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Two large residential developments moved forward in Hernando County last week, with county commissioners approving rezonings for Black Jack Ridge and Ginny Grove during their October 6 meeting.

Together, the projects' published development agreements propose up to 1,885 residential units, although a revision discussed during the hearing could reduce that number. Both projects are located in eastern Hernando County, near the State Road 50 and Interstate 75 corridor.

The Black Jack Ridge proposal covers approximately 204 acres and includes residential and commercial development. Its published development agreement lists up to 978 residential units, along with up to 300,000 square feet of commercial space. During the hearing, however, the applicant described removing the multifamily component and referenced a revised total of 620 units. That figure has not yet been reconciled with the published agreement.

Nearby, Ginny Grove covers approximately 227 acres and proposes up to 907 residential units, primarily single-family homes. Commissioners approved both rezonings 5–0, with conditions.

The projects aren't through the approval process yet. November 10 is the proposed date for second public hearings on their development agreements, which include provisions involving the Hernando County School Board.

County legal staff identified missing statutory requirements in both proposed agreements. For Black Jack Ridge, staff also raised concerns about a state-owned parcel that had not yet been transferred to the developer.

The November 10 hearings will give commissioners another opportunity to consider the agreements and residents another opportunity to weigh in.

Sources: Hernando County BOCC — October 6 meeting · Black Jack Ridge agenda item · Ginny Grove agenda item

Plans for improvements at Wallace Brooks Park are moving ahead, with Inverness officials discussing the next steps for two new recreational facilities during the October 6 City Council meeting.

The project includes a 5,000-square-foot skate park and a 5,000-square-foot basketball court, both intended to expand recreational opportunities at the waterfront park.

Engineering firm Kimley-Horn has completed the plans for both facilities. City Council members supported moving forward with separate procurement processes for the skate park and basketball court rather than combining them into one project.

The improvements are still in the planning and procurement stage. No construction contract has been awarded, and a construction start date has not been announced.

Source: Inverness City Council — official website.

Levy County commissioners have approved a one-year moratorium on new data center applications, giving the county time to establish regulations for a type of development that has been drawing increasing attention.

The Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 2026-05 during its October 6 meeting. The moratorium applies to new data center applications of all sizes in unincorporated Levy County.

The temporary pause gives county officials time to consider how data centers should be regulated, including where they could be located and what requirements might apply to future projects.

The ordinance is not a permanent ban on data centers. Instead, it temporarily stops new applications while the county develops its approach to these facilities.

Source: Levy County Board of County Commissioners, October 6, 2026 meeting.

Two public boat ramps in Levy County are getting some attention, thanks to $455,000 in grant funding from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

During their October 6 meeting, Levy County commissioners approved grant agreements for improvements at two locations:

The funding will cover planning, engineering, design and permitting work needed to prepare the projects for future improvements.

The grants do not fund construction itself, and no construction timelines have been announced.

Source: Levy County Board of County Commissioners, October 6, 2026 meeting; FWC grant agreements 26045 and 26047.

Downtown Brooksville has a new spot for food lovers, with Under the Olive Tree opening at 26 E. Liberty Street.

The specialty food shop features a selection of olive oils, balsamic vinegars and artisan pantry items, offering customers a chance to explore ingredients they might not find at their usual grocery store.

The shop also offers samples, allowing visitors to try different flavors before deciding what to take home. A grand opening celebration was scheduled for October 10.

Under the Olive Tree adds another locally owned business to downtown Brooksville's growing collection of shops and restaurants.

Source: Hernando Sun — The Flavor of Home: Artisanal Food Pantry Opening in Downtown Brooksville

Three people with deep ties to Levy County are being recognized for their contributions to Florida agriculture.

Lynetta and Ken Griner, along with Ron St. John, have been named to the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame's Class of 2027. Levy County commissioners recognized the three during their October 6 meeting.

The Griners have been involved in Florida's forestry and cattle industries, along with agricultural education and community efforts. St. John has made his mark in the dairy industry, including his work with Alliance Dairy.

The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame honors individuals whose work has made a lasting contribution to the state's agricultural industry. The three are scheduled to be formally inducted in 2027.

It's a well-deserved recognition for three people whose work has helped shape Florida agriculture.

Source: Levy County Board of County Commissioners, October 6, 2026 meeting.

Inverness is getting a little more colorful, thanks to a local artist and two painted turtle sculptures.

During the October 6 City Council meeting, officials recognized artist Paul Hertensen for donating two cooter turtle sculptures, one large and one small, to the city.

The sculptures celebrate a familiar part of the area's natural environment and add a creative touch to the community. City officials also discussed installing a plaque recognizing the artist's contribution.

The donation prompted discussion about the possibility of additional turtle-themed artwork near the courthouse area, although no plans for those future installations have been finalized.

Source: Inverness City Council, October 6, 2026 meeting.

3 PM — Tom Varn Park Pumpkin Patch (Oct. 16–18) | Brooksville
Get into the fall spirit at Tom Varn Park's seasonal pumpkin patch. Open Friday 3–9 PM and Saturday–Sunday 8 AM–4 PM.

4 PM — Art on the Avenue | Crystal River
Downtown Crystal River's evening arts event features local artists, handmade goods and a Tales and Treats theme, including downtown trick-or-treating and spooky stories. Runs until 8 PM.
Event details

4:30 PM — Camping with the Blues (Oct. 16–18) | Brooksville
The 13th annual blues festival returns to Florida Sand Music Ranch for three days of music and camping.
Event details

5 PM — Harvest Night Market | Brooksville
Browse local vendors, crafts and specialty items at 134 E. Fort Dade Avenue. Runs until 10 PM.
Event details

7 PM — May-Stringer House GhostFest (Oct. 16–17) | Brooksville
A haunted house experience at the historic May-Stringer House, 601 Museum Court. Runs 7–11 PM both evenings.
Curators of Fear link

7:30 PM — The Addams Family (Oct. 16 & 18) | Spring Hill
Stage West Playhouse brings the famously unusual family to the stage in this musical comedy. Friday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2 PM.

7:30 PM — Anastasia (Oct. 16–18) | Brooksville
Live Oak Theatre presents the musical Anastasia. Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sunday at 2:30 PM.

10 AM — Cedar Key Seafood Festival (Oct. 17–18) | Cedar Key
Fresh seafood, arts and crafts vendors, live music and activities around City Park. Saturday's parade is scheduled for 11 AM. Free admission.
Festival details

10 AM — Downtown Street Market: Oktoberfest & Chili Cookoff | Brooksville
Downtown Brooksville's street market features an Oktoberfest and chili cookoff theme, with vendors and community activities. Runs until 2 PM.

10 AM — Citrus County Beekeepers Open House | Old Homosassa
Visit the Old Homosassa Learning Center for an event focused on beekeeping and local pollinators. Runs until 2 PM.

10 AM — Step Up for Survivors Walk | Lecanto
Join CASA Citrus at Lecanto Community Park for a free awareness walk supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Runs until noon.
Event details

Noon — Running of the Wieners | Spring Hill
Marker 48 Brewing hosts its Oktoberfest celebration featuring dachshund races and costume contests. Expect some serious competition from some very short legs.
Event details

4 PM — HAGGAWEEN Trunk or Treat | Brooksville
A Halloween-themed trunk-or-treat celebration at Haggard Coffee. Runs until 7 PM.

5 PM — Small Town Saturday Night | Inverness
Live music downtown featuring Pandora's Box, an Aerosmith tribute band, with the Jorge Valentine Band opening. Free admission; runs until 9 PM.
Event details

6 PM — Ghostbusters Movie in the Park | Beverly Hills
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to Central Ridge Community Park, 592 W. Lake Beverly Drive. Games and activities begin at 6 PM, followed by a costume contest at 6:30 PM and the movie at 7:30 PM. Free popcorn will be available.

10 AM — Spring Hill Toy Jam | Spring Hill
A community toy-focused gathering at VFW Post 8681, running until 1:30 PM.

4 PM — An Afternoon of Laughter | Homosassa
A comedy fundraiser at First United Methodist Church of Homosassa benefiting Sanctuary Mission. Tickets are listed at $25; runs until 6 PM.

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That's it for this week around the Nature Coast!

Whether you're heading to Cedar Key for seafood, catching some live music, or finding something new to explore, we hope you find something worth getting out of the house for.

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