Good morning, Spring Hill! In today’s edition: Waste policy rift, reinvention of a landmark, barbecue at a thrift store, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Waste policy rift widens: Hernando County residents raised concerns over new trash drop off costs at county sites, after commission approved a fee schedule including a $5 charge for five 32 gallon bags — get all the details.

Rise and reinvention of a landmark: A look back at Weeki Wachee Springs’ story, from Newton Perry’s underwater mermaids and ABC-era fame to struggles amid bigger parks and a new chapter as a Florida state park — read the full history.

Luxury rentals target Pasco boom: Middleburg secured land and financing for Mosby Deerbrook, a 330-unit apartment community near Moffitt’s Speros Campus in Spring Hill. Phase one opens this month, with units expected in early 2027 — get all the project details.

Growth fuels new community: Middleburg secured land and financing for Mosby Deerbrook, a 330-unit apartment project near Moffitt Cancer Center’s Speros Campus in Spring Hill, with the first phase set to open this month — get all the details.

BBQ @ Mike’s Used Furniture and More Thrift Store | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – BBQ meets treasure hunt at the Brooksville thrift spot, with Brian from Bethune’s slinging ribs, chicken, sausage, pulled pork, plus collards, mac and cheese, baked beans, peach cobbler, and pineapple sweet tea. Browse 5,500 square feet of finds, then nap. Here until 2 pm — see the event listing.

Plan for economic growth: Hernando County is exploring a business incubator after commissioners heard a feasibility study citing leadership and funding gaps, and recommending a mixed-use model to support entrepreneurs across multiple industries — see what’s being considered.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🎐 Clay Wind Chimes Workshop @ WellCome OM Integral Healing & Education Center | Monday (1/12) at 11:00 AM – Meet me behind OM Cafe’s garden in Spring Hill for a workshop with The Olive Grove, where you’ll hand-sculpt clay wind chimes to make your porch sound like it meditates. $45 members, $55 non-members, with a $10 glaze upgrade if you like color, and commitment.

🌿 Florida Friendly Landscaping: Herbicides @ Spring Hill Branch Library | Tuesday (1/13) at 10:30 AM – Got a lawn that laughs at you every rainy season? Hernando County Utilities Water Conservation breaks down Florida-Friendly herbicides at the Spring Hill Branch, with tips on what to spray, when to stop, and how to keep weeds, HOA letters, and springs in check.

🚢 River Cruising with Ama Waterways @ AAA Spring Hill | Wednesday (1/14) at 6:00 PM – Trade airport chaos for a glass of wine on the water with AMA Waterways, and let someone else fuss over the itinerary. Think boutique ships, walkable river towns, and unrushed days that actually feel like vacation. Grown-up exploring, zero crowds, maximum exhale.

🔮 AstroloTea: “What you Know … Just Ain’t So” @ WellCome OM Integral Healing & Education Center | Thursday (1/15) at 12:00 PM – Craving a midday reset? Craig’s AstroloTea pours a warm cup, a reality check, and 9th-house big-picture vibes, so you can unlearn a few “truths,” ask better questions, and laugh at the rest. Five bucks covers the tea, and seats disappear fast.

✂ Masa Asian Bistro Ribbon Cutting @ Masa Asian Bistro | Friday (1/16) at 12:00 PM – Break out the big scissors. Masa Asian Bistro is back, and they are snipping the ribbon while we make plans to demolish dumplings, noodles, and a roll or three. Say hi to the neighbors, then let the soy sauce do the small talk.

💪 Resilient Women January 16, 2026 Luncheon @ USA Benefits Group | Friday (1/16) at 12:00 PM – Need a midday reset? Resilient Women is hosting a luncheon in Spring Hill, bring a friend, and grab the 2026 pick, Rules of Resilience by Valorie Burton, because resilience is more fun with witnesses. Real talk, good company, and 2026 reading sorted. RSVP here: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/H66MCTDH76ZQR/checkout/XUJPZOVP4T3UYAYBWPVQPJG5

🍷 Comedy Night @ Masaryk Winery | Friday (1/16) at 7:00 PM – Comedy Night is popping up under the winery’s covered pole barn, with stand-up, food, and farm-made pours. Seating is first come, free tastings flow, and a 12-wine flight runs $8. Snag tickets on Eventbrite, or call to reserve like a civilized adult.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Spring Hill report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 82°F – Low: 59°F – Precip: 0%

Patchy fog before 10am. Sunny. High near 82, with temperatures falling to around 76 in the afternoon. South southwest wind 2 to 7 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. West southwest wind 1 to 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 73°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 24%

A slight chance of rain showers between 7am and 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. West northwest wind 0 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. North northeast wind around 10 mph.

Most popular house this week

On a half-acre cul-de-sac in Preston Hollow, this 3-bed, 2-bath with a bonus room enjoys no rear neighbors and doors that open to a screened lanai. A heated pool, covered hot tub, and outdoor shower set a resort tone. Inside, high double tray ceilings, two living areas, and a granite kitchen with breakfast nook.

Practical touches include a split floor plan, a screened 2-car garage, and a 9,500-watt generator plus a John Deere mower. Two miles to the expressway and about 45 minutes to the airport, with Weeki Wachee and the Withlacoochee Trail nearby. Seller offers a $10,000 update credit with a full-price offer.

Take a peek inside →