The Shields Painting Difference: Perfection with Every Brush Stroke
Many painting companies in Florida rely on flashy marketing and big promises to try and attract new clients. But when it comes time to work, they fall short of their promises. This is often due to a lack of experience, qualified painters, and a drive to overachieve. At Shields Painting, we do things a little differently than other painting companies in Citrus County. We believe that a professional paint job should be as close to perfect as possible. Our goal is to leave you 100% satisfied, whether we're touching up an old residential paint job or performing a complex commercial project. It might sound simple, but we achieve that goal through honesty, hard work, beautiful results, and reasonable pricing.
As a family-owned and operated painting company in Brooksville, FL, we strive to provide personalized, professional, and friendly service. Shields Painting has been in business since 1968 for a good reason. Whenever possible, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy. Unlike some of our competition, we want to know all about your house or business painting project: your vision, your preferences, your challenges, and your goals. When we understand your needs, we can present you with a fantastic final product - one that you're proud to show off to friends and neighbors.
At Shields Painting, we combine our extensive experience with time-tested, meticulous painting processes, resulting in the highest quality painting results around. As a painting contractor in Citrus County, we can take on a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Florida.
A few of our most popular painting services include:
- Interior Painting
- Exterior Painting
- Residential Painting
- Commercial Painting
- Cabinet Painting
- Ceiling Painting
- Fence Painting
- Sign Painting
- MUCH More!
Our commercial, industrial, and residential painting contractors take the proper steps to protect your property and belongings while we work. Our team will clean up after ourselves, so your property is left clean and free of debris when we're done. After all, we think there's only one way to do a job, and that's the right way.
Painting Services
Eco-friendly & clean work area.
PDCA Certified Member.
Your Go-To House Painting Company in Brooksville, FL
Your home is a haven of relaxation and solitude. It is uniquely you - a place where you can express who you are through style and design. Whether you need interior touch-ups for your crown molding or a new exterior coat of paint, hiring a reliable painting contractor is the best way to get quality results.
At Shields Painting, we know how important it is to have a home that highlights your tastes and personality. That's why we offer an extensive array of residential painting services in Citrus County. As tempting as it might be to try a DIY paint job, without the proper skills and experience, there is a good chance that the results will turn out less than satisfactory.
High-quality painting requires skill, experience, and patience. If you're a homeowner who needs residential painting services but doesn't have the time, patience, or skills to handle the job, look no further than Shields Painting. We offer accuracy, precision, and longevity with each paint job we perform. Our customers choose Shields Painting for their home because they receive:
- Free Quotes with Detailed Project Breakdowns
- Affordable Pricing
- Expert Painting Contractors
- High-Quality Paint Products
- Combo of Traditional and Modern Techniques
- Well-Maintained Tools
- Unmatched Craftsmanship
- Friendly, Personalized Service
- Good Old-Fashioned Hard Work!
The majority of our house painting services come in two forms: interior and exterior.
Interior Residential Painting
As an interior painting contractor with decades of experience, our expert technicians have developed an interior painting process that maximizes quality and emphasizes customer satisfaction. We understand that interior painting goes beyond aesthetics. It protects your ceilings and walls and helps you sustain a healthier place to live for your family. When only the finest craftsmanship will do inside your home, Shields Painting is here for you.
Our seasoned team of painting experts and craftsmen is dedicated to respecting your space and providing you with the look and feel you're craving inside your home. Whether you bought a new house and want to make it your own or need minor touch-ups but have no time, Shields Painting is ready to tackle the job, no matter how small or large.
Unlike some painting companies, our interior house painters take the time to get the details right, every time. For instance, color is only one aspect of your interior paint job. The paint sheen or finish is just as important. Certain finishes are better for living rooms and bedrooms than in kitchens and bathrooms. We'll help you find the right finish and paint colors for your home, so you don't have to worry about touch-ups or repainting.
Some of our most popular interior house painting services include:
- Ceiling Painting
- Popcorn Ceiling Removal
- Living Room Painting
- Bathroom Painting
- Basement Painting
- Color Consultations
- More
Cabinet Painting
Citrus County cabinet painting deserves its own section on this page because it requires more time, skill, and quality paint than most sections of your home. If your home's cabinets are built into its woodwork, replacing them can be obnoxiously expensive. Compared to the cost of installing new cabinets, painting your kitchen cabinets is much more affordable.
At Shields Painting, we specialize in transforming old cabinets into new, gorgeous features that are just as usable as they are beautiful. Each step of our cabinet painting process is meticulous and thorough. And we'll take care of the entire job, from cleaning, prep, and sanding to priming, painting, and reassembly. This unique service lets you enjoy a brand-new look in your kitchen without having to go into debt by replacing your cabinets.
Whether your cabinets are new, but you want to change their color or you'd like to transition wood cabinets to a painted finish, Shields Painting has the expertise and experience to give you a new look you'll love.
Exterior Residential Painting
Your home - it's a place that not only keeps your belongings safe. It protects your family and loved ones, too. It's one of your largest investments, and like anything else of value, it should be protected. However, Florida weather can take a toll on your home's structure and paint, lowering your home's value and even putting your family at risk.
While it's true that a beautiful exterior affects your house's value, it shouldn't take thousands of remodeling dollars to make a positive change to your home. There's a fine line between reasonable pricing and top-quality painting, and that sweet spot is what Shields Painting aims for. If you want to transform how your friends and neighbors see your home, never underestimate the power of a professional paint job.
Our exterior residential painting services are designed to boost curb appeal, give your home a fresh look, and help it stand up to Florida's unique weather. But we provide more than that. When you hire Shields Painting for your outdoor painting project, you will enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your home is in truly capable hands. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and help bring out the best in your property, whether you need to re-stain your deck or remove old, peeling paint from your siding.
If you're on the hunt for the very best exterior painting contractor in Brooksville, FL, look no further than Shields Painting.
Some of our most popular exterior house painting services include:
- Vinyl Siding Painting
- Deck Painting and Staining
- Stucco Exterior Painting
- Wood Exterior Painting
- Porch Painting and Staining
- Soffit Painting
- Fascia Painting
- Window Painting
- Front Door Painting
- Thorough Painting Prep
- More
The Premier Commercial Painting Company in Brooksville, FL
When it comes to first impressions, your businesses' appearance plays an important role. Your commercial property's paint job factors into its overall aesthetics. A great-looking, well-maintained paint job can mean the difference between a customer walking in your storefront and passing by. Conversely, an old, worn-out commercial paint job can send the wrong message to prospective customers. If you can't take the time to keep up your property's appearance, why would a customer spend their hard-earned money on your products?
The same goes for your businesses' interior paint. Would you want to do business with a company that has peeling paint or unsightly crown molding? At Shield's Painting, our goal is to create a beautiful environment that your customers and employees will love inside and out. When you work with our business painters, you can rest easy knowing we treat your business like it were our own. We always clean up after ourselves and know that operations cannot come to a halt just because we're painting. As such, we'll work with your busy schedule to ensure the job gets done right the first time without disrupting your day-to-day commitments.
With decades of commercial painting experience, we know the demands of a commercial painting project necessitate a disciplined and focused approach from the start. Our team of business painters is committed to delivering quality, on-time results on every project, every time - no excuses
We offer professional business painting services to a variety of building types, including:
01
Industrial Painting
A high level of care and finesse are required to effectively paint an industrial property. At Shields Painting, we know that industrial paint jobs involve much more than aesthetics. That's why our industrial services are customized to your specifications, using industrial-grade materials that stand up to heavy-duty operations.
02
Retail Store Painting
Our commercial painters apply effective, yet appealing interior and exterior paint that stand up to the daily rigors of busy retail environments.
03
Small Business Painting
Do you own a restaurant franchise? Have a small "mom and pop" location that needs a fresh coat of paint? Shields Painting has the resources and reliability to efficiently get the job done the first time. That way, you can focus on serving your customers, not having your business repainted.
04
Healthcare Location Painting
From walk-in clinics to long-term care facilities, Shields Painting is sensitive to your patients' needs. We know you must protect your patient's privacy while maintaining productivity. Our approach to healthcare location painting centers around your schedule to avoid disruptions in care.
05
Apartment Complex Painting
Erase signs of wear and make your apartment complex or multi-family building a more desirable place to live with a stunning, professional paint job.
Florida's Most Trusted Painting Contractor
Shields Painting has been in the business since 1968. In a world where so much has changed, we are proud to uphold the ideals that make us successful: hard, honest work, getting the job done right, and excellent customer service. Providing you with trustworthy, quality work will always take priority over rushing through a project to serve the next customer. That is just not the way we choose to do business.
As professionals dedicated to perfection, we strive to provide a unique painting experience for every customer - one that focuses on their needs and desires instead of our own. Whether you need residential painting for your home or commercial painting for your business, we encourage you to reach out today to speak with our customer service team. Whether you have big ideas about a new paint project or need our expertise and guidance, we look forward to hearing from you soon.
352-212-1533Free Consultation
Latest News in Brooksville, FL
Brooksville City Council names Kuhn city manager
VINCENT F. SAFUTOhttps://www.suncoastnews.com/news/brooksville-city-council-names-kuhn-city-manager/article_0261f200-5951-11ee-bcd9-d7f1bb8673dd.html
BROOKSVILLE – After plowing through a number of applications from city manager hopefuls and choosing six highly qualified candidates as finalists, the Brooksville City Council decided to remove the “interim” from Charlene Kuhn’s title and make her the city manager.Human Resources Director Kyle Martin said the position had been posted to the city’s job page and other association pages on June 28, with a July 31 deadline that was extended to Aug. 31, and some experience requirements were updated.A pr...
BROOKSVILLE – After plowing through a number of applications from city manager hopefuls and choosing six highly qualified candidates as finalists, the Brooksville City Council decided to remove the “interim” from Charlene Kuhn’s title and make her the city manager.
Human Resources Director Kyle Martin said the position had been posted to the city’s job page and other association pages on June 28, with a July 31 deadline that was extended to Aug. 31, and some experience requirements were updated.
A process was put into place to analyze applications and plan for interviews.
The city received 29 applications, Martin said, 72% of whom were fully qualified according to the job requirements regarding education and experience. A total of 45% had master’s degrees and 66% had six years of governmental experience, she said, 52% had governmental experience in Florida, 21% lived in Hernando County and 10% indicated veteran status.
On Sept. 13, the applicant review committee picked six of 21 fully qualified candidates to move on to the next phase of the process.
Mayor Blake Bell asked how many applicants Crystal River got, and Martin said 49.
“Of the six, how many live in Hernando County?” Bell asked.
“I believe four out of the six,” Martin said.
The candidates would meet the council, city staff and then the public, Martin said.
“So, do we want to do all six interviews?” Bell asked. “How do we want to proceed?”
There was silence for moment, then council member Thomas Bronson said that Kuhn has done a good job, and that they should continue with her as the city manager.
“She’s done a great job communicating. Big or little, things she brings up to us. Little or big, she brings it up to me and asks our opinion,” he said. “I think that’s so important to get the people’s input on everything she does, and I appreciate that.”
“That’s just my opinion,” he concluded. “I’m not speaking for the City Council.”
Council member Christa Tanner said she would echo Bronson’s points.
“I really appreciate Charlene stepping into this role,” she said.
She’s had to deal with “interesting” challenges in the past month and has handled them well.
“I would not be opposed to having Charlene continue in this role,” Tanner said. If they still want to interview the six applicants, she said she was OK with that.
“Did you apply, Charlene?” asked council member Casey Thieryung.
“No, I did not,” Kuhn replied.
“Are you interested?” Thieryung asked.
“Well, I was on the evaluation committee. I didn’t think it was fair because I’d already seen all of the applications,” she said.
Possibly, she said, if she hadn’t been on the committee she might have applied.
Thieryung said he liked the communication he got from her, and thought it would be a great motion for her to get the job.
Council member David Bailey said he was concerned that they wasted the time of the applicants. Still, he said, “Charlene has done a fabulous job, in my opinion.”
Tanner seconded Bronson’s motion to give the job to Kuhn, and it passed in a 5-0 roll call vote.
“I just want to say thank you very much for all the kind words,” Kuhn said after the vote. “My one goal working for this city and any other position I’ve been in, my job is to protect the city, and I will continue to do that.”
Her goal is to build a strong foundation at City Hall.
In closing, Bell expressed his appreciation to the applicants for the job.
There will be a meet-and-greet with Kuhn on Sept. 28 at The Bistro, Bell said.
Bricks redux
Someone, and maybe several people, will have to hit a big pile of bricks soon.
“We have a fundamental issue,” said Community Development Director David Hainley. “As you know, the street still has the bricks on it.”
He told the council that two truckloads of bricks taken up from Highland Street were put into a dump truck, hauled to Public Works and dumped.
“They were not palletized; they were not totally cleaned.”
“Under whose watch was that?” Bailey asked.
“The former director,” Hainley said.
“Of course,” Bailey said.
“How does this keep happening?” Tanner asked at one point.
They can acquire the bricks they need and have the bricks from Russell Street added to the pile, or they can work on the pile. They cost $2.20 to $2.40 new, so “they’re a valuable asset,” Hainley said, and there are intact bricks in Russell Street. It would cost about $250,000 to buy enough for the whole street.
Also, there needs to be 900 linear feet of curbing for another $300,000.
“We can’t mow grass and clean bricks at the same time,” Hainley said. “The crew that does the one does the other.”
Some are clean, some are broken, some have asphalt on them and might be salvageable if the asphalt can be removed.
Hainley said he tried to remove the asphalt from a few sample bricks and it took about a minute to clean each brick, and asphalt seems to come off easier if heat is applied. Bailey suggested using diesel fuel.
The trouble is that there are lots of bricks and not many people want the tedious job of chipping asphalt off bricks one by one.
One suggestion was that public works personnel be taken off mowing, which is needed because it’s still growing season, and sent to where the bricks are, even if they’re not that thrilled about the monotonous work.
Another suggestion was to have volunteers come in, and yet another from Parks director David Howard was that the city get an inmate crew to do the work in October.
The high price of new bricks means that chipping off and restoring the old bricks makes sense, Hainley said.
Even so, a city employee said in public comment that Russell Street is in such terrible condition that the city should temporarily pave it so vehicles can get through while the city decides what to do about the bricks.
“It’s impassible at this point,” he said.
Bell said they need to get Russell Street operational and asked how much it would cost. Hainley said $60,000 to $70,000 to just pave over the bricks, and Hainley said he’d get a number about how much to pull up the bricks and then pave it.
Richard Weekes, the assistant public works director, said he didn’t think it was a good idea to put any temporary paving down because it would be a mess.
“I think we keep it blocked off and then focus on trying to get these bricks cleaned up,” he said.
It finally was decided that Bailey would organize something to get the bricks cleaned.
In other action
• The council approved the budget and then an ad valorem tax millage of 5.9000, an increase in ad valorem tax revenues of 8.18% over the rolled-back rate. Both votes were 5-0.
• The city approved a proclamation for Mid-Florida Community Services Inc.’s House to Home Program, accepted by Richard Sanvenero Sr., Mid-Florida Program Director.
• The city approved a proclamation for Constitution Week, Sept. 17 to 23. It was accepted by Teresa “Teri” R. Dioquino, Annuttaliga Chapter, and Susan Gundersen, DAR, Winding Waters Chapter.
• The following employees were honored with Star awards: Hunter Morris, Juan Rodriguez, Keith Plump, Matt Boatwright, Wesley Tiliquist and William Krolak.
• The following employees were honored for years of service: Cornelio Palmieri — 5 years, Thomas LaChausse — 5 years, Reshma Beepat — 5 years, James Webb — 5 years, Steven Gouldman — 15 years, Lance Felten — 15 years, and Tameka Hagood — 20 years.
Hernando County Emergency Management announces voluntary evacuations
Hernando Todayhttps://www.suncoastnews.com/news/hernando-county-emergency-management-announces-voluntary-evacuations/article_3e03b884-4560-11ee-83bf-1fd0cb9979db.html
BROOKSVILLE – Hernando County Emergency Management continues to monitor Tropical Storm Idalia.Voluntary evacuations have been issued for all areas west of U.S. 19, which includes evacuation zones A, B and C. All residents living in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as manufactured homes county-wide, are included.Residents are advised to seek safe shelter with family or friends who reside in a safe structure. If this is not a possibility, a public shelter will open at noon on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 at the below addresses...
BROOKSVILLE – Hernando County Emergency Management continues to monitor Tropical Storm Idalia.
Voluntary evacuations have been issued for all areas west of U.S. 19, which includes evacuation zones A, B and C. All residents living in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as manufactured homes county-wide, are included.
Residents are advised to seek safe shelter with family or friends who reside in a safe structure. If this is not a possibility, a public shelter will open at noon on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 at the below addresses.
West Hernando Middle School – Special Needs
14325 Ken Austin Parkway
Brooksville, FL 34614
If you need the Special Needs Shelter and have a pet, transportation from either your house or shelter location for your pet is done through Animal Control with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. Please call Hernando County Public Information Center at 352-754-4083 to arrange pickup. The center will open at 8 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 28.
D. S. Parrott Middle School – General Population and Pet Friendly
19220 Youth Drive
Brooksville, FL 34601
Pet-friendly shelter tips
Citizens and their animals are housed in separate sections of the designated shelter(s). Designated shelters are typically Hernando County Schools. Animals will be housed in crates in a different location than where general population is located. If you need to seek shelter with your pet during a declared emergency the following list will help you be prepared:
Sandbag locations
Sandbag locations are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Linda Pedersen Park
6300 Shoal Line Blvd.
Spring Hill, FL 34609
Anderson Snow Park
1360 Anderson Snow Road
Spring Hill, FL 34609
Enter through the service road between the park and the gymnastics place; the sand is located at the end.
Ridge Manor Community Center
34240 Cortez Blvd.
Ridge Manor, FL 33523
City of Brooksville DPW (open 24/7)
600 S. Brooksville Ave.
Brooksville, FL 34601
These self-serve sandbag sites will remain open until weather conditions begin to deteriorate. Please bring your own shovel.
Hernando County Government’s Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor and inform our community about storm impacts. Visit the following web and social media sites for more information.
For the latest local conditions and a complete list of news alerts go to www.HernandoCounty.us/EM
Sign up to receive weather alerts at www.AlertHernando.org
Follow on Facebook @HernandoCountyFire and @HernandoCoGov
Follow on Twitter @HernandoCoGov
Stay tuned as more information becomes available. Visit the Hernando County Emergency Management website at www.HernandoCounty.us/EM for all storm-related notices.
Brooksville man charged in ‘firebombing attack’ at Planned Parenthood clinic, DOJ says
Rachel Tuckerhttps://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/hernando-county/brooksville-man-charged-in-firebombing-attack-at-planned-parenthood-clinic-doj-says/
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) — A Brooksville man was arrested last week in connection to a “firebombing attack” on a California Planned Parenthood clinic in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.Xavier Batten, 21, was arrested by the FBI on Friday. In his first court appearance in the U.S. District Court in the Middle District of Florida, a judge ordered Batten to be held without bond while awaiting trial.Batten was accused of helping two other men plot to throw a Molotov cocktail at a Planned Parentho...
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) — A Brooksville man was arrested last week in connection to a “firebombing attack” on a California Planned Parenthood clinic in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Xavier Batten, 21, was arrested by the FBI on Friday. In his first court appearance in the U.S. District Court in the Middle District of Florida, a judge ordered Batten to be held without bond while awaiting trial.
Batten was accused of helping two other men plot to throw a Molotov cocktail at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa, California, on March 13, 2022, according to a DOJ indictment unsealed Friday. The indictment named Chance Brannon, 23 – an active duty Marine – and Tibet Ergul, 21, as the other defendants in the case.
Brannon and Ergul were accused of purposefully targeting the clinic, collecting the materials for the Molotov cocktail, and constructing it. Batten allegedly “advised and directed Brannon regarding how to build the Molotov cocktail,” according to the DOJ.
Surveillance camera footage showed two men wearing hooded sweatshirts and face masks — believed to be Brannon and Ergul — walking up to the clinic entrance, igniting the device, and throwing it at the building. The device “erupted into a fire, which spread up the wall and across the ceiling above the glass door,” according to the indictment.
The Planned Parenthood clinic was forced to close the next day, according to the DOJ, which resulted in approximately 30 cancelled appointments.
“The violent and reckless attack on a Planned Parenthood clinic alleged in the indictment is intolerable,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said. “This indictment shows that federal law enforcement will work diligently to uncover and hold accountable those who plan and carry out violent extremist acts against others.”
All three men were charged with conspiracy and malicious destruction of property by fire and explosion. Brannon and Ergul received additional charges of possession of an unregistered destructive device and a misdemeanor count of intentional damage to a reproductive health services facility, which is a violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.
The conspiracy and malicious destruction counts each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, according to the DOJ. Possession of an unregistered destructive device is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The intentional damage to a reproductive health facility charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison.
Brannon and Ergul are due to be arraigned in court on Monday. Brannon will plead not guilty, his attorney told The Associated Press. Ergul’s attorney declined to comment.
Brooksville Main Street’s Christmas Tree Lighting Tonight
Megan Husseyhttps://www.hernandosun.com/2023/12/07/brooksville-main-streets-christmas-tree-lighting-tonight/
Brooksville becomes a veritable and festive winter wonderland Thursday, December 7th from 5-8pm, as the Christmas on Main: Brooksville Tree Lighting is celebrated in downtown Brooksville.Presented by Brooksville Main Street, this free of charge event will fill the avenues with mystical Yuletide magic. The happening–with many activities taking place outside the Hernando County Courthouse, 20 North Main Street in Brooksville–will feature a ceremonial Christmas tree lighting, and special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, w...
Brooksville becomes a veritable and festive winter wonderland Thursday, December 7th from 5-8pm, as the Christmas on Main: Brooksville Tree Lighting is celebrated in downtown Brooksville.
Presented by Brooksville Main Street, this free of charge event will fill the avenues with mystical Yuletide magic. The happening–with many activities taking place outside the Hernando County Courthouse, 20 North Main Street in Brooksville–will feature a ceremonial Christmas tree lighting, and special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will pose with photos at Mulligan and Associates. The sounds of the season will resound through the voices of The Live Oak Theatre, and the windows of Patricia’s Boutique will come magically to life.
As guests enjoy the spectacle of the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, they will be welcome to shop and explore downtown businesses and restaurants, and get some holiday shopping done courtesy of 100 vendors (many fine artisans) and food trucks on site at the event.
“This is a Brooksville tradition, a family holiday event that Hernando County has come to know and love,” said Randi Olsen, who will co-host the Christmas Tree Lighting with Stephanie Sager. “You’ll always see the Christmas tree come alight. You’ll always hear the sounds of singing, of Dell Barnes playing, you’ll always see the windows coming alive. One of my favorite parts is the countdown to the lighting. This, is the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.”
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This year’s event, promises Olsen, will offer more musical performances than ever before–courtesy of her own Live Oak players, which this year will represent a mixture of new and seasoned performers with this signature community troupe.
“As they say in my favorite holiday movie Elf, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” she quoted. “We will be singing holiday classics like Jingle Bells. And new this year, we’ll be having a singalong.”
A longtime participant in this seasonal happening, Olsen now counts herself as part of a BMS committee that has planned and coordinated the Christmas Tree Lighting festivity. And at this year’s Christmas Tree Lighting, Olsen reveals, a guiding force in this and other Brooksville happenings will be honored in grand fashion.
“We’re going to be honoring Great Brooksvillian Barbara Manuel,” she said, adding, “This entire committee has pulled together to make this event happen this year. We’re making it happen.”
Christmas on Main committee member Nikki Bell takes great pride in the event that has become part and parcel of Hernando County tradition.
“Christmas on Main is the largest Christmas event in Hernando County,” said Bell. “We host about 100 vendors including food and craft. Like Oak theater performs, Santa will be there for pictures and Patricia’s Boutique comes to life. This event is free for all who attend.”
Bell sees this event as a gathering that unifies the community.
“We bring thousands of people from across the county and outside the county to see the lighting of the Christmas tree,” she said. “This is a great opportunity for the local downtown businesses that stay open late to accommodate the crowd.”
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1334888023770841/.
Brooksville city manager Snowberger to retire
VINCENT F. SAFUTOhttps://www.suncoastnews.com/news/brooksville-city-manager-snowberger-to-retire/article_d67e10c8-11df-11ee-b7b5-f3957bb28c44.html
BROOKSVILLE — When Ron Snowberger became city manager in June 2021, Brooksville was in disarray and a laughingstock on the national news.Former City Manager Mark Kutney had been fired for accidentally selling the city’s water tower, he had been criticized for communication issues, staff turnover was high, morale was low and the city’s infrastructure was a mess.The city’s fire chief took over as interim city manager, then the “interim” label was removed, but it wasn’t until Casey Thieryu...
BROOKSVILLE — When Ron Snowberger became city manager in June 2021, Brooksville was in disarray and a laughingstock on the national news.
Former City Manager Mark Kutney had been fired for accidentally selling the city’s water tower, he had been criticized for communication issues, staff turnover was high, morale was low and the city’s infrastructure was a mess.
The city’s fire chief took over as interim city manager, then the “interim” label was removed, but it wasn’t until Casey Thieryung, W. Thomas Bronson and Christa Tanner took their seats on the council after the 2022 elections that it seemed like Snowberger really had the full backing of the city’s elected officials.
He led the young panel through several challenges, and now they face one of their biggest challenges: finding a replacement for Snowberger, who announced his retirement — effective Aug. 15 — at the June 19 City Council meeting.
He wrote that he is planning to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests.
Mayor Blake Bell gave the news from the dais, though a hint of something afoot was an item Bell added to the agenda at the start of the meeting “regarding the city manager.”
“It’s time for a new chapter” in his life after 40 years of service in local government, Snowberger said after the meeting.
“During my tenure as city manager, the city of Brooksville has thrived in the areas of partnerships and cooperation, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure improvements, grant acquisition, legislative appropriations, administrative advancements, organizational stability, project initiation and completions, facility and recreational improvements, community awareness, high employee morale, and leadership,” Snowberger wrote in his letter announcing his retirement.
Vice Mayor David Bailey was among those singing the praises of the city manager, who gave guidance to people unused to running the complex government enterprise.
“You were a breath of fresh air for us, in my opinion,” Bailey said. “You came in at a time that the city needed someone with your backbone. You stepped up and you really did a good job. I’m very, very proud of you and I thank you for your service to our city.”
“It’s bittersweet,” Tanner said. “Congratulations to you, but I’m kind of sad for us, but it’s just been a pleasure to work with you. I just want to thank you for your leadership and guidance, particularly to me over these past seven months coming on council.”
Thieryung said he worked with Snowberger when he opened his pub and while the latter was still fire chief. Snowberger was the first Brooksville official Thieryung worked with, he said.
“When you got to be the manager I was just so excited,” Thieryung said. “I was just sitting out there. Of all the people they could have gotten hired, you were the man for the job. I’m really proud to have worked with you and I appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”
Bronson said people don’t realize the work Snowberger does behind the scenes. “I look up to you in so many different ways,” he said. “You’re not just a figurehead up here. You dive into each different department.”
Resident Chris Rhodes also had praise for Snowberger.
“I felt compelled to say something about Mr. Snowberger because in previous City Council meetings before you, sir, it was awful in many ways,” Rhodes said. “It was almost like the city hated itself. You were definitely a breath of fresh air in that.”
Former council member and Brooksville Main Street executive director Natalie Kahler thanked Snowberger, too.
“The pastoral leadership that he has given to the city, coming in and really changing the culture for staff, changing the culture for council, and creating not just a safe work environment but a happy work environment is again, very different from where we were,” she said. “It takes a very specific person to come in and change the culture of an entire organization, and that is a gift that he is leaving us that cannot be understated.”
Bell said he would work on finding a new city manager in consultation with the council and city staff, and noted that there are consultants that can help in their search.
Before, they had called for resumes, rated them and then hired Snowberger, he said.
Bell praised Snowberger for his service to the city.
“We appreciate, Mr. Snowberger, all that you’ve done for the city. You were the right man for the job when we needed you. I know Mr. Bailey and I were up here the night that you came on board,” he said. “We needed stability in the city and you provided a tremendous amount of stability at that time, and appreciate the stability you have provided since that time and the work you have done for the city of Brooksville.”
Snowberger said he was grateful for the support of the council and the people in the city.
“I appreciate that,” he said. “It was a very tough decision to come to that because I love the city and I love the people in it.”
Students from eight Pinellas County high schools who will graduate in 2024 can earn a degree tuition-free through the St. Petersburg College Promise Scholarship.
Formerly, the scholarship was available only to graduating seniors at five high schools, but an additional three schools have now been added.
The high schools added for 2024 — Boca Ciega, Gibbs, and Hollins — will join Clearwater, Lakewood, Northeast, Pinellas Park, and Tarpon Springs high schools already in the program.
Upcoming graduates of these Pinellas County high schools can get their tuition and fees completely covered by the scholarship as they obtain associate degrees or financial aid-eligible certificates.
To apply, students must:
• Complete a FAFSA
• Complete the SPC application
• Enroll for at least six credit hours, beginning in the Fall 2024 Term following their high school graduation.
Requirements to keep the scholarship include:
• Complete the FAFSA each year
• Be continuously enrolled for at least six credit hours in both Fall and Spring terms
• Complete an associate degree or a financial aid-eligible certificate by the end of their third academic year
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA and a successful course completion rate
Monies are disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis. Once an SPC application is submitted, students will be sent the next steps.
More details on the scholarship are available at spc.edu/promisescholarship.
Enrollment is open for 2024 Sunstar FirstCare ambulance memberships.
The estimated average cost of a single ambulance transport is $943. Annual membership fees for the Sunstar FirstCare Ambulance Membership plan are $86 for a single membership and $129 for a family membership. Membership covers 100% of expenses associated with deductibles and co-payments and 50% of medically necessary trips denied by insurance. Uninsured members receive a 20% discount on medically necessary ambulance transportation.
In 2022, the membership plan saved residents an average of $175 per transport, officials estimated.
The ambulance membership is a Pinellas County Government program that works with an individual’s insurance company to minimize out-of-pocket ambulance expenses.
Completed applications with payment in full, received before the end of the calendar year, will be effective on Jan. 1. Completed applications with payment in full received after Jan. 1 will be effective on the postmark date. Applications can be found online at www.pinellas.gov/firstcare.
For more information and detailed plan coverage, call 727-582-2008 or visit www.pinellas.gov/coverage.