Out and About

By MEGAN HUSSEY
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For more than four decades, The Hernando Symphony Orchestra has filled the halls and gatherings of Hernando with the sounds of popular music, performed by virtuoso musicians who play everything from pop hits to holiday music, movie themes to jazzy favorites and Broadway tunes.

The music was silenced this spring, when--in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic--the orchestra's April concert was, like many public events and programs, canceled. 

By MEGAN HUSSEY
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What would the summertime be without the moviegoing experience? The larger than life screens, the glamorous movie stars sweeping their way through dynamic adventures, and--of course--the candy and popcorn! Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is moving into the second phase of his plan to revive the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing movie theaters to partially reopen through most of the state. Thus the summer movie season can commence in Hernando County--with safety restrictions in place.  

They say that “laughter is the best medicine.” Well, if you want a good dose of this remedy, you can find it just forty minutes from Spring Hill down U.S. 19. The Comedy Hall of Fame Museum, housed in a multi-story office building in Holiday is home to more than 800 exhibits containing innumerable pieces of memorabilia highlighting the history of comedy – from the ancient Greeks and Romans to today’s most popular funny people. These include photographs, posters, sound recordings and an old radio.

by ROCCO MAGLIO
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This past Sunday we set out to purchase fruits and vegetables. We could have gone to the grocery store, but we decided to cut out the middlemen and head to Upicktopia in Masaryktown. Upicktopia is a farm where you pick the fruits and vegetables. 

There were strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries along with an assortment of lettuces, swiss chard, and jalapenos. There are plenty more crops growing that will be ready in the coming months. They also have a farm store where they sell many more fruits, vegetables, and eggs.  

The City of Dreams - Chicago 

The city where it all began...

“He (my father) was deeply passionate and committed to achieving the American Dream for his daughters,” Diana told me. 

by SARAH NACHIN
HERNANDO SUN

On Saturday, February 29, the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce held its second annual Home and Garden Show at the Sand Hill Boy Scout Reservation. According to Lisa Callea, Director of Events for the Chamber, the purpose of the event was to “showcase the trades industry.”

More than fifty vendors set up displays at the site. These ranged from real estate offices and banks to home-based businesses, such as Mary Kay. A number of non-profit organizations were also represented. There was even a very cordial manatee at the event. 

By SUE QUIGLEY
HERNANDO SUN

The preferred destination for local and beyond boat enthusiasts, Hernando Beach Marina remains focused on adding more new development programs designed to provide a superlative customer service experience.

The marina was voted top choice in Hernando County for the second year in row for boat sales and service on Florida’s Adventure Coast. The marina is a full service marina with its on site canvas shop and the largest selection of new boats on the beach.

by Jessica Williams

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Elvis Presley was fascinated by her. Walt Disney put her on the red carpet.

The world just cannot get enough of her. Who is she?

She is The Little Mermaid. Before there was Ariel, there were many other mystical mermaids. And since Ariel's popularity soared, there have been many more that have followed in her footsteps. Or rather, the path she left with her majestic mermaid fins.

By MEGAN HUSSEY
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An ethereal mermaid floats gracefully in the sea, holding a bowl of tangerines as she gestures lithely toward signposts leading the way to five Hernando communities. This portrait, Weeki Wachee Mermaid, captures life in Hernando County--and has been named the inaugural winner of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council Art in the Park Artist Contest. 

By MEGAN HUSSEY
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For about 30 years, the Nature Coast Builders Association has hosted the Parade of Homes for the Nature Coast; a tour of some of the most beautiful and stylish modern homes in Hernando County. And while the home tour, hosted by an organization that represents the interests of the building industry and the general public in Florida’s Hernando and Citrus counties, always has been a showcase of virtual radiance and excellence in the art of homebuilding, this year's tour is 'virtual' in a second important sense.