Karl's Hernando County Blog

Beautiful Brooksville

2007-04-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

Historic Hernando County Court House

Suncoast Parkway

"Old Brooksville"

Brooksville, Florida...
is a community that while growing in population has managed to maintain it’s small town charm. Residents of Brooksville are very proud of their city and it’s southern heritage. The topography in Brooksville is somewhat unexpected and is not what people normally think of in Florida. With its rolling hills and the “Old South” charm throughout the city, you might just think you are in the wrong state. Brooksville was incorporated in 1880 and the population then was around 500, but the first residents of Brooksville were there before the Civil War, making Brooksville one of the Nature Coast's oldest towns. Today it is modern in most ways, but old-fashioned at the same time, for that small town feel. The town has many turn-of-the-century Victorian homes, around the town’s square. The older historic area has streets paved with old Augusta block and majestic oaks that must be hundreds of years old line the beautiful streets.

Brooksville is a growing and thriving city connected by the Suncoast Parkway to the metropolitan area of Tampa. The completion of the Suncoast Parkway has opened Brooksville up to more people. New housing developments have sprung up to make room for the expanding population. Brooksville residents working in the Tampa have an easy commute to work each day.

Brooksville’s primary industries are retailing, light manufacturing, mining, farming and tourism. The area has a diversified labor force and also has a large number of people who retired to the Hernando County the area for the natural beauty of the Nature Coast of Florida and the near perfect weather. Commercial and residential developments as well as farms, orchards and ranches surround the city of Brooksville including estate homes in the country club community of Southern Hills Plantation.

College degrees in business administration and nursing are available in the county at St. Leo's College (the first catholic college in Florida it opened in 1890). The Citrus County Campus of Central Florida Community College is just north of Brooksville in Lecanto, and there are three other campuses that are close by including College Preparatory School, Webster College, and Pasco-Hernando Community College, providing Brooksville Residents a great opportunity to grow and learn.

The City operates under a Mayor-Council form of government. The Mayor and City Council Members are elected by the residents of Brooksville to make up the City Council. Brooksville City Hall is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Holidays. Brooksville is also the county seat for Hernando County and boasts a beautiful historic Court House that is almost 100 years old.

Other communities in Hernando County include Hernando Beach, Weeki Wachee, Masaryktown, Bayport, Pine Island, Royal Highlands, Istachatta, Ridge Manor and the largest community Spring Hill. Only Brooksville and Weeki Wachee are incorporated. Brooksville is the only community with it’s own police department, the rest of these communities are patrolled by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Department. Spring Hill Fire Rescue and Hernando County Fire Rescue provide fire protection in Hernando County.

Area: Covers 5 1/2 square miles of land in Hernando County
Population: 7,839
Housing: Housing is available in Brooksville in the form of residential single-family homes, multi- family homes, and mobile homes.
Find Brooksville: The city of Brooksville is located less than 20 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. It is about a 40-minute drive from Tampa, Florida. Highways 41, 98 and 50 run through Brooksville and connect it to Interstate 75 on the East and the Suncoast Parkway on the west. Both I-75 and the Suncoast (toll) allow Brooksville residents an easy commute to the metropolitan area of Tampa. Brooksville Map
Education System: Hernando County Public Schools - Hernando County School Board 919 North Broad Street Brooksville, Florida 34601 (352) 797-7070 Hernando County School Board
Recreation: Jerome Brown Community Center is where people get together in Brooksville, where all residents can use the multi-purpose community center and its many facilities. The community center promotes family and youth community spirit by providing recreational, educational and athletic opportunities for all. There are parks which provide Racquetball Courts, Adult Softball Complex, Youth Softball Complex, Basketball Courts, Horseshoe Courts, Kid’s Playgrounds, Pavilions, Lakeside Picnic Area, Jogging Trails, and Tennis Courts. Hernando County Parks
Brooksville Information: City of Brooksville 201 Howell Avenue Brooksville, FL 34601-2041 – Customer Service (352) 544-5400 - Fax (352) 544-5433 Brooksville City Hall
Hernando County Public Library: Main Library - 238 Howell Avenue Brooksville, FL 34601 (352) 754-4043 - The Hernando County Library System

Life In Hernando County

2007-04-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

Life in Hernando County...
We live in the place most people want to vacation, so let's take advantage of what the tourists flock to Florida and Hernando County for...
The weather is wonderful and now is a great time to visit some of the attractions Hernando County, Spring Hill, Brooksville, Weeki Wachee, Hernando Beach and other nearby areas have to offer. There are even some discounts available to Florida Residents, if you go, don't forget to ask!
The large attractions Busch Garden, Universal Studios and Disney World all come to mind when you think of Florida attractions but there are other lesser-known but just as entertaining and even educational attractions. Even some of the older roadside attractions which made Florida a must go destination in the 1950's and 1960's make a entertaining way to spend a day.
There is always fishing to wile away an afternoon or morning (don't forget you do need a license for both saltwater and freshwater), just fish off the pier at Bayport or Jenkins Park or you can charter a fishing trip or maybe take "The Thunder" (includes bait, tackle and license) out on the Gulf for the Day.
Play golf at one of our many area Golf Courses, Hernando County is home to some great courses and scheduling your play for later in the day will reap you big savings on cart and green fees at many area courses. Check for other discounts and golf packages at the courses you like throughout the area.
Get back to Nature, go hiking on the many trails throughout Hernando County and The Nature Coast, rent a kayak or canoe and paddle down our scenic rivers or visit our preservation areas and get back in touch with nature.
Hernando County is rich in history. Did you know that there are still brick roads in the county? Find out more by taking the walking tour of Brooksville. See the historic homes, the 90 year-old courthouse and the brick paved streets.
Visit our museums and parks, take advantage of some of the cultural events, go to the festivals and fairs in our area. Living in Florida with it's many things to do, there should never be a dull moment in your life. You could be on the go every day and still have things left to see, but don't forget you will still need some time to relax and just enjoy the sunshine here in the Sunshine State.
Area Attractions (Just a Few)
Hernando County Parks 352-754-4027 http://www.co.hernando.fl.us/parks_rec/parks/index.htm
Hernando County Events
All You Can Eat" FISH FRY & MUSIC Istachatta General Store, 58198 Lingle Road (Rt. 439), Istachatta Bring your lawn chair! "First come, first serve". $7.50 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (Music at 6 p.m.) $7.50 per person. 352-544-1017 Every Friday http://sblom.com/istachatta/
SPRING HILL DRIFTERS CAR CLUB Chick-Fil-A, 13143 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville Every Thursday, weather permitting. Oldies music, classic cars and hot rods. Prizes and trophy to "Manager's Choice" 5:00 - 9:00 pm 352-596-2826 http://www.shdrifters.com/
For a more events in Hernando County visit http://www.co.hernando.fl.us/visit/calendar_print.htm
Hernando County Golf Courses http://www.co.hernando.fl.us/visit/golf.htm
Some places to Charter a Fishing or Diving Trip in Hernando County
http://www.thunderpartyboat.com/
http://www.gulfgrouper.com/
http://www.alwaysfishing.com/
http://www.angling-adventures.net/
Rent a Boat, canoe or kayak in Hernando County
http://www.floridacanoe.com/
http://www.weekiwacheemarina.com/
Hernando County Attractions
Weeki Wachee Springs & Buccaneer Bay Help keep our Roadside Attraction open Buy a Season pass, tell your friends. http://www.weekiwachee.com/
More Classic Attractions in Florida http://www.visitflorida.com/cms/e/classic_florida_attractions.php
Brooksville Attractions
Walking or Driving Tour of Brooksville http://www.brooksvillemuralsoc.org/Walking_Driving_Tour/tour.htm
Hernando Heritage Museum http://www.hernandoheritagemuseum.com./
Rogers Christmas House http://www.rogerschristmashouse.com/
Gone but not forgotten, Can you Remember These Attractions? http://www.lostparks.com/
Ticket Information for Other Nearby Attractions http://www.greatorlandodiscounts.com/
Remember to ask for discounts (senior, student, FL resident, AAA, AARP to name a few) when you purchase tickets for any Florida Attraction and air travel and cruise travel as well. As a matter of fact you can ask for a discount anytime you make a purchase anywhere. If you don't ask, you sure won't get one and if they don't offer one, all they can say is "No". It just never hurts to ask!!
Florida Resident Cruise Information http://www.cruisecheap.com/florida_residents.asp
Citrus County Events & Attractions
http://www.swimwithamanatee.com/
http://www.visitcitrus.com/calendar_text.asp?month=5/1/2007
Pasco County Events & Attractions http://visitpasco.net/
Visit Spring Hill Real Estate or Check Out our Sports & Leisure section for more Attractions and Events in Florida. From the most popular Theme Parks to our Professional and College Teams to Museums and Zoos, it's all here for Hernando County Residents to enjoy year round!
I have no personal interest in any of these site. I compiled the list to show my customers some of what Hernando County has to offer, other than the Beautiful Sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.