COUNTYWIDE
State gives board charter school control
The buck stops with the Hernando County School Board for charter school applicants. The state Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the School Board's bid to have exclusive authority over its public charter schools. Four other counties, including Hillsborough, also gained that status. Charter applicants can still appeal a local denial to the state board. But applicants will no longer have the option of opening a school in Hernando via the Florida Schools of Excellence Commission, a separate body empowered to approve charters in other counties.
HERNANDO BEACH
Top boating course open for signups
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer its premiere boating course, Boating Skills and Seamanship, from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 3-Oct. 22, at the flotilla at 4340 Calienta St. This eight-week course covers trailering, safety, navigation and rules, radio, weather, Florida law and more. The cost is $50, which includes text material. Another class, Weather and Boating, will be offered 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 13. The cost is $10. For information or to sign up for a class, call John at (352) 573-8155. Visit a0701508.uscgaux.info.
SPRING HILL
Centennial Park pavers available
Commemorative pavers can now be purchased to raise funds for Rotary Centennial Park. Those who purchase an 8- by 8-inch paver for $50 can be engraved to honor a pet, a business or the supporter's name. Donations of larger amounts can be made and be designated toward a picnic table, bench or trash receptacle. The Rotary Centennial Park, a joint effort between Hernando County and Spring Hill Central Rotary Club, will include Hernando County's first off-leash dog park. Donations cards are available at numerous area veterinary offices and groomers. For information, or to arrange a contribution through the mail, call Barbara Newlin at (352) 799-9750.
BROOKSVILLE
Learn to pick good plants for shade
A free class, "The Shady Side of Your Landscape," will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service, 19490 Oliver St. Seating is limited and preregistration is required. Call (352) 754-4433.
Mitigation guides to be discussed
The Hernando County Local Mitigation Strategy Committee will meet at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 28 at the Emergency Operations Center, 18900 Cortez Blvd. Discussion will be on the status of projects approved under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program, new projects and available grants. The committee is responsible for developing and maintaining a community plan that promotes hazard mitigation and guides post-disaster recovery. For information, call Cecelia Patella at (352) 754-4083; those hearing impaired can call toll-free 1-800-676-3777.
Hernando deaths
Carroll, Nancy Bethany
Larsson, Walter L.
O'Brien, Joseph V.
Sauriol, Beverley Mae
Sunberg, Donna Jean
Thomas, Ellen Thelma
This list is from detailed obituaries published in Section B.
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