Hernando County Declares Local State of Emergency

BROOKSVILLE, Fla. – Hernando County Emergency Management continues to monitor Tropical Storm Eta. Government leaders are assessing current and forecasted conditions to determine the need for additional emergency protective measures.

PROCLAMATION NO. 2020-08, Declaration of State of Local Emergency, has been enacted by the Hernando County Executive Policy Group.

This declaration provides Hernando County Government the authority to take action as needed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our community.

This includes making emergency purchases, obtain additional resources, renting equipment, hiring workers, utilizing volunteers, etc. The Local State of Emergency will be in effect for seven days, or until rescinded.

Evacuation Orders and Public Shelter

Voluntary Evacuations have been issued for coastal zone A and mobile homes.

Residents are advised to seek safe shelter with family or friends that reside in a safe structure. If this is not a possibility, a public shelter will open at 2 p.m. today at the below address for residents in these areas. This shelter will serve as a general population, pet-friendly and special needs shelter location.

Hernando Mining Association Enrichment Center 800 John Gary Grubbs Boulevard Brooksville, FL 34601

Sandbag Station

Sand and sandbags are available at Linda Pedersen Park, located at 6300 Shoal Line Boulevard near Hernando Beach beginning at 10 a.m. today. This self-serve sandbag site will remain open until weather conditions begin to deteriorate.

This is a self-serve sandbag site ONLY, please bring your own shovel.

County Offices and Services

The following offices/services will be closed on Thursday, November 12, 2020 in an abundance of caution:

• All Hernando County Government Offices

• All Hernando County park locations

• Animal Services

• Library Services

• All Hernando County Solid Waste and Recycling Facilities

• Republic Services will not be performing regular curbside service These offices/services will reopen for normal hours/operations on Friday, November 13, 2020.

Transit Services (TheBus) will suspend service beginning at 3 p.m. today through Thursday, November 12, 2020. A decision regarding resumption of services will be made once the storm has passed.

Florida Tornado Warnings in Effect, Eta Downgraded to Tropical Storm

Meeting Cancellations

The Hernando/Citrus Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Tourist Development Council and Affordable Housing Advisory Committee meetings scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2020 have been cancelled. New meeting dates will be released at a later time.

Hernando County Government’s Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor and inform our community about storm impacts. Visit the following web and social media sites for more information.

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