HNS REPORTS---OCTOBER 30, 2009
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SPRING HILL MAN JAILED AFTER THROWING, HITTING BABY
A 23-year old Spring Hill man has been charged with attempted murder in an incident in which he reportedly admitted throwing his 3-month old infant son into a crib and hitting the baby four times in the head because he wouldn't stop crying. Michael Phillip Mihok was arrested Friday in the incident that occurred earlier this week. His infant son, identified only as C.M in sheriff's reports, was said to be in serious condition at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. When the baby was treated at Oak Hill Hospital, Mihok claimed the infant had fallen on the carpeted floor of the home, but a doctor told deputies the injuries were more serious and not consistent with a fall. In an interview with detectives Friday, Mihok's story changed, he reportedly said he "lost it" in the incident, and he was booked into the Hernando County Jail.
SENTINEL CHICKEN TESTS POSITIVE FOR ENCEPHALITIS
Hernando County officials say a sentinel chicken in an area west of US 19 and north of The Heather community has tested positive for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus. The test results were confirmed Friday by a state laboratory in Tampa.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a virus disease transmitted to horses and humans by mosquitoes. Birds are the source of the virus. The Hernando County Mosquito Control Division has placed small chicken coops at various locations to monitor the presence of various types of encephalitis viruses through periodic testing of blood samples.
"Mosquito Control employees are increasing inspections, surveillance,and treatment in the affected area, said Dr. Guangye Hu, Mosquito Control Director. "However, we want to remind residents that they need to be vigilant to keep their lawns clear of objects that hold even theslightest amount of water in which mosquitoes will breed." Dr. Hu also advises precautions to prevent mosquito bites by keeping exposed areas of the body covered or using insect repellent with DEET if outside when mosquitoes may be present.
This year, there have been 69 horses, 174 sentinel chickens, and 100 live wild birds tested positive for the virus in 33 Florida counties. This is the first chicken in Hernando County that has tested positive.
REPORTED KICKBACKS LATEST PUBLIC WORKS BLACK EYE
County Administrator David Hamilton's e-mail alerted county commissioners to the latest problem at the Department of Public Works reported in their Friday news...vendor kickbacks apparently admitted by Fleet director Jack Stepongzi to a reporter. Those published reports say Stepongzi acknowledged a deal that made him $332 on the side for five GPS units installed on county vehicles.
It's the latest in a series of ethical issues over the past year in the department. During that span, the Public Works pavement manager barely avoided prosecution for being on a vendor's payroll while he pushed the use of the vendor's product for road maintenance. The State Attorney's Office declined to bring a case following a sheriff's office investigation of Bill Busch's conduct. Reports of free lunches from a builder in return for fill dirt and county workers improving a private road helped earn a suspension for County Engineer Charles Mixson.
Hamilton's e-mail says Mixson will meet with Stepongzi Monday morning. The administrator says Stepongzi was escorted out of the Public Works complex Thursday and his computer locked down for further review.
HERNANDO, SIX OTHER COUNTIES, TALK REGIONAL GARBAGE DISPOSAL
Rocco 
Stapf Hernando County Commissioner Rose Rocco and Utilities Director Joe Stapf were among officials from seven north central Florida counties who met Thursday to talk trash. Specifically, Ocala.com reports that the meeting was aimed at starting a discussion about regional solid waste disposal.
Stapf said the county landfill was near capacity and hoped a new cell opening next year would give the community another 10 years or so of capacity. He said the landfill site has room for two additional cells, if necessary, but dealing with state and federal environmental regulators was difficult. A permitting delay threatened to postpone the new cell past a critical deadline until recently.
Meeting participants reportedly zeroed in on three obstacles to a regional solution:
- Specific legislative authority will likely be needed.
- Cities within each county need to be brought on board.
- Imbalances in current costs to residents need to be addressed.
Rocco asked staffers for each county to report on per-resident disposal costs at the next meeting. Those charges now range from zero in Sumter, through Hernando's $65 per year, up to Lake County's $184.
TEENS CHARGED IN SPRING HILL BURGLARY
Two Spring Hill teenagers were arrested Thursday on burglary charges after a homeowner reported a break-in and missing drugs, and a neighbor tipped deputies to the intruders' identifies. A15-year old male and a 14-year old female were charged with burglary of a residence. The male was reportedly found with the missing medication, a watch and jewelry also missing from the victim's home. He also allegedly kicked a deputy in the knee and shin. He's got s added charges of possession of controlled substances and assault and battery on a law enforcement officer.
RESCUE OWNER, COUNTY RESOLVE ANIMAL CARE CASE
County Animal Services workers begin removing about 200 animals from a so-called rescue facility east of Brooksville Friday morning. This after the owner of Our Animal Haus, Carolyn Mas, and county officials agreed to a settlement of a court dispute.
The settlement followed an order from County Judge Kurt Hitzemann Thursday finding that Mas was unfit to own any animals and barring her from possessing animals for three years. The county brought the fitness petition after a malnourished horse had to be put down, and several other impounded animals died. Animal Services officers testified that Mas did not have the resources to care for the 200 cats, dogs, horses, birds and livestock on the property. Assistant County Attorney Erica Moore said officials had agreed to allow Mas to keep two cats, one pet pig, a pony and two birds, but that random inspections would be conducted to ensure adequate care.
Mas called the action "horrible persecution", claimed the county wanted to auction the seized animals to make money, and continued to blame a local newspaper for sparking her problems with the county.
PECK SINK PRESERVE...A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME...?
The county committee that recommended buying the Peck Sink property looked at conceptual development plans Thursday and decided the proposed project has the wrong name. Environmentally Sensitive Lands Committee members said the phrase "Stormwater Park" is not descriptive of what they envision for the site. They will recommend that county commissioners continue moving forward on the project, but that a new name reflecting the restoration and preservation missions be adopted. They said "park" means recreation to most people, and that is not the purpose of proposed stormwater treatment facilities and amenities aimed at public education. Staff noted that the site would be developed in phases as funding becomes available, and committee members agreed that the stormwater improvements to clean drainage flows before they reach the sink is the number one priority. Officials say the sink has a direct connection to the Floridan aquifer, and the top suggested name for the development seemed to be Peck Sink Aquifer Preserve. The name change may not mollify critics who say the county cannot afford to develop the site and that the county has enough parks already.
MURDER SUSPECT COMPETENT FOR JANUARY TRIAL
The suspect in a 2006 murder near Brooksville will stand trial January 11 after a judge found him competent in a Thursday hearing. 33-year old Joshua Langley was released last week after treatment for more than two years in a state mental treatment facility, where he was sent after an initial finding that he was not competent to stand trial. He's accused in the shooting death of Jacquez Jones after a dispute between the two. Jones died of a gunshot would to the head.
SOUTH BROOKSVILLE CLEAN-UP DAY IS SATURDAY
South Brooksville gets a community-wide clean-up Saturday from 9:00 am to 1 pm. It's part of a Fall Festival that starts at 8:00 am with an program at the Eastside House of God on Twigg Street in Brooksville. Volunteers for the clean-up should report to the church at 8:00 am for assignments.
The clean-up project is organized by the Community Initiatives Team, a group of city and county officials and neighborhood representatives who are committed to making improvements and taking positive steps for the benefit of Hernando County residents.
Already this week, City and County public works and code enforcement operations have been working on the heavier tasks such as clearing drainage ditches, culverts and overgrown foliage.
Dumpsters courtesy of the City of Brooksville and local garbage haulers are in six locations in the community for use on Saturday only. Officials hope that residents of the South Brooksville community will use the clean-up day as an opportunity to clear their property of any unwanted and unneeded items.
PINE ISLAND PARK HOURS, ADMISSION CHANGING IN NOVEMBER
Due to daylight savings time, the Hernando County Parks and Recreation Department will change the hours at Pine Island effective Sunday, November 1, 2009. Gates will remain open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. During the summer months the park does not close until 8:30 p.m. The Hernando County Parks and Recreation
Department will also discontinue charging the annual peak season $3.00 per vehicle parking fee at Pine Island effective Sunday, November 15, 2009. The parking fee will not be charged again until February 15, 2010.
WEEKEND CALENDAR
Saturday, October 31, 2009 - Sunday, November 01, 2009
CORN MAZE AND PUMPKIN PATCH
10:00am - 4:00pm SWEETFIELDS FARM, 17250 Benes Roush Road, Masaryktown. Incredible fun for the entire family! Work your way through the 4-acre corn maze! Enjoy the Hay Playground, picnic area and more! NOTE: NO SANDALS! Sunscreen / hats, water and camera recommended! Admission: Adults - $8.50; Ages 3 to 11- $4.50; Under age 3: Free.
352-279-0977
www.sweetfieldsfarm.com
Sunday, November 01, 2009
ANNUAL HOLIDAY TEA
11:30am ST. ANTHONY'S CHURCH HALL, 20428 Cortez Blvd. (SR 50 By-pass), Brooksville. Luncheon and entertainment by professional pianist John Sharpe. Tickets: $7.00 advance; At the door: $8.00.
For tickets and information, call 352-796-2096
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SPRING HILL MAN JAILED AFTER THROWING, HITTING BABY
A 23-year old Spring Hill man has been charged with attempted murder in an incident in which he reportedly admitted throwing his 3-month old infant son into a crib and hitting the baby four times in the head because he wouldn't stop crying. Michael Phillip Mihok was arrested Friday in the incident that occurred earlier this week. His infant son, identified only as C.M in sheriff's reports, was said to be in serious condition at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. When the baby was treated at Oak Hill Hospital, Mihok claimed the infant had fallen on the carpeted floor of the home, but a doctor told deputies the injuries were more serious and not consistent with a fall. In an interview with detectives Friday, Mihok's story changed, he reportedly said he "lost it" in the incident, and he was booked into the Hernando County Jail.
SENTINEL CHICKEN TESTS POSITIVE FOR ENCEPHALITIS
Hernando County officials say a sentinel chicken in an area west of US 19 and north of The Heather community has tested positive for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus. The test results were confirmed Friday by a state laboratory in Tampa.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a virus disease transmitted to horses and humans by mosquitoes. Birds are the source of the virus. The Hernando County Mosquito Control Division has placed small chicken coops at various locations to monitor the presence of various types of encephalitis viruses through periodic testing of blood samples.
"Mosquito Control employees are increasing inspections, surveillance,and treatment in the affected area, said Dr. Guangye Hu, Mosquito Control Director. "However, we want to remind residents that they need to be vigilant to keep their lawns clear of objects that hold even theslightest amount of water in which mosquitoes will breed." Dr. Hu also advises precautions to prevent mosquito bites by keeping exposed areas of the body covered or using insect repellent with DEET if outside when mosquitoes may be present.
This year, there have been 69 horses, 174 sentinel chickens, and 100 live wild birds tested positive for the virus in 33 Florida counties. This is the first chicken in Hernando County that has tested positive.
REPORTED KICKBACKS LATEST PUBLIC WORKS BLACK EYE
It's the latest in a series of ethical issues over the past year in the department. During that span, the Public Works pavement manager barely avoided prosecution for being on a vendor's payroll while he pushed the use of the vendor's product for road maintenance. The State Attorney's Office declined to bring a case following a sheriff's office investigation of Bill Busch's conduct. Reports of free lunches from a builder in return for fill dirt and county workers improving a private road helped earn a suspension for County Engineer Charles Mixson.
Hamilton's e-mail says Mixson will meet with Stepongzi Monday morning. The administrator says Stepongzi was escorted out of the Public Works complex Thursday and his computer locked down for further review.
HERNANDO, SIX OTHER COUNTIES, TALK REGIONAL GARBAGE DISPOSAL
Rocco StapfStapf said the county landfill was near capacity and hoped a new cell opening next year would give the community another 10 years or so of capacity. He said the landfill site has room for two additional cells, if necessary, but dealing with state and federal environmental regulators was difficult. A permitting delay threatened to postpone the new cell past a critical deadline until recently.
Meeting participants reportedly zeroed in on three obstacles to a regional solution:
- Specific legislative authority will likely be needed.
- Cities within each county need to be brought on board.
- Imbalances in current costs to residents need to be addressed.
Rocco asked staffers for each county to report on per-resident disposal costs at the next meeting. Those charges now range from zero in Sumter, through Hernando's $65 per year, up to Lake County's $184.
TEENS CHARGED IN SPRING HILL BURGLARY
Two Spring Hill teenagers were arrested Thursday on burglary charges after a homeowner reported a break-in and missing drugs, and a neighbor tipped deputies to the intruders' identifies. A15-year old male and a 14-year old female were charged with burglary of a residence. The male was reportedly found with the missing medication, a watch and jewelry also missing from the victim's home. He also allegedly kicked a deputy in the knee and shin. He's got s added charges of possession of controlled substances and assault and battery on a law enforcement officer.
RESCUE OWNER, COUNTY RESOLVE ANIMAL CARE CASE
County Animal Services workers begin removing about 200 animals from a so-called rescue facility east of Brooksville Friday morning. This after the owner of Our Animal Haus, Carolyn Mas, and county officials agreed to a settlement of a court dispute.
PECK SINK PRESERVE...A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME...?
MURDER SUSPECT COMPETENT FOR JANUARY TRIAL
The suspect in a 2006 murder near Brooksville will stand trial January 11 after a judge found him competent in a Thursday hearing. 33-year old Joshua Langley was released last week after treatment for more than two years in a state mental treatment facility, where he was sent after an initial finding that he was not competent to stand trial. He's accused in the shooting death of Jacquez Jones after a dispute between the two. Jones died of a gunshot would to the head.
SOUTH BROOKSVILLE CLEAN-UP DAY IS SATURDAY
South Brooksville gets a community-wide clean-up Saturday from 9:00 am to 1 pm. It's part of a Fall Festival that starts at 8:00 am with an program at the Eastside House of God on Twigg Street in Brooksville. Volunteers for the clean-up should report to the church at 8:00 am for assignments.
The clean-up project is organized by the Community Initiatives Team, a group of city and county officials and neighborhood representatives who are committed to making improvements and taking positive steps for the benefit of Hernando County residents.
Already this week, City and County public works and code enforcement operations have been working on the heavier tasks such as clearing drainage ditches, culverts and overgrown foliage.
Dumpsters courtesy of the City of Brooksville and local garbage haulers are in six locations in the community for use on Saturday only. Officials hope that residents of the South Brooksville community will use the clean-up day as an opportunity to clear their property of any unwanted and unneeded items.
PINE ISLAND PARK HOURS, ADMISSION CHANGING IN NOVEMBER
Department will also discontinue charging the annual peak season $3.00 per vehicle parking fee at Pine Island effective Sunday, November 15, 2009. The parking fee will not be charged again until February 15, 2010.
WEEKEND CALENDAR
Saturday, October 31, 2009 - Sunday, November 01, 2009
CORN MAZE AND PUMPKIN PATCH
10:00am - 4:00pm SWEETFIELDS FARM, 17250 Benes Roush Road, Masaryktown. Incredible fun for the entire family! Work your way through the 4-acre corn maze! Enjoy the Hay Playground, picnic area and more! NOTE: NO SANDALS! Sunscreen / hats, water and camera recommended! Admission: Adults - $8.50; Ages 3 to 11- $4.50; Under age 3: Free.
352-279-0977
www.sweetfieldsfarm.com
Sunday, November 01, 2009
ANNUAL HOLIDAY TEA
11:30am ST. ANTHONY'S CHURCH HALL, 20428 Cortez Blvd. (SR 50 By-pass), Brooksville. Luncheon and entertainment by professional pianist John Sharpe. Tickets: $7.00 advance; At the door: $8.00.
For tickets and information, call 352-796-2096
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