Historic buildings and generations of residents create inviting spirit
Brooksville was established in 1856 as an agricultural center about 50 miles north of Tampa. About 8,900 people live in the city, where they take pride in the historic preservation and small-town feel. This preservation is on display at the Historic Downtown District, a Main Street promenade filled with local businesses. “As people come though, they have the original architecture, historic trees and districts with the old porch forward homes,” says Christen Brandl, longtime resident and co-owner of Panbanged Knits & Fiber Shoppe. “It makes it feel more inviting as opposed to having so much infrastructure.” The inviting spirit also comes from the people who call Brooksville home. “People are sincerely nice folks, partly because they’ve been here for generations,” says Robert Buckner, owner and Realtor with Buckner Real Estate, Inc, likening the city to Mayberry.
Brooksville blending the old and the new with the new court house built behind the old one.
The old town clock right in the court house courtyard in Brooksville.
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Local businesses are first choice for Brooksville residents
Brick streets and sidewalks fill Historic Downtown Brooksville, where many buildings are over a century old; the Hernando County Courthouse, built in 1913, is only one example. “The courthouse is such a beautiful centerpiece of our Downtown,” says Dawn Triconi, Brooksville Main Street executive director. Independent businesses are often the first choice for residents, whether it’s a restaurant, cafe, boutique or yoga studio. “We will refer to each other as opposed to out-of-Brooksville businesses,” Brandl says. “If we need something done, people are willing to pay higher prices to keep it within Brooksville.” Groceries, big box stores and national chains are concentrated along South Broad Street.
Several museums in the area celebrate the history of Brooksville. The May-Stringer House, also known as the Hernando Heritage Museum, is a Victorian-era home “often called one of Florida’s most haunted places,” Triconi says. Museum guides, volunteers and ghost hunters have reported seeing and hearing paranormal activity. More than 80 ghost-hunting groups have visited the museum; ghost tours are held on Friday and Saturday nights. The city has also earned the nickname “Florida’s Mural City” because of the colorful paintings throughout downtown and along the Good Neighbor Trail, a multi-use trail. Brooksville Main Street coordinates the Mobile Mural program, where artists create works on stretched canvas that can be placed around the city. “These are done by local, homegrown people,” Triconi says.
Everywhere you look in Brooksville, you'll see the southern charm of this town.
Mountaineer Coffee shop in Brooksville is a favorite spot for locals.
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City parks and nearby conservation areas
Residents can spend plenty of time outdoors with city parks and conservation areas in and around Brooksville. Russell Street Park neighbors the library and gives hikers and cyclers access to Good Neighbor Trail, while Tom Varn Park has baseball fields and basketball courts. Chinsegut Hill and Withlacoochee State Forest, with landscapes ranging from sandhills to cypress swamps, are within 7 miles of Downtown Brooksville, with walking trails and plenty of wildlife. “Chinsegut Hill is the only place where the allusive Brooksville bellflower grows,” Triconi says. This rare flower typically blooms in March and April.
Residents playing pickle ball under the shade of large oak trees in Brooksville.
Brooksville is known for its many trails for hiking and biking for the active adventurers.
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Hernando Park and Downtown Brooksville host city events
Many of the city’s events are held at Hernando Park. “All the entertainment happens at the bandstand,” Triconi says. This includes Friday Night Live, held on the second Friday of the month – excluding summer months and December – and the live music for the annual Art in the Park. Other popular events in the city include the New Year’s Eve Tangerine Drop, a recently revived tradition. “At the stroke of midnight, Brooksville Main Street and the City of Brooksville drop an eight-foot tangerine to ring in the new year,” Triconi says.
Hernando Park is nestled right in the middle of downtown Brooksville.
Enjoy the rural lifestyle with modern amenities in Brooksville.
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Homes get older closer to Downtown Brooksville
Brooksville is primarily made up of single-family houses, with some manufactured homes and undeveloped lots of land. The median price is about $329,000. Older houses, most of which were built between the 1940s and 1970s, include cottages and ranch-style homes that range from $150,000 to $425,000. The southern part of the city largely consists of subdivisions and gated communities built after 2000. “Hernando County is experiencing a lot of growth and new development,” Buckner says. “Southern Hills is one newer development, with a champion golf course.” Prices typically fall between $325,000 and $800,000. Manufactured homes can cost $10,000 to $225,000. Lots range from $15,000 to $550,000, depending on acreage and location.
This classic cracker style home has a wraparound deep shade porch in Brooksville.
Residents are updating their older homes to add to the charm of Brooksville.
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Community gathers for school events
Brooksville is part of Hernando School District, which earns a B from Niche. Hernando High School’s Homecoming Parade sees residents lining the street, cheering on the school’s football team. Other education options include Brooksville Engineering, Science & Technology (BEST) Academy, a public middle school charter in the city that specializes in STEM education. The area also has several private schools, including Hernando Christian Academy.
D.S. Parrott Middle has 820 students in grades 6-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1.
Brooksville Elementary has 659 students in grades K-5 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
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Major highways lead to Tampa, about 50 miles away
U.S. Route 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail, is one path to Tampa, about 50 miles away. Interstates 275 and 75 are also nearby. Hernando County has a bus route along State Route 50 that connects Brooksville to the neighboring Spring Hill, about 13 miles away. Tampa International Airport is about 50 miles away and offers over 100 direct flights.
Some of the city’s major employers in the private sector are HGA Florida Oak Hill Hospital and Walmart, while public sector employers include Hernando County Schools.
Brooksville climate is warm and humid
Brooksville’s climate stays warm and humid throughout the year, with temperatures rarely dropping below 40 degrees in the winter. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Hernando County has a relatively high risk of hurricanes. Residents are encouraged to form an evacuation plan and have an emergency kit ready. While Brooksville is at a slightly higher elevation and has a relatively moderate risk of flooding, homeowners should check the county’s floodplain map. Some newer developments on the city’s outskirts will be at higher risk of flooding if built on concrete bases without proper drainage.
Updated crime statistics for Brooksville are not readily available.
Written By
Zia Sampson
Photography Contributed By
David Hall
Video By
Grace Kim
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Boyette,
an experienced agent in this area.
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