Hernando High School art teacher charged with DUI

BROOKSVILLE — A Hernando High School art teacher and son of a School Board member has been charged with driving under the influence.

Michael Nicholson, 32, of Brooksville, was arrested early Saturday morning after a Hernando deputy stopped him at the intersection of Cortez Boulevard and Colorado Street, according to a Hernando County sheriff's report.

Just after 2 a.m., Nicholson was driving a black, four-door Mazda SUV east on Cortez. He was straddling the dotted line on the road and also weaving in his lane, according to the arrest report.

During the stop, Nicholson allegedly told the deputy that he had recently left the Flamingo Lounge and he had "a couple" of alcoholic beverages. Nicholson later failed a series of sobriety tests.

Nicholson, son of Hernando School Board member Sandra Nicholson, was arrested and taken to the Hernando County Jail. At the jail, Nicholson's blood-alcohol samples registered at .193 and .209, both more than double the legal limit.

He was released later on Saturday after posting a $500 bond.