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Prism Local News

Hernando County, Florida
"Your Local News, Powered by AI Journalism"

About Hernando, FL

Population
Approximately 194,515 residents
County Seat
Brooksville, Florida
Coverage Area
589 square miles in west-central Florida

Local Updates

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Newsroom monitoring local Hernando, FL developments. Next update cycle in 42 minutes.

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Hernando County launches Manhunt Monday for Kalen Slaughter after chase; held without bond
Government

Hernando County launches Manhunt Monday for Kalen Slaughter after chase; held without bond

Hernando County named 38-year-old Kalen Lane Slaughter in a "Manhunt Monday" alert after a dangerous pursuit; a judge ordered he be held with no bond once taken into custody.

James Thompson2m read
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins Visits Hernando Sheriff's Office, Discusses Drugs, Border Impacts
Government

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins Visits Hernando Sheriff's Office, Discusses Drugs, Border Impacts

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins toured the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in Brooksville on March 4, 2026, watched live body‑worn camera training and said he was surprised by the steady stream of 911 calls.

Marcus Williams3m read
Hernando County Seeks Registered Voters for Advisory Board Vacancies by March 13
Government

Hernando County Seeks Registered Voters for Advisory Board Vacancies by March 13

Hernando County is accepting applications from registered-voter residents for multiple unpaid advisory-board vacancies; applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2026.

Marcus Williams2m read
Jeffrey Crum to Face August Trial in 1993 Murder of Jennifer Odom
Community

Jeffrey Crum to Face August Trial in 1993 Murder of Jennifer Odom

A Hernando County judge confirmed Jeffrey Crum will stand trial in August 2026 for the 1993 abduction and killing of 12-year-old Jennifer Odom; her body was found in a Hernando County orange grove.

Marcus Williams2m read
Hernando County springs, boat ramps and water access: locations, safety, resources
Community

Hernando County springs, boat ramps and water access: locations, safety, resources

Hernando County operates ten boat ramps, including 24/7 access at Hernando Beach (4 launching lanes), Rogers Park (7244 Shoal Line Blvd) and Bayport Park (4140 Cortez Blvd).

Marcus Williams7m read
Eastside Elementary to become Eastside Academy of Leadership and Innovation K-8 2026-27
Education

Eastside Elementary to become Eastside Academy of Leadership and Innovation K-8 2026-27

Eastside Elementary in Brooksville will add sixth grade for 2026-27, relaunching as Eastside Academy of Leadership and Innovation with a new cafeteria that will seat 300+ students.

Sarah Chen3m read
Six-Month Undercover Probe Nets Four Arrests, Meth and Fentanyl Seized in Brooksville
Government

Six-Month Undercover Probe Nets Four Arrests, Meth and Fentanyl Seized in Brooksville

A six-month Hernando County Sheriff’s Office undercover probe ended Feb. 27, 2026, with a SWAT-assisted search at 6077 Cartwrite Road in Brooksville, where trafficking-level meth and fentanyl were seized and four people arrested.

Marcus Williams2m read
Hernando County to Hold March 10 Workshop on Flock License-Plate Cameras
Government

Hernando County to Hold March 10 Workshop on Flock License-Plate Cameras

Hernando County’s BOCC will hold a March 10 workshop at the John Law Ayers Commission Chamber in Brooksville to debate the county’s use and oversight of Flock automated license-plate readers.

Marcus Williams2m read
Officials outline manatee-viewing rules, safety, reporting on Weeki Wachee River
Government

Officials outline manatee-viewing rules, safety, reporting on Weeki Wachee River

Weeki Wachee springs are key manatee refuges; follow posted buoys and park rules, avoid disturbance, and call the FWC Wildlife Alert at 1-888-404-FWCC for sick or injured manatees.

James Thompson6m read
Linda Gifford wins Brooksville select board; GSA tuition referendum passes, incumbents reelected
Government

Linda Gifford wins Brooksville select board; GSA tuition referendum passes, incumbents reelected

Linda Gifford defeated Shawn Duffy 204-91 for the Brooksville select board; voters also approved a George Stevens Academy supplemental tuition referendum 197-108 amid roughly 306-309 ballots cast.

Marcus Williams2m read
Spring Hill Woman Arrested on Aggravated Assault, Hit-and-Run Charges
Community

Spring Hill Woman Arrested on Aggravated Assault, Hit-and-Run Charges

Karah Jean Castillo, 28, was booked Feb. 25 on aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and hit-and-run after deputies say she drove a silver Lincoln MKX at party host Alyssa O’Connor, then struck a yard lamp and sideswiped a tree.

Sarah Chen2m read
Hernando County Sheriff's Office Arrests Xy’Briel Hall After NCMEC Referral
Government

Hernando County Sheriff's Office Arrests Xy’Briel Hall After NCMEC Referral

Hernando County deputies arrested Xy’Briel Hall on March 5, 2026 after the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children referred a report on Nov. 28, 2025.

James Thompson1m read
Spring Hill Couple Gordon, Vara Charged in Animal Cruelty Over Malnourished Dogs
Community

Spring Hill Couple Gordon, Vara Charged in Animal Cruelty Over Malnourished Dogs

Stephen Gordon, 34, and Christina Ann Vara, 32, were charged after deputies found three severely malnourished dogs confined to a small porch at 3239 Southwest Boulevard in Spring Hill.

Lisa Park2m read
Hernando County warns residents after door-to-door scam posing as utility workers
Government

Hernando County warns residents after door-to-door scam posing as utility workers

A Hernando County homeowner refused entry to two people claiming to be HCUD workers who wanted to "test" water quality after noticing they were not in a marked county vehicle.

Marcus Williams2m read
Hernando County Launches Civic Access System to Boost Transparency, Speed Service
Government

Hernando County Launches Civic Access System to Boost Transparency, Speed Service

Hernando County unveiled a single Civic Access portal March 4, 2026, centralizing agendas, minutes, permitting and service requests to speed government interaction for residents, contractors and businesses.

James Thompson3m read
Hernando High Leopards Even Season with 4-2 Win Over Nature Coast
Education

Hernando High Leopards Even Season with 4-2 Win Over Nature Coast

Leopards rallied with a three-run fifth at Emerson Field to beat Nature Coast 4-2, improving to 6-1 and avenging a 3-1 loss earlier in the week.

Sarah Chen2m read
Brooksville Motel Guest Robbed After Inviting Woman Back; Two Held on $5,000
Community

Brooksville Motel Guest Robbed After Inviting Woman Back; Two Held on $5,000

Two women, Tammy Patton and Amanda Hampton, were booked on $5,000 bonds after a Brooksville man says a white male and two women stole about $500 from his Budget Inn room and shut his hand in a car door.

Marcus Williams3m read
Weeki Wachee River Summit March 27 Unites Scientists, Officials and Public
Community

Weeki Wachee River Summit March 27 Unites Scientists, Officials and Public

Ryan Smart will keynote the Weeki Wachee River Summit, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. March 27 at Pasco-Hernando State College, where Hernando County staff and SWFWMD scientists will brief the public on nutrient-reduction work.

Lisa Park2m read
Brooksville Council Hears Countywide Burn Ban Update from Fire Chief Hasenmeier
Government

Brooksville Council Hears Countywide Burn Ban Update from Fire Chief Hasenmeier

Hernando County's emergency burn ban, effective Jan. 8, 2026, covering unincorporated areas and the City of Brooksville, was presented to the Brooksville City Council by Fire Chief Paul Hasenmeier, citing a Keetch-Byram index of 606.

James Thompson3m read
FDOT Adds Hernando County's Weeki Wachee Springs to America 250 Road Trip
Government

FDOT Adds Hernando County's Weeki Wachee Springs to America 250 Road Trip

FDOT installed a new America 250 historical marker at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park on March 4, 2026, joining more than 100 signs that spotlight Florida history county by county.

James Thompson3m read
Brooksville Man Arrested After Threatening Family with Large Knife
Community

Brooksville Man Arrested After Threatening Family with Large Knife

Hernando County deputies arrested a Brooksville man after a Feb. 23 call that an older relative was threatening family members while brandishing a large knife.

Sarah Chen2m read
31 Cats Removed From Unsafe Spring Hill Foreclosure, Rehabilitated and Rescued
Community

31 Cats Removed From Unsafe Spring Hill Foreclosure, Rehabilitated and Rescued

Hernando deputies removed 31 adult cats from a foreclosed Spring Hill home after high ammonia levels forced protective gear and immediate veterinary care.

Lisa Park2m read
Brooksville Matters Hosts Speed Networking to Strengthen Local Small Businesses
Business

Brooksville Matters Hosts Speed Networking to Strengthen Local Small Businesses

Downtown Brooksville business owners packed The Bistro for a 7:30 AM speed-networking breakfast on March 4, trading one-minute introductions under the event theme "Minutes to Meet, Years to Grow."

Sarah Chen2m read
Hernando County Planning and Zoning Commission to Meet March 9 in Brooksville
Government

Hernando County Planning and Zoning Commission to Meet March 9 in Brooksville

Hernando County’s Planning & Zoning Commission will meet at 9 a.m. Monday, March 9 in Room 160 at 20 N. Main St., Brooksville; the county calendar capture shows the agenda and packet marked "Not available."

Marcus Williams2m read
Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest returns March 6-8 to Linda Pedersen Park
Community

Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest returns March 6-8 to Linda Pedersen Park

Families and vendors gather at Linda Pedersen Park as Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest opens March 6-8, offering artisan booths, live music and the crowd-favorite Swamp Monster costume contest.

Marcus Williams2m read
Sold-Out Brooksville Premiere and Q&A for The Python Hunt Draws Local Hunters
Community

Sold-Out Brooksville Premiere and Q&A for The Python Hunt Draws Local Hunters

Beacon Theater in Brooksville hosted a sold-out pre-release screening of The Python Hunt on Feb. 28; director Xander Robin and local hunter Toby Benoit led a post-show question-and-answer.

Marcus Williams2m read
Academia Hernando to present Gershwins program March 4 at WellCome OM Center
Education

Academia Hernando to present Gershwins program March 4 at WellCome OM Center

Jason Fortner, artistic director of Clearwater’s Francis Wilson Playhouse, will present "The Gershwins - A S’Wonderful Soirée" March 4 at the WellCome OM Center, 10:00 a.m.

Sarah Chen2m read
Irish Acres in Masaryktown Hosts A Taste of Ireland, Ukraine Farm-to-Table
Community

Irish Acres in Masaryktown Hosts A Taste of Ireland, Ukraine Farm-to-Table

At Irish Acres, 2343 Gold Hill Road in Masaryktown, cow bells and flags of Ireland, Ukraine and the U.S. welcomed guests to a farm-to-table dinner where Oksana’s Bechamel chicken drew raves.

Sarah Chen2m read
Brooksville posts advisory two or more council members may attend upcoming events
Government

Brooksville posts advisory two or more council members may attend upcoming events

Brooksville's News Flash says "two or more City Council Members may be attending the following events:" but the March 2, 2026 posting did not list which events.

James Thompson2m read