Spring Hill is uniquely defined as having one of the most diverse populations in Hernando County. Over the past 10 years, a large number of young professionals and families have relocated to the area in response to competitive real estate prices, an overall lower cost of living and the completion of the Suncoast Parkway, providing fast, easy access to the metropolitan Tampa area. As a result of this population surge, several new shopping centers, specialty stores and restaurants have launched in Spring Hill with further construction underway.
Beginning Thursday, April 14, residents in the seven counties that comprise the Tampa Bay region will be able to participate in shaping the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority’s (TBARTA) […]
The Ride 2 Recovery Florida Challenge benefiting wounded war veterans ended its 350-mile journey from MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa to Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville over a six-day period. More than 200 participants cycled to raise money for mental and physical rehabilitation programs such as Spinning Recovery Labs and outdoor cycling. Riders traveled north from Tampa, making stops in Spring Hill, The Villages, Ocala, Gainesville and St. Augustine before arriving in Jacksonville on Nov. 20. View the complete photo gallery.
A recent program dubbed "Spot the Watt" has been implemented in Hernando County Schools. The program, advising schools to be more diligent about energy conservation, rewards schools by offering 1 cent for each kilowatt saved.Energy consumption will be monitored and recorded every quarter, with results announced at the end of the school year.Read the complete story.
The choice between Alex Sink and Rick Scott for Florida's next governor is a simple decision -- albeit one with huge potential ramifications -- compared to sorting through the proposed constitutional amendments and local referenda.Among the most complex decisions voters face on November 2: Yay or nay on Amendment 4, which proposes that any plan that affects growth and development must receive voter approval before proceeding. In order to pass, the amendment needs at least 60 percent of the total vote.Proponents contend it will place more control over how communities develop in the hands of voters. Opponents warn that passage would mean a considerably slowed process for new land use and building projects at a time when Florida's economy needs such investments to get moving again."It's probably the most complicated of the amendments," says Tom Arthur, news information director for the Collins Center of Public Policy. "It's basically going to give the public final say on the growth opportunities of their communities. There is some thought out there that local governments -- and builders in particular -- have the power to make the changes they want whether the public is with those changes or not. This measure gives people a say."The opponents argue it's the wrong solution," continues Arthur. "That it's a flawed proposal that will lead to a multitude of referendums that will be difficult to understand, make chaos of the ballot and delay development."Arthur says that while there is no definitive way to know what the consequences will be of either the amendment passing or not passing, there will most likely be further debate if the amendment does pass. "When it's all said and done, there will probably be some legal issues. Is there a study that says what the consequences will be? No. It's impossible to know what consequences will be for any referendum placed on the ballot and the delays it would cause. But we do know that there are many, many layers to this one."Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Tom Arthur, Collins Center of Public Policy
The University of South Florida recently opened a branch of its Small Business Development Center in the Hernando County Airport Industrial Park.Business owners and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to receive face-to-face business counseling and training on matters like international trade.The satellite branch of the University of South Florida's Small Business Development Center is funded in part by the SBDC and the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce.Read the complete story.
Creativity is bustling at Odessa-based deep foundation construction company Coastal Caisson. Using its Cutter Soil Mixer technology, developed by Bauer in 2004, the company has found its specialty incorporating underground construction with sustainable living.
Hernando County will debut a new online course option this year that allows students to complete classes without setting foot in a classroom. The program will offer students all of the required courses needed to earn a high school diploma. Hernando eSchool offers regular and advanced/honors part-time and full-time courses for students in grades 6-12. Courses are free for students residing in Hernando County. Students enrolled in home, private and charter schooling are also eligible to register for online courses. Read the complete story.
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