Booksville, Volume II
Mother and daughter duo JC Kato and J.C.² display their books at Booksville Festival in Brooksville, Fla., on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. [Photo by Hanna Maglio] Festival Brings Thousands to Brooksville for a Celebration of Literature Booksville Festival, Volume 2, drew thousands of readers, writers, and families to the Hernando County Fairgrounds on Saturday, January 24, transforming the space into a celebration of Brooksville’s long-standing literary heritage. Hosted by the Br
28 minutes ago3 min read
Kaufmann’s Karate: How a Local Dojo Built 26 Years of Community, Competition, and Character
James Kaufmann Sr. poses inside of Kaufmann’s Karate Kaufmann's Karate is celebrating its 26th year in Hernando County with one of its most successful competitive seasons yet, earning 15 national titles and expanding its role in youth development and community engagement in Spring Hill. When James Kaufmann Sr. unlocked the doors of Kaufmann’s Karate for the first time in 1999, the dojo was a dream and a handful of students. “When I first started, I had probably 10 students,
Jan 235 min read
Dade City Commission Makes Budget Approvals, Refines Hiring Policies at Sept. 8 Meeting
The Dade City City Commission and Community Redevelopment Agency took up a slate of policy revisions at their Sept. 8 meeting, focusing on hiring practices and budget issues. The Community Redevelopment Agency Board adopted a budget in the amount of $1,281,612 for fiscal year 2025-2026 as set forth in the City’s annual budget. $750,000 of this amount is earmarked for land acquisition which will be used to acquire parcels for parking, potentially a parking garage in the downto
Jan 233 min read
Books, Brews, and Brooksville: Citrus and Sage Partners with Bean & Bubble to Bring a Fresh Chapter to Hernando County
Citrus and Sage Bookshop storefront. [Photo by Noelle Pappas] In the heart of Brooksville, a cozy new partnership is brewing, quite literally. Citrus and Sage Bookshop, a local bookstore that opened its doors just six months ago, has teamed up with The Bean & Bubble, a coffee company that moved into the shop in late August. Together, they’re offering something rare for Hernando County: a space designed for connection, creativity, and community, and one that’s resonating with
Jan 234 min read
Art & Ales Prove to be a Winning Combination
A painting by James Oleson, based on Melusine. [Photo by Noelle Pappas] Four artists, six hours, and dozens of spectators turned Tidal Brewing Co. into a live studio last month as the brewery and Roots Creative Co. hosted the first-ever Art & Ales, an immersive competition blending craft beer, visual art, and community fundraising. What began as an idea between Tidal Brewing Co. co-owner Maxine Peitzman and Roots Creative Co. founder Allisa Babor evolved into a full-scale cre
Jan 234 min read
Brooksville Filmmakers Grow a Grassroots Vision with Upcoming Feature Film
Benjamin Staley stands in as a driver while Director Kyle Marra discusses potential shots with Director of Photography Lief Thomason. [Photo by Michell Hobbs] What started as a small local production effort in partnership with a community theater has grown into one of Brooksville’s most promising creative ventures. Root & Branch Films, founded by local filmmaker Kyle Marra, is preparing to shoot its first feature-length film, a project deeply rooted in the local arts scene bu
Oct 18, 20256 min read
Trek and Travel: How a Local Travel Agency Pedaled Its Way Into the Heart of Spring Hill
What began as a life-or-death decision 40 years ago has since transformed into a thriving dual business that fuels both wanderlust and wellness in Spring Hill. West of the Moon Travel, celebrating its 40th anniversary this November, has long been a staple for planning unforgettable global journeys. But in recent years, it’s also become a surprising local hub for two-wheeled adventure as the operator of Trek of Spring Hill, one of the top-producing Trek concept stores in the r
Oct 18, 20254 min read
