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 Hernando, 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 Hernando, 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 Hernando, 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 Hernando, 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 Hernando, FL
Hillsborough has more D and F schools than any district in Florida
Marlene Sokolhttps://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2023/12/19/hillsborough-has-more-d-f-schools-than-any-district-florida/
The Hillsborough County school district, known a few years ago for a large group of low-performing schools, is once again saddled with an unwelcome distinction.The district has more D- and F-graded schools than any other in the state, according to data released last week by the Florida Department of Education.Even Miami-Dade and Broward counties, which are larger, do not have as m...
The Hillsborough County school district, known a few years ago for a large group of low-performing schools, is once again saddled with an unwelcome distinction.
The district has more D- and F-graded schools than any other in the state, according to data released last week by the Florida Department of Education.
Even Miami-Dade and Broward counties, which are larger, do not have as many under this year’s unusual grading system. Changes to both the testing system and standards that students were required to learn made year-to-year comparisons unreliable. So the state graded only on achievement, and did not give students the usual credit for learning growth.
Hillsborough received D’s or F’s for 32 of its schools, not including privately managed charters. One of the district schools, Just Elementary, already closed temporarily because of longtime struggles with staffing and student skills. Two more on the list — Adams Middle and Kimbell Elementary — are scheduled for similar shutdowns this June.
Reflecting on the new numbers, Superintendent Van Ayres said in an interview this week he is determined to make every school better than a D and help all students become proficient, especially in reading.
It’s a steep climb. Slightly more than half the students at the 32 schools last year tested at Level 1 in English Language Arts, which measures reading skills. That’s the lowest of five levels, defined by the state as needing “substantial support” to succeed in the following year.
Districtwide, just under 32% of students tested at Level 1 in English Language Arts.
“Historically, proficiency has always been an area that has been a struggle,” said Ayres, who was named superintendent in June. The state considers students “proficient” when they score at Level 4, meaning they are “likely to excel in the next grade.”
At Level 2, students are considered “below satisfactory and “likely to need substantial support” the following year. Those at Level 3 received “satisfactory” scores and are deemed to have passed the state test. Students at Level 5 have achieved “mastery” in the state’s estimation and are ”likely to excel.”
Kindergarten readiness, a measure as low as 16% at some of the schools on the list of 32, makes it hard for children to master reading by the third grade, when that skill is needed for future learning. “I’ll take our teachers against any in the state,” Ayres said. “But it’s that starting point.”
But other districts also have schools where children lack preparation for kindergarten. Poverty exists throughout Florida. And all 67 districts faced the same hurdles last year of new curriculum, new standards and a change from once-a-year exams to three testing cycles.
Pinellas County, for example, had four D schools and none with F’s. And while Pasco County had a slightly greater percentage of schools with D’s and F’s than Hillsborough, the total number — 14 — was far fewer.
Miami-Dade County had five D schools and none received an F, while Broward County had 11 D’s and one F.
What went wrong in Hillsborough?
In his remarks, Ayres did not mention his predecessor, Addison Davis, who during his three years on the job took pride in raising school grades.
But Ayres said he wonders: “Were we as prepared as other districts across the state? Was our staff prepared enough to teach the standards as needed? Did our curriculum match, were our instructional staff prepared at the level we should have prepared them to be? As you look at the numbers, numbers don’t lie. They are what they are.”
He called the numbers “unacceptable.”
Ayres and Deputy Superintendent Shaylia McRae, who oversees the high-needs “Transformation Network” of schools, said they have cause for optimism this year.
They said students and teachers are responding favorably to the state’s new emphasis on phonics to teach letter sounds. McRae and her staff are closely studying data about student performance and how it relates to individual teachers.
“We are really trying to isolate opportunities of greatness,” McRae said. And nearly half the schools in her group earned C grades on achievement alone.
Challenges remain, including staffing shortages.
“Am I expecting these grades coming out in July to be the best they’ll be? No,” Ayres said. “I think over the next two- or three-year period of time, they will continue to grow, and grow at a fast rate.”
He said he appreciates this opportunity to build stronger schools.
“I love accountability,” he said. “And we’ve lost this over the past two or three years because of COVID. Everybody had an excuse. I actually am glad we are at the point where we are talking about all of this.”
Times Staff Writer Ian Hodgson contributed to this report.
(Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the schools that are scheduled to be shut down in June. The story has been updated to reflect that Kimbell Elementary is in that category, along with Adams Middle.)
Spotlight on education
The public is invited to a community conversation about the future of Florida public schools on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the Tampa Theatre, hosted by the Tampa Bay Times. In the second installment of the Spotlight Tampa Bay series, Times journalists will moderate a discussion by experts, followed by a panel featuring students. Tickets are $20; $10 for students. Proceeds benefit the Times’ Journalism Fund. To purchase tickets, click here.
Weekend rain exacerbates potholes, canyons in Citrus County neighborhood
Chad Millshttps://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-citrus-hernando/weekend-rain-exacerbates-potholes-canyons-in-citrus-county-neighborhood
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CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — The Grand Canyon is one of America’s most breathtaking sights, but Karen Johnson doesn’t have to visit Arizona to revel in its beauty.
She has a canyon of her own just feet from her Citrus County home. While hers isn’t as grand as the canyon out west, it attracts attention because it shouldn’t exist.
Johnson lives in Inverness Villages 4, a growing neighborhood outside Inverness where there are plenty of new homes but no paved streets.
She knew that was the case when she moved there in May, but she didn’t know the neighborhood also lacked a stormwater infrastructure.
“Every rain you’re anxious — every rainfall — instead of being able to enjoy it,” Johnson said.
On rainy days, her street and others in the subdivision become streams of silty, sandy slurry. Just like the Colorado River deepens the Grand Canyon over time, each heavy rain also deepens the neighborhood’s canyons, like the one near Johnson’s front yard.
“Every rain, this hole becomes deeper and deeper,” she said.
After heavy rainfall this past weekend, turning onto the streets from her driveway became almost impossible.
“My husband has to maneuver, not wanting the car to sink into the hole,” she said.
The heavy rain also deepened another of the neighborhood’s canyons, which is located in Brenda Killian’s backyard.
“It just keeps getting deeper and deeper,” she said as she stood in the chest-deep fissure.
The weekend rain not only accelerated the canyon’s erosion but also sent the loose sand downhill in a neighbor’s backyard. The patch of sand is just feet from that neighbor’s pool cage.
“She’s going to have a sand beach before long for her pool,” Killian said wryly.
The saga that created the canyon-like conditions and rough neighborhood streets is as long as it is complex.
You can read a more detailed breakdown of the situation at this link.
In an overly simplified nutshell, a county commissioner who represents the area blames the person who sold the plots of land for development and the developer who built homes on the lots without proper drainage.
However, some homeowners like Johnson think Citrus County itself could have done more in the past and should do more now.
“We’re just waiting,” said Johnson. “We’re just waiting.”
Homeowners like Johnson said they were well aware that they had to pay to pave the roads when they signed the paperwork for their homes.
She thought a Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) would be established between neighbors and the county. Such an agreement would have allowed neighbors to pay for the pavement on their tax bills over the span of ten years.
Homeowners are expected to pay around $6,500 each.
Since then, however, they learned the price could be a lot higher. According to Citrus County, the neighborhood needs more than just paved roads. It also needs drainage ponds and a stormwater infrastructure.
According to the county, each homeowner would have to pay roughly $109,000 to cover both the street paving and drainage work.
Because of that exorbitant price tag and other factors, the solution in Inverness Villages 4 currently seems as far off as the Grand Canyon is wide.
For now, all Johnson can do is pray.
“We’re trusting God. We’re believing that sound minds will prevail,” she said. “I think it can be rectified if everybody was to come back to the table — the builder, the land owners, the city, the county — come back together and work it out.”
Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
West Central Florida County Health Departments Take Precautions During Heat Advisory
Ashley D. Thomashttps://hernando.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2023/08/HealthDepartmentsTakePrecautionsDuringHeatAdvisory.html
West Central Florida county health departments are urging residents to take necessary precautions and follow safety measures during the current heat advisory. With temperatures soaring and heat indexes reaching dangerous levels, it is important to prioritize the well-being of individuals and communities.West Central Florida county health departments include those serving Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties.The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory...
West Central Florida county health departments are urging residents to take necessary precautions and follow safety measures during the current heat advisory. With temperatures soaring and heat indexes reaching dangerous levels, it is important to prioritize the well-being of individuals and communities.
West Central Florida county health departments include those serving Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory forecasting high temperatures and humidity that pose health risks. County health departments recognize the importance of raising awareness and promoting measures to ensure the safety of residents during extreme weather conditions.
During this heat advisory, county health departments recommend the following safety measures to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses and emergencies:
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol, as they can lead to dehydration.
Stay cool. Avoid direct sunlight and long exposure to the sun. Spend time in air-conditioned environments. If you do not have access to air conditioning, consider visiting public buildings or public spaces with shade. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to help your body regulate its temperature. Protect your head and face with a wide-brimmed hat and use sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Minimize outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in shaded areas and avoid strenuous physical exertion.
Check on vulnerable individuals. Keep an eye on elderly neighbors, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, as they are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Ensure they have access to a cool environment and sufficient hydration.
Never leave children, vulnerable individuals, or pets unattended in vehicle. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, even with the windows slightly open, and can be life-threatening.
County health departments urge everyone to remain vigilant and look out for one another during this heat advisory. By following these safety measures, we can collectively reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and emergencies.
Stay informed about the heat advisory by following the National Weather Service or your local news. For further information about heat related health issues, please visit www.floridahealth.gov .
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About the Florida Department of Health
The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.floridahealth.gov .
WOW! Continues Expansion Momentum with Plans to Build All Fiber Network in Hernando County, Florida
WideOpenWest, Inc.https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wow-continues-expansion-momentum-with-plans-to-build-all-fiber-network-in-hernando-county-florida-301945436.html
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WOW! Internet, TV & Phone (NYSE: WOW), a leading broadband services provider...
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WOW! Internet, TV & Phone (NYSE: WOW), a leading broadband services provider, today announced plans to further expand its footprint in communities along Florida's west central coast. Construction will begin in the coming months to bring WOW!'s fast, reliable, all-IP fiber network to Hernando County. The company plans to add 44,000 new homes to its growing subscriber base, bringing the total number of identified homes in its Greenfield expansion efforts to 389,000. Florida, now ranked the nation's fastest-growing state for the first time since 1957, continues to be an area of focus for WOW!.
The company's expansion into Hernando County follows the unveiling of WOW!'s plans to build its state-of-the-art fiber network in Michigan and Minnesota, bringing the company nearer to its overall goal of reaching 400,000 homes passed in new markets by 2027 and expanding its footprint by 21%. WOW! has already made significant progress in its previously identified Greenfield markets, including Orange and Seminole counties in Central Florida, where services are launching across multiple communities, and Greenville County, South Carolina, where construction is well underway and services are nearing launch.
WOW! has begun preliminary work in Spring Hill and Hernando Beach to bring its state-of-the-art services and unparalleled customer experience to residents and businesses requiring more flexible and reliable broadband access. Florida is a key market for WOW! where customers in Pinellas County, Panama City, Altamonte Springs, and Wekiwa Springs currently benefit from its services, and the company has been honored as a Best Company to Work For in Florida.
"We're pleased with our progress toward meeting our Greenfield expansion goals as we close in on identifying the new service areas that will bring us to our milestone of 400,000 new homes passed by 2027," said Teresa Elder, CEO of WOW!. "We look forward to growing our presence in Florida and delighting even more customers with our innovative suite of services, community involvement and dedicated customer service."
At launch, residents and businesses in Hernando County will experience WOW!'s all-fiber network and can subscribe to fiber services, including residential symmetrical Internet speeds up to 5 Gbps. WOW! will also offer YouTube TV, one of the most popular and robust live TV video services available with NFL Sunday Ticket, now exclusively offered by YouTube and YouTube TV, along with interactive features such as the ability to catch up with key plays, multiview, check out real-time stats, and more.
Additionally, subscribers will receive the necessary equipment upfront to get started on WOW!'s reliable, high-speed network along with the latest advanced WiFi 6E technology at no extra cost, unlimited data, and no annual contracts. Among its suite of products, WOW! also offers reliable home phone plans, WOW! mobile powered by Reach, and flexible, comprehensive solutions for businesses.
To learn more about WOW!, and to find out if its services are available in your area, please visit www.wowway.com.
About WOW! Internet, TV & PhoneWOW! is one of the nation's leading broadband providers, with an efficient and high-performing network that passes nearly 2 million residential, business and wholesale consumers. WOW! provides services in 15 markets, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast, including Michigan, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, including the new all-fiber network in Central Florida. With an expansive portfolio of advanced services, including high-speed Internet services, cable TV, home phone, mobile phone, business data, voice, and cloud services, the company is dedicated to providing outstanding service at affordable prices. WOW! also serves as a leader in exceptional human resources practices, having been recognized 10 times by the National Association for Business Resources as a Best & Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation, winning the award for the last six consecutive years and making the 2022 Top 101 National Winners list. Visit wowway.com for more information.
SOURCE WideOpenWest, Inc.
Snake Emerges From Florida Floods: 'Do Not Wade in the Water'
Tom Rogershttps://www.newsweek.com/large-snake-spotted-hurricane-idalias-massive-flooding-1823563
After a massive snake was seen slithering through Hurricane Idalia's floodwaters, authorities in Hernando County, Florida, are urging residents to avoid entering inundated areas, and one expert told Newsweek there is more to fear than wildlife in floodwaters.Hurricane Idalia hit Florida on Wednesday morning as a deadly Category 3 storm, bringing with it torrential rain, extreme winds and reco...
After a massive snake was seen slithering through Hurricane Idalia's floodwaters, authorities in Hernando County, Florida, are urging residents to avoid entering inundated areas, and one expert told Newsweek there is more to fear than wildlife in floodwaters.
Hurricane Idalia hit Florida on Wednesday morning as a deadly Category 3 storm, bringing with it torrential rain, extreme winds and record-breaking storm surge. While the hurricane made landfall north of Gainesville, the impact of Idalia was felt throughout the state, with areas of Florida reporting storm surges of 12 feet. Flooding in Hernando County was so severe that emergency vehicles were blocked from accessing roads. Hernando County Fire Rescue said crews were unable to respond to a house fire in Hernando Beach due to the storm surge. It is believed the home was vacant and the home is a "total loss," according to a statement by fire rescue officials.
The Hernando County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) shared photos of the severe flooding on Facebook, using the images as warnings to people who considered venturing out in the storm.
"If there is flooding in your area, please shelter in place and do not wade in the water. You never know what could have washed in with the flooding," the sheriff's office posted on Facebook.
Newsweek reached out via email Wednesday to the HCSO for comment.
It's unclear where exactly the snake was spotted in Hernando County, but one Facebook user claimed it was Shoal Line Boulevard in Hernando Beach.
The beach town was hit by severe storm surge, Hernando Count Fire confirmed Wednesday morning.
The fire department posted several photos to X, formerly Twitter, showing Hernando Beach inundated by Idalia's storm surge with water submerging buildings and vehicles.
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HCSO confirmed in a comment on the post that it was a rattlesnake with several Facebook users suspecting that it was an eastern diamondback. The eastern diamondback is North America's longest and heaviest venomous snake, according to the Smithsonian's National Zoo. These rattlesnakes can grow to be roughly 6 feet long and are found throughout Florida.
Numerous Facebook users noted in the comments of HCSO's post that snakes aren't the only animals that seek higher ground during a hurricane or could be lurking in floodwaters, which include alligators, rats and other types of snakes. After the deadly Hurricane Ian, which pummeled Florida in 2022, a video of a shark wading through a flooded street in Fort Myers went viral on social media.
The HCSO shared the snake photos to serve as a reminder of the dangers of going into flood waters.
Not only can the floodwater wash in a variety of potentially dangerous wildlife, but it can contain deadly pathogens carried in from different water systems during heavy rainfall. The contaminated water could result in the loss of limbs or even death, a University of Florida researcher confirmed to Newsweek Wednesday morning.
After testing samples of floodwater from Hurricane Ian last year, Antarpreet Jutla, an associate professor of environmental engineering at the University of Florida, and his colleagues found two pathogenic bacteria, both of which have high mortality rates.
"They get this pathogen and then the mortality rates from these pathogens is pretty high, or people who get this infection end up losing limbs or arms or dying," Jutla said.
The pathogens get into the floodwater due to a massive inundation of freshwater and clearwater systems combining after heavy rainfall, Jutla said. He urged people to avoid floodwater when possible, especially those with cuts or scrapes.