Article by PATRICK HRAMIKA, LISA MACNEIL and RUSSELL S. THOMPSON
Photos by RUSSELL S. THOMPSON and LISA MACNEIL
Updates from HCSO:
UPDATE #3
UPDATE #2
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Hazardous Devices Team has taken possession of the suspicious item located in proximity to the Hernando County Courthouse.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is currently working to reopen the courthouse and the roads in and around the courthouse.
UPDATE #1
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is currently on the scene of a reported Bomb Threat at the Hernando County Courthouse. The courthouse was immediately evacuated and traffic in and around the courthouse was diverted.
During a sweep of the building, deputies located a suspicious item in proximity to the courthouse.
In an abundance of caution, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Hazardous Devices Team was called in to examine and dispose of the item.
The Hazardous Devices Team is currently on scene.
No additional details are available at this time.
Original information
There is currently an increased law enforcement presence in and around the Hernando County Courthouse in reference to a suspicious incident.
The courthouse has been evacuated in an abundance of caution.
Please avoid the area at this time as traffic is shut down around the courthouse.
Additional details will be provided as they are made available.
UPDATE: As of 2:42 PM, the Hernando County Courthouse and Government Center has been cleared to reopen.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Deputies from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office are currently on the scene at the Hernando County Courthouse and Government center responding to a suspicious incident. Drivers should seek routes alternate to East and West Jefferson street.
Employees and visitors evacuated from the Hernando County Courthouse / Government Center on February 17, 2022. Photo by Russell S. Thompson
The building has been evacuated, however the reason for the evacuation and law enforcement presence was not given. Unconfirmed reports of a bomb threat were overheard, however The Hernando Sun reporters were unable to determine if the area bomb squad was on the scene.
This story is still developing and we will post updates as we receive them.
