Annual Report FY2014

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2013-2014
Weeki Wachee River Bayport Park

2 Hernando County Annual Report Fiscal Year 2013-2014
Organizational Chart & Frequently Called Numbers 3
Citizen Committees………………………………………………… 4
Board of County Commissioners………………………….. 5
County Administrator’s Welcome………………………... 7
Strategic Plan………………………………………………………… 8
Business Development……………………………………………. 10
Public Information…………………………………………………. 11
Tourism………………………………………………………………… 12
Budget & Human Resources
Human Resources………………………………………………….. 13
Management & Budget…………………………………………... 14
Planning & Development
Planning……………………………………………………………….. 15
Extension Services………………………………………………… 19
Library………………………………………………………………….. 20
Health & Human Services……………………………………….. 22
Veterans Services…………………………………………………… 23
General Services
Parks & Recreation………………………………………………… 24
Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport & Tech Center 25
Purchasing & Facilities…………………………………………….. 26
Technology……………………………………………………………. 27
Operations & Public Safety
Department of Public Works ….………………………………. 28
Division of Environmental Services & Utilities Dept.…. 33
Public Safety………………………………………………………….. 36
Animal Services.…………………………………………………….. 37
Constitutional Officers
Clerk of Circuit Court……………………………………………… 38
Elections……………………………………………………………….. 39
Property Appraiser…………………………………………………. 40
Sheriff………………………………………………………………….. 41
Tax Collector…………………………………………………………. 42
Table of Contents
About Hernando County
Hernando County was established on February 27,
1843, and named in honor of Spanish explorer
Hernando De Soto, who led an expedition through
the county in 1539. On March 3, 1845 the second
session of the 28th Congress of the United States
approved Florida statehood.
Hernando County is located on the central-west
coast of Florida north of Tampa Bay. It is bounded
by the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Citrus County to
the north, Sumter County to the east and Pasco
County to the south. It contains part of the
Withlacoochee State Forrest, the Weekiwachee Preserve and the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.
The county includes the cities of Brooksville and Weeki Wachee. Unincorporated areas include Spring Hill,
Ridge Manor, Ridge Manor West, Bayport, Aripeka, Lake Lindsey and Hernando Beach. The county stretches
37 miles from east to west and 18 miles from north to south.
The City of Brooksville is the county seat and is rich in history and
traditions. The only other city within Hernando County is Weeki
Wachee, which incorporated many decades ago to appear on
Florida maps to promote the Weeki Wachee Springs as the "City
of Mermaids.”
Hernando County Statistics
Population: 174,955
95.6% unincorporated
4.4% within city limits
Land area (square miles): 472.5
Established: 1843
Administration Date: 1983 non-charter
County Seat: Brooksville
Median Household Income: $41,098
Districting: 5 Single Districts
Median Age: 47.7
Source: Bureau of Economic and Business Research /
University of Florida and U.S. Census Bureau. The data
herein has been collected by different entities both private
and public, from local, state, and federal levels
Source: Southwest Florida Water Management District

Hernando County Annual Report Fiscal Year 2013-2014 3
Organizational Chart
Frequently Called Numbers
• Administrator ............................754-4002
• Airport .......................................754-4061
• Animal Control ...........................796-5062
• Broadcasting...............................540-6777
• Budget ........................................754-4004
• Building Permits ........................754-4050
• Business Development ...............540-6400
• Child Support Payments ............540-6336
• Code Enforcement .....................754-4056
• Florida Department of
Financial Services ……...……1-877-693-5236
• Cooperative Extension ...............754-4433
• County Commissioners ..............754-4002
• Elections ...................................754-4125
• Emergency Management ...........754-4083
• Engineering ................................754-4062
• Fire Rescue ................................540-4353
• Health & Human Services ..........540-4338
• Health Department.....................540-6800
• Housing Authority......................754-4160
• Human Resources ......................754-4013
• Libraries......................................754-4043
• Marriage Licenses.......................540-6768
• Mosquito Control........................540-6552
• Official Records ..........................540-6768
• Parks Department ......................754-4027
• Passports.....................................540-6768
• Planning .....................................754-4057
• Property Appraiser ....................754-4190
• Public Information .....................540-6426
• Purchasing..................................754-4020
• Recreation...................................754-4031
• Recycling.....................................754-4112
• Roads/Drainage..........................754-4060
• Sheriff .........................................754-6830
• Solid Waste ................................754-4112
• Tax Collector...............................754-4180
• The Bus.......................................754-4444
• Tourism ......................................754-4405
• Utilities .......................................754-4037
• Veterans Services........................754-4033
• Water Conservation ...................754-4037
• Water/Wastewater ....................754-4037
• Zoning ........................................754-4050

The Board of County Commissioners appoints
citizens to various committees, boards, and
authorities which are related to County
government activities. Membership on a
Citizen Committee is voluntary and involves
no remuneration.
Serving as a member is an excellent way to
become involved in your county and learn
more about local government.
Affordable Housing Advisory
Committee
Housing Authority Department
Email: www.hernandocounty.us/housing
Phone: (352) 754-4160
Board of Construction and Regulation
Development Department
Website: www.hernandocounty.us/bldg
Phone: (352) 754-4109
Citizens Advisory Task Force for the
Small Cities Community Development
Block Grant Program
Health & Human Services
Website: www.hernandocounty.us/
HealthandHumanServices
Phone: (352) 540-4338
Environmentally Sensitive Lands
Committee
Planning Department
Website: www.hernandocounty.us/plan
Phone: (352) 754-4057
Fine Arts Council
Email: hernandofinearts@gmail.com
Website: www.hernandoarts.org
Library Advisory Council
Hernando County Public Library
Website: www.hcpl.lib.fl.us
Phone: (352) 754-4043
Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board
CareerSource Pasco Hernando
Website: www.careersourcepascohernando.com
Phone: (352) 200-3020
Personnel Advisory Board
Human Resources Department
Website: www.hernandocounty.us/hr
Phone: (352) 754-4013
Planning & Zoning Commission
Planning Department
Website: www.hernandocounty.us/plan
Phone: (352) 754-4057
Port Authority
Department of Public Works
Website: www.hernandocounty.us/dpw
Phone: (352) 754-4060
Tourist Development Council
Tourism Development
Website: www.naturallyhernando.org
Phone: (352) 754-4405
Contact County Administration at
(352) 754-4002 or visit
www.hernandocounty.us/bocc/comittees,
for more information.
Citizen Committees

Hernando County Board of County Commissioners
From Left to Right:
Fiscal Year 2014
District 1
Nick Nicholson
(Vice Chair)
District 5
James Adkins
District 2
Wayne Dukes
(Chairman)
District 3
Diane Rowden
(2nd Vice Chair)
District 4
David D. Russell, Jr.
The Board of County Commissioners is the chief legislative body in the County.
The Board meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 9 a.m., with the first Tuesday reserved for workshops as needed. Meetings are
held in the John Law Ayers Room, located on the first floor of the Hernando County Government Center , 20 North Main Street in Brooksville.
The five county commissioners are elected to four-year terms by the voters at large and represent the geographical district in which they reside.
The Board approves the County budget, adopts local ordinances and resolutions
and establishes policies which govern the County and ensures the health, safety and welfare of the citizens.

Hernando County Board of County Commissioners
County Commission Districts
Effective November 20, 2012
Note: County Commissioners are elected countywide, by all residents
District
1. Nick Nicholson
2. Wayne Dukes
3. Diane Rowden
4. David Russell, Jr.
5. James Adkins

County Administrator’s Welcome
Dear Fellow Citizens of Hernando County:
Throughout Fiscal Year 2014 (October 1, 2013 - September 30, 2014) Hernando County has accomplished many of its
strategic goals through steady leadership and a consistent vision from our Board of County Commissioners. Serving as a
catalyst for progress in Hernando County, my focus has been and will continue to be economic development. My primary
goals are recruiting new and expanding existing businesses; marketing and promotion; and education and workforce
development.
It’s been another award-winning year for two of our departments. Library Services was the recipient of the 2014 Florida
Library Association’s Excellence in Marketing and Public Relations Award. The Planning Department’s Kass Circle
Neighborhood Revitalization project won a statewide Grassroots Initiative Award and the Peck Sink Stormwater
Improvement project won an Outstanding Infrastructure Award from the Planning and Zoning Association.
Investing in our employees has also been a high priority.
Reinstating tuition reimbursement, bringing back the health fair and
initiating a compensation and classification study were three ways
we strived to meet our employees’ needs.
The highly publicized announcement of Hernando County matching
a $3 million state grant to build a Nature Coast education and
tourism center was met with both positive and negative public
opinion. Future plans for the center include showcasing the natural
beauty, history and recreational activities available in our county.
We will continue to solicit and incorporate public input as the
project continues.
Lastly, emerging this year was a new era of cooperation,
collaboration and partnerships among the County, the City of Brooksville and the Hernando County School District.
Regular meetings among these organizations have led to new ways of addressing the economic needs of our community.
I look forward to the future as we continue to move Hernando County forward.
Leonard B. Sossamon
County Administrator
County Administrator and Assistant County Administrators
From Left to Right: George Zoettlein, Ronald Pianta, Leonard
Sossamon, Russell Wetherington and Brian Malmberg
Leonard B. Sossamon
County Administrator
Administration@HernandoCounty.us
(352) 754-4002
Appointed by the Board of County
Commissioners, it is the responsibility
of the County Administrator to effectively
implement all decisions, policies,
ordinances and motions made by the
Board of County Commissioners.

Economic Vision—Have a robust, renewable, viable, and
sustainable economic engine that can support the needs and
enhance the lifestyles of those living and working in the community.
Implemented a new education and workforce development initiative through
the approval of the Industrial Certification Training Center offering training to
high school students and continued education upon graduation. It will also
offer adult education opportunities for skills upgrades and retraining.
Recruited two new companies and assisted seven new primary industry busi-
nesses representing 162,300 square-feet of space, 139 new jobs and 465 exist-
ing jobs.
Increased meetings with the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
partners by 50 percent, launched a new website and designed, printed and
distributed 2,000 new program brochures.
Reopened the Section 8 rental assistance program resulting in a new waiting
list of 500 residents with preference given to 60 veteran applicants.
Streamlined and enhanced permit processes by implementing concurrent
building and zoning reviews, reducing review time by an average of five to
seven days.
Improved public awareness and communication by fostering a service-oriented
customer care attitude through a mentoring program that encouraged
ownership of processes and responsiveness to customers.
Performed preliminary research with stakeholders on the concept, viability and
costs of an electronic plan review and the preparation of a thorough Request for
Proposals.
Began review of the current online permitting system to identify areas
of improvement.
Infrastructure Vision—Create and maintain a highly effective
infrastructure that enables the community activities of its citizens
and businesses. Develop a destination that requires an
infrastructure that takes into account multiple modes of transpor-
tation, as well as the natural resources available to us.
Continue to update and maintain the Five-Year Water, Sewer and Reuse Master
Plan and the Five-Year Transportation Improvement Plan.
Provided high quality roadway surfaces on 9.92 miles of roads.
Maintained and improved 10 county parks through beach sand replacement,
playground equipment replacement, sewer system replacement, boat ramp im-
provements, athletic fields, courts and parking lot improvements.
Increased THE Bus ridership by seven percent, began planning for a fourth bus
route (Green Route), and expanding the Purple Route into Pasco County and
increasing the frequency of buses from 75 to 60 minutes.
Decreased the average age of transit fleet by purchasing one additional heavy
duty bus.
Improved THE Bus stops by securing a vendor to install shelters and/or
benches at 45 of the 170 bus stops. This improvement will bring these 45 bus
stops into ADA compliance.
Finalized the merger of the Hernando/Citrus Metropolitan Planning
Organization.
Strategic Plan—Update 2014 Highlights

Natural Resources Vision—Establish Hernando County as a sus-
tainable community by embracing the best ecological practices and
policies in our government, services and infrastructure.
Completed a three-year plan of sandhill/scrub habitat restoration at Cypress
Lakes Preserve.
Continued site preparation at Lake Townsen Preserve for gopher tortoise miti-
gation.
Installed Environmentally Sensitive Lands signage at Lake Townsen Preserve,
Linda Pedersen/Jenkins Creek Parks and Peck Sink Preserve.
Contracted with the Florida Forest Service to assist with protection and habitat
management of Chinsegut Hill.
Funded and coordinated the production of two educational signs and a
dedication event at Bayport Park recognizing its prehistory and historic
significance.
Partnerships Vision—Build cooperative reciprocal partnerships
with educational institutions, not-for-profits, hospitals and business
constituents. Continue to focus on nurturing current relationships
and creating new relationships to provide a better life for our
diverse population.
Established representation at the Pasco-Hernando State College through
county administrator’s appointment to the Foundation Board of Directors.
Established ongoing collaboration, communication and partnerships with the
City of Brooksville and the Hernando County School District through monthly
meetings.
Governance Vision—Strive to create the most useful and
efficient government services.
Reviewed the function, responsibility, purpose and structure of Boards
and Commissions to maximize effectiveness by implementing a new
volunteer policy.
Recruited, trained and developed the most qualified individuals for all County
departments.
Neighborhood Vision—Build cooperative reciprocal
partnerships with other governmental entities, such as the City of
Brooksville.
Implemented a Community Grant Program that promotes the strategic
initiatives adopted by the Board of County Commissioners to engage residents
in enhancing their community’s character, value, safety, health, environment
and recreational opportunities.
Initiated the Kass Circle Revitalization Program utilizing public input to design
a vision for the future of the decades-old community.
Social Programs Vision—Continue being socially-conscious and
action-oriented by addressing the social needs of all our citizens where
additional help and support is required.
Continue to partner with local schools to engage youth and young adults into
becoming active productive citizens by providing volunteer opportunities and
conducting tours of the Government Center.
Strategic Plan—Update 2014 Highlights

Administrative Services
Office of Business Development
Hernando County’s industrial base continued to grow in
2014. The Office of Business Development had a
significant year assisting seven new primary industry
expansions and two relocating to Hernando County.
Accomplishments
162,300 square feet of
space
139 new jobs
465 existing jobs
Welcome new businesses
Baker Parts
Tradesmith
Congratulations for
growing with us
5-Star Refrigeration
Alumi-Guard
AME International
American Aviation
Health South Central Billing Office
MicroMatic
Premier Pharmacy
Education and Workforce Development
Education and workforce development continues to be on
the forefront as we collaborated with the Hernando County
School District to bring an Aviation Academy to students.
This new program will offer a
career path option and provide a
trained workforce in the aviation
and aerospace industries.
An Industry Certification
Training Center (ICTC) was
approved and will be located at
the Brooksville–Tampa Bay
Regional Airport & Technology
Center. Modeled after the
successful German
apprenticeship program, this
center will offer training to high
school students and continued
education upon graduation.
Additionally, ICTC intends to offer adult education
opportunities to our residents for skills upgrades and
retraining.
Valerie Pianta
Economic Development
Supervisor
obd@HernandoCounty.us
15800 Flight Path Drive
Brooksville, FL
(352) 540-6400
www.HernandoBusiness.com

Public Information
Virginia Singer
Public Information Manager
Publicinformation@HernandoCounty.us
20 North Main Street
Room 263
Brooksville, FL
(352) 540-6780
www.hernandocounty.us/cr/
The Public Information Office uses a
multimedia approach to provide
accurate, relevant and timely
information to the public about
Hernando County events, news,
programs and services.
With the addition of Anna Lamy,
public information specialist, we have
enhanced our social media presence
with increased news posts and videos
on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and
YouTube.
2014 Accomplishments
Increased social media followers
by 33 percent and an average
reach of over 300 users daily.
Distributed more than 230 media
releases and resolution
announcements.
Coordinated media day events at
the Little Rock Cannery,
Weekiwachee Preserve and the
reopening of the East Hernando
Branch Library resulting in good
news stories.
Provided timely information on
media events including the fire at
Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant,
mosquito control, sinkhole, road
closures, penny sales tax referen-
dum, nature coast education &
tourism center and an airplane
crash at the Brooksville-Tampa
Bay Regional Airport.
Hosted seven Focus on Hernando
shows on HCGB.
Coordinated three special events
including the Courthouse
Centennial event, Manatee
Awareness Day and the Bayport
Park historical sign unveiling.
Processed and issued 13 special
event permits.
Oversaw and tracked 12 Citizen
Committees activities appointed
by the BOCC.
Supported county administration
on special projects.
Led four Government Center
youth group/school tours.
Published the Annual Report.
* Highest reaching Facebook post *

Tourism
Tammy Heon
Tourism Development
Coordinator
info@HernandoCounty.us
East Visitor Information Center
31085 Cortez Boulevard
Brooksville, FL 34602
West Visitor Information Center
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
6131 Commercial Way (US 19)
Weeki Wachee, FL 34607
(Inside the Gift Shop)
(352) 754-4405
(800) 601-4580
www.NaturallyHernando.org
Tourist Development had a tremendously successful year,
enjoying not only its third year of increases in tourism tax
collections, but also unprecedented backing from the
community as evidenced by the resounding support for
maintaining our I-75 Visitor Information Center at the
gateway to the Nature Coast.
In its first year, the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Visitor Information Center exceeded our expectations by
introducing 25,000 visitors to the many hidden gems in our
community. This location is making a significant impact on
our tourism-related businesses on the west side of the
County.
In addition to the ongoing support for existing events, the
inaugural Brooksville Native American Festival was
launched. A Minority Convention Grant from Visit Florida
helped to provide the
marketing dollars
needed for the event. The
attendance was 20
percent more than the
projected numbers. Due
to its success, the festival
will move to a new,
larger location at the Dog
Park on Lockhart Road
near I-75.
In March, we partnered with Pasco and Citrus counties to
host the second annual Nature Coast Birding and Wildlife
Festival. The event has grown in both field trip offerings and
attendance. The
festival
generates
positive
economic
impact for the
community and
helps build
awareness of
Hernando
County as a
destination for
bird-watching.
Tourism Development staff worked with the Friends of
Chinsegut Hill who received a $1.5 million grant to renovate
the historic manor house and reopen the Retreat Center.
The renovation is nearly complete and the Chinsegut Hill
Retreat is open for business.
Staff also assisted in plans for the Nature Coast
environmental & tourism center and began work to clarify
the tourism brand for Hernando County.

Human Resources
Jerry Haines
Human Resources Manager
Room 264
Brooksville, FL
(352) 754-4013
(352) 754-4025 - fax
Hours:
Mon-Fri. 8 a.m.—5 p.m.
www.HernandoCounty.us/hr
The Human Resources Department (HRD) administers a
comprehensive program that includes processing and
testing applicants, conducting new employee orientation,
coordinating job classifications and compensation plans,
administering benefits programs, developing personnel
policies and programs, ensuring compliance with
established personnel rules and regulations and
administering unemployment.
Accomplishments this year include:
Filled 92 open positions
Updated 7 policies
Processed 113 volunteer applications
Reinstated tuition reimbursement
In addition, the HRD assisted Evergreen Solutions, LLC in
developing a pay and classification study for the employees
of the BOCC.
The Employee Health Fair was reinstated and was held in
the Jackson Building at the Hernando County Fairgrounds.
More than 20 exhibitors provided information on health
related topics for more than 200 employees who attended
the one-day event.
The new Pat on the Back program was initiated as an
opportunity for staff to acknowledge fellow employees “on
the spot” for exceptional performance. Six individuals are
randomly selected from all nominees and awarded with a
free lunch with the County Administrator. The first quarter
resulted in 41 employees being nominated.
(L to R) Will Stewart, finance specialist; Penny Oliver,
recreation specialist; Kevin Slaughter, network administrator;
Len Sossamon, county administrator; Chuck Ridenour, senior
plumbing inspector; Heather Kromke, permit representative
(not pictured Brian Volberg, heavy equipment operator)

Office of Management and Budget
George Zoettlein
Assistant County Administrator
budget@HernandoCounty.us
Room 263
Brooksville, FL
(352) 754-4004
The Board of County Commissioners approved the
Fiscal Year 2014-2015 budget in the amount of
$423,506,521. The General Fund budget was approved
at $99,593,512. The General Fund millage rate was
increased from 6.8669 to 6.9912 or 0.1243 mills. One
mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value.
The increase was due to reducing the millage rate for
Mosquito Control from 0.1000 to zero. This amount was
transferred to the General Fund to provide mosquito
control services to the City of Brooksville. The transfer
increased the General Fund budget by $722,640. The
increase was also attributed to the Zoning Department
being moved under the General Fund.
Reserve funds were used to fund one time expenditures
and capital projects, but are not being used to fund
continuing operational costs.
As grant funds declined, the BOCC approved to fund the
Library System from the General Fund in the amount of
$2.3 million. This is a $963,843 increase from last year’s
budget.
As we look to the future, there are signs that the
economy is starting to brighten, and declining property
values are leveling. With this in mind, we hope to enter
into a period of sustainability and continue providing
high level service to our citizens.

Planning
Ronald Pianta, AICP
Room 262
Brooksville 34601
(352)754-4057
www.HernandoCounty.us/plan/
Community Development
In collaboration with the Florida Center
for Community Design & Research at
the University of South Florida, the
Kass Circle Neighborhood
Revitalization Project was initiated
with a grant from the Florida
Department of Economic Opportunity.
A series of community meetings
resulted in a concept vision plan for
this decades-old commercial and
multi-family center located on Spring
Hill Drive.
The plan won a statewide
“Grassroots Initiative” award from
the Florida Planning and Zoning
Association.
The Kass Circle community
conducted its first neighborhood
cleanup event, collecting more than
a ton of trash in just two hours.
Implementation of the plan
continues through outreach
presentations
Ordinances
A fertilizer application ordinance
was adopted in November 2013
aimed at ensuring protection of our
valuable springs and waterways
through proper application of
nutrient fertilizers to turf and
landscapes. The new ordinance
includes a restricted application
season and requires fertilizer
application professionals to register
with the County. The Extension
Service, Public Information Office,
Utilities and Development
departments coordinated an
extensive public information
campaign raising awareness of the
impacts excess fertilizer has on our
water bodies.
Chapter 24 (Roads and Bridges) of
the County Code of Ordinances was
updated to provide an exception for
advertising on bus benches and
shelters. This change will allow for
an amenities program which will
also generate advertising revenue
for the transit system.
The Subdivision Regulations Ordinance
(Chapter 26) was updated to clarify the
review procedures for conditional plats
and the requirements for the extension
of construction plans. Previously, the
ordinance did not provide for the
extension of construction plans.
Planning and Zoning
The Agricultural and Agricultural/
Residential zoning districts were
revised, updated and adopted.
Modifications include:
Defining aquaculture as the
cultivation of aquatic animals and
plants, especially in natural or
controlled environments.
Providing for better classification of
and additional uses not previously
enumerated.
Removing restrictions for the
production and sale of bona fide
agricultural products.
Additionally, new regulations were
instituted for Land Application of
Domestic Septage to provide for better
standards.

The Hernando County
Environmentally
Sensitive Lands (ESL)
Program supports the
acquisition and
management of
environmentally
sensitive lands. The goal
of the program is to
preserve the county’s natural, cultural and
scenic resources while enhancing the quality of
life for present and future generations. There
are currently nine ESL preserves and parks.
Major projects occurred on the following
properties in FY2014.
Bayport Park
Historical markers were dedicated at Bayport
Park to recognize its prehistory and history
through the post-Civil War era. Two-sided
historic markers highlight Bayport before
human occupation, its first people, the early
historic period and the post-Civil War era. The
ESL program funded the development of these
markers and worked closely with the following
organizations to create them: Historic
Hernando Preservation Society, Hernando
Historical Museum, Florida Public Archaeology
Network, Gulf Archaeology Research Institute
and the Florida Department of State.
Lake Townsen Preserve
The ESL staff continued development of a new
home for threatened gopher tortoises at Lake
Townsen Preserve. Small hardwood trees and
brush were removed from approximately 66
acres. Firebreaks were prepared in expectation
of a management burn, but weather conditions
have been too wet for several months. Once
this burn is completed, the County will obtain
the necessary permits from the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission to
begin relocating gopher tortoises to the
preserve.
The ESL Program also funded boat launch
access improvements that cross the
Withlacoochee State Trail to the Withlacoochee
River at Lake Townsen Preserve.
Peck Sink
The Peck Sink Stormwater Improvement
Project received the Florida Planning and
Zoning Association (FPZA) 2014 Infrastructure
Award. The Peck Sink complex drains about
11,000 acres within a watershed that is
approximately 17 square miles. The stormwater
treatment facilities on the Peck Sink Preserve
removes trash, debris, sediment and nutrients
before allowing the storm water to re-enter the
natural channel that is connected to our
drinking water supply. This was a cooperative
project between the County, the Southwest
Florida Water Management District and the
Florida Department of Environmental
Protection.
Environmentally Sensitive Lands Program

Hernando County Transit
The BOCC authorized application for transit
grants for the following:
Establish a fourth bus route, Green Route
Purchase additional heavy duty buses
Increase the frequency from 75 to 60
minutes
Expand the Purple Route into Pasco County
The Green Route—will run from the Walmart on
Wiscon Road south to California Street to the
Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind,
then traveling west on Spring Hill Drive and
ending at the Walmart on U.S. 19 in Spring Hill.
Purple Route—the service area will be extended
to U.S. 19 into Pasco County connecting with the
Pasco County Public Transportation’s northern
transit stop at U.S. 19 and Emerald Boulevard.
Pending grant funding, the implementation date
is October 1, 2015. The enhancements will serve
as a regional connection for Hernando, Pasco and
Pinellas counties.
Zoning & Code Enforcement
Departments
Modifications to the permitting processes
include "Concurrent" distribution and review
for residential permit submittals, improving
permit issuance by reducing processing time
by approximately 50 percent.
The Community Appearance Ordinance
(Chapter 10) was updated to clarify
procedures for the landscape enhancement
program. The program will be administered
by the Zoning Department and provide
funding for landscaping for County projects.
Development regulations were updated for
areas in the floodplain. Communities
participating in Florida’s National Flood
Insurance Program were required to repeal
existing floodplain protection regulations and
adopt new regulations consistent with the
Florida Building Code and Federal
Emergency Management Agency. The
changes were also
required to participate
in the Community
Rating System, a
voluntary incentive
program that provides
for flood insurance
discounts for
participating
communities.
Foreclosure Registry
Ordinance requiring
vacant or abandoned
homes throughout the
community to register
with Hernando
County was led by Code Enforcement.
Benefits include the requirement to provide a
primary contact for the management and
upkeep of abandoned properties.
In the battle to keep cleaner street right-of-
ways, Code Enforcement has implemented a
software system that will help reduce "Snipe
Signage" throughout the County. The
program referred to as "Robocaller" will
systematically call the phone numbers of the
sign violators to both notify the sign owner of
the violation and to instruct them on how to
remove their number from the calling list.

Creation of the Hernando/Citrus MPO:
The long-awaited merger of the Hernando
County Metropolitan Planning Organization
(MPO) with Citrus County took place in
Brooksville on July 15, 2014, to create the
Hernando/Citrus MPO. This merger was the
result of the new urbanized area in Citrus
County that was created as an outcome of the
2010 Census update. The new nine-member
MPO Board (plus FDOT as a non-voting
advisor) includes Hernando and Citrus
county commissioners, as well as
representatives from the cities of Brooksville,
Crystal River and Inverness. The MPO has
already begun the process for review and
approval of the new boundary transportation
work documents and approved the
membership of the various MPO advisory
committees.
Long Range Transportation Plan
(LRTP) and Transit Development Plan
(TDP) updates:
The new Hernando/Citrus MPO hit the
ground running to update two of the main
MPO products; the 2040 LRTP and the
10-year 2015-2024 Hernando TDP. The MPO
and its consultant held numerous workshops
to gather public input for both documents.
The Cost-Affordable 2040 LRTP was
updated, end of December 2014 as required
by the Florida Department of Transportation.
The Transit Development Plan for Hernando
County was adopted in October 2014. Work
will occur on the Citrus County Transit
Development Plan in the Spring 2015.
Left to right: James E. Adkins (H), Wayne Dukes (H), Rebecca Bays (C), Nicholas W. Nicholson (H), Diane
Rowden (H), Scott Adams (C), Cabot McBride (I), Lara Bradburn (B). Not pictured: Paula Wheeler (CR) and
Alternates, David D. Russell, Jr. (H), Joe Meek (C), John "J.J." Kenney (C), Joseph Johnston, III (B), Robert
Holmes (CR) and Jacquie Hepfer (I).
Hernando County (H), Citrus County (C), Brooksville (B), Crystal River (CR) and Inverness (I).

Extension Services
Dr. J. Stacy Strickland
County Extension Director
1653 Blaise Drive
Brooksville, FL
(352) 754-4433
www.extension.HernandoCounty.us
The Cooperative Extension Service is a partnership
between the United States Department of
Agriculture, University of Florida Institute of Food
and Agricultural Sciences, and the Hernando County
Board of County Commissioners. In 2014, the
Extension Service celebrated 100 years of serving its
citizens.
2014 Extension Accomplishments
2007 office visitors
3,624 phone calls
17,646 class participants
172 field consultants
37,720 website hits
196 volunteers
31,506 volunteer hours
A recent customer satisfaction survey administered
by UF showed that 98.5 percent of Hernando County
residents are satisfied or very satisfied with services
provided by Extension.
In April, Dr. Bill Lester was hired as the new Urban/
Commercial Horticulture Agent. Essential services
include:
Pesticide license testing and classes
Fertilizer license testing and classes
Green Industries Best Management Practices
National pollution discharge elimination system
4-H Accomplishments
4-H members enrolled in 1,667 service projects in
the following subject areas:
396 for Leadership and Personal Development
303 in Communication and Expressive Arts
212 in Animal Sciences
179 Environmental
171 Consumer & Family
160 in Biological
153 in Civic Engagement
Workforce Ready
Members of the Hernando Youth Initiative, in
collaboration with Career Central, identified a
population of 16-24 year olds who were not enrolled
in school, unemployed and lacked the skills and
qualifications to gain employment, be accepted into
post-secondary education or be accepted into the
military. The Workforce Transition Team was
formed and tasked with creating a program to
address these issues. The Ready 4 Success and
Workforce Transition program was launched.
Of the 41 graduates
18 percent gained employment during or
immediately following the program.
10 percent successfully enlisted in the military.
5 percent enrolled and were accepted into a
post-secondary school.

The Hernando County Public
Library System (HCPLS) was the
recipient of the inaugural 2014
Florida Library Association (FLA)
Excellence in Marketing and Public
Relations Award. HCPLS was
selected as the winner for its 2013
Library of the Year Marketing and
Community Awareness Campaign.
The Library received this award at
the FLA Annual Conference held in
Orlando on May 7, 2014. Library
staff also presented a poster session
about the winning marketing
campaign. One objective of this
Library of the Year campaign was to
create awareness and pride among
all library staff for the exceptional
services they provide to the
community.
By recognizing and celebrating this
important achievement all year, staff
morale and team spirit increased.
The Library held a successful Staff
Development Day which gave all
staff a chance to celebrate together
while also learning and engaging in
team building activities.
Celebrating Achievements
A new Employee Recognition
program allowed coworkers to
nominate each other for Employee
of the Month awards based on
specific criteria. A Volunteer
Appreciation Breakfast was also held
at all library branches on May 8,
2014.
(L to R) Nick Nicholson, Adam Brooks, Diane Rowden, Dave Russell and James Adkins
Library
Adam Brooks
Director of Libraries & Community
Services for the Hernando County
Public Library
(352) 754-4043
www.hcpl.lib.fl.us

Adapt and Innovate
HCPLS has increased its level of technology instruction and assistance.
Some examples of this include:
Computer class enrollment increased by 18 percent in 2014.
Tech Tutors programs now offered at all branches to provide patrons
with one-on-one help with all electronic devices.
Freegal Movies and Television, a digital streaming service, is now
available to all library card holders.
Internet speeds increased for the public and upgraded public and staff
computers.
Wireless printing now available at all branches.
Focus on the Community
HCPLS has increased outreach and programming efforts and focused on
providing services outside of the library branches, which include:
Attend an average of three community outreach events per month.
New Books on the Go program provides books for deposit collections
around Hernando County.
Promote early learning and literacy, the Library launched a Roaming
Readers initiative to provide story times and activities to children and
families outside of the library at places such as parks, day camps, and
recreation centers.
New Reverse Field Trips program where library staff members visit
schools to promote and educate students and faculty about library
services. Reverse Field Trips improve the relationship between the
Library and the school system and encourage students to get excited
about reading and visiting the library. During the 2013-14 school year,
HCPLS visited 10 schools in 15 days, spoke to more than 4,100
students and issued over 450 new library cards to students.

Health & Human Services
Veda A. L. Ramirez
Health & Human Services Manager
Room 161
Brooksville, FL
(352) 540-4338
www.hernandocounty.us/
HealthandHumanServices/
The Health and Human Services Department continues to
promote social and economic self sufficiency. Our
mission is to assist with resolving health and human
services needs through advocacy and networking. The
primary focus is on the accountability and efficiency of
our state-mandated programs, which includes:
Health Care Responsibility Act
Disposition of Dead Bodies
County Medicaid Reimbursement Program
Detention Cost Sharing
Financial Responsibility of Medical Expenses for
Arrested Persons
Child Protection Professional Services
Our diligence in these areas, combined with our increased
direct services and collaborative efforts with community
partners, has had a positive impact on the quality of life
for residents and has alleviated health and social service
costs to the County.
Response to Community Needs
Our role has expanded to include more direct service in
response to the needs of the community. In FY2014, staff
responded to 8,015 requests for assistance. Requests have
been met through various grants and collaborative efforts.
The Emergency Solutions Grant was obtained to help
homeless residents and potentially homeless residents
secure and maintain housing.
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) was
established for the purpose of stabilizing communities
that have suffered from foreclosures and
abandonment. The department submitted close-out
paperwork for the NSP1. As a grantee under NSP3,
the department received a congratulatory letter from
U.S. Housing and Urban Development for meeting the
statutory requirement to spend 100 percent for
allocated funds within three years.
The Department trained to become Affordable Care
Act Certified Application Counselors and a Kid Care
Certified Assistant Site to increase enrollment and
knowledge of affordable health insurance options to
our residents.

Veterans Services
Matt Peters
Veteran Services Officer/Manager
mpeters@HernandoCounty.us
7479 Forest Oaks Blvd.
Spring Hill, FL
(352) 754-4033
Hours: Monday—Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.hernandocounty.us/
veteran_services/
The Department of Veteran Services was created to
assist all former, present and future members of the
U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents. We assist
veterans in preparing claims and securing
compensation, hospitalization, vocational training
and other benefits or privileges to which they may be
entitled under any federal or state law or regulation
by reason of their service in the Armed Forces of the
United States.
In addition, we manage the transportation program
that transports veterans to James Haley Hospital in
Tampa. This program is free for veterans and is
implemented at no cost to the County. The
department continuously strives to provide high
quality and efficient service to veterans and their
families.
Accomplishments
Assisted 7,006 veterans and their dependents .
Reported annual veteran revenue of $90,987,232.
All services rendered under their subsection of
Florida Statutes (FS 292.05) shall be without charge
to the claimant.

General Services
The Parks and Recreation Department
continues to provide quality
recreational and leisure services to our
residents .
Parks Accomplishments
Hernando Park—striped four
existing tennis courts for our first
ever Pickle Ball/Tennis courts.
Pine Island Park—had 400 tons of
white beach sand replaced and a
new septic sewer system was
installed.
Linda Pederson Park—playground
was replaced.
Lake Townsend Regional Park—
boat ramp had new access road
installed and improvement to the
entire boat ramp area.
Ernie Wever Youth Park—resealed
and striped parking lot.
Anderson Snow Park—had bulbs
replaced for the athletic fields and
sod replaced.
Veterans, Delta Woods, Hill N
Dale and Kennedy parks—had
basketball courts re-surfaced.
Recreation Accomplishments:
Provided athletic fields and
services to 6,500 individuals
registered to play youth or adult
sports.
Hosted four district tournaments
and one state tournament. One
Spring Hill minor team captured a
World Series Title.
Hosted a Regions Cup for more
than 30 soccer teams from all over
the state of Florida.
Offered adult softball to more than
30 men’s teams and 17 senior
softball teams.
Took over the operation of the
Little Rock Cannery and provided
services to hundreds wishing to
can vegetables, fruits and meats.
Year-round Special Events
Downtown County Jam
Summer Jam benefiting Cystic
Fibrosis
Bluesapalooza
Halloween Harvest Festival
Father Daughter Dance
Horace Hi C Copeland (free)
Annual Football Camp
Bark Island
Christmas on Main Street
We continue to build partnerships
with the public, private groups,
schools and organizations to offer both
adult and youth events. Working with
the Hernando County Chamber of
Commerce Young Professionals, the
Hop and Glow Easter Egg Hunt was
held for more than 3,500 kids at
Anderson Snow Park. In addition, we
held Dog Disc Frisbee tournaments ,
Anti-Bullying events, Back to School
events, Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs
partnerships and continue our work
with our youth sports leagues to add
improvements to the parks.
The Lake House
The County purchased the property
known as The Lake House in Spring
Hill. This 19-acre site has an outdoor
stage and will serve as an additional
venue for community concerts,
weddings, baby showers and public
meeting space. We look forward to
bringing new and exciting programs
and special events to the community.
Parks & Recreation
Roy Link
Parks & Recreation Manager
parks@hernandocounty.us
205 E. Fort Dade Avenue
Brooksville, FL
Parks: (352) 754-4027
Recreation: (352) 754-4031
www.HernandoCounty.us/Parks_Rec/

General Services
Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport & Technology Center
Kevin Daugherty
Airport Manager
15800 Flight Path Drive
Brooksville, FL
(352) 754-4061
www.flybkv.com
Brooksville -Tampa Bay Regional Airport and Technology
Center is multi-modal with an onsite Rail Park for
possible direct-by-rail access to the deep water Port of
Tampa. With over 125 businesses, the Technology Center
is home to world class manufacturers and aerospace
suppliers.
Real Estate
Signs of an economic recovery are evident in terms of
airport business growth due to acquisitions. Premio
Foods bought LaBella Sausage and Barrette Outdoor
Living bought Alumi-Guard.
Summit Signs now occupies the rail-access property
at 2080 Broad Street.
Micro-Matic announced a plan for major expansion.
The design will complement the Corporate Airpark
campus. The 60,000 sq. ft. facility will be visible from
the Suncoast Parkway.
Aviation
American Aviation purchased the former Dial One,
LLC hangar and office. After renovations, it will be
home to a flight school.
The Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI)
lighting project is complete.
New surge suppression system installed to mitigate
lightning-related ILS outages.
Customs and Border Patrol User Fee Airport status
feasibility study completion.
The Airport Master Plan update and Wildlife Hazard
Assessment projects are in process.
Design for American Aviation pavement rehabilitation
project approved.
Following last year’s airport name change, the airport
signage design capital project is approved to proceed.
Electrical vault and apron lighting upgrade project
approved.
Engineering for security enhancements purchase
order approved.
Design for radial road realignment purchase order
approved.

General Services
Purchasing & Contracts
The Purchasing and Contracts Department
mission is to maximize the purchasing value
of public funds in procurement to provide:
Safeguards for maintaining a
procurement system of quality and
integrity.
Fair and equitable treatment of all
persons involved in public purchasing by
the County.
Accomplishments:
Saved more than $1 million dollars for
fiscal year 2014 from competitive bids
received through the Florida On-Line
Bid System.
Handled 142 bids and request for
proposals.
Efficiencies:
Saved staff time through the use of
blanket purchase orders when there is a
continuing need for small dollar items or
services and credit cards are not
accepted.
The Facilities Department furnishes
quality building services for County-
owned and leased facilities for County
agencies, their employees and the public.
In addition to standard maintenance
and operations tasks, the Facilities
Department staff completed the
following special projects.
Accomplishments:
Completed renovation for the East
Hernando Library after sustaining
significant fire damage.
Completed addition to the Fire
Department Headquarters billing
offices and restrooms.
Completed renovation of the
Detention Center’s infirmary area to
a new youthful offender holding area.
Continued Detention Center
improvements and repairs including
two more housing unit renovations in
the Alpha housing wing and kitchen
air conditioning replacement.
Added a west side office location for
the Clerk of Court, including
renovations.
Installation of perimeter fencing for
the Sheriff’s Office facility.
Facilities
Craig Becker
Facilities Manager
1525 East Jefferson Street
Brooksville, FL
(352) 754-4029
www.HernandoCounty.us
Russell Wetherington
purch@co.hernando.fl.us
Room 365
Brooksville 34601
(352) 754-4020
www.hernandocounty.us/pur/

General Services
Technology
Karolyn Anthony
Technology Services Manager
Room 363
Brooksville, FL
(352) 754-4009
www.HernandoCounty.us/tech/
The mission of the Technology Services Department (TSD) is
to deliver quality and innovative technology solutions to
enhance efficiency, reduce paperwork and streamline the
flow of information to the citizens, business community,
County departments, constitutional offices and other
government agencies.
TSD provides the day-to-day network support for the entire
County and the City of Brooksville.
Accomplishments
Completed upgrading the telephone/voicemail system
and network storage for electronic files.
Executed the inter-local agreement with the Supervisor
of Elections Office, providing technical staffing for the
election process.
Upgraded the utility billing system to include the trash
billing for Republic Services.
Providing support for the Utilities Department.
Transferred Government Broadcasting department to
TSD.
Completed phase one of a three-part project to replace
aging video equipment in Government Broadcasting.
Executed a new inter-local agreement with the City of
Brooksville providing for an annual increase in cost and
bi-annual reporting and implemented after-hours
support until 10 p.m. on work days and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
for weekends and holidays.

Department of Public Works
Brian Malmberg
1525 East Jefferson Street
Brooksville, FL
(352) 754-4060
www.hernandoCounty.us/dpw/
Engineering
Roads and Bridges
Traffic
Waterways—Port Authority
Stormwater
Municipal Service Benefit Unit
(MSBU)
This year, the team said good-bye to
some long term employees and
welcomed some new faces. Fred
LaPiana is the new assistant public
works director. From Tisbury,
Massachusetts, LaPiana served as the
public works director for more than 20
years. Dan Wilson, operations
coordinator, joins us with 15 years in
county government experience.
Organizational Name Change
The Division of Transportation Services
has transitioned back to its original,
and industry standard name, the
Department of Public Works (DPW).
The department consists of the
Engineering (transportation/roadway
improvement, stormwater and traffic)
and Operations (roads maintenance,
traffic signs & signals, and waterways)
divisions.
Emergency Response Projects
The Department of Public Works and
Engineering must respond to emer-
gency events related to County
infrastructure, including roadways, and
stormwater systems. Challenges faced
by DPW are the unpredictable nature
of emergency events. Some of the
emergency events include sinkhole and
washouts, roadway flooding, fallen
trees obstructing the roadway and
damage to traffic signals and road
signs.
On June 2, 2014, the road surface of
Tiburon Ave. near Northcliffe Blvd.
collapsed forming a 20 foot diameter
hole about four feet deep. Fortunately
this damage was not caused by sinkhole
activity, but rather from erosion caused
by a leaking storm sewer pipe. The pipe
and roadway were promptly repaired
and placed back into operation within
one week. The total cost for this
emergency repair was $12,920.50.
On July 19, 2014, a sinkhole opened in
the roadway on Eldridge Road near
Van Allen Way in Spring Hill. The
sinkhole was approximately 60 foot in
diameter and 20 foot deep. Testing and
repair efforts began almost
immediately. The roadway was restored
and reopened to traffic in August. The
total cost for this emergency repair was
$90,000.
Tiburon Ave. Culvert Repair
Sinkhole on Eldridge Rd.

Limerock Road Surfacing Program
The purpose of these programs is to identify cost
effective materials and methods for the
maintenance and operation of Hernando
County’s public limerock surfaced roadways.
There is a total of 385.8 miles of maintained, un-
paved roadways; 349.7 miles of regularly main-
tained limerock roads; and 36.1 miles of emer-
gency maintained roads. Factors used in selecting
roadways include: traffic volume; seasonal high
water table; vertical & horizontal alignment;
location equity; cost of maintenance and safety.
1. Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Program
The reclaimed asphalt pavement (millings)
program has moved aggressively this past fiscal
year with more than ten miles of lime rock roads
treated with millings as compared to eight miles
last year. This program saved the County, on
average, $28,000 of maintenance effort per mile
milled annually.
DPW developed a pragmatic multi-year plan to
treat roads with millings, balancing budget and
workforce availability. The plan will focus to
concentrate milling resources in geographical
zones to reduce travel time in maintaining the
remaining limerock road inventory.
2. Dust Control Program
DPW developed a paving program for dust
control on limerock roadways. The $600,000 of
funding budgeted this year provides for
approximately four miles of roadway surfacing.
The methodology and prioritization allows us to
serve the greatest number of citizens, considering
local residents and general public traffic.
Projects are ranked and applied to a five-year
plan. Completed this year were Mullins and
Saturn roads.
MSBU Road Paving Projects
New hire, Kelly Trout, special assessments
coordinator helped to completed eight Municipal
Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) road paving
projects – Benes Roush Rd., Crum Rd., Eider
Rd., Hancock Lake Rd., Helene Way/Allen Dr.,
Ostrom Way/Allen Dr., Royal Highlands Area A
(a total of four roads paved) and Royal Highlands
Area C.
Accomplishments
Paved 9.92 miles of limerock roadway
designing and seeking permits for the 2015
MSBU road paving schedule which will
consist of 37 roads, for a total of 24 miles
Consolidated 28 street lighting districts into
one enabling the citizens to take advantage of
efficiencies, including savings on
administrative costs.
Mullins Road Dust Control Project - Before
Mullins Road Dust Control Project - After

Port Authority/Waterways
The Port Authority, in conjunction with County
staff, has developed a Five-Year Capital
Improvement Program for the County’s
waterways. Projects included in the 2013/2014 –
2018/2019 Program include the Bendickson
Tank Reef Addition, Hunters Lake Phase 1,
Hunters Lake Phase 2, Hernando Beach Boat
Ramp Expansion and the Shallow Water
Snorkeling Reef.
The Waterways Department completed several
special projects in addition to standard
maintenance and operation tasks. These projects
include:
Rebuilding of Aripeka Tripod
Installation of Bayport Day Markers
Cutter Rock Tripod
North Rack Tripod
Submittal of the permit for the Shallow
Snorkeling Reef
Obtained FWC grant for Bendickson Tank
Reef Addition
Initiated concept design for the Hernando
Beach Boat Ramp Parking Expansion
The Waterways Department’s standard
maintenance and operations tasks include:
Sea grass bird racks, pilings and buoys
Reefs
Ramp & dock maintenance
Marine permit inspections
Waterways tree trimming
Navigational aid maintenance & installation
County Engineer’s Office
The County Engineer’s Office would like to
welcome the following new employees: Heba
Nasralla, traffic engineer; Johnathan Walker,
operations coordinator; Theresa Avery, property
acquisition and management coordinator; Keith
Larson, construction specialist; and Theresa
Cuocco, finance specialist.
We would also like to congratulate Mark
Guttman, P.E. He was promoted this year from
engineering assistant to our new county engineer.
We would also like to congratulate Sue Tolbert
who retired this year after 29 years with
Hernando County. She will be missed.
Engineering’s Completed Projects
Design
Royal Highlands Area
G, MSBU
Peach Orchard Dust
Control
Dan Brown Hill Road
Paving
Richbard Road
Buczak Road
Zone 6-8 Fiber Optics
Lake Lindsey Road,
Phase III
Spring Hill Drive @
Galgano Lane Culvert
Deltona Boulevard Culvert
Old Spring Lake Road, Bell Prop. Culvert
Bayou Drive Culvert
Culbreath Road Culvert
Breakwater Boulevard at US-19 Intersection
Improvements
SR-50 Frontage Road (Kadri to Evergreen
Woods)
SR-50 Intersection Improvements at
Nighwalker Road
SR-50 Intersection Improvements at Coastal
Way.
Spring Hill Drive at Kenlake (Sidewalk and
Drainage)
Cutter Rock Tripod
Reef Balls

Quality/Medical Sidewalks
BMP 7
Barclay Road (from Powell to San Antonio)
Star Road at Weeping Willow
Mariner Frontage Road (Southeast)
Powell Road (Barclay to US-41) PD&E
Mariner Boulevard (SR-50 to Jacqueline)
PD&E
Spring Hill Elementary School Sidewalks
Howell Avenue Sidewalks
Exultant Drive / Service Road 5517 (LAP)
Sidewalks
Shoal Line Boulevard Sidewalks
Shoal Line Boulevard South Sidewalks
Osowaw Boulevard Paved Shoulders
Good Neighbor Trail Phase III & IV
Spring Hill Drive Sidewalks
Pinehurst Sidewalks
2014 Blueberry Festival Traffic Control
Construction
Spring Hill Subdivision Area 3A Resurfacing
Mullins Road Dust Control
Gulf Coast Retreats
Challenger/Chocachatti Turn Lanes
Mondon Hill Road/Jasmine Drive Paving
Rolling Acres
Snow Memorial Highway Paving
Lake Lindsey Phase I
Daly Road Paving
Saturn Road Paving
Royal Oaks Estates Paving
Spring Lake Highway Paving
Deltona Boulevard Turn Lanes
Linden Sidewalks
Jason / Chalmer Sidewalks
Waterfall Sidewalks
Stoneville Court Drainage Improvement
Treehaven Drainage Improvement
Eppley Drive Reconstruction & Drainage
Hope Hill Culvert Replacement
Dauson Property
Culbreath Road Drainage Work
Spring Lake Culverts
High Point DRA
Madrid & Spoonbill Culverts / Swale Work
Fenwick Drainage Project
Tropical Point Seawall
Ivy Hill Culverts
Lake Townsend Park
Spring Hill Drive Separator at Springwood
Dauson BMP 5 Stormwater Project
The Dauson BMP 5 Stormwater Project, located
between Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and
Jefferson Street, jointly funded by the Hernando
County Stormwater MSTU and the Southwest
Florida Water Management District cost
$397,500 and was completed in May 2014. The
project expanded Saxson Creek in southeast
Brooksville to create a stormwater detention
pond providing flood reduction and water quality
treatment benefits. The pond provides
approximately 23 acre-feet of flood storage for
the south Brooksville area. It also provides flood
control and revitalization to the south Brooksville
community. It is listed as recommended BMP 5
in the South Brooksville Master Drainage Plan.
High Point Drainage Retention Area
Development of the High Point Community
predated permitting requirements and the
existing drainage system was inadequate for the
125-acre watershed. This led to recurrent flood-
ing of the neighborhood. The improvements
increased storage volume by eight acre-feet and
provide a measure of flood protection to the
residents. The project was funded by the DPW
and completed in December of 2013 with a final
project cost of $183,880.
High Point DRA Completed Project

Traffic Engineering
The Traffic Engineering group has been very
active this year in providing technical support for
our engineering projects and operational staff.
Accomplishments
Completed a review of proposed commercial
and residential developments, as well as state
and county roadway and intersection
projects.
Completed design plans for signage,
pavement markings, and the temporary
traffic control for the various road paving
projects.
Investigated citizen concerns and provided
direction on the placement of new signs and
striping and appropriate adjustment to traffic
signal timing.
Completed compliance with new state
standards for safety initiatives including new
pedestrian crossing and vehicular clearance
times at all county traffic signals allowing
longer walk times for pedestrians and longer
yellow and all-red clearance times for vehicles
at intersections.
Completed a traffic signal upgrade and school
zone traffic control project.
Maintained the proper signal timings on
ninety signals, grouped into fourteen control
zones for corridor travel.
Installed Centracs, the latest generation of
Automated Traffic Management System
software compatible with the Hernando
County Traffic Management System. This
software employs the latest platform technol-
ogy, eliminates the need for individual zone
specific controllers, gives a signal malfunction
text alarm to on-call technician and provides
enhanced zone control through integrated
GIS mapping.
Implemented the school zone traffic control
project designed to enhance student safety by
providing larger, bright fluorescent yellow-
green school zone signs and larger, special
emphasis crosswalks with school pavement
markings at all the schools in the county.
Signs and markings comply with the most
current federal and state standards, and are a
collaborative effort with the County, School
District, Sheriff’s Office and Florida
Department of Transportation Safety Office.
Plans are continuing to be finalized for all
school sites.

CUSTOMER SERVICE
Combined Billing Project
In January 2014, Utilities Customer
Service and Billing Department
successfully completed a combined
billing project with Republic Services,
Hernando County’s garbage collection
contractor. The effort allowed the
inclusion of garbage collection fees in
the Utilities monthly billing statement
for accounts in the universal collection
area. First quarter analysis identified
that Utilities collected payment from
97 percent of accounts billed; an
increase of 17 percent of what Republic
Services previously collected, while
effectively maintaining the expected
cost level for providing this service to
the contractor.
FINANCE
Restructuring of Utility Department—
Five Year Financial/Rate Model
The Division along with Public
Resources Management Group, Inc.
(PRMG) performed a Water and
Wastewater Revenue Sufficiency
Analysis for the fiscal years ending
September 30, 2014 through 2019,
regarding the ability of the depart-
ment’s operating revenues to
adequately fund the identified
expenditure and funding
requirements, including the capital
improvement plan.
Additionally, the study helped
determine whether to use Bonds and/
or State Revolving Funds to fund our
Capital Improvement Projects. Upon
completing the study a Five Year
Financial/Rate Model was developed
which established user rates for fiscal
year 2015 through fiscal year 2019.
The user rates were approved by the
BOCC on May 13, 2014 and are
effective as of October 1, 2014.
OPERATIONS
Storeroom
Utilities Supply overcame the
challenge of limited space and safety
issues by relocating the storeroom
ensuring that we meet supply needs
and future growth.
Accomplishments
Increased space for multiple truck
deliveries and safe forklift
operation.
Provided room for technicians to
pick up morning supplies and drop
off motors and pumps for repair.
Increased outside pallet and pipe
rack space with eight-foot higher
pallet rack.
Increased warehouse
floor space to 400 square
feet around the warehouse
which resulted in 120 addi-
tional pallet capability.
Division of Environmental Services & Utilities Department
Susan
Goebel-Canning
Environmental Services Director
(352) 754-4037
www.hernandocounty.us/utils/
Hernando County Utilities Department Storeroom

SOLID WASTE
Northwest Waste Management Facility Cell
Closure
The Solid Waste department successfully
completed the closure of a cell at the Northwest
Waste Management facility. This specific
location of the landfill had reached design
elevation and capacity. The project consisted of
filling and cutting the existing cell soil cover and
municipal solid waste to achieve design slopes,
waste and soil relocation, installation of three
levels of 16 feet wide terraces and final
installation of a 19.3-acre cover. The project was
within budget at $2.9 million. Furthermore,
closure of this cell allows capture of methane gas
which is used to produce electricity.
MOSQUITO CONTROL
Neff Lake Project
In June of 2014, staff treated 10 acres at Neff
Lake in an effort to eliminate water hyacinth and
control several species of mosquitoes that attach
to these plants as larvae to breath. Aquatic weed
control is performed to reduce sources where
mosquito larvae can breed and thrive. This
includes freshwater lakes, ponds and retention
areas with weeds such as cattails and water
hyacinth. The completion of this project enables
residents to freely enjoy the environment without
the worries of mosquitoes.
OPERATIONS
Wastewater Plants and Electrical-Mechanical
Utilities Department redesigned the sludge
thickener at the Glen utilizing parts available on
hand. Engineering staff installed the replacement
pump to allow the waste solids to recycle
properly for thickening purposes. By thickening
the waste solids while under aeration, the odors
from the facility were reduced without adding
additional odor control costs.
WATER CONSERVATION
Student Education Program
The Water Conservation Department partnered
with the Springs Coast Environmental Education
Center providing materials and funding the
student education program.
The program educated more than 6,000 K-12
students on water conservation and springs
protection.
Students were taught water resource protection
modules by professional Hernando County
Board of Education staff. The creation of the
conservation curriculum modules ensures that a
consistent and continuing message will be
embedded in the educational process.
Neff Lake Project
Wastewater Plants and Electromechanical

Furthering our commitment to student
education, we also provide support and
materials to the Gulf Coast Academy of Science
and Technology (GCA). GCA is committed to
providing a unique education through weekly
field experiences integrated with a hands-on
advanced middle school curriculum.
HCUD OPERATIONS
Wastewater Collections
Accomplishments include:
Installed 1,115 linear feet of 8 inch force
main for the future Seville commercial
development
Installed 10,943 radio read meters
Completed 7,831 line locates
Installed approximately 1,200 feet of water
line on Mullins Road to provide a loop
system for improved water quality and
additional fire protection for the proposed
administration building
HCUD OPERATIONS
Water Distribution
The Water Distribution Section services 61,681
customers. Accomplishments include:
Completed 17,792 work orders
Repaired 137 water mains
Repaired 1,465 service lines
HCUD ENGINEERING
Airport Water Reclamation Facility (WRF)
The Airport Water Reclamation Facility was
redesigned to construct expansion in two
separate phases and postpone construction of
the reclaimed water components until a
customer is procured. The first phase of
expansion will start construction in early fall
and will expand capacity from 1 million gallons
per day to 3.5 million gallons per day. The
second phase of construction will increase
capacity to 6 million gallons per day and
construct reclaimed water components. The
construction contract was awarded on August
26, 2014.
Rain Barrel Workshop
Wastewater Collections Installation of Force Main
Southwest Waste Management Facility Cell

Public Safety
Scott Hechler
Director of Public Safety & Fire Chief
60 Veterans Ave.
(352) 540-4353
Following the February 2014 retirement of Hernando
County Fire Rescue (HCFR) Fire Chief Michael Rampino,
the County launched a nationwide recruitment search for
his replacement.
After a three month search, Scott Hechler was selected as
the director of public safety and fire chief. Hechler
previously served with the Spotsylvania County Fire
Rescue in Virginia. Chief Hechler has nearly 32 years of
local, state and federal public safety experience.
HCFR provides 24/7/365 emergency response services
from 14 fire/rescue stations strategically located
throughout the County based on rapid response times
and service demands. Utilizing cross-trained fire and
EMS personnel, the HCFR is prepared for and responds
to all manner of emergency incidents from an all-hazards
perspective.
HCFR also works in collaboration with Hernando County
Sheriff's Office, Brooksville Police Department, Brooks-
ville Fire Department, Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire
Department and High Point Volunteer Fire Department
to seamlessly serve all residents and visitors.
Accomplishments:
Gained six new firefighters, an additional ambulance,
Rescue 5 and 12 additional firefighters to standard-
ized minimum manning levels on all 13 fire engines at
three personnel.
Replaced aging emergency response apparatus with
two new fire engines and two ambulances. HCFR
now staff or cross-staff 13 fire engines, 12 ambu-
lances, one aerial/ladder truck, three water tankers
and seven brush trucks.
Responded to 26,815 emergency calls.
Transported 17,118 patients by ambulance.
Performed 5,633 fire inspections.
Conducted numerous fire education programs and
participated in many community service programs
including schools, assisted living facilities and
community associations.

During the year, Hernando County
Animal Services (HCAS) took in a
total of 2,925 animals including
1,621 dogs, 1,230 cats and 74 other
species like birds, livestock and
small furry pets. A large majority
of these animals were strays or
abandoned pets. Some animals
were impounded due to their
owners becoming hospitalized or
incarcerated. Others were under
observation for bite quarantines or
confiscated for mistreatment and neglect concerns.
HCAS adopted out 997
animals, returned 518 to
their owners and
transferred 378 animals to
rescue partners, which
resulted in a total of 1,893
live outcomes. Live
outcomes expressed as a
percentage results in an
overall save rate of 69%
broken down to 82% for
dogs, 50% for cats and 90%
for other species.
Dr. Julie Rosenberger joined the
team on May 12, 2014 and she is
extremely dedicated to continuing
the mission of improving the level of
care provided to our animals,
improving the quality of customers
service and increasing the number of
adoptions and rescues of animals
entrusted to HCAS care.
Dr. Julie holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of
South Florida and her veterinary degree was earned at
the University of Florida.
Animal Services
Dr. Julie
Rosenberger, DVM
Veterinarian & Director
19450 Oliver Street
Brooksville, FL
(352) 796-5062
www.HernandoCounty.us/animal
Hours:
Tuesday—Friday:
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
Don Barbee, Jr.
Brooksville, FL
7415 Forest Oaks Boulevard
Spring Hill, FL
(352) 754-4201
www.HernandoClerk.com
Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Spring Hill Office open until 4:30 p.m.)
The first full year under Clerk and
Comptroller Don Barbee Jr., has been
fast paced and exciting. There have
been so many technological
advancements and exciting changes
that we can’t possibly cover them all
here. Doug Chorvat, Director of
Information Technology and his
skilled team of professionals have had
their hands full with projects.
The Court Services Department, under
the direction of Susan Maggiorini, has
seen the biggest changes with the
implementation of e-filing in all court
divisions. The State of Florida is
moving to a paperless court system
and Barbee has been on the ground
floor of the transition being elected as
Vice Chair of the Florida Courts
E-Filing Authority. He and his staff
provided training to local attorney’s
offices and spent a lot of time making
sure the transition was as smooth as
possible for such a radical change to
the way legal business is conducted in
Hernando County.
The Department of Financial Services
continued to provide the people of
Hernando County with exceptional
accounting and financial services
ensuring the prompt and proper
payment of over $3M each week and
the management of a portfolio which
exceeds $2M. Thanks to the work by
Director Amy Gillis and the finance
staff, the Clerk’s Office was awarded
the Certificate of Achievement for
Excellence in Financial Reporting by
the Government Finance Officers
Association.
The Audit Services Department
worked hard to maintain efficiency
and transparency in County
government, completing reviews of
fuel usage by County workers, con-
tracts and leases, and risk
management. On deck for the Audit
Services team is a detailed look at the
Hernando County Fire Rescue
District’s medical billing and an
assessment of the County’s technology
recovery plans.
Administrative Services Director
Jenine Wimer had a year of
consolidation and reorganization. This
office is now responsible for the Clerk’s
Board Records, Value Adjustment
Board and official records functions.
Official Records/Tax Deeds
successfully implemented new case
management systems resulting in staff
efficiencies and a user-friendly
interface for public searches. New
software allows the Clerks to
introduce e-recording, an exciting new
technology which allows title
searchers, mortgage companies and
other frequent customers to record
documents without leaving their
offices.
Probably the most exciting news from
Fiscal Year 2013-14 was the May
opening of the Clerk’s Spring Hill
office at the Westside Government
Center. Staffed with existing
personnel, the Westside team has been
helping people with official records,
marriage licenses, traffic tickets and
criminal payments.
Westside Office staff

Supervisor of Elections
Shirley Anderson
shirleyanderson@hernandocounty.us
Room 165
Brooksville, FL
(352) 754-4125
www.hernandovotes.com
The Hernando County Supervisor
of Elections office continues to be
committed to providing fair,
transparent elections with timely
and accurate results. Our mission
statement "To ensure the integrity
of the electoral process and
empower each voter through
continuous education" is
something we strive to achieve on
a daily basis.
Our focus this year was in
educating our voters to be
“Election Ready.”
A weekly series
entitled “Did
You Know?”
informed voters
of all aspects of
the elections
office. Topics
included how to
register to vote,
ordering a vote
by mail ballot,
and the importance of keeping
your voter record up to date.
Moving the elections warehouse to
a new location proved to be cost
effective as well as making the
pickup and drop off of election
supplies more efficient. The 2014
Primary Election had a 16.22%
turnout, with the majority of
voters casting their ballot prior to
Election Day.
Voting by Mail continues to be a
popular trend as more and more
voters are realizing how easy and
convenient it is. In addition, early
vote sites were doubled. Four sites
located conveniently throughout
the county provided another
option for voters.
A new feature, “Turnout Quick
View,” was added to the website
which enabled people to see voter
turnout in real time. Supervisor
Anderson and the elections staff
utilized traditional media such as
radio interviews and newspaper as
well as social media to
communicate voter infor-
mation. Facebook and
Twitter played an impor-
tant role in outreach, edu-
cation and the ability to get
out information.
We were honored to host
Secretary of State Ken Dentzer
on his visit to Hernando County

Property Appraiser
John C. Emerson, CFA
pa@hernandocounty.us
Room 463
Brooksville, FL
7525 Forest Oaks Boulevard
Spring Hill, FL
(352) 754-4190
Office hours:
Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
https://www.hernandopa-fl.us/PAWebsite
The Property Appraiser’s Office statutory
responsibility is to account for all parcels and provide
an accurate Real and Tangible Personal Property Tax
Roll on a yearly basis.
The Property Appraiser’s Office is also the lead
agency for centralized shared service programs (e.g.,
County Central GIS and Addressing Office) serving
several county departments, City of Brooksville and
the Hernando County School District.
The development of internal and external internet
based property search programs are used to support
the county as well as other public and private
agencies. Shared service programs save taxpayer
dollars and increases efficiency.
My office continues to utilize technology to create a
customer focused environment. An example is the
development of our online Homestead and Tangible
Personal Property applications. These features allow
taxpayers to complete and email applications and
returns without making a trip to the office or
incurring mailing costs.

Sheriff
Sheriff Al Nienhuis
Hernando County Sheriff’s Office
Brooksville, FL
(352) 754-6830 (non-emergencies)
(866) 990-8477 – Crime Stoppers
www.hernandosheriff.org
Sheriff Nienhuis continues to utilize
inmate labor throughout Hernando
County in order to save tax-payer
dollars. Hernando County jail
inmates provided over 147,000 hours
of labor to clean roadways, medians,
and government facilities throughout
Hernando County. The value of that
voluntary labor, just at minimum
wage and benefits, is approximately
$1.5 billion dollars. We installed a
permanent drug drop-off box at our
main office located at 18900 Cortez
Boulevard in Brooksville and at our
District 2 office located at 7499 Forest
Oaks Boulevard in Spring Hill.
Citizens are now able to properly
dispose of unwanted, unused, and/or
expired prescription and over the
counter medications as well as
veterinarian prescriptions. The
drop-off box is available in the main
lobby of the Sheriff’s Office during
normal business hours. There is no
cost to drop off unwanted/unused
medications. The new permanent
drug drop-off box will provide
another option for Hernando County
residents to safely dispose of
unwanted/unused medications. It
will provide an increased awareness of
prescription drug abuse and help keep
potentially dangerous drugs out of the
wrong hands.
All meals at the Hernando County
Detention Center are prepared on site
by Inmate Trustys, supervised by
Detention Deputies. Meals are
prepared three times per day in the
commercial kitchen at the Detention
Center. Currently, there are
approximately 1,500 meals prepared
per day – this equates to over 545,000
meals per year. In an effort to
promote and maintain the safest and
most sanitary working environment
possible, the Food Handler Certificate
Program is available for Trustys who
work in the kitchen. This program is
offered in conjunction with the
Florida Restaurant and Lodging
Association’s Safe Staff Program.
Florida law requires all food service
employees be trained in an approved
food safety program. Completion and
certification of this program will
provide the inmate with both the
knowledge and skills required to
comply with Florida’s Foodhandler
Training Law. Inmates seeking
employment in the food service
industry upon release may utilize this
certificate as proof of meeting the
mandatory training standards. 35
inmates have completed the program
and gained certification. The program
continues to be a great success for the
facility as a whole. Funds for this
program were provided by the State
Criminal Alien Assistance Program
(SCAAP) Grant.

Sally L. Daniel, CFC
Room 112
Brooksville, FL
11319 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Brooksville
FL (Drivers License Services Only)
7489 Forest Oaks Boulevard, Spring Hill, FL
(Motor Vehicle, Property Taxes, Hunting &
Fishing Licenses , Drivers Licenses)
(352) 754-4180
www.hernandocounty.us/tc/
(Open until 4:30 p.m. at Ponce De Leon and until
4:45 p.m. at Forest Oaks, 4 p.m. for Drivers
Licenses)
Tax Collector
This past year has been an active one for the Tax
Collector, Sally Daniel. At both Brooksville and
Spring Hill offices, staff issued the following:
229,000 motor vehicle transactions
54,000 driver license transactions
2,557 driving exams performed
1,296 licenses for hunting and fishing
147 passes issued for THE Bus
A distribution of $144,930,068.34 for the 2013 Tax
Roll was made, in addition to the collection of
delinquent tax payments.
New this year, the Tax Collector’s office located on
Hwy 98 (Ponce DeLeon Blvd) in Brooksville, has
recently started issuing Florida birth certificates.
This past year was also filled with some wonderful
opportunities. Sally and her staff walked to support
Lauren’s Kids, an organization that helps children
which have experienced sexual abuse. The Lauren’s
Kids specialty plate is available at the Courthouse or
Forest Oaks office. The additional fees that are
collected when this license plate is purchased are
distributed to the Lauren’s Kids organization to
support the cause.
The office staff also participated in Life Link’s
campaign for Donate Life. It is required by law to
ask each driver license applicant if they would like
to donate their organs. Organ, tissue and eye
donors have the power to save up to eight lives and
enhance more.
The latest campaign the staff participated in, was
the AAA Safe Summer. Traffic safety is an
important part of all our daily lives. The AAA
Foundation has many educational programs for the
newly licensed to the seasoned drivers to ensure
that each driver is safe behind the wheel.
This past July, the Tax Collector Office displayed the
many different license plates available for the
military personnel, at the annual Veterans Fair.
Military specialty plates were also displayed and are
available for anyone to purchase, the additional fees
are distributed to that particular organization.

Notes

2013-2014 Hernando County Annual Report
Designed, developed and produced by
Hernando County Public Information Office
Hernando County Government Center
20 North Main Street, Room 263
(352) 540-6780 ● publicinformation@hernandocounty.us
This publication can be viewed online,
in PDF or HTML format and at www.hernandocounty.us
Centennial Celebration

Annual Report FY2014

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