Lisa MacNeil

By LISA MACNEIL
Hernando Sun Reporter

Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Deputy Jeff McDougal was on routine patrol around 2:30 AM  in Ridge Manor on May 3, 2019.  He was called to perform an area check after someone had called 911 from a cell phone, and hung up before any information could be obtained by the Emergency Dispatcher.  

While investigating the source of the call, McDougal encountered a couple taking a walk.  Unusual for the late hour, he stopped to ask the couple if they had any knowledge of a problem or disturbance nearby.  They did not. 

by LISA MACNEIL
Hernando Sun Reporter

On Thursday, May 2, 2019, approximately 20 residents met with Conservation Lands Specialist Michael Singer and Planning Director Ron Pianta under a pavilion at Lake Townsend park to discuss their concerns over restoration efforts.  A preliminary public meeting, interested parties submitted written suggestions and voiced concerns over recent prescribed burns and clearing maneuvers that have resulted in the removal hardwood trees, commonly known as ‘oak’ and others.  

By LISA MACNEIL

One year later, Tidal Brewing Company has more brews on their menu, and a full house to celebrate.

At their grand opening, one year ago, Dave and Maxine Peitzman outfitted their brewhouse to serve beer lovers of pilsners to porters.  They’ve been successful.
On the day before Cinco de Mayo, no one is drinking tequila at Tidal. On this date, Tidal Brewing Company celebrates one year of great beer, brewed entirely on-site.  Tidal began with 12 brews a year ago. Today,  their menu has expanded to 16.  They also offer sangria and Pinot Grigio.

By LISA MACNEIL
Hernando Sun Reporter

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is commonly thought to affect military veterans, especially those close to combat situations.  Not often is PTSD associated with law enforcement and other first responders, medical personnel, or even emergency dispatch personnel.  

Former Major Crimes Detective Cole Brinson put this into perfect perspective, in his case, law enforcement.   “Here we are, you’ve got the same bullets flying by you.  You get hit by them sometimes.  (We) deal with death…”  

by LISA MACNEIL
HERNANDO SUN REPORTER

In a packed auditorium at Hernando High School, Senior Malia Williams gave a very personal account of her sixteen year old sister’s frightening experience while experimenting with others using an eCigarette, or ‘vape.’  

Shortly after puffing on the device, her sister’s heart rate soared to a dangerously high rate.  Doctors would later report that the fluid within contained arsenic.  “That’s rat poison!” Williams told the audience.

Roughly two years ago, Hernando County Port Authority Vice Chairman Steve Barton was working on a boat at the Hernando Beach Marina when he noticed another boat nearby in obvious disrepair.  Barton approached the Marina owner who told him, “Man we’ve been trying to get rid of that for years.”

Barton thought this large vessel constructed of ferroconcrete would make a great addition to the Bendickson reef.

by LISA MACNEIL

This article coincides with the following April 9, 2019 BOCC agenda item:

Purchasing and Contracts Manager James Wunderle
7. Continuation of Discussion Regarding Approval of Ranking Order and Authorization of Contract Negotiations With Highest-Ranked Firms for Airport Engineering Services (RFQ No. 18-RG0128/PH)

In Aug. 2018, the county issued a Request for Proposals for extensive engineering services at the airport.  The awarded companies would receive a 5 year contract.  

This article coincides with the April 9, 2019 BOCC AGENDA ITEM:

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICES DIRECTOR JIM DAVIS- Update Regarding Cooperative Extension Services and University of Florida Extension Hernando County 2018 Annual Report

CITIZEN COMMENTS

Chuck Gordon spoke again about the phone menu system one encounters when calling the government offices.  According to Gordon, the option to reach a live representative should be stated in multiple places in the menu tree.

Pat and Shirley Miketinac and Pam Everett made remarks about the restoration project at Lake Townsen(d) Preserve. 

This article coincides with citizen comments and "Update Regarding Relocation of Gopher Tortoises to Environmentally Sensitive Lands at Lake Townsen Preserve" agenda items of the Board of County Commission meeting April 9, 2019