals but, in a tense, daylong operation, ADI had to step in.

Jan Creamer, President of ADI, said: “Max, Simba, and Kimba are going home for Thanksgiving, and we couldn’t be happier for them. Animal Defenders International is hugely grateful to Big Cat Rescue for giving our rescued tiger trio the happy ending they deserve, in their forever home.”

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At Big Cat Rescue, tigers Max, Simba and Kimba will each enjoy their own spacious (approximately 4,000-sqfeet) natural enclosure with a freshwater pool for cooling off and splashing, numerous shade trees, soft grass and foliage, dens, and large platforms.

They will have the best medical and dental care at Big Cat Rescue’s onsite Windsong Memorial Hospital as well as proper nutrition and mentally-stimulating and fun enrichment treats several times a week. And, at Thanksgiving, each cat will enjoy his own Butterball turkey and own Christmas tree in December.

Big Cat Rescue Founder and CEO Carole Baskin said, “Big Cat Rescue is thrilled to become the permanent forever home for these three former Guatemalan circus tigers.

Big cats should not be forced to perform tricks and unnatural behaviors in circuses. We applaud Guatemala for banning wild animals in circuses and look forward to the day when all countries have ended this cruel, inhumane practice.”

ADI and Big Cat Rescue would like to thank the Guatemalan government for its commitment to enforcing the law and eliminating the use of animals in circuses; to departments CONAP and the animal welfare division (UBA), animal protection group ARCAS, and the Guatemalan army for their support and assistance; and Priority Worldwide Services for helping to make the tigers’ relocation possible.

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TOURS Tours are available every day except Thursday and accompanied by a tour guide. Each tour takes visitors in a loop trail through the property that takes about an hour and a half. There’s also a gift shop where all purchases benefit the care of all our big cats.

Children under 10 can attend the weekend kids tours but only if accompanied by an adult.

For more information on the different types of tours, visit bigcatrescue.org/ tickets.

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Tigers Simba (left) and Kimba (right) in their small, circus cages.

Every donation helps and there are many different ways to donate that will appeal to everyone.

Visit https://bigcatrescue.org/donate/ Another way to support the cats at no cost to you is to go to your Amazon. com account and sign up for Amazon Smile to have .5 percent of your purchases donated to Big Cat Rescue.

Big Cat Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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ABOVE: Preceptor Delta Iota Brooksville chapter of Beta Sigma Phi celebration of Veterans Day held at Country Kitchen November 11, 2019. Sisters received handheld flag and heard information concerning Veterans Day. Standing left to right are LyndaSue Jolicoeur, Marilyn Susek, Nancy Williamson, Betty Brown, Karen Lenhard,Sandee Ardes, Dottie Stanley, Linda Zuelch, Norma Jean Rawson. Seated Jill Fields.

Missing Judy Lowrance and Carmela McCoy.

HERNANDO SUN

LEGAL NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT CIVIL COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR HERNANDO COUNTY CIVIL DIVISION Case No. 27-2018-CA-001349 NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Plaintiff, vs.

ED R. PROSSER A/K/A EDWARD R. PROSSER A/K/A EDWARD REESE PROSSER A/K/A EDWARD PROSSER, HERNANDO HMA LLC D/B/A BAYFRONT HEALTH BROOKSVILLE AND UNKNOWN TENANTS/ OWNER, Defendants.

NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Final Judgment of Foreclosure for Plaintiff entered in this cause on April 24, 2019, in the Circuit Court of Hernando County, Florida, Doug Charvat, Jr., Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell the property situated in Hernando County, Florida described as: LOT 178, WEEKIWACHEE RIVER RETREATS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 9, PAGE 60, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF HERNANDO COUNTY, FLORIDA. and commonly known as: 6698 W RICHARD DR, WEEKI WACHEE, FL 34607; including the building, appurtenances, and fixtures located therein, at public sale, to the highest and best bidder, for cash, at the Hernando County Courthouse, Room 245, Brooksville, FL 34601, on DECEMBER 19, 2019 at 11:00 A.M..

Any persons claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

Dated this 11 Day of November, 2019 /s/ Laura Noyes Attorney for Plaintiff (11/22/2019), (11/29/2019) Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice Hide-Away Storage – Spring Hill located at 1000 Commercial Way, Spring Hill FL 34606 intends to hold a sale to sell the property stored at the Facility by the below Occupants whom are in default at an Auction. The sale will occur as an online auction via www. storagetreasures.com on 12/11/2019 at 10:00AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods and furnishings.

Madeline Parten unit #0405; Katelynd Perry unit #0462. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. See manager for details.

(11/22/2019), (11/29/2019) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR HERNANDO COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 19-CA-001121 DIVISION: COAST EQUITIES INC, Plaintiff, vs.

JOSEPH BORDANARO and DELORES BORDANARO, Defendant(s).

NOTICE OF ACTION To JOSEPH BORDANARO,: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to Quiet Title to real property described as: Lot 9, Block 288, ROYAL HIGHLANDS, UNIT NO. 5, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 12, Pages 45 through 59, inclusive, of the Public Records of Hernando County, Florida. has been filed by Plaintiff, COAST EQUITIES INC, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, on Alisa Wilkes, Esq., 13400 Sutton Park Dr. S., Suite 1204, Jacksonville, FL 32224, (904) 6209545 on or before Dec. 5, 2019 and file the original with the Clerk of Court and Plaintiff’s attorney, otherwise a default and judgment will be entered against you for the relief demanded.

Witness my hand and the seal of this court on this 24 day of Oct, 2019.

Doug Chorvat Jr. Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /s/ Elizabeth Markidis Deputy Clerk (Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20, 2019)

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE Notice is hereby given that Penelope Hazinakis-Swainston, owner, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of “Inner Light Counseling Services” located in Hernando County, Florida, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations, Florida Department of State, pursuant to section 865.09 of the Florida Statutes.

NOTICE OF THE DECEMBER 10, 2019 SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given of intent to apply to the 2020 Florida Legislature, in the 2020 regular or any special or extended sessions, for passage of an act relating to Hernando County, amending chapters 65-2378, 81-500, and 2004-432, Laws of Florida, 1965, relating to the revocation of the charter of the City of Weeki Wachee.

Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Hernando County, Florida will hold the following meetings on December 10, 2019 in the School Board Room, 919 N. Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34601:

(11/29/2019)

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.

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: November 29, 2019.

Attorney for Personal Representative: Gregory A. Kaiser, Esquire ~ greg@wtpelf.com FBN 47376 Attorney for JENNIFER MOORE Wills, Trusts, Probate and Elder Law Firm 6751 Professional Parkway West, Suite 104 Sarasota, Florida 34240 Telephone (941) 914-9145 ~ Fax (941) 914-9514 Personal Representative: Jennifer Moore 170 Ricardo Way St. Petersburg, FL 33704 (11/29/2019), (12/06/2019) STATE OF MICHIGAN 37th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION CALHOUN COUNTY CASE NO. 19-1686NA PUBLICATION OF HEARING (NOTICE TO PUTATIVE FATHER) IN THE MATTER OF: GENESIS YOTHERS TAKE NOTICE: A petition has been filed with this court regarding the following minor(s): GENESIS YOTHERS who was born on 09/10/2002 at home in SPRING HILL, FLORIDA The mother of the minor(s) is TAMMIE SUE YOTHER. If you are or may be the natural father, you should appear at 161 E Michigan Ave in court room 249 on DECEMBER 16, 2019 at 3:30PM to state any interest you may have in the minor(s).

Failure to appear at this hearing is a denial of interest in the minor(s), waiver of notice for all subsequent hearings, and a waiver of a right to appointment of an attorney. Failure to appear at this hearing COULD RESULT IN PERMANENT TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS.

Informal Meeting at 11:00 A.M. Workshop at 2:00 P.M. Regular Meeting at 6:00 P.M.

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 Susan Duval, Chairperson of The School Board of Hernando County, Florida By:Mr. John Stratton, Ex-Officio Secretary and Superintendent of Schools Hernando Sun to PUBLISH: 11/29/19

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN & FOR HERNDANDO COUNTY, FL PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 272019CP-001201CPAXMX IN RE: ESTATE OF SANDRA L. PHILLIPS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of SANDRA L. PHILIPS, deceased, File Number 272019CP-001201CPAXMX, is pending the Circuit Court for Hernando County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 20 N Main St, Brooksville, FL 34601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is served within three months after the date of the first publication of this notice must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is Nov. 29, 2019.

Attorney for Personal Representative: Jeffrey A. Icardi ICARDI & ICARDI, P.A. 549 Wymore Road North, Ste. 109 Maitland, FL 32751 Telephone: (407) 647-1859 Florida Bar No. 381901 Primary E-Mail: jeff@icardi.com Secondary: noreen@icardi.com Personal Representative: Jeffrey A. Icardi 549 Wymore Road, North, Ste. 109 Maitland, FL 32751 (11/29/2019), (12/06/2019)

(11/29/2019)

(11/29/2019)

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Terri Ann Fioretti, 47, of Brooksville, Florida passed away November 5,2019.

She was born on December 14,1971 in Miami, Florida to James and Cathey (Mullins) Stone.

She loved homesteading, farming and essential oils, but most of all she loved being a mom and taking care of her family.

Terri is predeceased by her mother, Cathey Stone.

She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Paul Fioretti of Brooksville; 3 children, Danielle, Donovan and Dara Fioretti all of Brooksville; father, James Stone of Jacksonville; sister, Kelly Button and her husband, Harold of St. Cloud; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends.

Munday Margaret, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. Src; Brewer Schlader Martha, age 90, of Brooksville, Florida passed away on November 19, 2019. Src; Brewer Colon Irma, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. Src; Brewer

McComb George R., age 83 of Spring Hill, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, George, Mike, Patrick & James; daughter, Theresa; 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Src; Downing

Thursday, November 21, 2019. Src; Brewer

O’Brien Joseph Thomas, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. Src; Turner

Ball Susan A. Age 65, passed away Friday, November 22, 2019.

She is survived by her husband Greg, children; Greg Jr., Christine; and 1 grandchild. Src Downing

White Stanley “Stan”, age 69, of Brooksville, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

Stan was a United State Sire Force veteran.

He is survived by his sister, Nancy (White); stepchildren, and step grandchildren. Src; Brewer Piqueira Maria Melania (Madeira), passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2019. She is survived by her children: Philipe (Susan), Lana (Stephen), Daniel (Jennifer), Alexander (Ellen); 11 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Src; Turner Hicks Virginia B., passed away on Thursday, Nove,bear 21, 2019. Src; Turner Scheuing Kenneth Charles, passed away on

HCSB

from page 4 motion was approved 5-0.

Item #4074 – Appointment of the School Board Vice Chair to become Leasing Corporation Vice President. It was approved 5-0.

Item #4075 – Adjournment. Duval asked for a motion to adjourn the short annual meeting, and Guadagnino made the motion. Lodato made the second. The motion carried 5-0.

The regular School Board meeting resumed.

Item #4064 – Proclamation – The week of November 18th was recognized as the 98th Annual American Education Week. Vince La Borante, President of the Hernando Classroom Teachers Association, made the presentation. Hatch made comments celebrating the education system. Guadanino moved to approve the proclamation. Hatch seconded it. The proclamation was approved 5-0.

Minutes from the 10/22/19 meetings were approved unanimously after Lodato made the motion and Hatch seconded.

Item #4082 and 4094– These were final orders of expulsion. For each one, Hatch made the motion and Prescott seconded.

Both were approved with a 5-0 vote.

Lord Irene P. age 68 passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2019. She was survived by her children: Adam, Tom, Kim, and Kristine; and 1 grandchild. Src; Downing

Weygand Isabel G. passed away Friday, November 22, 2019. Src; Brewer Smith Russell passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019. Src; Brewer Williams Eugene Vincent, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019. Src; Turner Benevides Kenneth E., passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2019. Src; Turner Ramaika Carolyn, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2019. Src; Brewer O’ Neil Jane, passed away on Sunday, November 24,2019. Src; Brewer

Item #4094 – Consent agenda approval – There was one change to one item.

Lodato moved to approve the amended consent agenda. Hatch seconded it. The amended consent agenda was approved 5-0. The market adjustments, step increases and performance pay for school district employees were among items on the consent agenda see page 4.

School Board members discussed items that were important to the Board.

Guadagnino mentioned that Anthony Palmieri passed away. Lodato praised Stratton for his presentation to the BOCC and explained the presentation to the public. Prescott and Hatch discussed additional reasons and the impact of additional funds. Duval expressed disappointment and frustration that the BOCC did not see the same vision as the School Board.

Stratton said the unity of the school board and community are important.

He encouraged citizens to reach out to the BOCC. The concession of an approximate $1,000 increase was promising, but less than what the School Board needs.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12/10/19.

SOLUTION ON PAGE 11

VHF

from Page 6 “I didn’t think I needed it. I was irritated and easily agitated. It caused division between my wife and between my children. I wound up getting arrested for domestic violence,” Henman explains.

He ended up in Veterans Court where he found out about the HEAT Factory program.

“I enjoyed the guest speaker today and his willingness to open up about things that are very personal to veterans,” he added.

Christina Gray is vice president of Global Jet Care, a local company that transports people all over the world who have medical issues. She came to the Lunch and Learn because she has a lot of military in her family. Last year her nephew committed suicide due to PTSD and she has another nephew who is dealing with it right now.

“We wanted to find out more about it [PTSD] and see how we could help. This helped us to understand better the people who are dealing with that.”

Veterans HEAT Factory is a non-profit organization and receives no government funding. Therefore, it relies on donations and volunteers to keep its doors open. If you are a veteran or first responder displaying symptoms of PTSD, know someone who is, or can help this worthy cause in any way, please call 352251-7015 or log onto www.veteransheatfactory.com.

You don’t know whose life you may be enhancing or even saving.

21

Obituaries

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SEEK LEGISLATION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR HERNANDO COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE #: 2019-CP-1233 IN RE: ESTATE OF JEAN E. HAHN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JEAN E. HAHN, deceased, whose date of death was September 18, 2019; is pending in the Circuit Court for HERNANDO County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 2019-CP-1233; the address of which is 20 North Main Street, Room #247, Brooksville, Florida 34601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons, who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

hernandosun.com Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

Attendees of the seminar listen to veterans speak on the subject matter of PTSD. Above-right: Artwork honoring veterans by Mr. Cooper's history students at Winding Waters.

SOLUTION ON PAGE 11

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HERNANDO SUN

hernandosun.com Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

OPINION

Journalists are not always experts in subjects they report on

by ROCCO MAGLIO rocco@hernandosun.com

Journalists are rarely experts in the subject they are reporting on When you write an article on a subject, you are expected to be an expert, which means that reporters are expected to be experts in a wide variety of areas. Unfortunately, few people have that breadth of knowledge, so many reporters are covering topics that are unfamiliar to them.

It is usual to be asked to cover many different topics, so often the coverage is not quite accurate.

If you are well versed in an area, you often see inaccuracies in the coverage. This is understandable because the reporter may not be familiar with the subject in which the news is happening. The reporters only have a short time to do research. They do not have time to fully understand the broader topic.

When you are reading an article, keep in mind that the reporter may not be an expert in this area. The reporter may not fully understand what is going on and may not accurately be describing the situation. The reporter's lack of knowledge can be used by unscrupulous people to manipulate the public.

The inaccurate coverage usually is the result of a lack of understanding, but sometimes malicious intent is involved. A

TAFT

from page 1 today’s school textbooks because of its religious connotations), they were deeply appreciative for a bumper crop after a rough first year in their new home in colonial America.

For their part, the Wampanoag were thankful for the Pilgrims whom they had welcomed as allies against the Narragansett who already had taken a sizable section of traditional Wampanoag hunting grounds in what now is southern New England.

You probably knew that much.

But maybe because of movies, TV or other popular media you mistakenly picture Puritans as drab and stiff-necked as they often are depicted. Neither were the Indians as stoic as those sources would have you believe.

Spirits were high after the worship services and the colonists and their Indian guests celebrated for three, maybe four, days.

Activities included singing and dancing, games like a form of cricket, races, hunting and fishing

few reporters take advantage of and purposely report what they know is not true. It is important to understand that some of the coverage may not only be inaccurate but at the same time it is part of a larger agenda.

A recent example of reporters not being experts in an area was the coverage of Apple's new credit card. The story started with several prominent men's wives receiving significantly lower credit limits than their husbands. The husband's found this weird because everything was shared property between them and their wives, so they took to twitter to comment on the difference in credit limits. This led to many in the technology press picking up on this issue.

When asked about it Apple said that the credit decisions were made

by Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs said that some of the difference may be due to the credit cards often being in the husband's name. Many of the technology writers claimed that Goldman Sachs was incorrect since the Apple cards were tied to the Apple Id accounts so there were no shared accounts.

The technology writers attempted to cover the issue, but their knowledge of finance was quickly exposed. They did not understand that the credit history belongs to the primary cardholder and additional cardholders many of which are wives receive no credit history from their credit cards that they

hold since the primary cardholders are their husbands. A lack of credit history will result in a lower limit.

Apple's credit card is individual since it is tied to the Apple Id account, so it would be based on only that person's credit history. If all the other credit card's primary account holder is someone else then there would be no existing credit history and therefore a lower credit limit.

This major technology story was really a non-story, but that did stop it from becoming a major story, because many of the technology writers did not understand how credit history worked.

Understanding that reporters are people and not necessarily experts on everything means you should take what you read with a grain of salt. A simple misunderstanding might lead to a less than accurate piece.

Reporters who have a few years of experience also bring a history with them. They know when a few years ago they covered an issue and all the elected officials were saying the opposite of what they are saying today. A reporter just paying attention can add significant value by putting the current issue in context of what has happened in the recent past.

contests and, of course, lots of eating and drinking.

The tables were thought to hold turkey, deer, crane, fish, stuffing, pumpkin, squash and artichoke.

Rum was known to be a popular drink.

For most folks, modern Thanksgiving celebrations have become more family oriented rather than community involved and the related activities seem to have grown with televised football, basketball, soccer and hockey games added to hunting and fishing trips and other recreational pastimes.

Evidence of lessening emphasis on the religious aspect at the center of the holiday observance may be indicated by the decline of religious affiliation among the population of the United States in the past decade as recently reported by the Pew Research Center.

Just 65 percent of adult Americans now describe themselves as Christians, down 12 percent, and almost one of four residents say they have no religious affiliation, up 17 percent.

Plug those statistics into a culture where history — especially concerning the impact of

faith on our past — is forgotten or reshaped to be “woke” or politically correct and you could have the threat of a national holiday barren of most traces of its spiritual roots.

But Kanye West may be a sign of hope, in the view of Dr. John Farquhar Plak, director of ministry intelligence at the American Bible Society. He notes that the rapper’s latest album, “Jesus Is King,” has been trending at more than a million searches a week on Google and there has been a spike in searches for “Jesus” and “What do Christians believe?”

(Adon Taft was religion editor for 37 of his 49 years on the staff of The Miami Herald and he taught social studies at Miami-Dade Community College.

Now retired in Birmingham, AL, He can be reached at adontaft@ gmail.com.)

Athletic Support: Coach cancels postseason awards banquet

By Eli Cranor Dear Athletic Support: My son just recently completed his senior football season. I was excited about attending the post-season awards banquet, but I just got word there won’t be a banquet this year. What’s up with that! My son (and I) are very disappointed.

He’s worked hard to try and earn one of those “MVP” awards, but now he won’t get the chance. Do you have any idea as to why his coach might have cancelled the banquet? — All Dressed Up (With Nowhere To Go)

kids who should be recognized. The ones who’ve worked their tails off and done everything the coaches asked. Sadly, there aren’t many awards for this sort of player, even at the end-ofseason banquets. (Side note: When I was a coach, we gave awards for attendance, which was a tangible way to measure commitment).

In a world of black and white—win or lose—awards are purely subjective.

Stripped of all the flash and hype, an award is basically just a popularity contest, and that’s not Dear Dressed Up: what sports are about.

Awards banquets are one of Even the coveted “All the few events where parents, State” and “All Conference” coaches, and players can honors fall victim to subjeccome together and experitivity. Those distinctions are ence genuine fellowship. chosen by the coaches at the Despite this fact, post-season end of the year. The more athletic banquets are quickly games a coach wins, the becoming a thing of the past. more “All State” certificates The reason? Trophies, he can hand out. That’s it. awards, and most any That’s the whole process. other spotlight reserved for If you think my stance a single player can cause on awards is harsh, I’m not dissension amongst the rest alone in this assertion. Bill of the team (and parents), Belichick has six Super Bowl especially in 2019. rings, yet you won’t find a If your child has ever single trophy or award in been on a team where his office. Coach Belichick “participation trophies” were does not rest on his laurels. handed out at the end of He’s always looking ahead, the season, then you know turning his focus toward the exactly what I’m talking next season, the next game. about. What’s worse — I would urge any young your child knows it, too. player (along with his/ Kids these days have been her parents) to follow the handed trophy after trophy, example set by the winninand now they believe they’re gest coach in NFL history the best. The champs! Even and keep it simple. Stay when they aren’t. As a result, focused on the team. awards banquets are no-win Eli Cranor is a former situations for a coach. Even professional quarterback and if he gives his best player coach turned award-winthe “MVP” award, he still ning author. Send questions runs the risk of upsetting for “Athletic Support” to the rest of the team. eli.cranor@gmail.com There are, however, some or visit elicranor.com.

ADOPT TODAY

Weekly dose of...

The US Constitution

Article 1 of the Constitution of the United States of America.. [With] Ratification of the constitution of the United States by the convention of the state of Rhode Island and Providence plantations ... In Convention, May 29, 1790

For any person who does not have a Constitution and would like one, please contact The National Center for Constitutional Studies at (208) 645-2625 or https://nccs.net for a copy.

The point of publishing the Constitution over the next several months is to better understand precisely what the document is and says, not argue about its points.

Article. I. (The Congress) Section. 2. (paragraph 3-part 2) The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five and Georgia three.

Note: The above paragraph is more information about members of the US House. Each Representative shall represent in Congress 30,000 people.

How do we know how many people are in the country? We take a census (Enumeration) every ten years – as directed by Congress! The next census will be conducted in 2020.

Without a census in 1789 when the Constitution was adopted, they designated (as above) how many Representatives each state would have – until the first census was taken, within three years.

Please contact hamiltonhernando@hotmail.com if you have any questions about this passage.

D#10321461 – Greta is a beautiful brown brindle and white female Terrier mix, approximately 2 1/2 years old and 59 lbs. She was found with another dog living in an overgrown wooded lot among the root system of a fallen tree. Sadly, Greta had a severe, debilitating injury to her right hind leg and was in tremendous pain. After x-rays, it was determined her leg had to be amputated. Since then she has been recovering at the shelter but is ready to find a home to call her own. Greta's a volunteer favorite and is taken to local adoption events because she's such a great representative of shelter dogs and her breed. She's very sweet and playful and has done very well learning basic commands.

Greta is spayed, micro-chipped, vaccinated, heartworm tested and will have a 1-yr county animal license at the time of adoption.

D#10322389 – Girl is an adorable brown brindle female Black Mouth Cur mix, approximately 5 years old and 42 lbs.

She was found running loose in a Brooksville neighborhood and confiscated by the police along with several other dogs. The owner has since relinquished ownership to the county. Girl has an old injury to her muzzle/nose resulting in a cleft upper lip. She was also very thin at intake, so staff has been working hard to gradually reestablish her normal weight. Girl enjoys her time with the volunteers in the spree areas and is ready to find a furever home. Given her prey drive though, she'll do best in a home with no small animals. Girl is spayed, micro-chipped, vaccinated, heartworm tested and will have a 1-yr county animal license at the time of adoption.

D#10322391 – Red is a beautiful red male Hound mix, approximately 4 years old and 56 lbs. He was found living in a filthy wooden crate at a home in Brooksville. He was confiscated by the police along with several other dogs and the owner has since relinquished ownership to the county.

Red was very thin at intake, so staff has been working hard to gradually reestablish his normal weight. He enjoys play-time out in the spree areas with the volunteers and would love to have a backyard of his own.

Given his prey drive though, he'll do best in a home with no small animals.

This boy needs a family who will love and care for him properly. Red is neutered, micro-chipped, vaccinated, heartworm tested and will have a 1-yr county animal license at the time of adoption.

Adoption fees are $50 for adult dogs over 25 pounds, $70 for puppies and small dogs under 25 pounds, $25 for heartworm positive and senior dogs, $20 for adult cats and $40 for kittens. For more information/availability on these beautiful pets, please contact Hernando County Animal Services at 352-796-5062, or AC@hernando. fl.us.

HERNANDO SUN

hernandosun.com Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

23

OPINION

Lazy parenting is behind the lying epidemic Lying has been part of the human experience forever. The Bible notes that habitual lying leads to evil and eventually to hell. It is certainly not a path to obedience and elevated spirituality or a successful lifestyle over the long run. Lying will not be totally eliminated but can be controlled by conscientious traditional child rearing. The proper consequences, duration and moral teaching will minimize the frequency and length of these lying episodes.

Lying does not have to be taught. It is natural for a child to say whatever pops into his mind to appease the authority figure. “I did not break the toy, it just fell on its own.” “I did not push her, she tripped.” Children would say falsehoods even when they realize an adult is watching them. It is part of human behavior but needs to be corrected.

The parent needs to help the child tell the truth. Teaching the habit of telling the truth takes an enormous amount of work. The parent just

cannot say “you should tell the truth” but should be ready to teach moral lessons and follow up with appropriate consequences on every occasion. The child uses lying to get something or get out of something.

Lazy parenting is the major reason that lying is out-of-control. Two parent families have dwindled, weakening the power of both the father and mother. Parenting usually falls on the shoulders of the mother but not always. When fathers have sole custody, the same phenomenon takes place. A single parent is often attempting to be liked better than the other parent. In split custody the child has the advantage of playing one parent against the other.

The eventual loser in this process is the child.

In the traditional, intact family, the mother often had the support of the father to give a second dose of a moral lesson and often a stronger consequence. The two-parent family usually works together to stress the importance of telling the

DOMENICK J. MAGLIO, PH.D.

Traditional Realist truth. Teachers, pastors and other authority figures also enforce the value of honesty. Most significant authority figures, including the parents, demonstrate telling the truth in public is essential for living a positive life.

This is no longer a normal occurrence. Lying has become an art form that is becoming admired instead of condemned.

What came first, our culture admiring public figures lying to us or the breakdown of the family to teach the virtue of telling the truth? The lazy parent does not take the time to teach the ultimate harm of this behavior or powerful

negative influences of the degrading of authority in our communities and nation. It does not matter for the correction can only be taught effectively at an early age by the most significant person in the child’s life: the parent.

It does not matter where it began but how we, as a society, most effectively teach it.

Incarcerating a person in a prison or mental institution is much too late to start the process of being truthful. A pathological liar is almost impossible to convert. An infant or toddler can be placed on the right track by a simple but labor-intensive process. The parent has to take charge. Anytime the child does not tell the truth there should be an appropriate negative consequence. Anytime the child admits to a wrongdoing he should receive praise for doing the right thing and how proud the parents are. Nevertheless,

there should be a mild consequence to remind the youngster that any deception is not acceptable.

The sacrifice of parents’ time and effort in teaching these lessons pays incredible dividends for the child. An honest child is worth his weight in gold. By possessing a moral compass they will guide themselves towards good and away from evil.

The compass will help them avoid temptation and become a valuable citizen. Without honorable citizens our constitutional republic will eventually crumble.

Parents are the gatekeepers to telling the truth to their children. There are a million possible excuses for avoiding this long, drawn out process of arriving at truth. Almost any parent has some shame when confronted by another authority figure about their child being dishonest.

However, a child like

most adults would do, attempts to deceive in order to avoid confrontation and embarrassment in social situations. To help the child resist the temptation to become addicted to lying the message that lying in the long run will be more painful than what it was supposed to solve must be clear, repetitive and concise. Ultimately the child will be the victim of his own lies-he will not be able to discern the truth about himself or reality.

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 book entitled, IN CHARGE PARENTING In a PC World. You can see many of Dr. Maglio’s articles at www.drmaglioblogspot.com.

Being thankful is a state of mind WILLIAM F. HOLLAND

MINISTER / CHAPLAIN I was thinking this week (while in the midst of complaining about the frustrations of life), that being thankful is more of a state of mind than a celebration. I’m sure you will agree it’s truly a blessing to wake up each morning and not be in agony.

When we swing our bodies over onto the side of the bed and stand on our feet, this is nothing less than a miracle!

So often, we become so busy thinking about what we are going to do that we forget how God is providing our good health which enables us to enjoy our life. I realize it’s easy to take our blessings for granted and since being grateful is an attitude of appreciation, let us remember to tell Jesus how much we love Him for paying the ransom for our soul.

What does Thanksgiving mean to you? Someone might reply, “It means a delicious feast” and we can relate as who does not enjoy a great meal? Others may say, “Thanksgiving means a day off from work or school” and this is always something to look forward to.

Nonetheless, holidays are not only to be a celebration of indulgence but a spiritual sensitivity that recognizes all that we have and who gave it to us. As the word Thanksgiving suggests, we talk about thanks but rarely hear about the giving. Last week we considered the beauty of worship and praise as the deeper meaning of gratitude to God. Giving thanks is also more than an expression of gratitude because we can say “thank you” to someone and not really mean it. Genuine appreciation is not just words, but more of a sincere awareness of a particular thing or person, and then demonstrating that gratitude with honesty and sincerity.

This year between the turkey, dressing, and the pumpkin pie, may we give praise to the one who made it all possible. It’s more than just saying a prayer at the table, it’s living a life that is pleasing unto the Lord.

One of our good friends is battling a serious health issue and trust me, she is seeing life through a different perspective this Thanksgiving.

She’s been taking morning

walks lately and has shared with me about how quiet and peaceful the world is right before the sun rises. In these times, it’s the little things like hearing the birds sing and the colors of the leaves that are majestic and awe-inspiring.

Have you considered lately how glorious it is to be able to take a deep breath? Breathing seems so natural but to many, it is a constant battle. The feeling of being underwater is not pleasant and yet many live in this situation every day.

The heart is another involuntary function that God has designed to keep a constant rhythm without us having to think about it, but many people are not so fortunate.

How often do we thank God for all of the medications and treatments He provides to maintain our health?

Franklin Roosevelt is quoted as saying, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord. Across the uncertain ways of space and time, our hearts echo those words, for the days are with us again when, at the gathering of the harvest, we solemnly express our dependence upon Almighty God.” Occasionally I will take a short nap on my cozy leather sofa while our English bulldog wedges his way in between me and the back of the couch and lets out a sigh of enjoyment that sounds more like the grunt of a hog. What a blessing it is to have a place called home.

I’m sure most of you feel the same way about your sanctuary of peace and security. I thank God that I can go to the refrigerator and find something to eat, then go out into the garage and get into a nice vehicle and travel wherever I need to go. We usually do not pay any attention to these “luxuries” but they are amazing blessings.

May we remember there are many people that do not have a home, a vehicle, a couch, or any food at all. First Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to be “Thankful in everything, and in all circumstances.”

Whether in lack or abundance we will look to God and thank Him for all He has given, and more importantly, we will worship and love Him just for who He is.

Check out Billy’s new book, “Convictions and Considerations” at billyhollandministries.com

William F. Holland Jr., DD., C.ED.D. is a Christian minister, chaplain, and author. Discover more about his ministry at billyhollandministries.com can be contacted at P.O. Box 1394, Nicholasville, KY 40340

How I learned to appreciate scented candles

It’s old news that I don’t like fragranced things. No perfumed soaps, sprays, cones, plugins, or sheets for the dryer would ever be in my house if I had complete say so. But lately I’ve discovered a practical use for scented candles.

My wife’s cats finally got old enough for me to put a flap in the door that opens from the kitchen to the garage, and so the box, and the bowls, are out there instead of in the laundry room.

The combination of feline poop and pee and my wife’s attempts to mask it are now out of the air-conditioning in which we practice domestic bliss. I was so happy!

But my wife seldom goes in the garage, so she doesn’t clean the cat box as often. Instead of every one or two days, it’s every three or four—out of sight, out of mind—and so the litter fumed the ambient air with stinky clumps. Even when I kept the garage door open all day the odor was often prevalent, depending on the dewpoint and the speed and direction of breeze.

Soon after, my wife took her tween cats to get neutered and spayed, and I was delighted. Fix them before the male starts spraying all over the house and the female begins presenting its backside to everything that moves! For the following week my wife kept the box and bowls back in the laundry room so the female wouldn’t damage her stitches when leaping through the flap (apparently the male’s stitches were too far back to worry about) and I was surprised to find that nothing smelled at all. Wow, I thought new veterinarian technology had eliminated the stink in cats poops, and I wondered if the same could be used for dogs and even humans.

When it was apparent the cats had healed, I put the box and bowls back in the garage.

The next day, late morning, I went out to get a jug of lemonade from our second fridge and I couldn’t do it. The reek was so overwhelming that

GOOFY STUFF

By VINCENT CARDEGIN AWARD WINNING COLUMNIST

I lunged back through the kitchen door and was about to rip the cap off a shaker of garlic salt to fill my nose and throat with that, when I spotted my wife’s candle next to the sink. I grabbed it and inhaled deeply, risking the chance of jabbing burned wicks up my nose. Later I read that the candle was Wild Honey. I’m not sure what that means, free-range bees, wild clover? All I know is, I was able to quickly cleanse my scent glands of cat stench.

For the first time in my life I’m going to shop for scented candles, possibly even at Exwork, which has a bewildering number of

them. They probably don’t have Beer-Soaked Carpet or Full Ashtray, two of my favorite office aromas, and probably nothing like from my younger days of Hot Soldering Iron, India Ink, or New Guitar Strings.

I’m also pretty sure there are no Kimchee Candles.

I’ll have to nasally peruse what’s available to find the perfect smell that neutralizes feline excretions.

You may wonder why I don’t use the gas mask hanging on my office door.

It’s not easy. You have to put your chin in first, and I have a beard, and then rake the straps across your head, and I believe that doing so routinely is a significant cause of military baldness. No, I’ll hold my breath for the quick can of tea or jug of lemonade, and if I have to dig in the deep freezer for supper I’ll carry a candle with me.

24

HERNANDO SUN

hernandosun.com Nov. 29- Dec. 5, 2019

LIVE OAK THEATRE'S

"The Little Mermaid" brought new life to an old tale

By JULIE B. MAGLIO • julie@hernandosun.com

Live Oak Theatre’s performance of “The Little Mermaid” was simply tremendous. We attended the Nov. 22 performance featuring the gold cast. Live Oak alternates performers to give acting opportunities to a greater number of actors and actresses; from what I hear both casts were equally incredible. This is a testament to the depth of talent Live Oak has cultivated throughout the years. The costumes, acting, singing, makeup, stage and set design were above and beyond a community theatre production. The lighting and seating orientation set the tone, immersing the audience in “The Little Mermaid’s” watery world.

From the opening scene, actress Adelle Richards, portrayed Ariel with a jubilant grace and a contagious smile. When the magnificent ship seamlessly entered the main stage after Ariel’s “The World Above,” it was stunning and unexpected. The ship was expertly crafted and the booming voices of the sailors singing “Fathoms Below” mesmerized the audience.

The beloved underwater characters of the 1989 Disney film were given new life with the talent of Live Oak’s team. I particularly enjoyed Scuttle, the seagull and his tap dancing cohorts.

The young actor who played Scuttle, Christopher Alexander, hit the mark as well as the ingenious mind behind the costumes for the seabirds. The white knee high socks with a dark stripe through the middle was certainly clever way to portray skinny bird legs! Little Flounder, played by Titus Richards, hit his line every time and delivered a sarcastic humor that put the audience in stitches.

Flounder’s hair and makeup was so detailed, Titus might still be washing off the blue and yellow shimmering paint used to create the impression of scales on his face.

Ursula, while she isn’t exactly a beloved character, was quite impressive. Katie Moore belted out Poor Unfortunate Souls in a way Pat Carroll would be proud of. Carroll, who is now 92, sang “Poor Unfortunate Souls” in the Disney film.

Prince Eric played by Chay Nott held himself Gwyneth Mitten as Ariel. with flawless poise. I Photo courtesy of Live Oak. really enjoyed the dance between Prince Eric and Ariel in the second act: “One Step Closer.” The young pair danced together so fluidly, it seemed as if they had been dancing together for a number of years.

The choreography was excellent, particularly in “Les Poissons” and “Kiss the Girl,” both of which were fast paced with many characters and complicated maneuvers on set. Sebastian, played by Eje Walters, handled both scenes with excellent precision. The interaction between

Above: Live Oak Gold castmembers perform "Under the Sea." Below: Audience members react to funny scenes in Live Oak's "The Little Mermaid" on Nov. 22, 2019.

From left to right: Scuttle (Christopher Alexander), Flounder (Titus Richards) and Ariel (Adelle Richards) try to revive Prince Eric (Chay Nott) after Ariel rescued him. Photo courtesy of Live Oak.

Sebastian and Chef Louis (played by Greg Mys) was hilarious.

Eje Walters is not a small guy. I was wondering if they could indeed sell the idea that Sebastian was on the dinner menu. The stunts, antics and energy of this scene did make it quite convincing and very entertaining- the audience was definitely sold!

With the audience gathered around the stage, the expressions of audience members were priceless. It was nice to see people smiling and enjoying themselves.

Live Oak’s performance of “The Little Mermaid” gave new life and energy to the popular story in a way I will never forget.

Live Oak’s next production is “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Dec. 13-15; an additional evening performance on Thursday, December 12 and Sunday evening on December 15 have been added to the schedule since some performances are already sold out.

“80 days” March 20- 22; 27- 29 & April 3 -5, 2020 “Live Oak goes to the Movies” May 1- 3 & 8-10 Performances are Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturday 7:30pm and 2:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm at Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts: 21030 Cortez Blvd; Brooksville, FL 34601 For tickets go to https://mkt.com/ liveoaktheatre or call the box office at (352) 593-0027.

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