Yet another site proposed for tourism-educational center
BROOKSVILLE — The list of possible sites for an educational-tourism center in Hernando County grew to five last week.
The Historic Hernando Preservation Society agreed Wednesday to send a vision statement to County Administrator Len Sossamon pitching the benefits of locating the proposed Nature Coast Educational and Tourism Center in the Chocochatti area, southeast of Brooksville.
It was there that the Seminole Tribe of Florida was established, according to Jon Yeager, secretary and archaeology chairman of the Historic Hernando Preservation Society.
“We believe this site would be a tourist destination site, accessible to the main arteries of Hernando County,” Yeager stated in a letter.
Pioneer William Hope settled in Chocochatti and brought in settlers after the Seminoles were driven out, Yeager said.
“This is where Hernando’s history began,” he wrote. “If such a vision would be considered and accepted by local officials, just imagine the transformation this would bring to our county. It would transform our economy. We would become a historical-cultural destination point, like a Williamsburg (Va.) of sorts.”
County Commissioner Dave Russell said he welcomes any and all suggestions but, given recent board discussions, “it’s a little premature.”
“We’re kind of drifting away from the initial vision,” he said.
County commissioners at their last meeting unanimously directed their staff to look at more sites. And, for the first time, they are considering splitting the project into two concepts: a large-scale tourism information center somewhere in east Hernando, and a tourism destination that would draw people from all over.
Four other sites have been suggested for the center: Hernando Beach, the Weekiwachee Preserve, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and the Interstate 75 area.
All four sites were met with criticism from some residents, who cited everything from environmental concerns to a lack of infrastructure.
In the case of Weeki Wachee, the county earlier asked Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection if the center would conform to the state park’s master plan for development. The county is awaiting a response.
However, county staffers last week did receive a report from the state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which weighed in on the pros and cons of building on property owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District at Weeki Wachee State Park. The report says the proposed facility would provide a “high-quality, education and nature-based experience to promote ecotourism.”
It would consist of exhibits “showcasing major ecosystems in the area, recreational activities available to the public and the importance of good environmental stewardship. The facility would include tourism offices, an environmental education and tourism display area, an auditorium and flex space, and serve as a trailhead for a Weeki Wachee Springs State Park trail.
Given that concept, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommended that the county:
♦ Conduct species-specific wildlife surveys prior to any land-clearing activities.
♦ Work with state agencies and the water management district to eliminate the possibility of user conflicts and safety issues during hunting season.
♦ Explore options to avoid or minimize effects to scrub habitat in the area.
♦ Develop a planting plan that would identify types of plants being considered in the proposed garden area.
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