[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6690547,"mediaKeyId","2112788-d33b00f38e58c661ff329696ce3fdd3a","parentId",2112788,"title","Commission discusses expanding mandatory countywide trash collection; ordinance to authorize expansion fails 3–2","audioSeconds",3781,"startMs",3678000,"endMs",7459000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2112788-d33b00f38e58c661ff329696ce3fdd3a&start=3678&end=7459","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2112788-d33b00f38e58c661ff329696ce3fdd3a/thumbnail_3678000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6690547/Hernando-County/Florida/Commission-discusses-expanding-mandatory-countywide-trash-collection-ordinance-to-authorize-expansion-fails-32","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6690547-0ad88c42e9e435e609f23d76fb857bc2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145877&Signature=ZLxy9mQ3Ijw~sUVqiK7s6TYUvN0wgAJCzYVakqhVlpgr1tp-N8GGKyj6tDgDSuFQWJTI8FMswaA0zA3WBq50qU4aRDbiCP6TQ~kvOCQdJeWo0VnWUbsG-LesBfFYL4HZIopbsxLfo7f1ULp7LoBDCORW8BqHcerb00pESjeOmbEfd04WM47oC45Bm8azp8aW64dVxbrY7WUYuHddOQatOcHCZYr94EEYEANg25eq0jTFujnHblp0EMry0H~GYhxsoPPkvgmMYS06hmXY~GMS6QKFZ4KWCOTGwf5kgyMCE46b0u3TiBtjJk6IJBViPhzr4DF0E31pb4paEoYBnJNzwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hernando County","date","2025-01-14T08:51:00Z","article","The Hernando County commission on Jan. 14 considered an ordinance (referred to in the record as 2025‑2) that would have authorized expansion of the county’s universal solid-waste collection district and placed standard residential curbside service on residents’ property tax bills. The board declined to adopt the ordinance in a roll-call vote (3–2: Campbell voted yes; Commissioners Ansler, Alaco, Champion and Chairman Hawkins voted no), after extensive public comment and a lengthy discussion among commissioners.

What was proposed: Staff described two proposed expansion areas — an area including Hernando Beach, Pine Island and Weeki Wachee (described in staff slides as roughly “55 100 homes”) and a second area north and east of US 41 (described as roughly “57 100 homes”) — plus a list of larger subdivisions the county would add to the universal collection zone. Staff said expanding the universal area could reduce the unit price in future bids because of higher routing and billing efficiency; the county’s current franchise contract with Republic Services expires at the end of 2025.

Public comment: More than two dozen residents spoke at length. Opponents argued mandatory billing removes choice, is regressive for seasonal residents and low‑income households and unfairly subsidizes convenience-center users and other areas. Multiple residents said their taxes had increased recently and asked why trash service should be mandatory on tax bills. Snowbirds and residents of High Point and Hernando Beach described paying for service only part of the year or relying on convenience centers. Supporters and some commissioners argued that mandatory collection improves public health, reduces illegal dumping and can lower per‑household costs through franchise economies of scale.

Board debate: Commissioners split over principles and timing. Several commissioners said they favored some form of expanded collection but not without public approval or clearer protections for households; others said the board should not compel residents in areas that did not vote for mandatory service. Commissioner Campbell moved an ordinance that would authorize expansion; Commissioner Laco seconded. After public comment and commissioner debate the roll-call vote was: Ansler—Nay; Alaco—Nay; Campbell—Aye; Champion—Nay; Chairman Hawkins—Nay. The motion failed. A number of commissioners signaled support for pursuing a public referendum on a clarified proposal for 2026.

Why it matters: The decision preserves the status quo for now. If the county had expanded the universal collection area, solid-waste billing would have shifted from optional subscription accounts to property tax-based billing for newly included subdivisions; staff said that change would affect contract bidding and rates in the 2026 collection contract.

What’s next: Staff said it will finish the current RFP process for the 2026 franchise period using the existing universal boundary and recommended the board consider a ballot measure or other narrower, targeted approaches (e.g., using impact fees, MSBU/MSDU surcharges, or targeted districts) in 2026. Several commissioners asked staff to prepare options for a 2026 referendum and to study targeted district approaches and convenience-center user fees.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hernando County - Board of County Commissioners on 2025-01-14 9:00 AM - Regular Meeting - Jan 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After hours of public comment and debate, the board rejected an ordinance (2025-2) that would have authorized expanding Hernando County's universal solid-waste collection district to additional subdivisions. The proposal prompted months of workshops, strong public response and a 5‑member roll-call vote that failed 3–2.","taxTitle","Hernando County, Florida","taxId",2876,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6690551,"County adopts ordinance allowing removal of dilapidated newspaper vending machines",246,3136000,3382000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2112788-d33b00f38e58c661ff329696ce3fdd3a&start=3136&end=3382","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2112788-d33b00f38e58c661ff329696ce3fdd3a/thumbnail_3136000.jpg","/articles/6690551/Hernando-County/Florida/County-adopts-ordinance-allowing-removal-of-dilapidated-newspaper-vending-machines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6690551-dbfaf4e44c96f6cb55b4f1920405a259/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145877&Signature=ZwnDWHKeEQ4WLz6vlhrjNvKHm9WDgFJxxCuEx3NbMgi1d444qkoWeuOrLyCOZXv1wtLDWG61InuG~OSxbOLGm1heJU4oD8aAdNkjv65VU5yVy-s~BrmjvjFpkK78Gjb0Z7vVgHkIM2qM4tINebA8yyCnYT-VhkcxJq0JcNY6d-5u5xcgSRsBE8fnQQVhiKcWae8NvZs5YfKQb-p8zxF2fJ07exJhiM1opdgQw9QDJzfkFK4PF1I3EsSq7oTuc5fh9DbfEubvrPXZbmV~vTiyDnN0K917mWGwFVVDYn6NFiejVV8TvktBOCjpY40LmDJ~6hEmTwnzWjuOsA0R8KiuyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners approved Ordinance 2025-1 on Jan. 14, allowing the county to remove dilapidated or abandoned newspaper vending machines from county right-of-way.

Planning and county staff said vending boxes from defunct publications have become litter and long-term maintenance problems. The proposed ordinance was described as a narrow regulation aimed at machines left in rights-of-way that are not maintained and that fall outside existing junk-and-trash removal statutes.

Commissioner Lako made the motion to adopt the ordinance and Commissioner Campbell seconded. The board conducted a roll-call vote and the ordinance passed 5-0 (Commissioners Ansler, Alaco, Campbell, Champion and Chairman Hawkins recorded “Aye”), thereby authorizing county code enforcement and public works to remove units that meet the ordinance’s conditions.

Why it matters: Staff said the change fills a legal gap so the county can clear abandoned stands that are broken, filled with trash or hazardous and that pose visual blight in rights-of-way.

What’s next: County staff will publish guidance on the new removal process and work with property owners and publishers before removing units.

","The commission adopted Ordinance 2025-1, giving county staff authority to remove abandoned or unsafe newspaper vending machines from county right-of-way; the vote was unanimous on a roll call.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6690554,"Hernando County proclaims Jan. 20, 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day",203,2368000,2571000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2112788-d33b00f38e58c661ff329696ce3fdd3a&start=2368&end=2571","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2112788-d33b00f38e58c661ff329696ce3fdd3a/thumbnail_2368000.jpg","/articles/6690554/Hernando-County/Florida/Hernando-County-proclaims-Jan-20-2025-Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Day","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6690554-dcde7623f6b2b8ef64beeea81a268906/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145877&Signature=VEozdvVE6-wNmlaGvj-on4oAhloE61bxF5Zf3feCsMAi6zSmC2swrNORvu4em7BSv2ZIa6YWSu~1VQk5VBqlu9eMpmUCmDJB6FHhO0qkiyEEkksXEEtG7YlR2cE4HnZE8ah-56sPxZb73VFzYHtqwUXFxPem0~18Hfcjqzs0m5XpDpcQTjxfPj8nyyjD2rKy7KOrJOxXYD0Kkei9JV-Duqf9l~SzRFf4rNeaGq-uRKR2RfRnp4ugIwnWyauLz7IIZV5-yZYAjZUw0wXCLE5YYXGro4LEElzFYpk1S88QhYSkW8qQcAth0OPSYpKDf6R0gb0dZOlybstGaGMchPrAGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners voted to proclaim Jan. 20, 2025 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Hernando County.

Commissioner Hamzler read the resolution recognizing King’s life and legacy, recalling civil-rights legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and urging citizens to observe the holiday through service.

Reverend Dr. Emery Ailes spoke from the public to thank the board for the recognition and to emphasize continuing efforts toward equality and community service.

Commissioners also mentioned a local MLK parade in Brooksville and related events including a performing-arts program sponsored by the NAACP Youth Council. The board approved the proclamation by voice vote.

Why it matters: Proclamations designate a formal day of recognition and are typically accompanied by community events; the board used the occasion to highlight local parades, service opportunities and performances.

","The commission adopted a resolution declaring Jan. 20, 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Hernando County and heard brief public remarks in support of community service and remembrance.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6690556,"Hernando County proclaims January 2025 Human Trafficking Awareness Month",558,1133000,1691000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2112788-d33b00f38e58c661ff329696ce3fdd3a&start=1133&end=1691","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2112788-d33b00f38e58c661ff329696ce3fdd3a/thumbnail_1133000.jpg","/articles/6690556/Hernando-County/Florida/Hernando-County-proclaims-January-2025-Human-Trafficking-Awareness-Month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6690556-25d16058ba643a0b0fdad6a85fac75dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145877&Signature=P37X~fIFMl0XOVqiG1VCr9S-ASG2yREZQOu0T8~4YRoSjhIYVh~8bhCamoAuwQ9dMCcShHl-JtF15HlBKFaVx-kvSolhY1QSqZHgKchMeUOfDUeHpyqLRFLhEmAzaD6rjBE3eUESkYT1Q1nPYJpOFvakLkHG9TCRfhgsuUidJcckadgw74l1QGPkTxtDhJTOvo0SoxamTxCbEB3hy1UBRRDBD7xfFM-0xlgZvpuuHka9nKdfEg2hTowm2yqSCkmdMJguFlGzcuMBfPxAu62xroObl-yqe7rBdNkhvvCq9NPH3ZdOPfIfHAfrycoLtCFCkB6RMNuuYESeUjru6BXw0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 14 unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming January 2025 Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

The resolution notes federal law and describes trafficking as the forced or fraudulent recruitment, harboring or transportation of people for labor or commercial sex. Commissioners heard from local nonprofit and law-enforcement representatives who urged public vigilance and expanded prevention and victim services.

Janine Kelsey, director of the Children's Advocacy Center of Hernando County, said the county’s human-trafficking task force brings together nonprofits, law enforcement and the Florida Department of Children and Families to respond to child and adult victims. ‘‘When we get calls for possible human trafficking cases ... these are the people that respond,’’ Kelsey said.

Alan Wilkin, a volunteer with Warrior 321, urged residents to ‘‘look at the kids, pay attention to them’’ and to support local prevention work. ‘‘The frontline workers that’s gonna make a difference ... are these detectives, it’s Janine, it’s the nonprofits who are working along with you to make a difference,’’ Wilkin said.

Sergeant Sean Galarza of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, who identified himself as supervising the Internet Crimes Against Children and human-trafficking unit, introduced detectives and a detection K-9 who were present at the meeting.

Commissioner comments praised local nonprofits and law enforcement. Commissioner Campbell thanked DCF and highlighted K-9 Riley at the sheriff’s office; Commissioner Champion and others said reducing demand and state-level changes could reduce trafficking.

The board approved the proclamation by voice vote. After the vote the commissioners posed for photos with nonprofit staff and first responders.

Why it matters: local victims’ advocates said coordinated prevention, education and law enforcement are needed to identify victims quickly and link them to services. The vote creates an official county recognition intended to raise public awareness.

What’s next: Commissioners and nonprofits encouraged residents to report suspicious situations to law enforcement and use available victim services and prevention resources.

","The Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month and heard brief remarks from local nonprofits and law enforcement about prevention, victim services and the need to reduce demand.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission discusses expanding mandatory countywide trash collection; ordinance to authorize expansion fails 3–2

County adopts ordinance allowing removal of dilapidated newspaper vending machines

Hernando County proclaims Jan. 20, 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Hernando County proclaims January 2025 Human Trafficking Awareness Month