Hernando County, Florida
Encyclopedia
Hernando County is a county
located in the U.S. state
of Florida
. As of 2000, the population was 130,802. The U.S. Census Bureau
2006 estimate for the county is 165,409 http://www.census.gov/popest/counties/tables/CO-EST2006-01-12.xls. Its county seat
is Brooksville, Florida
. The majority of the county's population is in Spring Hill
, west portion of Hernando County. Hernando, along with Pasco
, Hillsborough
, and Pinellas
counties, are comprised by the Tampa
-St. Petersburg
-Clearwater
, Florida
, Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Around 1840, Fort DeSoto was established in present-day Hernando County in the northeast edge of present-day Brooksville
to protect settlers in the area from Native Americans. Fort DeSoto became a small community center, trading post, and way station on the route to Tampa
. When settlement by the fort began around 1845, it was alternatively known as Pierceville.
Then encompassing a significantly larger area of west central Florida than it does today, Hernando County was officially established on February 27, 1843, two years prior to Florida's admission into the Union. It was created from portions of Alachua, Hillsborough and Orange Counties and included all of present day Citrus and Pasco Counties. Named for Spanish
explorer Hernando de Soto, whose name has also been honored in De Soto County, Hernando County was briefly renamed Benton County in 1844 for Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton
, a strong supporter of territorial expansion who aided in the county's creation. However, Benton fell out of favor with the county's residents later in the decade due to his decision to support the Missouri Compromise
and the overall reversal of his stance on slavery, and the county's name reverted in 1850.
In December 1854, the legislature designated the small port town of Bayport
the county seat. Residents living in the eastern section of the county instead desired a more central place for the county government, and by 1855, voters had selected an inland site within five miles (8 km) of the center of the county at the town of Melendez. In 1856, the citizens of Hernando County chose to rename the town, their new County Seat, Brooksville
in honor of South Carolina Representative Preston Brooks
, who in the same year beat fierce abolitionist Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner
with a cane in the Senate chambers, winning the Congressman great renown in the South.
In 1855, town founder Joseph Hale donated land for a county courthouse in the center of present-day Brooksville. Soon thereafter, the structure was completed, serving the county until September 29, 1877, when it was destroyed in a fire.
During the Civil War
, Hernando County primarily contributed foodstuffs, cotton, and lumber to the Confederacy. Although Union ships imposed a blockade on the port of Bayport
, runners enjoyed a great deal of success—enough to lead the Union in June 1864 to order some 150–250 troops to destroy Confederate stockpiles in the county. In early July, the expedition marched northward from Anclote River to Brooksville
, meeting some resistance from assembled Confederate troops hastily organized to protect the city. The Federal troops won this engagement (known locally as the Brooksville Raid and marched to Bayport, where they and an auxiliary force landing from gunboats sacked Rebel operations. The skirmish between Union raiders and local Confederates is reenacted annually in the county.
On January 2, 1887, the Florida State Legislature divided Hernando County into three independent counties: Pasco County
to the south, Citrus County
to the north, and Hernando County in the middle. Since then, Hernando County's borders have remained unchanged.
Distribution Center in the U.S., approximately 1,600,000 square feet (149,000 m2) in size and located in Ridge Manor. The industrial park Airport Industrial Park is a 155 acre (0.6272633 km²) located near the Hernando County Airport
. Over one hundred aviation, manufacturing and distribution businesses are located in this area. The county also has a limestone
mining
industry
with company Cemex
.
at an elevation of 269 feet. The low point of the county is 0 feet at the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico
.
provides bus service in Brooksville and Spring Hill.
operates two rail lines within the county. Amtrak
formerly provided passenger rail service along the old Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
line east of US 301
in Ridge Manor, but had no stops in the county, and the service was terminated in late 2004. The other line is the Brooksville Subdivision, which runs close to US 41, and was previously owned by the Seaboard Air Line.
Notable abandoned railroad lines include a former branch of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
spanning from southeast of Ridge Manor
through Istachatta
that became part of the Withlacoochee State Trail
, and a spur of this line from Croom west into Brooksville, part of which is being replaced by a new rail trail called the Good Neighbor Trail. Though the Good Neighbor Trail only exists within Brooksville itself, the ultimate goal is to extend it to the Withlacoohee State Trail.
of 2000, there were 130,802 people, 55,425 households, and 40,016 families residing in the county. The population density
was 106/sq mi (274/km²). There were 62,727 housing units at an average density of 51/sq mi (131/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 92.85% White
, 4.07% Black
or African American
, 0.30% Native American
, 0.64% Asian
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
, 0.98% from other races
, and 1.13% from two or more races. 5.04% of the population was Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 91.1% spoke English
, 4.5% Spanish
, 1.1% German
and 1.1% Italian
as their first language.
There were 55,425 households, which 21.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.40% were married couples
living together, 8.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.80% were non-families. 23.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.70.
In the county the population was spread out with 18.90% under the age of 18, 5.40% from 18 to 24, 20.40% from 25 to 44, 24.40% from 45 to 64, and 30.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females there were 90.50 males. For every 100 females, age 18 and over, there were 87.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,572, and the median income for a family was $37,509. Males had a median income of $30,295 versus $21,661 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $18,321. About 7.10% of families and 10.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.90% of those under age 18 and 6.20% of those ages 65 or over.
County (United States)
In the United States, a county is a geographic subdivision of a state , usually assigned some governmental authority. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states; Louisiana is divided into parishes and Alaska into boroughs. Parishes and boroughs are called "county-equivalents" by the U.S...
located in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
. As of 2000, the population was 130,802. The U.S. Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
2006 estimate for the county is 165,409 http://www.census.gov/popest/counties/tables/CO-EST2006-01-12.xls. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Brooksville, Florida
Brooksville, Florida
Brooksville is an incorporated city in Hernando County, Florida, in the United States. It is the county seat of Hernando County. It is a suburban city included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
. The majority of the county's population is in Spring Hill
Spring Hill, Florida
Spring Hill is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The estimated population was 92,144 in 2007 by the United States Census. Spring Hill belongs to Florida's Nature Coast and is in the Tampa-St...
, west portion of Hernando County. Hernando, along with Pasco
Pasco County, Florida
Pasco County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 344,765. The July 1, 2007 census estimate according to the U.S. Census Bureau for the county is 462,715. Its county seat is Dade City, Florida which is in the northeast part of the county - somewhat...
, Hillsborough
Hillsborough County, Florida
As of the census of 2000, there were 998,948 people, 391,357 households, and 255,164 families residing in the county. The population density was 951 people per square mile . There were 425,962 housing units at an average density of 405 per square mile...
, and Pinellas
Pinellas County, Florida
Pinellas County is a county located in the state of Florida. Its county seat is Clearwater, Florida, and its largest city is St. Petersburg. This county is contained entirely within the telephone area code 727, except for some sections of Oldsmar, which have the area code 813...
counties, are comprised by the Tampa
Tampa, Florida
Tampa is a city in the U.S. state of Florida. It serves as the county seat for Hillsborough County. Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida. The population of Tampa in 2010 was 335,709....
-St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is known as a vacation destination for both American and foreign tourists. As of 2008, the population estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau is 245,314, making St...
-Clearwater
Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater is a city located in Pinellas County, Florida, US, nearly due west of Tampa and northwest of St. Petersburg. In the west of Clearwater lies the Gulf of Mexico and in the east lies Tampa Bay. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 108,787. It is the county seat of...
, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
Brooksville, Florida
Brooksville is an incorporated city in Hernando County, Florida, in the United States. It is the county seat of Hernando County. It is a suburban city included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
to protect settlers in the area from Native Americans. Fort DeSoto became a small community center, trading post, and way station on the route to Tampa
Tampa, Florida
Tampa is a city in the U.S. state of Florida. It serves as the county seat for Hillsborough County. Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida. The population of Tampa in 2010 was 335,709....
. When settlement by the fort began around 1845, it was alternatively known as Pierceville.
Then encompassing a significantly larger area of west central Florida than it does today, Hernando County was officially established on February 27, 1843, two years prior to Florida's admission into the Union. It was created from portions of Alachua, Hillsborough and Orange Counties and included all of present day Citrus and Pasco Counties. Named for Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
explorer Hernando de Soto, whose name has also been honored in De Soto County, Hernando County was briefly renamed Benton County in 1844 for Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton
Thomas Hart Benton (senator)
Thomas Hart Benton , nicknamed "Old Bullion", was a U.S. Senator from Missouri and a staunch advocate of westward expansion of the United States. He served in the Senate from 1821 to 1851, becoming the first member of that body to serve five terms...
, a strong supporter of territorial expansion who aided in the county's creation. However, Benton fell out of favor with the county's residents later in the decade due to his decision to support the Missouri Compromise
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise was an agreement passed in 1820 between the pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the United States Congress, involving primarily the regulation of slavery in the western territories. It prohibited slavery in the former Louisiana Territory north of the parallel 36°30'...
and the overall reversal of his stance on slavery, and the county's name reverted in 1850.
In December 1854, the legislature designated the small port town of Bayport
Bayport, Florida
Bayport is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 36 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Bayport is located at ....
the county seat. Residents living in the eastern section of the county instead desired a more central place for the county government, and by 1855, voters had selected an inland site within five miles (8 km) of the center of the county at the town of Melendez. In 1856, the citizens of Hernando County chose to rename the town, their new County Seat, Brooksville
Brooksville, Florida
Brooksville is an incorporated city in Hernando County, Florida, in the United States. It is the county seat of Hernando County. It is a suburban city included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
in honor of South Carolina Representative Preston Brooks
Preston Brooks
Preston Smith Brooks was a Democratic Congressman from South Carolina. Brooks is primarily remembered for his severe beating of Senator Charles Sumner on the floor of the United States Senate with a gutta-percha cane, delivered in response to an anti-slavery speech in which Sumner compared Brooks'...
, who in the same year beat fierce abolitionist Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner
Charles Sumner
Charles Sumner was an American politician and senator from Massachusetts. An academic lawyer and a powerful orator, Sumner was the leader of the antislavery forces in Massachusetts and a leader of the Radical Republicans in the United States Senate during the American Civil War and Reconstruction,...
with a cane in the Senate chambers, winning the Congressman great renown in the South.
In 1855, town founder Joseph Hale donated land for a county courthouse in the center of present-day Brooksville. Soon thereafter, the structure was completed, serving the county until September 29, 1877, when it was destroyed in a fire.
During the Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, Hernando County primarily contributed foodstuffs, cotton, and lumber to the Confederacy. Although Union ships imposed a blockade on the port of Bayport
Bayport, Florida
Bayport is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 36 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Bayport is located at ....
, runners enjoyed a great deal of success—enough to lead the Union in June 1864 to order some 150–250 troops to destroy Confederate stockpiles in the county. In early July, the expedition marched northward from Anclote River to Brooksville
Brooksville, Florida
Brooksville is an incorporated city in Hernando County, Florida, in the United States. It is the county seat of Hernando County. It is a suburban city included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
, meeting some resistance from assembled Confederate troops hastily organized to protect the city. The Federal troops won this engagement (known locally as the Brooksville Raid and marched to Bayport, where they and an auxiliary force landing from gunboats sacked Rebel operations. The skirmish between Union raiders and local Confederates is reenacted annually in the county.
On January 2, 1887, the Florida State Legislature divided Hernando County into three independent counties: Pasco County
Pasco County, Florida
Pasco County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 344,765. The July 1, 2007 census estimate according to the U.S. Census Bureau for the county is 462,715. Its county seat is Dade City, Florida which is in the northeast part of the county - somewhat...
to the south, Citrus County
Citrus County, Florida
Citrus County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 118,085. The U.S. Census Bureau 2008 estimate for the county was 141,416 . Its county seat is Inverness, Florida...
to the north, and Hernando County in the middle. Since then, Hernando County's borders have remained unchanged.
Economy
Hernando County is home to the largest (truck-to-truck) Wal-MartWal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
Distribution Center in the U.S., approximately 1,600,000 square feet (149,000 m2) in size and located in Ridge Manor. The industrial park Airport Industrial Park is a 155 acre (0.6272633 km²) located near the Hernando County Airport
Hernando County Airport
Hernando County Airport is a joint civil-military public airport located southwest of the central business district of Brooksville, a city in Hernando County, Florida, United States. It is owned by Hernando County and is north of Tampa...
. Over one hundred aviation, manufacturing and distribution businesses are located in this area. The county also has a limestone
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate . Many limestones are composed from skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral or foraminifera....
mining
Mining
Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth, from an ore body, vein or seam. The term also includes the removal of soil. Materials recovered by mining include base metals, precious metals, iron, uranium, coal, diamonds, limestone, oil shale, rock...
industry
Industry
Industry refers to the production of an economic good or service within an economy.-Industrial sectors:There are four key industrial economic sectors: the primary sector, largely raw material extraction industries such as mining and farming; the secondary sector, involving refining, construction,...
with company Cemex
Cemex
CEMEX is the world's largest building materials supplier and third largest cement producer. Founded in Mexico in 1906, the company is based in Monterrey, Mexico...
.
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 589.08 square miles (1,525.7 km²), of which 478.31 square miles (1,238.8 km²) (or 81.20%) is land and 110.77 square miles (286.9 km²) (or 18.80%) is water. According to the World Atlas USA, Hernando County is the geographic center of Florida. The highest point in the county is Chinsegut HillChinsegut Hill (Florida)
Chinsegut Hill, at an elevation of , is one of the highest points in peninsular Florida. It is located in Hernando County north of the city of Brooksville.- History :...
at an elevation of 269 feet. The low point of the county is 0 feet at the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is a partially landlocked ocean basin largely surrounded by the North American continent and the island of Cuba. It is bounded on the northeast, north and northwest by the Gulf Coast of the United States, on the southwest and south by Mexico, and on the southeast by Cuba. In...
.
Businesses
Hernando County is home to the largest (truck-to-truck) Wal-Mart Distribution Center in the U.S. approximately 1600000 square feet (148,644.9 m²) in size and located in Ridge Manor. The industrial park Airport Industrial Park is a 155 acre (0.6272633 km²) located near the Hernando County Airport. Over one hundred aviation, manufacturing and distribution businesses are located in this area.Points of interest
- Pine IslandPine Island, FloridaPine Island is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 64 at the 2000 census. Pine Island Park , is a area on the Gulf of Mexico at 10800 Pine Island Drive that includes a swimming beach and swimming area, picnic tables, shelters, barbecue...
- Withlacoochee State ForestWithlacoochee State ForestThe Withlacoochee State Forest is in the western central part in the U.S. state of Florida, near Lecanto, Inverness, Floral City, Brooksville, Ridge Manor, and Dade City.-References and external links:* -See also:* Withlacoochee River...
- Croom Motorcycle Park
- Weeki Wachee SpringsWeeki Wachee SpringsWeeki Wachee Springs is a natural tourist attraction located in Weeki Wachee, Florida, where underwater performances by "mermaids", women dressed with fins about their legs as well as other fancy outfits, can be viewed in an aquarium-like setting in the spring of the Weeki Wachee River...
- Bayport Park
- Delta Woods Park
- Veterans Memorial Park
- Tom Varn Park
- Annutteliga HammockAnnutteliga HammockThe Annutteliga Hammock is a park and preserve in Hernando County, Florida's the Brooksville Ridge and protects groundwater recharge. It connects with the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area and offers trails for hiking and horseback riding....
Aviation
- Hernando County AirportHernando County AirportHernando County Airport is a joint civil-military public airport located southwest of the central business district of Brooksville, a city in Hernando County, Florida, United States. It is owned by Hernando County and is north of Tampa...
serves southeastern Spring Hill, Masaryktown, Garden Grove.
Bus service
Hernando THE BusTHE Bus (Hernando County, Florida)
THE Bus is a cooperative effort of the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners, Metropolitan Planning Organization, City of Brooksville, Florida Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration in serving the people of Hernando County with affordable public...
provides bus service in Brooksville and Spring Hill.
Railroads
CSXCSX Transportation
CSX Transportation operates a Class I railroad in the United States known as the CSX Railroad. It is the main subsidiary of the CSX Corporation. The company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and owns approximately 21,000 route miles...
operates two rail lines within the county. Amtrak
Amtrak
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is a government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971, to provide intercity passenger train service in the United States. "Amtrak" is a portmanteau of the words "America" and "track". It is headquartered at Union...
formerly provided passenger rail service along the old Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad was an American railroad that existed between 1900 and 1967, when it merged with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, its long-time rival, to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad...
line east of US 301
U.S. Route 301 in Florida
U.S. Route 301 in Florida runs from the Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area northeast to the Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Area. The road is a spur of U.S...
in Ridge Manor, but had no stops in the county, and the service was terminated in late 2004. The other line is the Brooksville Subdivision, which runs close to US 41, and was previously owned by the Seaboard Air Line.
Notable abandoned railroad lines include a former branch of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad was an American railroad that existed between 1900 and 1967, when it merged with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, its long-time rival, to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad...
spanning from southeast of Ridge Manor
Ridge Manor, Florida
Ridge Manor is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,108 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Ridge Manor is located at ....
through Istachatta
Istachatta, Florida
Istachatta is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 65 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Istachatta is located at ....
that became part of the Withlacoochee State Trail
Withlacoochee State Trail
Withlacoochee State Trail is a long paved, multi-use, non-motorized rail trail in Florida located in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties.-The route:The southern terminus is at U.S. 98/301 south of Trilby, then runs north where it crosses over U.S...
, and a spur of this line from Croom west into Brooksville, part of which is being replaced by a new rail trail called the Good Neighbor Trail. Though the Good Neighbor Trail only exists within Brooksville itself, the ultimate goal is to extend it to the Withlacoohee State Trail.
Major highways
US 19U.S. Route 19 in FloridaU.S. Route 19 in Florida runs along Florida's west coast from an interchange with U.S. Route 41 in Memphis, Florida, south of Tampa, and continues to the Georgia border north of Monticello, Florida....
(Commercial Way) is a major commercial highway running parallel to the Gulf of Mexico on the western edge of the county, and used as a primary connecting route to cities on the west coast of Florida, including HudsonHudson, FloridaHudson is a census-designated place located at the westernmost end of Pasco County, Florida, United States and is included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, New Port RicheyNew Port Richey, FloridaNew Port Richey is a city in Pasco County, Florida, United States. It is a suburban city included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, Tarpon SpringsTarpon Springs, FloridaTarpon Springs is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The population was 21,003 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2004 estimates, the city had a population of 22,554....
, ClearwaterClearwater, FloridaClearwater is a city located in Pinellas County, Florida, US, nearly due west of Tampa and northwest of St. Petersburg. In the west of Clearwater lies the Gulf of Mexico and in the east lies Tampa Bay. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 108,787. It is the county seat of...
, and St. PetersburgSt. Petersburg, FloridaSt. Petersburg is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is known as a vacation destination for both American and foreign tourists. As of 2008, the population estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau is 245,314, making St...
, as well as HomosassaHomosassa, FloridaHomosassa is a census-designated place in Citrus County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,294 at the 2000 census.-Historic:...
and Crystal RiverCrystal River, FloridaCrystal River is a city in Citrus County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,485 at the 2000 census. . According to the U.S Census estimates of 2005, the city had a population of 3,539. The city was incorporated in 1903 and is the self professed "Home of the Manatee"....
to the north.
US 41U.S. Route 41U.S. Route 41 is a north–south United States Highway that runs from Miami, Florida to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Until 1949, the part in southern Florida, from Naples to Miami, was U.S...
(Broad Street) runs parallel to US 19 through points in the center of the county, including downtown BrooksvilleBrooksville, FloridaBrooksville is an incorporated city in Hernando County, Florida, in the United States. It is the county seat of Hernando County. It is a suburban city included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
, where it intersects with SR 50 and US 98. It is still a primary connecting route with Tampa. Between Brooksville and Garden GroveGarden Grove, FloridaGarden Grove is an unincorporated community in the U.S. state of Florida, in Central Hernando County, Florida...
, US 41 is a six-lane highway, and between Garden Grove and MasaryktownMasaryktown, FloridaMasaryktown is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 920 at the 2000 census. It is named after the first president of Czechoslovakia, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk.-Geography:...
it is a four-lane highway. To the northeast, US 41 runs through part of the Withlacoochee State ForestWithlacoochee State ForestThe Withlacoochee State Forest is in the western central part in the U.S. state of Florida, near Lecanto, Inverness, Floral City, Brooksville, Ridge Manor, and Dade City.-References and external links:* -See also:* Withlacoochee River...
. Plans are currently under way to widen US 41 throughout Hernando County.
US 98U.S. Route 98U.S. Route 98 is an east–west United States highway that runs from western Mississippi to southern Florida. It was established in 1933 as a route between Pensacola, Florida and Apalachicola, Florida, and has since been extended westward into Mississippi and eastward across the Florida...
(Ponce de Leon Boulevard) runs diagonally across the county from the northwest to the southeast, where it exits into Pasco County, and runs concurrent with SR 50 in the eastern part of the county, intersects I-75 in Ridge Manor West and meets the Suncoast Parkway at the parkway's current end near World Woods Golf Course north of Brooksville.
US 301U.S. Route 301 in FloridaU.S. Route 301 in Florida runs from the Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area northeast to the Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Area. The road is a spur of U.S...
(Treiman Boulevard) is a north-south highway that crosses into the county briefly at its tapered eastern end, running parallel to I-75, and intersecting with SR 50 at Ridge ManorRidge Manor, FloridaRidge Manor is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,108 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Ridge Manor is located at ....
.
Interstate 75Interstate 75 in FloridaInterstate 75 is a part of the Interstate Highway System and runs from Hialeah, Florida, a few miles northwest of Miami to Sault Ste. Marie in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan...
runs north and south across the eastern part of the county, with one exit (Exit 301) at its intersection with US 98/SR 50. Once a major connecting point with Tampa, I-75 has been made obsolete for western residents of the county by the Suncoast Parkway.
Suncoast Parkway (SR 589State Road 589 (Florida)The Veterans Expressway and Suncoast Parkway is a north–south toll road near the Florida Gulf Coast. Maintained and operated by Florida's Turnpike Enterprise, this transportation corridor extends from State Road 60 in Tampa, north to U.S. Route 98 near Chassahowitzka...
) enters the county in the south slightly to the west of US 41, and ends in the far northern part of the county at US 98. (N.B. the Suncoast Parkway is considered incomplete; there are plans for it to extend through northern Hernando County and through adjacent Citrus County and head into Crystal River.) The Suncoast Parkway is a toll road that connects Hernando County with Hillsborough CountyHillsborough County, FloridaAs of the census of 2000, there were 998,948 people, 391,357 households, and 255,164 families residing in the county. The population density was 951 people per square mile . There were 425,962 housing units at an average density of 405 per square mile...
, where it becomes the Veterans Expressway and heads directly into Tampa International AirportTampa International AirportTampa International Airport is a major public airport located six nautical miles west of the central business district of Tampa, in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. This airport is publicly owned by Hillsborough County Aviation Authority...
before reaching Interstate 275Interstate 275 (Florida)Interstate 275 in Florida serves the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, measuring 60.696 miles in length. The southern terminus is I-75 near Palmetto, just five miles east of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, a toll bridge crossing Tampa Bay. The highway passes through St...
. SR 589 has four Hernando County exits: County Line Road (Exit 37), Spring Hill Drive (Exit 41), SR 50State Road 50 (Florida)State Road 50 runs across the center of the U.S. state of Florida through Orlando, with its termini at SR 55 at Weeki Wachee and SR 5 in Titusville....
(Exit 46), and US 98U.S. Route 98U.S. Route 98 is an east–west United States highway that runs from western Mississippi to southern Florida. It was established in 1933 as a route between Pensacola, Florida and Apalachicola, Florida, and has since been extended westward into Mississippi and eastward across the Florida...
(Future Exit 54).
SR 50State Road 50 (Florida)State Road 50 runs across the center of the U.S. state of Florida through Orlando, with its termini at SR 55 at Weeki Wachee and SR 5 in Titusville....
(Cortez Boulevard) begins at US 19 in Weeki WacheeWeeki Wachee, FloridaWeeki Wachee is a city located in Hernando County, Florida, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 12. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2004 estimates, the city continues to have a population of 12. The Weekiwachee Preserve and the Weeki Wachee Springs park...
, runs through BrooksvilleBrooksville, FloridaBrooksville is an incorporated city in Hernando County, Florida, in the United States. It is the county seat of Hernando County. It is a suburban city included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
, and exits into Sumter CountySumter County, FloridaSumter County is a county located in the state of Florida, United States. As of the 2000 Census, the population was 53,345. The 2006 Census estimate puts its population at 68,768 . Its county seat is Bushnell, Florida and the largest incorporated municipality is Wildwood, Florida. The Villages,...
at the eastern tip of the county. Along the way, it interchanges with the Suncoast Parkway, intersects with US 41 in Brooksville, runs concurrently with US 98, and intersects with I-75 in Ridge Manor West(Hernando County's only interchange with I-75) and US 301 in Ridge ManorRidge Manor, FloridaRidge Manor is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,108 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Ridge Manor is located at ....
. A significant, well-developed highway in the county, SR 50 originally extended from US 19 to the Gulf Coast at BayportBayport, FloridaBayport is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 36 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Bayport is located at ....
. This section was given back to the county and is currently CR 550. Currently, S.R. 50 is used as a beeline route from the county to OrlandoOrlando, FloridaOrlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
in the east.
SR 50 Alternate (Jefferson Street) is a spur of SR 50 that runs through downtown Brooksville, running concurrently with both US 41 and US 98 at points.
Spring Hill Drive (CR 574) is a major county road running roughly parallel to both SR 50 and the border with Pasco County beginning by US 19, intersects the Suncoast Parkway, and ends at US 41.
County Line Road (CR 578) is a major county road running entirely along the border with Pasco County beginning at US 19, intersects the Suncoast Parkway, and ends at US 41. Due to increased congestion, it is planned to be upgraded from two to four lanes, and possibly upgraded from a county road to a state road.
Adjacent counties
- Citrus County, FloridaCitrus County, FloridaCitrus County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 118,085. The U.S. Census Bureau 2008 estimate for the county was 141,416 . Its county seat is Inverness, Florida...
- North - Sumter County, FloridaSumter County, FloridaSumter County is a county located in the state of Florida, United States. As of the 2000 Census, the population was 53,345. The 2006 Census estimate puts its population at 68,768 . Its county seat is Bushnell, Florida and the largest incorporated municipality is Wildwood, Florida. The Villages,...
- East - Pasco County, FloridaPasco County, FloridaPasco County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 344,765. The July 1, 2007 census estimate according to the U.S. Census Bureau for the county is 462,715. Its county seat is Dade City, Florida which is in the northeast part of the county - somewhat...
- South
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 130,802 people, 55,425 households, and 40,016 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 106/sq mi (274/km²). There were 62,727 housing units at an average density of 51/sq mi (131/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 92.85% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 4.07% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.30% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.64% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.98% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.13% from two or more races. 5.04% of the population was Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 91.1% spoke English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, 4.5% Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
, 1.1% German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
and 1.1% Italian
Italian language
Italian is a Romance language spoken mainly in Europe: Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City, by minorities in Malta, Monaco, Croatia, Slovenia, France, Libya, Eritrea, and Somalia, and by immigrant communities in the Americas and Australia...
as their first language.
There were 55,425 households, which 21.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.40% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 8.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.80% were non-families. 23.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.70.
In the county the population was spread out with 18.90% under the age of 18, 5.40% from 18 to 24, 20.40% from 25 to 44, 24.40% from 45 to 64, and 30.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females there were 90.50 males. For every 100 females, age 18 and over, there were 87.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,572, and the median income for a family was $37,509. Males had a median income of $30,295 versus $21,661 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $18,321. About 7.10% of families and 10.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.90% of those under age 18 and 6.20% of those ages 65 or over.
Incorporated
- City of BrooksvilleBrooksville, FloridaBrooksville is an incorporated city in Hernando County, Florida, in the United States. It is the county seat of Hernando County. It is a suburban city included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- City of Weeki WacheeWeeki Wachee, FloridaWeeki Wachee is a city located in Hernando County, Florida, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 12. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2004 estimates, the city continues to have a population of 12. The Weekiwachee Preserve and the Weeki Wachee Springs park...
Unincorporated CDPs
- AripekaAripeka, FloridaAripeka is an unincorporated community in the U.S. state of Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico on the border of Pasco and Hernando counties. The ZIP Code for this community is 34679.-Geography:Aripeka is located at ....
- BayportBayport, FloridaBayport is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 36 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Bayport is located at ....
- BrookridgeBrookridge, FloridaBrookridge is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,279 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Brookridge is located at ....
- Garden Grove
- Hernando BeachHernando Beach, FloridaHernando Beach is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,185 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Hernando Beach is located at ....
- High PointHigh Point, Hernando County, FloridaHigh Point is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,973 at the 2000 census.-Geography:High Point is located at ....
- Hill 'n DaleHill 'n Dale, FloridaHill 'n Dale is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,436 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Hill 'n Dale is located at ....
- IstachattaIstachatta, FloridaIstachatta is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 65 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Istachatta is located at ....
- Lake LindseyLake Lindsey, FloridaLake Lindsey is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 49 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Lake Lindsey is located at ....
- MasaryktownMasaryktown, FloridaMasaryktown is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 920 at the 2000 census. It is named after the first president of Czechoslovakia, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk.-Geography:...
- NobletonNobleton, FloridaNobleton is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 160 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Nobleton is located at ....
- North BrooksvilleNorth Brooksville, FloridaNorth Brooksville is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, in the USA. The population was 1,461 at the 2000 census. It is a suburb included in the Tampa-St...
- North Weeki WacheeNorth Weeki Wachee, FloridaNorth Weeki Wachee is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,253 at the 2000 census.-Geography:North Weeki Wachee is located at ....
- Pine IslandPine Island, FloridaPine Island is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 64 at the 2000 census. Pine Island Park , is a area on the Gulf of Mexico at 10800 Pine Island Drive that includes a swimming beach and swimming area, picnic tables, shelters, barbecue...
- Ridge ManorRidge Manor, FloridaRidge Manor is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,108 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Ridge Manor is located at ....
- South BrooksvilleSouth Brooksville, FloridaSouth Brooksville is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,376 at the 2000 census. It is a suburb included in the Tampa-St...
- Spring HillSpring Hill, FloridaSpring Hill is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The estimated population was 92,144 in 2007 by the United States Census. Spring Hill belongs to Florida's Nature Coast and is in the Tampa-St...
- Spring LakeSpring Lake, FloridaSpring Lake is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 327 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Spring Lake is located at ....
- Timber PinesTimber Pines, FloridaTimber Pines is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,840 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Timber Pines is located at ....
- Weeki Wachee GardensWeeki Wachee Gardens, FloridaWeeki Wachee Gardens is a census-designated place in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,140 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Weeki Wachee Gardens is located at ....
- Wiscon
Unincorporated communities not CDPs
- Ridge Manor West
- Rolling Acres
Politics
| Year | Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
Other Third party (United States) The term third party is used in the United States for any and all political parties in the United States other than one of the two major parties . The term can also refer to independent politicians not affiliated with any party at all and to write-in candidates.The United States has had a... |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 51.0% | 47.5% | 1.5% |
| 2004 | 52.9% | 46.2% | 0.9% |
| 2000 | 47.0% | 50.1% | 2.9% |
See also
- Hernando County Sheriff's OfficeHernando County Sheriff's OfficeThe Hernando County Sheriff's Office is an accredited law enforcement agency responsible for Hernando County, Florida. The current Sheriff is Al Nienhuis, who was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist on January 1, 2011.-Organization:...
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Hernando County, FloridaNational Register of Historic Places listings in Hernando County, FloridaThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Hernando County, Florida.This is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Hernando County, Florida, United States...
Government links/Constitutional offices
- Hernando County Board of County Commissioners
- Hernando County Supervisor of Elections
- Hernando County Property Appraiser
- Hernando County Sheriff's Office
- Hernando County Tax Collector
- Hernando County Office of Business Development
Special districts
- Hernando County School Board
- Southwest Florida Water Management District
- Spring Hill Fire Rescue
- Hernando County Professional Firefighters
- Hernando County Fire Rescue
Judicial branch
- Hernando County Clerk of Courts official website
- Public Defender, 5th Judicial Circuit of Florida serving CitrusCitrus County, FloridaCitrus County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 118,085. The U.S. Census Bureau 2008 estimate for the county was 141,416 . Its county seat is Inverness, Florida...
, Hernando, LakeLake County, FloridaLake County is a county located in the state of Florida, United States. As of the 2000 Census, the population was 210,528. The Census Bureau estimated the population in 2008 to be 307,243. Its county seat is Tavares...
, MarionMarion County, FloridaMarion County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. The U.S. Census Bureau 2006 estimate for the county is 316,183. Its county seat is Ocala....
, and SumterSumter County, FloridaSumter County is a county located in the state of Florida, United States. As of the 2000 Census, the population was 53,345. The 2006 Census estimate puts its population at 68,768 . Its county seat is Bushnell, Florida and the largest incorporated municipality is Wildwood, Florida. The Villages,...
counties - Office of the State Attorney, 5th Judicial Circuit of Florida
- Circuit and County Court for the 5th Judicial Circuit of Florida
Tourism links
- Naturally Hernando - Nature Coast Coalition
- Hernando County Tourism Development
- Hernando County Fair Association
- Hernando County Seat Calendar of Events
Other sites
- HernandoLiving.com - Hernando County's #1 Source of Information
- Early History of Hernando County
- Hernando County Historical Advisory Commission
- Hernando County Seat Business Web Site
- Spring Hill Florida Hernando County Community Web Site
- Hernando County Fishing Forum
- Hernando County Office of Business Development