Brooksville is a reflection of “the Old South.” It grew from two communities: Fort DeSoto and Pierceville. In 1843, Hernando County incorporated what is today known as Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties. Visiting Brooksville today brings southern hospitality to fun, adventure, shopping, dining and a myriad of discoveries.
The city of Brooksville is the county seat of Hernando County, Florida. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 7,719 and an area of 10.9 square miles. The geographic center of the State of Florida is 12 miles north-northwest of Brooksville.
Fifteen years after the idea to hold a foot race and fun run/walk in the beautiful area surrounding The Arc Nature Coast’s Neff Lake Campus was born, the Spring Lake Memorial Classic 10k. 5k, and 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk continues to attract competitive runners, as well as enthusiastic walkers like… Read More
2022 Blueberry Season is On and Brooksville Brings Back the Blueberry Festival Picking blueberries throughout Florida’s Nature Coast is one of my favorite things to do. I look forward to April when the season starts and go on multiple picking adventures through late May. I plan to… Read More
The Hernando County Fair has had its share of problems in the last several years. After 2021’s fair, many of the families of the children who brought their cows (steer), pigs (swine), chickens (poultry and pullets), rabbits, and other livestock to the Fair for the annual 4-H and FFA shows… Read More
Have you ever toured the Chinsegut Hill Historic Site and Manor House in Brooksville, Florida? It is located at 22495 Chinsegut Hill Rd, Brooksville, FL 34601 The expansive white structure features a two-story wraparound porch, a porte-cochere, large windows with shutters, and amazing views for miles around due… Read More
The City of Brooksville Parks & Recreation Department announces new online platform to book facilities and register for programs. New Online Software Goes Live for Brooksville Parks & Recreation On Monday, May 16, 2022 the new Parks & Recreation online platform went ‘live’, automating the reservation, registration and payment process. … Read More
Director Katie Marra will hold auditions for “Murder on the Orient Express” on Saturday, June 18th from 10am-1pm. The Agatha Christie murder mystery will be performed from September 23 through October 9. This is an open audition for members and non-members of the repertory company. Live Oak Theatre Announces Auditions… Read More
Live Oak Theatre invites the public to another of their popular IMPROV Nights on Friday evening, May 20 and Saturday evening, May 21, at 7:30 pm. Live Oak Theatre Invites the Public to Its IMPROV Night The IMPROV Night will be held at the Carol & Frank Morsani Center… Read More
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is hosting career fairs to recruit people seeking a rewarding career protecting the region’s water resources. The career fairs are open to the public and attendees are encouraged to bring current resumes. District to Host Career Fairs in Brooksville… Read More
During the April 18, 2022, Brooksville City Council Meeting, the City Council recognized several citizens for their generosity in donating funds for the purchase of dog waste stations at the Quarry Disco Golf Course and Park located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville. Brooksville Residents Step Up For… Read More
The City of Brooksville is now accepting applications from individuals interested in volunteering their time to serve as a member of the following advisory boards or commissions: City of Brooksville Seeks Advisory Board Volunteers Current available positions: Brooksville Housing Authority One (1) position for 4-year term of office through June… Read More
Fifteen years after the idea to hold a foot race and fun run/walk in the beautiful area surrounding The Arc Nature Coast’s Neff Lake Campus was born, the Spring Lake Memorial Classic 10k. 5k, and 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk continues to attract competitive runners, as well as enthusiastic walkers like… Read More
During the April 18, 2022, Brooksville City Council Meeting, the City Council proclaimed the month of April as Volunteer Appreciation Month. City of Brooksville Honors Volunteers April was formally established nationally as Volunteer Appreciation Month in 1974 and has continued to grow each year. The month provides the opportunity… Read More
The Hernando/Citrus Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will hold a public meeting on Thursday, May 5, 2022, beginning at 1:30pm, at the Brooksville City Hall, Council Chambers, 201 Howell Ave, Brooksville, FL 34601. Hernando Citrus MPO to Meet in May Items scheduled on the agenda include, but are not limited to:… Read More
The Friends of Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory committee announces an opportunity to own a Yeti Tundra Haul, overfilled with a wide variety of goodies. Friends of Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory Partners with Spherion Staffing and Glory Days for Yeti Fundraiser Drawing. Spherion Staffing donated the Yeti cooler… Read More
Live Oak Theatre announces that SEATS are now LIMITED for its Acorn Theatre production of Alice and the Looking Glass. Seats for Alice and the Looking Glass are only available for the evening of April 29 and the matinee and evening of April 30. Live Oak Theatre announces Only… Read More
Friends of Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory Announces the Sponsors of Its Second Annual Golf Classic Limited Golfing Opportunities are still available. The Friends of Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory committee announces the sponsors of their second annual Golf Classic to be held at Southern Hills Plantation, 4200 Summit View… Read More
Quick Brooksville History
Brooksville was originally known as Melendez and then Benton. Incorporated in 1856, it is a wonderful city featuring a hilly terrain that ranges in elevation from 175 to 274 feet. There is a long history of successful planters, growers, and cattlemen in and around Brooksville.
Its southern background is reflected in its name, honoring South Carolina Congressman Preston Brooks who is best noted for hitting abolitionist Senator Charles Sumner on the head with his cane.
The downtown area features the iconic Hernando Courthouse, along with great shopping in unique stores featuring everything from antiques, outfits, high-end resales, stationery, flowers and bric-a-brac to formal gowns – and a centennial hardware store. Some streets still show the Augusta bricks laid by hand.
Visiting Brooksville Today
There are several downtown restaurants and coffee shops, along with legal and banking offices, a library and a park. Brooksville is working hard to revive its downtown to attract more visitors and became a Florida Main Street community in 2016.
They hold several events in the downtown area as well as host farmers and artist markets, as well as motorcycle rallies and holiday events.
Local art is displayed in several downtown businesses and buildings, as well as murals painted throughout the downtown area. A walking tour map of the downtown murals may be found here.
The Brooksville City Hall building houses a changing art exhibit in The Uptown Gallery, and all are welcome. There is no charge.
The architecture is interesting in several buildings and a wonderful historic walking tour can be had for the simple act of following the map here. If you would like more information about each building on the historic tour, download the complete guide here.
Historic homes are throughout the downtown area and a tour has been mapped out. There are two B & Bs, including this one, known as the Mirador.
Visit the May Stringer Museum, located at 600 West Jefferson. Housed in the 1850 Stringer House, a Queen Anne masterpiece with a four-story tower, this historic building is reputed to be haunted.
F. L. Stringer was a State Senator and judge. With thousands of historic artifacts and regular tours, it commemorates the Civil War era and provides a glimpse at the lifestyle and relics of a gone but not forgotten segment of American history. Ghost tours are held on Friday and Saturday nights by reservation.
The May Stringer House houses a historical museum that is well worth a tour in Brooksville. It is said to be haunted.
There are a historic train depot museum and one-room schoolhouse to visit on Russell Street.
Continue east to find another wonderful shopping area, featuring the Hawkins House, Transformed Treasures, The Wired Bird, and the Florida Cracker Trading Company and Tap Room. There is even an old-fashioned Coney Island where it is rumored that Elvis Presley may have eaten many years ago.
Expanding Beyond Brooksville’s City Limits
If you travel north on US 41, you can visit the historic Chinsegut Manor House at the Chinsegut Retreat Center and rediscover the magic that caused its last private owners to name it Chinsegut, meaning, “a place where lost things are found.” Learn their story of courage and civil rights for all.
Then spend the night in one of the unique cabins on the former plantation’s grounds. The cabins are part of a wonderful Retreat Center offering a dining hall, conference room, fire pit and lots of space to get out and make and event extra special.
*Please note that Chinsegut Hill Museum is temporarily closed.
Originally constructed in the early 1800s, then added onto by subsequent owners, the Chinsegut Manor House was renovated in 2013-2014 and has been restored to the splendor of its glory days.
Head back south on U.S. 41 and then travel east on S.R. 50/U.S. 98. Make a right on Spring Lake Highway (541) and follow it to the top of the hill. On the left is Boyett’s Grove Citrus and Timeless Attraction. Here you will find a wonderful zoo where you can feed the animals, a dinosaur cave, aquariums, birds, snakes, alligators and more.
A putt-putt golf course winds through part of this fun-filled tourist trap. There’s even a snack bar, ice cream parlor, and an old fashioned Florida gift shop! It’s one of my favorite places on the Nature Coast.