Lisa Macneil

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted 4-0 on July 14 to exempt a long list of low-risk home improvement projects—from small storage sheds to kitchen remodels (without new wiring)—from requiring a county permit.

A second revision of a proposed ordinance regulating short-term rentals was struck down 3-1 by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) at the July 28th meeting. This was the first hearing, and the matter will not return for a second reading.

Commissioner Steve Champion brought a proposed ordinance for the fourth time, which would ensure cash is accepted at all businesses in Hernando County. The proposal was denied by a 3-1 vote. The proposal has been denied in the past because the ultimate outcome would be the BOCC directing private business practices. In this revision, the ordinance prohibits a surcharge on a debit card as long as the establishment accepts cash.

An ordinance that would add an ethics rule for Hernando County commissioners goes down without a vote.

Hernando County Commissioners held the first of two workshops at the Aug. 11 meeting to consider one of two options that will raise impact fees allocated to Fire/EMS. To keep up with projected growth, the County has planned four new fire departments, expected to cost $6.3 million each.

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted unanimously to end Sunday and holiday service for TheBus Mermaid route or Route 9. The change goes into effect August 31, 2026.

Pasco County Commissioners voted 3-1 to support two technologies in an effort to make school zones safer. Commissioner Seth Weightman was absent from this meeting, and Chairman Jack Mariano voted in opposition.

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) took some time at the August 11th meeting to recognize and congratulate Go Pasco on their partnership with Freebee, a company that will launch a microtransit program in Hudson and Shady Hills. The cost of the program is reported as $473,646.

Pasco BOCC Chairman Jack Mariano pulled a “feel-good” item from the August 11, 2026 Consent Agenda to recognize and discuss the completed funding to extend the Vincent House affordable housing project. Vincent House originally had a 20-year agreement with Pasco County, which is now a 100-year contract to ensure long-term affordable housing. Withlacoochee Electric's David Lambert was credited for helping to negotiate the extension.

Via consent agenda on Aug. 25, Hernando County commissioners approved a motion allowing the Sheriff's Office (HCSO) to apply for a federal grant to implement an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program, expand the Drone as First Responder (DFR) Project, and participate in immigration-related law enforcement. Upon this approval, HCSO applied for the grant on August 28 and should receive notice of any award by October.