Hernando County, Florida, is located on the western side of central Florida. The county seat is Brooksville and it has a population of around 173,000. The county was formed in 1843 from the Alachua, Hillsborough, and Orange Counties. It was originally named Benton County, but was renamed several years later to acknowledge the Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto. Fort DeSoto, which was a popular trading post during the 1840s, was also located in the area.
Near the beginning of its creation, the county was famous for its successful food, cotton, and lumber industries. Today, one of the largest industries in the county is aviation with the Hernando County Airport and the Airport Industrial Park being located in the area. In addition, Walmart makes up a large portion of the county’s industry.
The Chassahowitzka Wildlife Refuge and Coastal River Swamps comprise much of the western side of the county. This beautiful landscape stretches on for miles and is bordered by US 19 which connects to cities in the upper and lower counties. Several small communities can be found on the coast to the north and south of the refuge with homes that overlook the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
The county includes several points of interest. The Weeki Wache Springs State Park is a great place for families to visit. Visitors to the park can go boating, swim, and enjoy the waterpark. The park also features an underwater mermaid show that delights people of all ages.
Hernando County is a unique and beautiful place in Florida to call home. With its small seaside neighborhoods, and expansive refuge areas, those who move here are sure to find home sweet home.