Video - Veterans Parade 2013 - Brooksville, Florida The annual Veterans Appreciation Parade took place Saturday in Brooksville, Florida.  Several of the local veterans' groups participated in the event as well as the ROTC groups of our local High Schools and the High School bands.  It was a sunny day and the spectators appreciated a nice parade honoring our veterans.  Happy Veteran's Day and to all our veterans, thank you for your service!     Video - Veterans Parade 2013 - Brooksville, Florida 11/10/2013

Video - Hernando County Kennel Club Dog Show in Brooksville, Florida   Yesterday, we spent a fun afternoon at the Hernando County all breed dog show of the Hernando County Kennel Club  at Florida Classic Park off Lockhart Road in Brooksville, Florida.  It always amazes me to see all the different breeds of dogs - some I had never even heard of dog breeds like the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen or PGBV for short.  Or have you have seen a wheaten colored Scottie?  They are quite handsome!  Talking with the dog owners is very interesting, they do love talking about their dogs as much as they love them! Here is a little video clips from yesterday's events.  You might notice, I'm a little partial to Westies as we have had several of them for many years.  A Skye Terrier won Best in Show - anoth... 11/10/2013

First Chinsegut Hill Celebration and Community Festival in Brooksville, Florida The Chinsegut Hill Manor House is one of the historic jewels of Hernando County and an important part of Hernando County heritage.  The first Chinsegut Hill Celebration and Community Festival hosted by the Friends of Chinsegut Hill will take place with two exciting events: Reception and Silent Auction:  Friday, November 15, 2013, 6-9 pm, Admission $20 Community Festival and Arts and Crafts Show:  Saturday, November 16, 2013, 10 am - 4 pm, Admission:  FREE   The historic manor house of Chinsegut Hill currently is under restoration and this celebration is intended to give the community a glimpse into the progress that is being made in restoring the beautiful manor house to its former glory.       There will be... 11/09/2013

Hernando County Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show November 2013     What:  Hernando County Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show   When:  Saturday, November 9 - Sunday, November 10, 2013   Time:  8:30 am   Where:  Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Rd, Brooksville, Florida     This is a two-day event that dog lovers will not want to miss!    The Hernando County Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show returns to Brooksville this coming weekend!     Photo Credit:  "Shetland Sheep Dog" by Maggie Smith freedigitalimages.com   This dog show has grown over the years into a highly acclaimed event and more and more dogs of many breeds are competing every year.  There will also be Obedience and Rally trials.    It's an exciting event for participants and spectators alike!  I'm always amazed at the different breed... 11/05/2013

Veteran's Appreciation Parade in Brooksville, Florida   What:  Veteran's Appreciation Parade When:  Saturday, November 9, 2013 Time:  10 am Where:  Downtown Brooksville, Florida.  Information:  352-544-0680   The annual Veteran's Appreciation Parade is taking place on Saturday, November 9th in Brooksville, Florida. Many local veteran's organization will participate as well as ROTC groups from the different Hernando County High Schools and many individuals! The parade starts at Brooksville City Hall and will go south on Main Street to Liberty Street, Magnolia Avenue, behind the Hernando County Government Center back to west Fort Dade Ave toward City Hall. Come on out and support your local veterans this year.  Bring a chair and a flag to wave and cheer.  Don't forget to say "thank you fo... 11/03/2013

Hernando County Real Estate Sales Third Quarter 2013   The real estate market in Hernando County, Florida, has picked up this summer considerably and a comparison of sales for the time period of June through September 2013 to the same time period in 2012 reveals great improvement since last year.     For residential sales, the numbers have increased by double digits all across.  Sales increased almost by 1/3 while median and average sales prices increased by more than 10%.   As home sales in Hernando County picked up, inventory became less and buyers did not have the luxury to wait around long before making their offer.  As a result, days on the market for homes for sale in Hernando County decreased.         *Data derived from Hernando County MLS as of 10/31/2013 and believed to be accu... 11/02/2013

Feed your Yard with Fall Leaves   When trees turn color in the fall, it's one of the most amazing sights in nature.  Unfortunately, these amazing displays of fall color will not last and eventually, these colorful leaves will fall to the ground for us to rake and remove. Instead of discarding leaves with the trash, consider using them in your landscape to feed your yard.  Leaves are still full of nutrients that will return to the soil during the breakdown process and thus can provide a free fertilizer.  Using fall leaves as mulch also protects tender plants from cold temperatures , ice and wind.  Instead of merely raking leaves, you can also mow over them several times with a mulching mower, thus shredding them and helping with the decomposition process.  Photo Credit:  Autumn Maple Lea... 10/31/2013

Butterfly Census at Chinsegut Conservation Center, Brooksville, Florida   What:  Monthly Butterfly Census When:  Friday, October 25, 2013 Time:  9 am to 11 am Where:  Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road  (CR-476, 1 mile west of US 41 north), Brooksville. Info:  352-754-6722   That's right!    Every last Friday of the month, a Butterfly Census is held at the Chinsegut Conservation Center in Brooksville, Florida; however, the October census is the last one for the season.   Guided by field volunteers, participants will count butterflies and learn how to identify the different species.  Binoculars will be provided so that participants can get a better look at the intricate patterns of the butterflies encountered.  The results of the butterfly count will be reported to th... 10/23/2013

Hernando County Historical Courthouse Centennial Celebration What:    Centennial Clebration Where:  Hernando County Courthouse, 20 North Main Street, Brooksville, FL 34601 When:   Friday, October 11 - Saturday, October 12, 2013 Info:      Hernando County Community Relations, 352-540-6780   The construction of the Hernando County Courthouse was completed in 1913 and 100 years later, Hernando County, Florida is commemorating the event with a celebration that includes historic displays, tours of the courthouse, entertainment, and an exhibit of artistic renderings of the courthouse over the years. The current courthouse is actually the third courthouse for Hernando County.  Two previous structures fell victim to fires.  Several additions have been made to the Courthouse since then.     Hern... 10/03/2013

Founder's Week in Brooksville, Florida  What:  Founder's Week When:  Saturday, October 5 - Thursday, October 12, 2013 Admission:  Some events are free, others are not.   Information:  352-540-3810    The city of Brooksville in Hernando County, Florida, is celebrating its 157th birthday with Founder's Week this month!   Numerous events will take place throughout the week including an art reception and exhibit at the Brooksville City Hall Art Gallery, Victorian Teas hosted by the Brooksville Women's Club, as well as a pancake breakfast and a wine tasting event.   On opening day, ten sidewalk sculptures will be unveiled throughout the downtown Brooksville area followed by a sculpture walk.  A catered fundraising dinner will conclude the evening.   The Hernando County Courthouse Centennial ... 10/03/2013

Corn Maze Returns for Fall Fun in Hernando County, Florida          What:     Fall Corn Maze   When:    Friday, October 4, 2012 and Saturday, October 4, 2013   Time:     10 am to 5 pm   Where:  Sweetfields Farm, 17250 Benes Roush Road, Masaryktown   Info:      352-279-0977   Admission:  Adults:  $8.50, Kids 3-11:  $4.50     Come to the Fall Corn Maze this coming weekend and have lots of fun!  Sweetfields Farm in Hernando County is opening its amazing corn maze again with fun and entertainment for the whole family!   In addition to the corn maze, there will be hay rides and even a hay play area!  I remember playing in the hay as kids and it is fun! Plan on some extra time to take advantage of all the activities Sweetfields Farm is planning for the Corn Maze event.  There is something fo... 10/01/2013

Museum Yard Sale - Brooksville, Hernando County, Florida   When:  Saturday, October 5, 2013   Time:    8:00 am to 3:00 pm   Where:  Historic 1885 Russell Street Train Station,               71 Russell Street, Brooksville, Florida 34601   Info:      352-799-0129           If you enjoy yard sales and treasure hunting, this event is for you!      With cooler temperatures having arrived, outdoor activities are increasing in Florida.  This special yard sale at the Russell Street Train Station museum is going to benefit the construction of a historic one-room schoolhouse.    There are still a lot of historical buildings in Hernando County, Florida.  Most of them are located in Brooksville, Florida and some of them are used as residences, others have been converted into cafes or house busines... 10/01/2013

Spaghetti Fest to Benefit Joseph's House in Hernando County, Florida     What:  32nd Annual Spaghetti Fest - All-you-can-eat-Spaghetti When:  Tuesday, October 1, 2013 Time:  11:00 am to 9:00 pm Where:  Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant, 6244 Spring Lake Highway, Brooksville, Florida Cost:  99 cents per person  Info:  Call 352-799-3904 Image:  freedigitalimages.net "Pasta" by rakratchada torsap   This Tuesday, Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant is sponsoring the 32nd Annual Spaghetti Fest to benefit yet another worthwhile cause for Hernando County, Florida!  This whole day event features all-you-can-eat Spaghetti for only 99 cents a person.  But there is more! Throughout the day, there will be music, games, pony rides, face painting, sno-cones, raffles and door prizes and more surprises!   Procee... 09/30/2013

Artist Reception at Rising Sun Cafe in Brooksville, Florida After the summer break, the Spring Hill Art League is beginning its Fall season with an artist reception at the Rising Sun Cafe in Brooksville, Florida.  This free event will take place Wednesday, September 25, 2013 from 5 pm to 7 pm.  Four local artists will be featured during this reception:  Carol Dentici, Karen Heidler, Judy Newton and Sonny Vergara.  The Rising Sun Cafe has long been a supporter of local artists by providing a venue for display and sale.  The holidays are going to be upon us quicker than you think, so this may be a great way to discover some unique gifts for the special people in your life.  The Rising Sun Cafe is located in an historic building downtown Brooksville at 10 S. Main Street.  They are open Mon... 09/23/2013

Ghost Tours in Hernando County, Florida What better way to celebrate Halloween than to participate in a real ghost tour!   You can do this in Hernando County, Florida, in one of the first residences in Brooksville inhabited by pioneer Frank Saxon.  The building is now home to the May-Stringer Historical Museum but it is said that there are is still a presence of some of the former residents including that of three-year old Jessie May Saxon. Ghost tours at the May-Stringer Historical Museum are by reservation only.  You would be well advised to make yours early as space is limited.  Admission is $20 for the ghost tour, only cash is accepted - you just never know what a ghost will do to sabotage the credit card machine! You may bring cameras and recording devices to show evidence of your ... 09/14/2013

Hernando Oaks in Brooksville, Florida - Pool Home Just Sold! by Realtor Silvia Dukes PA, Tropic Shores Realty, Spring Hill, Florida   This newer pool home in the Hernando Oaks Golf Course community in Brooksville, Florida, just sold!   The buyers came to me in June because of their upcoming relocation to Brooksville, Florida.  They spend a few days looking for homes for sale in Brooksville, Florida, and found their new dream home in the Hernando Oaks Golf Course community.  Property Details: Living Area under heat and air:  2115 square foot Total Area under roof:  3138 square foot Year Built:  2007 Sold Price:  $227,000   This is a quality built home by Alexander with many upgrades including granite and silestone countertops, crown molding, wood cabinets, beautiful hardwood flooring as ... 09/09/2013

Hernando County Florida Homes Sales July 2013 provided by Realtor Silvia Dukes of Tropic Shores Realty   July returned good news with strong sales to the Hernando County real estate market.  Homes sales increased by 26% from the previous month of June that had seen a dip in sales after an otherwise strong Spring.    Inventory is remaining stable with only minor fluctuations. Total days on market also remained under 100 days. Closed transactions increased by 26% over June. The number of homes under contract decreased by 7.5% Average and median home price both increased again over June sales. The absorption rate decreased from five months to four months.     Homes for Sale in Hernando County   Homes Currently on Market:  1233 Sold July 2013:  303 Sales Price Range:  $12,000 - $400,000 Ave... 09/03/2013

Hernando County Master Gardeners - All About Orchids When:   Monday, August 19, 2013 Time:  5:30 pm Where:  Hernando County Extension Office, 1653 Blaise Dr, Brooksville, FL What:  Program by the Master Gardeners of Hernando County Cost:   FREE   Orchids are among the most stunning flowers available and they come in so many different shapes and forms.  Florida's climate seems to be favorable to Orchids, I see many people who grow them outdoors but I have never tried it myself. This class will teach interested orchid lovers everything they need to know about growing Orchids in Florida.  The program is free but you should arrive early to get a seat. For more information, call the Hernando County Extension office at 352-754-4433.              Looking to buy or sell a home in Hernando Count... 08/13/2013

Home Sales Hernando County Florida January through June 2013   It's one thing to say home sales in Hernando County Florida have increased and another to see what the numbers really are. Month-to-month comparisons are subject to fluctuations but longer time frames often reveal a trend.  Here is a side-by-side comparison of home sales in Hernando County Florida for the time frame of January through June of 2012 and 2013:                                                              2012                         2013                 Per Cent Change Number Homes Sold                           1497 units                 1831 units                +22% Totals Sales Volume                            $142,254,205            $182,599,099          +28% Average Sales Price                            ... 07/20/2013

 Children Summer Events in Hernando County:  Early Life in Florida     When:                  Wednesday, July 17 - Friday, July 19, 2013 What:                   Three-day Day Camp for Children 8-14 years of age Where:                 Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Rd, Brooksville, Florida Cost:                    $40 per child Pre-registration:  Required, payment required in advance Info:                    352-754-6722       The Chinsegut Conservation Center in Brooksville is once again offering a fun and exciting children summer event entitled Florida Roots:  Early Life in Florida.    This three-day day camp includes hands-on activities for children from eight to fourteen of age.  They will learn how the first people who came to Florida survived by hunting, fishing,... 07/13/2013