We live in a great county in a great state. I know, I have lived here for over 25 years, and my wife has lived here for over 40 years. I met my wife and started my physical therapy practice in Spring Hill. Over the years, we expanded both our practice and our family here.
Our kids have grown up and now we have grandkids that live here. We have made lifelong friendships. My connections and love for this county runs deep. It has given me so much to be thankful for. Like most of you, I was drawn to Hernando County because of its small-town feel, green spaces, hills and coast. I always thought the Nature Coast was Florida’s best-kept secret. Unfortunately, the secret is out.
Over the past few decades, we’ve watched the slow northern migration of people coming from Hillsborough and Pinellas and the ever-present migration from northern states. In addition, the post-Covid exodus of people fleeing lockdowns, high taxes and burdensome regulations has caused Florida’s population to explode, including that of Hernando County. Our county is experiencing some major growing pains. Whether we like it not, recent estimates have Hernando County on track to add another 50,000 residents by 2050. We can’t stop the growth, but we can mitigate the challenges of growth by implementing smart growth policies. Over 40% of Hernando County is in the ownership of State and Federal Agencies, preserved from residential development in perpetuity. In the areas that are zoned for residential development, I have personally voted for bigger buffers, larger lot sizes, more parking options, and retention of more natural vegetation because I have seen the damage growth has caused our neighbors to the south and to the east. I’m not sure about you, but I do not want Spring Hill or Brooksville to turn into Tampa, Miami, New York City, or even Wesley Chapel. I didn’t move here to live in a concrete jungle where people are living on top of one another. Growth is a problem that every community in the state is currently facing. Our challenge in Hernando County is to keep it affordable, yet keep its hometown feel.
I’m up to the challenge.
I humbly ask for your support and vote this upcoming Tuesday, Aug 20th. Together, we can work for a better Hernando.
-John Allocco
Paid by John Allocco, Republican, for Hernando County Commissioner District 3.
