Posted at 10:47 AM, Dec 13, 2022

and last updated 8:54 AM, Dec 13, 2022

A man was arrested in Spring Hill on Monday after he battered several strangers in what is presumed to be a random string of attacks, according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies stated that around 12 p.m., they responded to Mid-Florida Credit Union on Spring Hill Drive regarding a battery.

The woman, a customer at the credit union, told deputies she was walking to her car when a man, later identified as Devin Wilbanks, 23, walked past her and punched her in the forehead. He then continued to walk north on Mariner Boulevard.

The woman, who is from New York, said that she didn't know Wilbanks and had never seen him before. Wilbanks didn't threaten her or make any statements before hitting her. Deputies saw a swollen contusion on her forehead.

Wilbanks then walked to a nearby Circle K. HCSO said that moments later, 911 operators received several calls about a man inside the store who was "hitting people" and then ran away.

After arriving at the scene, deputies found a male employee who was bleeding from the forehead, face and mouth. The male employee told them that the man, who was later identified as Wilbanks, began "swinging his fists" at a female coworker and tried to hit multiple customers.

Wilbanks then allegedly went behind the counter and tried to corner two employees. The male employee attempted to restrain Wilbanks to stop him, but Wilbanks broke free and began punching items and displays in the store.

Deputies said that Wilbanks proceeded to punch a female customer in the face and placed her in a chokehold. The male employee tried to intervene but was punched in the face once again, which caused a large cut between his eyes. Wilbanks then ran from the store.

HCSO stated that Wilbanks headed west on Spring Hill Drive, where he found a man sitting on the driveway of his home. The victim told officials that he didn't know Wilbanks and assumed he was approaching him to ask for directions, but Wilbanks swung at him and punched him in the face.

After he left the victim's driveway, deputies found Wilbanks at a bus stop near a library.

Wilbanks was identified by several victims and arrested and charged with three counts of battery, two counts of simple assault, burglary with assault or battery, burglary of unoccupied conveyance and resisting arrest without violence.

Later that day, deputies said a burglary was reported in the area where the batteries took place, and surveillance videos revealed that the suspect was Wilbanks. He was charged accordingly. Deputies also stated that Wilbanks was "uncooperative with the investigation and refused to provide a statement and/or reason for committing the offenses."

Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Report a typo

(Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Emergency Management continues to monitor Hurricane Ian.

Evacuation Orders and Public Shelter Openings Mandatory Evacuations have been issued for all areas west of US 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 that reside in a safe structure. If this is not a possibility, a public shelter will open at 9 a.m. today Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at the below address for residents in these areas.

Challenger K-8 – Special Needs 13400 Elgin Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34609

***If you are needing 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 Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. Please call Hernando County Public Information Center at 352-754-4083 to arrange pick up.***

The Mining Association Enrichment Center – General Population and Pet Friendly 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601

Explorer K-8 – General Population and Pet Friendly 10252 Northcliffe Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34608

Pet Friendly Shelter Tips: Hernando County Animal Services tips for Pet Friendly Sheltering during declared emergencies. Our 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: Bring your own appropriately sized crate (County resources are limited) Bring all your dogs required medications Bring several days’ worth of your animals’ food Ensure your dog is current on all vaccinations Bring your own leash and collar. Ensure your dog is trained to walk on a leash Bring any toys and/or bedding that will make your animal comfortable. If your animal is fearful or shy, bring sheets to cover the crate while still allowing airflow. If you bring a crate place something unique on it to distinguish it from others. Understand that your animal will not be housed in the same section as you; however, you will have access to your animal. Do not buy different snacks or food for the animal that they are not accustomed to, this will often cause the animals to have digestive issues; particularly when they are already stressed. If your animal has any propensity to bite animals or humans, please obtain and utilize a muzzle. Bring spray cleaner, paper towels etc., to be able to clean your animal’s crate.

Sandbag Locations:

Linda Pedersen Park 6300 Shoal Line Blvd. Spring Hill, FL 34609

Anderson Snow Park 1360 Anderson Snow Rd. 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 600 S Brooksville Ave. Brooksville, FL 34601

These self-serve sandbag sites will remain open until weather conditions begin to deteriorate. This is a self-serve sandbag site ONLY, 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 us on Facebook @HernandoCoGov Follow us 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.

For questions or more information, please contact Hernando County’s Public Information Center at (352) 754-4083.

The man went to several locations in the area and punched multiple people in the face.

SPRING HILL, Fla. — A man is behind bars after he attacked multiple strangers in several locations in Spring Hill, according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

It all started just before noon on Monday when deputies were called to the Mid-Florida Credit Union on Spring Hill Drive regarding an attack.

When deputies arrived, they found a woman who had just been in the credit union. According to a release, the woman was leaving the bank and was walking to her car when a man — later identified as 23-year-old Devin Wilbanks — walked by her and punched her in the forehead.

Wilbanks kept on walking and left the parking lot heading northbound on Mariner Boulevard, deputies said.

The woman, who was from New York, reportedly told deputies she didn't know Wilbanks and had never seen him before. Before hitting the woman, Wilbanks didn't speak to or threaten the woman, deputies said.

Related Articles

Wilbanks wasn't finished, according to deputies.

Just after punching the woman in the credit union's parking lot, Wilbanks went to a Circle K at Spring Hill Drive. The sheriff's office reported they received several 9-1-1 hang-up calls from the Circle K before operators were able to get ahold of an employee. The employee reportedly told dispatchers Wilbanks was inside the store "hitting people" and had just left.

When deputies arrived at the Circle K, they found the employee, who was bleeding from his forehead, face and mouth. The employee told deputies that Wilbanks came into the store and started "swinging his fists" at a female employee and tried to hit several customers who were inside the store.

Wilbanks then reportedly "cornered" two employees behind the counter. One employee tried to restrain Wilbanks to try and keep him from attacking more people. But Wilbanks broke free and then punched items and displays throughout the store.

Before leaving, Wilbanks then reportedly punched a woman in the face and put her in a chokehold. An employee tried to intervene and was hit again in the face, causing a large cut between his eyes.

Deputies said everyone in the store told them they didn't know Wilbanks.

Wilbanks was still not finished attacking people, deputies reported.

Just moments later, as Wilbanks was walking on Spring Hill Drive, he approached a man who was sitting in the driveway of his home. Wilbanks swung at the man, hitting him in the face.

The man also reportedly told deputies he didn't know Wilbanks and thought he was approaching to ask directions.

Wilbanks then kept on his journey, the sheriff's office said.

Eventually, deputies said they were able to find Wilbanks at a bus stop on Spring Hill Drive near the library. Wilbanks was then arrested — deputies reported he had a "brief struggle" with them as he was arrested.

Wilbanks faces multiple charges, including the following: three counts of battery, two counts of simple assault, burglary with assault or battery, burglary unoccupied conveyance and resisting arrest without violence.

The sheriff's office said they later tied a car burglary in the same area to Wilbanks.

Wilbanks reportedly is "uncooperative with the investigation" and hasn't given a reason for committing the attacks.

Offering a new community location where seniors can gather and fulfill their social, health, educational and emotional needs

- Advertisement -

Recognized as important community focal points by the Older Americans Act (OAA), enrichment centers are not only one of the most popular services available to senior citizens nowadays but also a necessary one. Studies show that, for seniors who want to remain happy and healthy long into their golden years, it’s important for them to socialize and stay as active as possible.

Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, marked the grand opening of the Krueger Enrichment Center. Named after Bill and Ody Krueger, beloved parents of local entrepreneur Keith Krueger, the Krueger Enrichment Center is set to fulfill those senior needs in its new Spring Hill location. Conveniently located, the center aims to enrich the lives of adults of all ages in our community, including those with special needs.

The Executive Director of the Krueger Enrichment Center, Debbie Druzbick said, “It’s thanks to Keith Krueger and Marti Covert of Win The Day that we are able to continue the work of the Spring Hill Enrichment Center at this beautiful new facility.

Win the Day Foundation is a nonprofit organization with the sole purpose of serving our community and identifying the needs and gaps in social services for senior citizens, foster care parents and more. The foundation, led by Keith Krueger, the president, and Marti Covert, the executive director, recognized that the Spring Hill Enrichment Center had been providing these services for decades but were currently without a location from which to operate.

- Advertisement -

Marti Covert added, “So rather than reinvent the wheel, we were delighted to let the Spring Hill Enrichment Center use our location to continue their essential work.” “It was a beautiful gift that fell out of the sky for us,” said Druzbick.

Enrichment centers today are a vibrant, action-packed combination of fitness and exercise, support groups, a transportation hub, leisure activities and even some tasty dining. They are dedicated to help seniors live healthier, more fulfilling lives. The direction and oversight of the Enrichment Center is provided by its board of directors, led by Paul Morana. Members include Donna Gaula, Gina Carver, John Druzbick, Joseph Mason Jr., Lucy Morana, Nick Morana and Salvatore LaRosa.

Newly elected to the board is former Fire Commissioner, Bob Kanner. He said, “It is an honor to be chosen to sit on a board that serves the senior citizens of our community. I will definitely give 110 percent effort to maintain and extend the great reputation of the Spring Hill Enrichment Center.”

“It’s our aim to continue being your resource for healthy, active living,” Druzbick said. “You can count on the center, along with all its volunteers, to deliver vital programs and services to connect Hernando County’s seniors to essential community resources to help them stay healthy, socially engaged, and independent, she said.

About 150 guests and visitors attended the grand opening. Holy Cross Lutheran Church pastor, Teresa Stewart conducted a blessing of the building at noon.

The Kruger Center is located at 392 Beverly Court, Spring Hill, FL 34606

Sue Quigley writes regularly for The Hernando Sun. She can be contacted at suequigley@hernandosun.com or 727.247.6308.

Members of the Brooksville City Council put off its decision to rezone a parcel of land near the Southern Hills and Cascade communities until residents meet with developers and their representatives. The rezoning request had its first reading in the Council during the panel’s regular meeting on Nov. 7.

The petition by developer SH Venture II, LLC, calls for the rezoning of approximately 119.8 acres from Hernando County Agricultural (AD) to a City of Brooksville PDR-R. Located on the northside of Southern Hills Boulevard, immediately east and west of the future Governor Boulevard and east of US Highway 41 (Broad Street), the parcel would be rezoned to allow for the development of up to 222 single family detached homes and 72 townhomes. On March 7, 2022 City Council approved the rezoning of approximately 83.30 acres of the subject parcels located east of the future Governor Boulevard and immediately north of Southern Hills Boulevard to PDP-R to allow for the development of 175 single family conventional homes. Even so, residents of the Southern Hills community told Council members that they had concerns about traffic, flooding, utility availability and overcrowding that could result from the rezoning.

The townhomes’ development caused the greatest concern. “Townhomes will quickly become rental units,” one Southern Hills resident told the Council. “There is obviously a time and a place for multifamily and affordable housing but there are currently no services available to people interested in that area.”

In response, Coastal Engineering Associates, Inc. President Cliff Manuel said that under the proposal the Southern Hills developer “must pay” for sewer and road utility for up to 3,000 units, and that the townhomes were not intended to constitute “affordable housing.”

- Advertisement -

“Also, nothing is proposed to be affordable housing; these will be $280,000 to $350,000 townhomes built for a certain part of the market that needs them,” Manuel said. “A lot of people are moving into this area and they are looking at Brooksville as a place they want to live – you want a mixed infill and that does include high-quality townhomes.”

Some residents also complained that they never had a chance to meet the developer or anyone from Coastal Engineering, and asked the panel to put off acting on the rezoning request until such a meeting could take place. “What will the next proposal be from these people?” ne resident asked. “It is unfair to go into this and be blindsided by what the next proposal is gonna be.”

In response, the Council unanimously voted to postpone its decision until a meeting between the developer, representatives of Coastal engineering and area residents can take place sometime before the next Brooksville City Council on Nov. 21.

SPRING HILL, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Palm Medical Centers (“Palm”), an MBF Healthcare Partners II, L.P. (“MBF”) portfolio company and one of the largest independent primary care medical groups in Florida, announces the opening of its senior-focused clinic in Spring Hill. During the last twelve months, Palm has grown from 18 to 26 medical centers via four de novo facility openings and four acquisitions of existing medical practices.

“We are excited to offer our proven healthcare model to residents of Spring Hill and the surrounding areas in Hernando County.”

Tweet this

The new clinic, which is located at 6111 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill, Fl., 34606, is the first Palm clinic location in Hernando County and will be directed by Dr. Angel Casademont, a highly respected Family and Geriatric Medicine physician with more than 32 years of experience and expertise.

As one of the fastest-growing primary care groups in the state, Palm seeks to make high-quality healthcare accessible to more Floridians. Palm provides primary care services under its innovative quality-based care model to a Medicare Advantage and Medicaid patient population of over 36,000 and growing, in seven Florida counties.

“Our ongoing strategic expansion plan leverages our existing expertise and resources across the state to deliver high-quality medical care in an efficient and cost-effective manner to the patients in communities where it is needed most,” says Fowad Choudhry, CEO of Palm Medical Centers. “We are excited to offer our proven healthcare model to residents of Spring Hill and the surrounding areas in Hernando County.”

For more information on Palm Medical Centers or to find a convenient location in Florida, please visit www.PalmMedicalCenters.com or keep up to date on the latest happenings on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

ABOUT PALM MEDICAL CENTERS

Founded in 2013, Palm Medical Centers is a provider of value-based, capitated primary care services with a focus on high-quality clinical outcomes, cost-effective care, and a patient-centric experience. Operating a network of 26 medical centers across six counties in Florida, Palm Medical Centers serves over 36,000 combined Medicare Advantage, and managed Medicaid patients under value-based contracts. Partnering with numerous managed care organizations, Palm Medical Centers offers comprehensive and integrated medical care to plan members with a focus on quality. In addition to primary care services, the company coordinates cardiology, dentistry, optometry, pediatrics, podiatry, psychiatry, and other specialist services. Palm Medical Centers continues to seek partnership opportunities with high quality providers in existing and new markets. For more information, please visit www.PalmMedicalCenters.com.

ABOUT MBF HEALTHCARE PARTNERS II, L.P.

MBF Healthcare Partners II, L.P. is a leading middle market healthcare private equity fund based in Coral Gables, Florida. Our strategy is to partner with exceptional management teams while leveraging MBF’s operating experience, domain segment knowledge, and tenured relationships to rapidly accelerate value creation. The partners of MBF have substantial operating experience in healthcare and have held senior management positions in both private and publicly traded healthcare companies. MBF principals have managed and helped build some of the nation’s most innovative and successful healthcare companies. The firm is headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida. For more information, please visit www.mbfhp.com.