A sentinel chicken west of U.S. 19 and north of the Heather community has tested positive for the eastern equine encephalitis virus, according to Hernando County Mosquito Control. The test results were confirmed Friday by the Florida Department of Health. The virus is transmitted to horses and humans by mosquitoes, with birds as the source. Mosquito Control has placed chicken coops at various places around the county to monitor the presence of various types of encephalitis viruses through periodic testing of blood samples. This was the first chicken in the county to test positive this year.
Fourth candidate joins county race
Lewis Tumia, a Hernando County government plumbing inspector from Spring Hill, has become the fourth candidate and the third Republican to prefile paperwork for the District 2 County Commission seat now held by Rose Rocco. Tumia, 64, came to the area from Rochester, N.Y., five years ago and went to work for the county four years ago. He said he is running because he is "fed up with the way things are going'' and would like to see a more conservative county government and less wasteful spending. Republicans William Kingeter and Wayne Dukes, as well as Rocco, a Democrat, also have prefiled paperwork for the seat.
Clinic will offer pet vaccinations
A pet vaccination clinic with Florida International Teaching Zoo staff will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. today at Tractor Supply Co., 18741 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats are $6. Dog distemper/parvovirus combo shots and cat distemper shots are $14. Dog kennel cough/bordatella shots are $15. Shots will be administered by a veterinarian. Call (352) 867-7788.
PINE ISLAND
County to change hours at park
Effective Sunday, Hernando County Parks and Recreation will change the hours at Alfred A. McKethan Park, 10800 Pine Island Drive. Gates will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Also, the department will discontinue charging $3 for parking at the park starting Nov. 15. The fee won't be charged again until Feb. 15. For details, call the department at (352) 754-4154.
COUNTYWIDE
Master Gardener Calendar available
The 2010 Master Gardener Calendar is now available. The calendar features month-by-month expert advice on the Central Florida landscape, including information for beginners as well as longtime gardeners. Calendars are $3 each and are available at the Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service, 19490 Oliver St., Brooksville. For details, call (352) 754-4433.
Correction
Joy Lotito is a member of the Tap 'N Dolls, who will perform at the next Thursday Musicale concert at Living Word Church in New Port Richey. Her name was omitted from an article on Friday's Diversions page.
Today's picks
Brooksville Cardiology's 10th annual Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sand Hill Scout Reservation lodge, 11210 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. Free parking and admission.
Stage West presents War of the Worlds: 8 p.m., 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. $5. (352) 683-5113.
News
