Rich in natural beauty, modern in its conveniences – Hernando County is a comfortable place to call home.

Centrally located on the West Coast of Florida, Hernando County stretches out over 312,000 acres bordered on the west by the Gulf of Mexico and the Withlacoochee River on the east.

Considered the Northern Gateway to Tampa Bay, Hernando County is only 35 miles north of downtown Tampa, however residents seem even closer to Tampa with the completion of the Suncoast Parkway. Extending from Tampa through Hernando County to its northern most point at U. S. 98, this corridor allows commuters to reach Tampa in half the current time.

It’s the peaceful suburban lifestyle, combined with commercial growth and progress that makes Hernando County a favorite location for those seeking a pleasant Florida lifestyle. The area boasts many upscale gated and ungated communities with spectacular greens, elegant clubhouses, and many fine amenities at a fraction of the cost for similar communities in surrounding urban areas, such as Tampa and Orlando.

The bustling growth of a community in progress is balanced by the natural beauty of Hernando County’s geography. To the west lies the Gulf of Mexico, a recreational Mecca for boaters, fishermen and swimmers, while the crystal waters of the Weeki Wachee River provide a unique scenic panorama for the water enthusiast. On the eastern side of the county are the rolling hills of pastures and dense forests for the horse lover and those seeking a more rural setting. The Withlacoochee State Trail continues through Hernando County and is celebrated by walkers, joggers, skaters, and bicyclists from throughout Florida.

Hernando County is continually expanding with a paced growth that invites the modern conveniences, while still protecting the raw beauty of its natural environment.

History

The county of Hernando was established on February 27, 1843 in honor of Hernando DeSoto, the Spanish explorer who had traveled through the region in 1539. A bill was passed to divide Hernando County into three counties in the 1880s. This division created Citrus County to the north and Pasco County to the south.

The central portion of the county includes the county seat of Brooksville and prior to 1970 contained most of the population. During the Civil War, Brooksville was held by Confederate forces until Union Navy and Army forces landed at Bayport and launched an attack, shelling the town heavily. This renowned 1864 event is celebrated every January as the "Brooksville Raid Festival" and is Florida's second largest Civil War re- enactment.