At its January 28, 2020, regular meeting, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve public/private partnerships between Hernando County Government, the Tampa Bay History Center and Mid Florida Community Services, Inc. to enter into license agreements for the use and operation of specified portions of the historic Chinsegut Hill property located at 22495 Chinsegut Hill Road in Brooksville.

BOCC approves public/private partnership for operation of Chinsegut Hill

As part of this partnership, Mid Florida Community Services, Inc. (MFCS) will use and operate the conference center, dining hall, classroom, caretaker’s house, cottages and related facilities for events and activities such as retreat lodging, weddings, training, conferences, retreats and community events. MFCS plans to utilize any and all profits to supplement services and activities administered to the low-income and/or vulnerable populations of Hernando County.

“As a sixth-generation Floridian, I know how important it is to preserve the history of Chinsegut Hill for the residents of the state of Florida and Hernando County. Returning Chinsegut Hill to full operations will be a huge win – allowing the people of Hernando County to access, visit, and utilize this property is key to future success,” said Mid Florida Community Services, Inc. CEO Michael Georgini. “I appreciate the Board of County Commissioners’ support and appreciate their confidence in Mid Florida Community Services. I look forward to this partnership, and what it will do for Hernando County.”

The Tampa Bay History Center (TBHC) will use and operate the Manor House for events and activities such as tours, weddings, training, conferences, photograph and artist events, interpretive and educational programs and community events. TBHC wishes to increase its geographic impact and expand its preservation efforts by providing curatorial and interpretive services to ensure Chinsegut Hill’s history is preserved and shared with the public. TBHC will provide cataloging, condition assessments and care of the contents of the Manor House, operate the Manor House as a museum and host special events. TBHC will be developing and providing materials highlighting Chinsegut Hill’s history, organizing and training of volunteer docents and working with the County in promoting and preserving the Chinsegut Hill Manor House.

“The Tampa Bay History Center’s ability to tell the stories of this historic and beloved Hernando County landmark and Mid Florida Community Services’ ability to showcase and share the property with the community is something we are most excited for,” said Hernando County Administrator Jeff Rogers. “The expertise and available resources these two organizations can provide will help propel Chinsegut Hill into a positive healthy future.”

Contact the TBHC at Info@TampaBayHistoryCenter.org for more information on the Manor House and contact MFCS at (352) 796-1425, extension 203 for more information on booking an event at Chinsegut Hill. 

Mid Florida Community Services, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit community action agency dedicated to eliminating the causes of poverty through a comprehensive service delivery approach.

The Tampa Bay History Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1989 by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. The History Center tells the story of Tampa Bay’s and Florida’s history, heritage and culture