TAMPA – Tampa General Hospital (TGH) North announced two groundbreaking partnerships with the Citrus and Hernando County school systems to expand health career education and workforce development opportunities for local students. These multi-year agreements represent a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of health care professionals across the region.

Through a combined investment of more than $600,000 over three years, the hospitals that make up TGH North — TGH Crystal River, TGH Brooksville and TGH Spring Hill — will provide both direct funding and in-kind support to the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School, the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF), the Health Science Academies at Hernando County Schools and the Hernando County Education Foundation (HCEF). Programming support includes hands-on clinical experiences, exposure to advanced technology, scholarship support, medical equipment donations and professional attire.

“This initiative is about more than funding — it’s about creating real pathways for students to explore and pursue careers in health care,” said Jennifer Siem, Senior Director of Strategic Growth and Governmental Affairs at TGH North. “By investing in these programs, we’re not only supporting education — we’re building a future-ready workforce that reflects the needs and values of our region. We’re proud to stand alongside Citrus and Hernando County Schools in this mission.”

In Citrus County, the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School stands out as one of Florida’s few high school-based health care academies, featuring a multi-station patient care simulation lab, full dental office, multiple chemistry and biology labs and plans for a radiology room.

“TGH’s investment in our school district will have a meaningful impact on students and schools over the three-year commitment,” said Dr. Scott Hebert, Superintendent of Citrus County Schools. “This is not just an investment in our Academy of Health Careers students but in the next generation of health care professionals needed in Citrus County. Citrus County has the third-oldest population of residents in the state, making the need for qualified health care professionals essential.”

In Hernando County, the Health Science Academies will benefit from similar enhancements, with branding and programming integrated across multiple campuses.

During a school board meeting last month, Beth Lastra, school district supervisor of college and career programs, told the board, “Through a newly signed three-year memorandum of understanding, Tampa General will serve as our official student education and wellness partner for our Allied Health EKG and Pharmacy Tech programs at Central, Springstead and Nature Coast.

“This collaboration will provide not only $150,000 as you’ve heard in direct financial contributions to support scholarships, events, and program enhancements, but also $150,000 in in-kind resources such as clinical shadowing experiences, hospital-based externships, guest speakers, job preparation workshops, and even custom-branded scrubs for our students, which is very exciting.”

Siem, a graduate of Springstead High School, stated that TGH is committed to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals in Hernando County and careers in healthcare extend far beyond traditional clinical and bedside roles, with opportunities in healthcare administration, culinary arts, advanced computer Technologies, including AI, Environmental Services, plant operations, and architectural design.

“While I’m here today in support of the Health Sciences Academy, I fully expect that this partnership will evolve over time and create opportunities for students with other career pathways. We see this as an opportunity to create a pipeline for Hernando County students to continue to live and work in Hernando County,” she said.

Ray Pinder, Superintendent of Hernando County Schools, remarked, “We are grateful that Tampa General Hospital has invested in our students and district and honored that they have decided to partner with us in the longstanding tradition of giving back to Hernando. Through our joint ventures, striving toward excellence, we will make a lasting impact together.”

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City and county staff described two design options for a long?discussed North Avenue sidewalk that officials and parents said is needed to make walking to Hernando High safer.

Richard Weeks, Brooksville public works director, told the interlocal meeting the city is considering a full?length option from Howell Avenue to U.S. 98 (about 3,300 linear feet) and a shorter phase from Howell Avenue to White Way Drive (about 2,210 linear feet) that would serve two primary neighborhoods. Weeks said the city allocated $50,000 this year for design and planned to apply for state and federal grants to fund engineering and construction.

Todd Crosby, the county engineer, and MPO director Bob Esposito discussed grant pipelines. Esposito said the MPO maintains an unfunded Transportation Alternatives (TA) list and that safe?routes?to?school funding typically requires local letters of support from the superintendent and the school principal. Crosby cautioned that the eastern side of North Avenue has a stormwater conveyance system and pointed to drainage and right?of?way acquisition as important engineering constraints that can raise costs.

Commissioners and city council members discussed staging the work in phases so the city can deliver a meaningful first segment more affordably and then extend the sidewalk to U.S. 98 when funding allows. Several officials urged staff to complete design so the project can move up MPO priority lists and be eligible for FDOT funding.

Why it matters: North Avenue is a frequently cited unsafe pedestrian corridor for students and residents. Officials described an actionable plan — design funding, grant pursuit and phased construction — but emphasized that right?of?way, drainage and tree preservation will affect final alignment and cost.

Next steps: City and county staff agreed to coordinate on design, pursue MPO and FDOT funding opportunities and present a phased plan and cost estimate to their respective boards.

This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.

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Brooksville is known for its historic oaks, towering pines, and lush Florida landscapes — but even the healthiest trees need care. Whether it’s regular trimming, storm prep, or emergency removals, hiring a skilled, insured tree company isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

We reviewed customer reviews, local reputation, safety practices, and overall value to bring you this list of the top tree companies in Brooksville, Florida. Here are five local pros that consistently deliver — starting with the one that sets the bar.

1. Tree Care by Robert Miller

Top-Rated Tree Experts with Local Ownership and Unmatched Reviews
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Tree Care by Robert Miller is the highest-rated tree company in Brooksville for a reason. With a decades-deep track record and a commitment to safe, thorough work, this family-run team handles everything from large tree removals to detailed pruning with professionalism and precision.

Tree Care by Robert Miller isn’t just popular with locals — they’ve also been ranked the #1 tree company in Brooksville by multiple independent review outlets, including Newstrail and Manchester Digital. These rankings recognize their unmatched service quality, rapid response times, and consistent customer satisfaction.

They’re fully insured, locally owned, and personally manage every job — no outsourcing, no gimmicks.

If you’re looking for experience, professionalism, and a team that actually answers the phone, Tree Care by Robert Miller should be your first call.

2. Florida Tree and Sod

Serving Hernando County for over 15 years, Florida Tree and Sod offers a dual focus on tree care and sod installation. If you’re planning a larger property project or need a complete yard overhaul, they’re one of the few local companies that can handle both sides of the job.

Customers appreciate their flexible scheduling and property restoration options after removal work.

3. Patriot Tree Service

Patriot Tree Service is a veteran-owned and operated company with a growing following in Brooksville and Spring Hill. Known for respectful crews and fair pricing, Patriot provides free estimates and guarantees cleanup after every job.

They’re a great pick for straightforward jobs like removing a hazardous tree or shaping back overgrowth before hurricane season.

4. Rob’s Tree Service

Rob’s Tree Service has been serving Brooksville and surrounding towns for over 25 years. With a lean crew and hands-on owner, Rob is known for being honest, efficient, and practical when it comes to tree advice.

They don’t bring in big cranes or heavy equipment unless absolutely needed — making them a smart choice for smaller yards or wooded residential areas.

5. County Line Tree Service

County Line Tree Service offers reliable work and emergency dispatch in north Brooksville, Spring Lake, and into Sumter County. They’re one of the few local providers with multiple bucket trucks, which means faster service for large removals.

Homeowners near I-75 or with acreage often rely on their team to manage multiple removals at once.

Choosing the Right Tree Company in Brooksville

Before signing any agreement, ask a few important questions:

?? Are you fully licensed and insured in Florida?
?? Will you remove debris after the job?
?? Is the estimate firm or subject to change?
?? Who will actually be on site — the owner or a subcontractor?
?? Can you provide recent references in Brooksville?

When you work with Tree Care by Robert Miller, the answers are always clear — and the work speaks for itself.

About Brooksville, Florida

Brooksville is a charming, historic city located in Hernando County, just north of Tampa. Known for its rolling hills, old-growth oak trees, and blend of rural and suburban landscapes, it’s one of the few places in Florida where large trees are part of nearly every property — from classic homes in town to sprawling lots along the outskirts.

With summer storms, dense vegetation, and rapid growth, tree care isn’t just a seasonal concern here — it’s part of routine property maintenance. Whether you’re protecting your home from hurricane damage or just keeping your oak limbs trimmed back from the roof, hiring a knowledgeable, local tree service is essential in Brooksville.

Residents value companies that know the terrain, understand native species, and offer responsive service when storms hit — which is why businesses like Tree Care by Robert Miller continue to earn top ratings from homeowners across the region.

Final Word: Protect Your Property. Choose Local.

Brooksville’s trees are part of what makes the region beautiful — but unchecked growth, storm threats, and aging branches can turn them into liabilities fast.

Fortunately, the area is home to skilled, locally owned tree companies that know Florida trees, Florida weather, and Florida homeowners. For quality you can count on, fair pricing, and trustworthy crews, start with the top-rated pros at Tree Care by Robert Miller.