Hernando County engineers and the Hernando‑Citrus Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) presented an overview of the county’s sidewalk program and the Local Agency Program (LAP) federal funding mechanism used to build sidewalks near schools.

Todd Crosby, county engineer, said Hernando County has been LAP certified since 1997 and was recertified in March 2023 through March 3, 2026. He said the county has completed more than 40 miles of sidewalk through approximately 27–31 projects since 1997 and currently has four projects under construction. Crosby and MPO director Bob Esposito said the county and MPO have reprioritized funding to emphasize sidewalks within two miles of schools after prior emphasis on bicycle trails.

Esposito said Safe Routes to School‑type funding and FDOT transportation‑alternative funding require project sponsors to demonstrate school and principal support (letters) and to own or secure right‑of‑way before federal funds can be authorized. He encouraged school and county officials to coordinate with MPO staff to move projects into the FDOT work program. Officials said some sidewalk projects are ready for funding but are not yet in FDOT’s adopted work program; staff said projects are sometimes withheld from public announcement until FDOT program entries are confirmed to avoid raising community expectations.

Commissioners and school officials raised specific trouble spots: North Avenue near Hernando High, crossings along State Road 98, Powell/Barclay/US‑41 school bus stop safety, and sites where students must walk along shoulders. Officials agreed to coordinate and provide lists of funded projects to boards as projects advance into FDOT’s program.

Ending: MPO director offered staff assistance and an MPO priority list; county and city representatives agreed to provide project contacts and pursue right‑of‑way acquisition when needed to qualify for federal funds.