Hernando County is the home of several forgotten forts: Fort Cross, Fort Annutteliga, and Fort De Soto. The purpose of these forts was to protect the early settlers from Indian attacks and to provide a base from which the army could operate.

Fort Cross

Fort Cross was established around 1839 and closed in 1840. It was reopened a short while later to provide supplies to the settlers. The fort was said to be made of logs laid on an earthen embankment. The fort was maintained by a detachment of soldiers from “Company F, 4th Infantry.” There does not appear to be an agreed upon location of where the fort resided. Different historians have suggested locations for the fort along State Road 50. Roger Landers suggested it was located near the present day Bayfront Hospital. Other historians place its location near the Suncoast Expressway or a couple miles to east of the Suncoast Expressway. The General Land Office (GLO) map of the area from 1847 shows a road notated as the “Road from Clear Water Harbor to Fort Cross.”

It is important to locate the exact location of Fort Cross, it may be in the area set for the Cemex mine expansion and if its location is known it can be preserved.

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Fort Annutteliga

Fort Annutteliga was situated near Stafford Lake according to maps of the time. Stafford Lake is located Northwest of the intersection of US 98 and Lake Lindsey Rd.

The Fort Annutteliga is mentioned in a letter to Major Belknap in Camp McCall on March 1st 1842 near the end of the Second Seminole War:

“Major: The Setlers [sic] who are to take post at the Annutaliga have reached there in safety and the troops are assisting them in the erection of two block houses, about forty of their numbers carry arms. This is an important move and will answer a better purpose towards closing the war than the quartering of two companies at Fort Cross.”

Fort De Soto

The best known of the these forts is Fort De Soto. It was a military settlement named after Hernando De Soto, and established in 1840. Its purpose was to protect settlers from the Seminole Indians, but it grew to a small community that housed a trading post and became a regular stagecoach stop on the way to Tampa. The community moved south because the limestone around the fort made it difficult to get water. This community eventually became Brooksville.

This area isn’t marked with any historical site plaque, and there aren’t any remains of settlement to visit, but it did exist all the same. Fort De Soto was located in the North East corner of present day Brooksville, on Croom Road about one-half mile east of U.S. Highway 41. The property is currently owned by Edwin House. Historian Frasier Mountain recalls a wood sign over the entrance to the House property marked Desoto.The approximate coordinates of the old De Soto stage stop are 28.56795,-82.3863694. Mr. Mountain also mentioned that the stage stop was rumored to have been a place that Hernando De Soto camped as he explored Florida.

Fort De Soto is the oldest settlement in Hernando County. On February 27, 1843 two years prior to Florida joining the Union, Hernando County was deemed a county. Fort De Soto was named the county seat. N.G. Rowe was one of the early settlers and served as postmaster for the fort. Other early settlers included D.F. Thresher, and W.R. Mills.

Camps and Blockhouses

In addition to the forts there were also Camps or Blockhouses for defense in many of the local communities. Often these blockhouses also doubled as a church and community center. According to James Covington “Military camps were established between 1836 and 1837 at Camp Lindsay, Camp Allen, and Camp Broadnax. Civilian forts or blockhouses also were constructed to shelter the pioneer settlers.”

UPDATE: According to a long time Brooksville resident across Cortez Blvd from Bayfront Hospital in the proposed mining site there used to be signs that this was the site of Fort Cross and an Indian village. The signs have long since disappeared.

Lake Worth Beach has more of the books-in-a-box locations per capita than anywhere else in the world

LAKE WORTH BEACH — Andrew Carnegie is credited with building 1,700 public libraries during his life.

Mary Lindsey isn't quite there yet, but the 68-year-old Lake Worth Beach resident is gaining on the steel tycoon and philanthropist.

Since 2015, Lindsey has overseen the creation of about 100 Little Free Libraries around the city. The neighborhood book exchange program was created to promote literacy.

The little libraries are housed in colorful, mailbox-like wooden structures with a sliding plastic panel that allows patrons to take or donate books. In Lake Worth Beach, there's a Little Free Library at every school, in each of its 16 neighborhoods, plus dozens of private residences. Lindsey has one in front of her home.

More:Wellington library closing for $4 million makeover

"People are crazy about them," said Cindy Ansell, director of the Lake Worth Public Library. "There are people that come into town just to look at them."

In Lake Worth Beach, the little libraries are more than just nice to look at.

The program recently passed a milestone of 500,000 books distributed, Lindsey said. It's also served as a lifeline for the community after the COVID-19 epidemic shut down the city's library for months.

There are Little Free Library branches all over Palm Beach County, but no city has a setup as extensive as the one in Lake Worth Beach.

That's due primarily to the tireless volunteer work of Lindsey, a former fashion designer who worked around the world before retiring to Florida in 1995.

Five years ago, Lindsey discovered an online mention of Little Free Library, a program that began in Wisconsin in 2009.

"I thought it was the coolest thing I ever saw," Lindsey said.

After getting city officials to back the project, Lindsey worked toward placing a Little Free Library within "safe walking distance" of every city resident. She says the program reached that goal within a year and a half.

Lindsey oversees nearly 170 "stewards" who are tasked with maintaining the little libraries by keeping them free of garbage, well-stocked with books and devoid of objectionable material. Some locations are so popular that two stewards are assigned as caretakers.

More:Downtown library lands $100,000 grant for mobile van for outreach during pandemic

Books are donated by private individuals but also through relationships with the Palm Beach County School District, Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, and others.

Lindsey estimates that she averages 30 to 40 hours a week running the program and said she's "unbelievably fortunate" to have the leisure time to devote "to something I love so much."

"It just doesn't work without her passion," Ansell said. "She's the visionary and also the muscle that keeps it going."

The Florida Library Association named Lindsey its "outstanding citizen" in 2020 for her work with the little libraries project. According to a blurb on the library association's website, Lake Worth Beach has more Little Free Library locations "per capita than any community in the world."

More:Love and roti: Takeout shop brings flavors of Trinidad to Lake Worth Beach

That's especially important in a city where around 25% of residents live below the poverty line, according to the US Census.

"The average children's book is out of reach for many kids in Lake Worth Beach," said Lindsey, who estimates that 75% of Little Free Library patrons are 16 and younger. "They've come to truly rely on" the little libraries.

Ansell said the community's reliance on the program became apparent when the coronavirus pandemic caused the city library to close from March to June. For some residents, the 3,500 to 5,000 books circulating among the city's 100 little libraries were their only access to reading material.

Lindsey can relate. As a kid raised in southern Ohio in a family with limited financial means, she said she often found "respite" in libraries.

"It was my go-to place growing up," she said. "That's where the books were."

In Lake Worth Beach, they're now all over town, thanks to Lindsey.

jmilian@pbpost.com

@caneswatch

The Alpine Ski racer Lindsey Vonn is considered one of the best in the world. She has a long list of accomplishments and a long history of success. She made her debut in Salt Lake City in 2002 and has won around 82 World Cup races since then. Out of all the venues she has skied in, Lake Louise is her favorite. This is the place where she created history with 18 World Cup victories. However, the last edition of the World Cup will take place in the picturesque mountain resort, Lake Louise.

Lake is located in the Banff National Park in Canada and has been voted Canada’s best ski resort three times. The exoctic place provided a spectacular backdrop for Vonn’s 14 downhill titles. It could have been renamed ‘Lake Lindsey’ in light of Lindsey’s major victories.

The reaction of Lindsey Vonn on Lake Louise last World Cup

Despite Vonn’s retirement three years ago, Lake Louise brought back many memories for her. The World Cup event has been held at this beautiful location since 1980. In addition, there is a long history of Alpine skiing rooted in the grounds of this resort.

via Getty

In the closing pages of the World Cup book, Lindsey appears to be in a state of shock. Vonn reacted in sorrow when a Twitter user shared the news tagging her. The user wrote, “Last World Cup season for #LakeLouise? (Where @lindseyvonn earned 18 of her 82 wins, and @MikaelaShiffrin got her 1st DH & 1st SG win.) After 4+ decades, @AlpineSkiWC will no longer host WC races as of 2023-24, @TTNachrichten reports #FISAlpine.”

Oh my gosh!!! This is so sad!! I hope the World Cup will continue in Lake Louise! https://t.co/JCbwBCURna

— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) August 12, 2022

Reacting to this, Vonn wrote, “Oh my gosh!!! This is so sad!! I hope the World Cup will continue in Lake Louise!” For many decades, this place has been the site of great races. Unfortunately, the Alpine ski committee will replace the spot with another. All skiers will feel the loss of Lake Louise.

Watch: Lindsey Vonn Crushes Abs Work Out With Her Newest Family Member

The resort featured luxurious accommodations as part of its massive size. Undoubtedly, it is a wonderful place that every skier adores. Currently, the committee is waiting for information regarding the proposed venue for the replacement of Lake.

What makes Lake Louise a favorite for skiers around the globe?

The Lake is located approximately 112 miles west of Calgary, Canada. The nearest airport to the city is Calgary International Airport, which is around two hours by car. The famous ski resort was constructed in 1931 and had the breathtaking Bow Valley, which has a boundary connecting it to British Columbia. This place offers low slopes for beginners and tree-lined glades for intermediate skiers, in addition to the perfect view.

via Getty

The resort has three sections: the front side near Mount Whitehorn, the small wooded larch forest, and the steep back bowls. It also has 11 restaurants in the mountain range, including Whiskey Jack Lodge and Whitehorn Bistro. Despite the closure of this place, its history will still be enriched by the gold victories of skiing legends.

WATCH THIS STORY: When Lindsey Vonn Adorably Tried to Mess Around With Ex-Beau Tiger Woods

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FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2018 10 AM TO 11 AM

Every Florida resident has the ability to impact the conservation of gopher tortoises. Join regional gopher tortoise biologist Kelly O’Connor for a detailed look at the life history of gopher tortoises and information on how you can help protect this unique species. The gopher tortoise is seen as a keystone species because it digs burrows that provide shelter for at least 360 other animal species. They are threatened by predation and habitat destruction. The gopher tortoise is a representative of the genus Gopherus, which contains the only tortoises native to North America. Gopher tortoises are a federally protected species. Current Florida state regulations clearly indicate that it is illegal to handle or disturb gopher tortoises or to bother their burrows.

Chinsegut Conservation Center is located at 23212 Lake Lindsey Rd, Brooksville, Florida 34601

Recently the county sent out information on a proposed garbage rate change to bring added service. The press release states,

“The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on May 22, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. in the Hernando County Government Center located at 20 N. Main Street in Brooksville to consider changing the billing method and rate for solid waste collection. If approved, solid waste collection for residents living in the mandatory area will no longer be billed on their water bill; instead, they would be billed annually on their property tax bill. In addition, the rate would increase from $8.18 to $13.27 monthly. The total billed on the property tax would be $172.80.”

The following figures were included in the notice:

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Contract Collection Rate: $13.27

Property Appraiser and Tax Collector Expense (4% gross-up): $0.55

Early Prepayment Discount Gross-up (4% gross-up): $0.58

Total: $14.40

The annualized assessment = $14.40 x 12 months = $172.80

The notice continued,

“The rates for the non-mandatory areas of the County (everything except the City of Brooksville and the mandatory area in Spring Hill) would increase to $13.49 per month and would continue to be billed directly with Republic Services.

“As part of this proposed change, residents would receive one new 96-gallon, two-wheeled cart that will be used for collection. The carts will be picked up with a new, specialty side-loader truck to provide a better level of service.”

Chairman Champion clarified during the Board of County Commissioners meeting, “There was no reference to the fact that we already have a signed contract. We already had a meeting a year ago- that this was already decided as far as the rates go.”

“So now we’ve got citizens in an uproar out there because they don’t know what’s going on.”

Deputy Administrator Jeff Rogers explained that the contract was amended with Republic on July 25, 2017 , which extended the contract for a seven year period, establishes new rates and places the fees on the tax bill for the mandatory area of the county (Spring Hill).

Chairman Champion stated that the city of Brooksville pays $20 per month and surrounding counties are around $17-$18 per month.

“The negotiated contract was a very good deal. Whether Republic is delivering or not, that’s a whole other argument. That’s why we fined them the $150,000 and we’re working towards resolving that. From the latest report it looks like it is improving- of course it’s not perfect yet,” commented Champion.

Rogers stated that the letter that went out was meant to inform of another public hearing on the matter. He said the hearing is a procedural step to change how it’s being billed from a monthly water bill to being placed on your tax bill. If you’re in a non-mandatory area- you’ll continue billing with Republic, but the rate will be increasing.

The county is now monitoring Republic’s performance on a monthly basis. Rogers stated that they are improving and the county is working with them to ensure that they get to a satisfactory point for the county’s citizens.

He apologized for the letter’s miscommunication.

“The communication on this was pretty horrific,” said Holcomb, “everyone thought they were getting double taxed for their trash.”

“The reason we’re going from the water bill to the tax rolls is basically because our citizens have been cheating this company to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars,” explained Holcomb.

He said the system still won’t be perfect, because now snowbirds won’t be able to only pay for when they are here, but the rates are still well below other areas.

“It’s my hope that this crisis inspires our world to begin choosing people over profits.”

We are checking in with musicians during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic to see how they are dealing with everything. What has their home quarantine experience been like so far and how is the crisis impacting both their career and art? Here we check in with Lindsey Mills of Florida’s Surfer Blood.

We’re living in future history right now, unprecedented times that will define our era. At some point we will be living in a forever-changed post-COVID-19 timeline, but right now we’re deep in it. Many have had their livelihood interrupted by the pandemic and included are most musicians, who make a lot of their money by touring and performing, two things they can’t do right now. Most record stores are closed and vinyl factories are shut down, so album sales are depressed too. Our intention with this series is to highlight the challenges musicians are going through right now to hopefully encourage our readers and their fans to rally around and support each musician (financially if you can, but we know it’s tough out there for many people).

We’re all in this together, a whole planet united in this fight, and we hope these interviews will help illustrate that. We put together the same set of questions about the current crisis and emailed them to several musicians and will be posting their responses as they come in.

Surfer Blood were releasing a new album, Carefree Theatre, on May 1 via Kanine, but they have pushed it back to July 17 because of COVID-19. Carefree Theatre is the follow-up to 2017’s Snowdonia and 2019’s covers record Covers. The band also features John Paul Pitts, Tyler Schwarz, and Mike McCleary. Former guitarist Thomas Fekete passed away in 2016 after battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Previously the band shared Carefree Theatre’s first single, “Parkland (Into the Silence),” via a lyric video for the new song. As its title suggests, “Parkland (Into the Silence)” was about the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, in the band’s native Florida, two years ago this Friday. “Parkland (Into the Silence)” was one of our Songs of the Week. Then they shared another song from it, “Karen,” via a video for the track.

Read on as Mills reflects on her COVID-19 experience so far. Mills also submitted the following self-portrait photo displaying her life in quarantine. She had this to say about the photo: “Here I am about to roll out on my evening skate. Fun fact: The vagina bandanna I’m wearing as a face mask is signed by the legendary intersectional feminist bell hooks. xo”

Where are you spending the quarantine and who are you spending it with? If you’re spending it with other people, have you found that the quarantine has brought you closer together or caused tension?

I’m fortunate to be quarantined at home in Lake Worth, FL with my dear friend and her two cool, smart kids. We have really bonded through this experience! I take her kids in my studio for an hour of “creativity time” each day so she can get some things done. We craft, write songs, and

record random stuff. It’s keeping my imagination limber.

Is everyone in your family safe and healthy so far?

Yes, so far band members and our families have remained healthy and avoided contracting COVID.

What’s your daily routine been like? Have you spent much time outdoors? And since musicians spend so much time on the road, have you found it hard adjusting to so much time at home?

As much as I love the utter chaos of tour, I’m a creature of habit. In the last few years, I’ve started to feel like I only reach optimal health when I’m super consistent with my routine. In fact, I didn’t really learn how to love the touring lifestyle and cope with the reality of being in a new bed every night until I locked in my morning ritual. I think it sets the tone for my entire day:

– Drink a big glass of water with high quality CBD and a probiotic

– Meditate for 20 minutes

– Oil pulling

– Dry brushing

– Drink MUDWTR

I also wouldn’t be functioning without a daily grounding practice. I go outside and sit on the grass each morning while I drink my mud. I’m into quad roller-skating, so around sunset I’ll go for a skate and listen to my latest playlist.

What financial impact has COVID-19 had on you and your band? Have you had to cancel or postpone any tours or festival appearances or postpone an album release because of COVID-19 and how will that affect you in the long term?

For Surfer Blood, COVID-19 has definitely dashed some hopes. In a way, I’m incredibly grateful that SXSW was one of the first large events to fold because it made me take the situation much more seriously and I started social distancing on March 10. In light of the crisis, we decided to push back the release of our new album, Carefree Theatre, from May 1 to July 17. We have officially called off two months of touring, but are braced for more cancellations.

If you also have a day job outside of music, how has that been impacted by COVID-19? What do you think will be the lasting effects on society of all this isolated time at home?

I teach music to children, and the schools, libraries, and special events where I did my work have all closed for the foreseeable future. Yet even as an artist whose income has been compromised by this crisis, I am a white, cis-gendered, able-bodied person with a strong immune system and the ability to pivot my work online. In my privilege, I find myself pretty insulated from the graver impacts of the virus. But every day I think of how many people in underserved and minority communities were already living hand-to-mouth, who are now more vulnerable than ever. I truly believe that capitalism is the real virus here, and COVID-19 is merely a symptom of a much more insidious systemic imbalance. It’s my hope that this crisis inspires our world to begin choosing people over profits.

Is there something you’ve been putting off for a long time, but are now doing with this time at home? Has the quarantine been a fertile creative time (are you writing or recording new music, for example) or have you found it hard to focus on creative endeavors?

The quarantine has actually given me the free time I needed to launch Milly Marzipan, a purple-haired, non-binary alien alter ego I created for young kids. It’s been a lot of fun! I’m now producing a weekly live stream sing-along via Patreon and hosting virtual birthday parties.