BROOKSVILLE, Fla. - Florida troopers arrested a man who they say was caught smuggling eight undocumented immigrants into the state.

Around 6:45 p.m. Thursday, two Florida Highway Patrol troopers spotted a white passenger van with blacked-out windows driving south on Interstate 75 in Hernando County.

When they pulled the van over, they noted that all of the windows behind the driver were completely non-transparent, and had American flag stickers on each of the seven windows.

The troopers said the driver, 40-year-old Javier Palma Jenaro, handed over a Mexican passport and an expired Mexican driver's license. He told the troopers he was the owner of the van, and had eight other people with him.

Jenaro said the group was traveling from Marianna, Florida, down to Naples, and had been working all day.

FHP notified US Border Patrol, who responded to the scene and helped interview the occupants of the van, who investigators determined were all in the U.S. illegally. The occupants told the Border Patrol agent they had traveled from Alabama into Florida.

When FHP checked the van's Arizona license plate, it had previously been detected traveling eastbound on I-40 in New Mexico on Tuesday, and then in Alabama on Wednesday.

Investigators searched the van and found several ledgers, which included names, destinations and prices. They said all of the interior windows had "command hooks" on them to hold curtains in order to further conceal the inside of the van.

After agents told Jenaro about the license plate readers picking up the van's whereabouts, he agreed to talk to investigators.

Jenaro said he got a call while he was in Milwaukee, telling him to drive to Arizona to transport a group of undocumented immigrants to Florida -- something he says he'd done several times before. He said he makes $250 per person he transports.

He picked up the eight occupants at a park in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday. Before being stopped by FHP, he said he dropped off three other people in Florida.

Jenaro told investigators he uses his cell phone to coordinate pickup and drop-off locations, and was supposed to drop off the remaining eight people at a truck stop in Fort Myers.

Troopers arrested Jenaro and transported him to the Hernando County Jail. They found $3,700 in cash in his pocket, along with an additional ledger.

Jenaro is charged with eight felony counts of smuggling an illegal individual into the state, along with the use of a two-way communications device to commit a felony, and operating a vehicle without a valid license. He is being held on $90,500 bond.

BROOKSVILLE – A local state of emergency has been declared for Hernando County, in the expectation of the effects of Hurricane Ian, which currently is south of Cuba but is expected to turn north.

Emergency Management Director James Coleman said the area has “two days of blue skies” to get ready in case the area is hit with 10 inches or more of rain. The ground is saturated, he added, from the previous week’s 10 inches of rain, and more rain increases the possibility of flooding in low-lying areas.

People in Hernando Beach should be ready to evacuate by tomorrow, Coleman said, in the face of a storm surge and flooding, especially after the storm passes.

There is a voluntary evacuation order for today, said County Administrator Jeff Rogers, for low-lying areas, mobile homes and manufactured homes. Also, areas west of U.S. 19 are under a voluntary evacuation order because of flooding and storm surge of up to 17 feet in the next five to seven days. The evacuation will be mandatory on Tuesday.

For any questions contact the Public Information Center at (352) 754-4083

“That water will come up higher than just the seawalls and 19,” Rogers said.

Roads and areas that flooded in the past probably will flood again, he said.

People should find a place to stay to ride out the storm, he added, and asked that people look out for their neighbors.

In addition, Pasco-Hernando State College announced Monday that it will be closed from Tuesday, Sept. 27 to Friday, Sept. 30.

Emergency shelters

The following school sites will serve as shelters for Hernando County residents, officials said Monday morning. These shelters will open at 9 a.m. Tuesday:

Schools will be closed from Tuesday to Friday, School Superintendent John Stratton said. For the latest shelter information, follow the school district on social media at eHernandoSchools.

Sandbags are still available at Linda Pederson Park, 6300 Shoal Line Blvd., Spring Hill; and Anderson Snow Park, 1360 Anderson Snow Road, Spring Hill.

Hurricane Ian is moving slowly, and could be headed toward Cedar Key, Coleman said. Right now, its course is uncertain and it’s more than 48 hours away from us.

There’s a possibility of tornadoes, he said, and if the storm comes up the west coast of Florida the county will be in the northeast quadrant, which is where the strongest winds will be.

“We are planning for the worst, and hoping for the best,” he said.

The county administration will close, and Tuesday’s 9 a.m. County Commission and 5:01 p.m. budget meetings have been postponed for seven days.

The EOC is on partial activation on Monday, and will go to full activation on Tuesday.

Residents of the City of Brooksville will be electing a representative for Brooksville City Council Seat 4. Candidates for seat 5 are also on the ballot. Each candidate was given the opportunity to provide a 150-word bio and respond to our questions within 800 words.

Casey Thieryung (NPA)

BIO: I was born and raised in Brooksville. I am a proud graduate of Methodist School Center, Hernando High School, PHSC, and University of South Florida. I hold a degree in American History. I am a small business owner and a lifelong Conservative. I am invested in our community through my membership in the Brooksville Rotary Club, volunteering for Brooksville Main Street, and sponsoring many school and community events. I am looking for long-term solutions because my wife and I intend for our children and grandchildren to grow up in the Best Small Town, in the Best State, in the Best Nation in the world.

What inspired you to run for city council?

First, I love our city. Brooksville is a small town with heart and the people are all like family. As a small business owner, I feel that the current council is not in a position to understand the needs of businesses in the community. Small businesses provide services and jobs to our town and need some representation on the city council to help ease the burden put on us by government.

Do you see any areas where the city needs to increase funding? How could this be paid for?

Our infrastructure, mainly water and sewer systems, need investment. Many of the pipes under our city were installed around 75 years ago. At that time pipes were made of cast iron, which not only corrode, rust, and fail, they can also cause problems with the water quality. I truly believe that most of this funding can be found if the Council reviews budget line item, by line item. Every government over spends, and everyone knows that is the case. I am certain funds can be found to devote to our critical infrastructure.

Do you see any areas where the city is overspending?

I think that our contract/bidding process needs to be reviewed carefully. Large dollar items go before the Council and are reviewed, smaller dollar items are not and those are areas which need to be looked at for waste.

What city projects are most important and why?

As above stated, lack of previous investment in our infrastructure is the biggest problem facing the city. If we are expecting our city to expand and to draw smart investment, we must have excellent services all around, especially in roads, sewer, and water.

What are some top issues facing the city that need to be addressed?

Population growth in our state and our county is increasing at a pace never seen. Brooksville is surrounded by other large and growing areas. If we do not prepare for the increasing population wisely, we will end up like Pasco County.

What qualifies you to hold this office besides your experience/education?

You will find no one who loves this city more than I. I was born and raised here. I spent a lot of time in Tampa going to college and I know, firsthand, what the unrestrained and unplanned growth can do to a small, charming town. I know the people and I know why they live here; I speak to the public every day. No one wants us to lose the charm of our city, so we must plan and control the growth to keep Brooksville the amazing place that it is today.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities of this office?

We are here to represent the citizens of our city. We need locals with the city’s best interest at the forefront. To keep the decisions about Brooksville in our citizens’ hands and not in the hands of the county at large.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you have heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Every day I speak to people that live a street or two outside of city limits or they own a business in city limits but live three miles from town. These people’s lives and livelihoods are affected by the decisions of the city council, but they have no representation at all. They are very invested in Brooksville but have no voice. Many of these residents want to be included, and some even assume they are included in the city, but they are not. I believe a responsible, practical, and voluntarily annexation policy is needed to round off city limits and, at the very least, give a voice to those seeking representation.

CHRIS KINGSLEY(NPA)

BIO: Experience Chris is a father and grandfather Veteran, Viet Nam era veteran 1970 -1974 United States Coast Guard Retired firefighter, City of Clearwater, Florida Former State Certified teacher 8 years as a County Commissioner Hernando County 32 years as a resident of Hernando County and Brooksville

Education MBA St. Leo University, Dade City, Fl BA Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Fl. AA and AS St. Petersburg JC University of South Florida: teacher certification

What inspired you to run for city council?

I have lived in Hernando County and now Brooksville for a total of 32 years. For eight years I worked in Downtown Brooksville. I have seen the City’s luster and value to the public rise and fall. The dependence on housing tax revenue is becoming overwhelming. Some diversification of the economy is occurring but not as much as needed to pay for the costs of a deteriorating infrastructure. To be a desirable location to live or open a business the city needs to provide more desirable services. I have in the past and believe now that I can be an integral part in the development of those.

Do you see any areas where the city needs to increase funding? How could this be paid for?

Like all cities and counties, the needs outweigh the ability to pay for them. Many streets are deplorable. Although the brick streets are historically valuable, they will be very expensive to redo as they are. For this type of historic restoration to preserve the charm and value as a road there will need to be a public/private partnership to provide that service and to pay for it. The city needs to increase funding/efforts towards increasing the appeal of the area for commercial and manufacturing activities. There needs to be more higher paying jobs. Some of this could be paid for by grants and co-operative efforts with the county.

Do you see any areas where the city is overspending?

Personnel. I understand the need for sovereignty of the city. But when the needs outweigh the ability to pay for them governments turn to raising the taxes. That is not an option with me. Annexing newer communities and taxing them to death is not the answer either. Consolidation of services could be a financial resource. If someone is providing an excellent service and you are not and they can provide it cheaper, why wouldn’t you look to utilizing that provider?

What city projects are most important and why?

One of the most important city projects is the maintenance and replacement of the core infrastructure, the water, the sewer, the roads and lighting. With substandard infrastructure the ability to attract new housing and diversified economic development is severely hampered. Economic growth is important to the viability and growth of the city. If, as it seems, housing becomes the core growth factor for the city, economic vitality will not follow. Housing growth costs money and often costs more than the taxes from it provides. Cost effective and cost-free growth is necessary.

What are some top issues facing the city that need to be addressed?

Taxes. Taxes are going up every year and there seems to be no end in sight. Having the tax rate the same for three or four years is the same as raising the taxes. The value of housing and businesses is going up dramatically. That means the taxes on that property are going up. Geographic limitations. The location of the city creates some logistical hinderances to economic development. Growth centers are being developed more around transportation corridors that provide access to services and jobs. The city may need to provide some zoning changes, and land usage opportunities that could off set the transportation advantages of other areas. The issue of affordable housing is still a top issue within the city. Dealing with this issue helps by not only providing better housing but also with the overall appeal of the city to others.

What qualifies you to hold this office besides your experience/education?

My honesty not only distinguishes me for this position but also distinguishes me from my opponent. My integrity is vital to good leadership. My compassion helps me see and understand the needs of those I serve. Competency. My experience and education have provided me with the tools needed to make competent fair and successful decisions. Conciliatory/Flexible. I practice tolerance and a willingness to see and hear both sides. This allows for decisions that are made by consensus.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities of this office?

Provide for the public safety and health Direct and authorize public improvements – infrastructure Determine the need for and levy taxes as needed Determine the budget Appropriate spending and borrowing as needed Provide direction for the City Manager to administer

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you have heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

As a member of Kiwanis and as a teacher I have worked with others to provide meals for disadvantaged families at both Thanksgiving and Christmas. These families would not have had meals without those provided by these groups. One family lived in a small unit in a very rural area. The inside of the house was as clean as it could be. There were three kids and a mom inside. One of the children knew me from school. There was a sense of embarrassment at first but then the joy from the mom and the other kids erased the embarrassment and lifted the child to come over to me and express her appreciation. It overwhelmed me.

Established on December 2, 1838, Fort Cross operated until the end of the Second Seminole War in 1842. Historians say the site is located on a plot of land owned by the Graddy family on Wiscon Road near Bravera Health Brooksville. The fort was discovered and largely excavated by a collector and historian named Glenn Nickens in the 1990’s. It is believed to have resided on the property on the south side of a small pond and the southeast side of the intersection of two military roads.

With permission from the property owner, Alma Graddy, these excavators pulled thousands of artifacts from the ground. Historians Jesse Marshall and Butch Nipper later met with Mr. Nickens at the site between 2012 and 2013. He informed the two how the artifacts discovered pointed to the presence of a Seminole war era military site. That meeting led to the Historic Hernando Preservation Society’s recording of the land as the home to Fort Cross. Jon Yeager, a former member of the preservation society, filed an updated report for the Florida Master Site File with the Department of Historical Resources in 2013.

The fort was built as part of a system of 155 military outposts distributed in a grid across Florida through 1868. This was part of then-Colonel Zachary Taylor’s plan to settle and protect land in the state. As one of three main forts in Hernando County, Fort Cross played a large role in establishing the area. It served as a supply depot in addition to being a deterrent against attacks by the native Seminole population. According to Sean Norman, the Director of the Gulf Archaeological Research Institute, Forts Annutteliga and Desoto failed to last long due to a lack of freshwater and other factors. This left Fort Cross with a significant part to play in the history of Brooksville.

“But [Fort Cross] sort of is involved with the foundation of the town of Brooksville,” said Sean Norman. “You got the historic town of Chocachatti… is founded by a group of settlers, John Curry. And that’s sort of done with the aid of the facilities and troops of Fort Cross. So, it’s like kind of out of the three, essentially the most important for essentially the history of Hernando County.”

Norman feels the documentation and conservation of the site is significant for Hernando, as the county has a less than stellar record regarding preservation as a whole. He remarked that a county like Citrus has significantly more in comparison to Hernando as Citrus contains the Crystal River Mound and Fort Cooper sites.

“Hernando County has a very, very poor record on historic preservation overall,” said Norman. “There is very little of that in Hernando County.” The status of the land is now a pressing issue as construction is due to begin in the immediate vicinity around the site. Meritage Homes of Florida is currently planning to build a development in the area and requested the land be rezoned from multi-family to single family with deviations. In a press release from Jan Knowles, the president of the Historic Hernando Preservation Society, she noted that her organization and the contractors had reached an agreement in preserving the land.

The release stated the two sides “would work together to make sure that there would be some sort of recognition of the historic site… On June 14 the partitioners appeared before the County commission for final approval. Someone from our organization was there also. Again, it was agreed that the builders/owners would work with HHPS concerning the historic site to be able to recognize Fort Cross.”

According to Director Norman, there are also often “Seminole components” to these types of military forts. This means that they tended to be built directly on land that had been cleared and cultivated by native Seminoles. So, in saving a historic site that was influential in the founding of Brooksville, they are also likely to be preserving land that was once settled by Seminoles.

An additional document from President Knowles lists other “cultural resources” contained in the Meritage Homes plan. These include more military encampments relating to the fort, prehistoric Archaic period materials, and the aforementioned “Seminole components.” This release recommends that a 2.5-acre area be set aside for a passive park to lessen the impact on the site itself, generally avoiding the densest clustering of materials. “To support and encourage ongoing interest,” says the mission statement of the HHPS “and research relating to the history of the original Hernando County, Florida, including aspects of Archeology, Architecture and Culture of current day Hernando, Citrus and Pasco Counties.”

Orlando, FL (RestaurantNews.com) Huey Magoo’s – the “Filet Mignon Of Chicken®” – celebrates its newest franchise store with the grand opening today in Brooksville, Florida, President and CEO Andy Howard announces. Huey Magoo’s Brooksville, neighboring Spring Hill, Florida, is the 36^th restaurant opening system-wide spanning seven states, with over 225 franchises currently sold in 10 states. The 2,200 square foot end cap restaurant features a drive-thru. Brooksville is the second of 10-20 locations to open in Greater Tampa, Lakeland and The Villages communities in Florida for Huey Magoo’s franchisees James Connolly and Bryan Pagan, along with Partners David Lambo and Jeremy Kral, who have a combined 40 plus years of restaurant experience across many QSR brands. Their next location is opening in The Villages. Brooksville will offer dine-in/out, take-out, catering and delivery through third-party delivery services DoorDash and Uber Eats in the future.

“We’re really excited to serve the Brooksville/Spring Hill area communities America’s greatest tasting chicken tenders and continue growing this incredible brand all throughout West Central Florida,” says Partners Connolly, Pagan, Lambo and Kral. Howard continues, “It’s always a special celebration to congratulate multi-unit Huey Magoo’s operators, and we are happy for the Brooksville team to join that outstanding group. We wish Jamie, Bryan, David and Jeremy much success on their newest Huey Magoo’s and vast development of the brand across the region.”

Huey Magoo’s restaurants offer dine-in/out, take out, delivery through third-party delivery services, drive-thru and curbside pickup at participating restaurants. All guests will enjoy Huey Magoo’s signature grilled, hand-breaded or “sauced” premium chicken tenders, farm fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps. Each Huey Magoo’s tender is always made all natural, with no antibiotics ever, no hormones, no steroids and no preservatives.

Enjoy Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders now open at 12380 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, Florida 34613. Hours of operation are daily 10:30am-9pm (lobby), 10:30am-10pm (drive-thru). For more information and a complete list of locations, visit www.hueymagoos.com, and call 352-247-7044 for the Brooksville restaurant. For franchising inquiries, contact Andy Howard at andy@hueymagoos.com.

Huey Magoo’s was founded in 2004 by Matt Armstrong and Thad Hudgens, two southern boys with a passion for quality chicken and a penchant for serving others. Voted “Best Fried Chicken”, “Best of the Best Chicken Tenders”, “The Best-Rated Fried Chicken in Florida” and “America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals”, Huey Magoo’s is rapidly expanding and franchising throughout the Southeast with multiple locations throughout Central Florida, in South Florida, Jacksonville, Greater Tampa, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Ohio, South Carolina and coming soon to North Carolina, Missouri, Las Vegas and many more. Huey Magoo’s prides itself on providing the greatest tasting chicken tenders in a clean, family-friendly environment, while showing their love for people. Huey Magoo’s delivers delicious, cooked-to-order chicken, and they do it to perfection. Huey Magoo’s gives back a portion of profits to not-for-profit organizations and community groups. Committed to building a culture of excellence in service and food quality by serving only premium hand-breaded or grilled chicken tenders dipped or “sauced” in uniquely flavorful signature sauces, Huey Magoo’s attracts a loyal following of Millennials, families and neighboring businesses craving quality, delicious food at reasonable prices.