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New sheriff's PIO to save $20K a year

New sheriff's PIO to save $20K a year

Brooksville, Florida -- After three decades in law enforcement, Hernando County Sheriff's Office public information officer Sgt. Donna Black is retiring.

Her retirement is effective July 5.

Sgt. Black will, however, continue to serve as a mounted patrol officer and as the liaison to the civilian mounted patrol unit.

"I am thankful for the dedication Sgt. Black has given the citizens of Hernando County for nearly a decade," said Sheriff Al Nienhuis.

Deputy Wendy McGinnis will take over as the agency's new public information officer.

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Free hospital tours Wednesday

Free hospital tours Wednesday

Brooksville, Florida -- Wednesday, the Brooksville Enrichment Center is offering a free tour after a senior seminar on peripheral artery disease.

The seminar is scheduled for 2 - 4 p.m. in the conference room on the first floor of Brooksville Regional Hospital, which is located at 17240 Cortez Boulevard.

Dr. John Ablan will present a seminar on peripheral artery disease, including risk factor identification, modification and therapy.

Debbie Druzbick, executive director of the Enrichment Centers of Brooksville & Spring Hill, will review the programs, classes and activities offered, along with giving free tours of the Brooksville Enrichment Center.

Transient's affinity for Ford trucks leads to arrest

Transient's affinity for Ford trucks leads to arrest

Hernando County, FL -- A transient man was arrested in Hernando County on Thursday, June 16 after police recovered four stolen Ford pickup trucks, some taken from local hospitals.

On Thursday, the Hernando County Sheriff's Office received information about a possible location of a stolen vehicle at the Ridge Manor Motel, located at 5205 Treiman Blvd., in Ridge Manor.

According to police, the motel owner told deputies that the only room occupied was room number 1 and it was being rented by 29-year-old Kyle Gibson. Deputies saw a green Ford F250 covered in mud, parked in front of room number 3 but mud tracks leading to Gibson's room.

Manhunt suspect located in Hernando County

Hernando Police say this suspect has been found.

Here's the official information we received earlier from the Hernando Sheriff:

At 8:11 am Hernando County Sheriff's Office received a call reference to Shelton Rhoads, putting guns into his vehicle and leaving his residence threatening to harm his children who live at another location.

A deputy attempted to stop Rhoads in his vehicle in the area of Parson Road at which time Rhoads pointed a weapon at the deputy. Deputies lost sight of Rhoads in the area of Hwy 98 and Citrus Way.

Currently deputies are searching for Rhoads with the assistance of the helicopter and road units. All of Rhoads family members are safe and secure.

If anyone believes they see the vehicle Rhoads is in call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to stop or make contact with Rhoads.

More mugshots:

Bay scallop season to open early, close late this year

Bay scallop season to open early, close late this year

The recreational harvest season for bay scallops in Florida will begin June 25 and extend through Sept. 25.

The FWC, in support of Gov. Rick Scott and Cabinet, added three weeks to this year’s season to help relieve Florida fishing communities suffering from possible economic hardships due to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  

Open scalloping areas on Florida’s Gulf coast extend from the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the Pasco-Hernando county line near Aripeka. It is illegal to possess bay scallops while you’re in or on state waters outside the open harvest areas, or to land bay scallops outside the open areas.

City of Brooksville's Memorial Tree Program

City of Brooksville's Memorial Tree Program

Brooksville, FL -- Looking for a way to pay tribute to a loved one, mark an anniversary, commemorate a special occasion or celebrate a significant achievement? 

The City of Brooksville has a Memorial Tree Program to serve as a living remembrance of the special people and events in our lives and community. 

A young native tree will be planted along with a plaque placed at the base of the tree.  A card will also be sent to the honoree acknowledging your gift.  For additional information on trees, pricing, venues, and for the form visit the city's website.  

Summer camp programs in Hernando Co.

Summer camp programs in Hernando Co.

Hernando County, FL -- Looking for a camp for you kids this summer. Well, Hernando County Parks & Recreation has got you covered.

Here's an extensive list of all available camps for the summer of 2011.

  • Basketball Camp

Cost: $80   M-R                  Location: WH Middle

Ages: 8 to 14 (limit 60 campers) Weeks: 7/18, 7/25, 8/8  Time: 9a-3p        *8-9a/3-4p Extended care addtl $10

  • Horace Hi-C copeland football camp With Special Guests Errict Rhett, Marcus Jones & Leon Searcy

Cost: $110                           Location: Springstead High School

Ages: 7 to 14                                      Week: July 22-23              Time: 9a-3p