Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Floodplain or Wetland
Hernando County, Florida
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Rogers Park Improvements
To: All interested Agencies include all Federal, State, and Local, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that Hernando County, under 24 CFR Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 and/or Executive Order 11990 and in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the Community Development Block Grant program, Contract number B-24-UC-12-2102. The proposed project involves park and recreational facility improvements at Rogers Park including the installation of a shade structure over the playground area to provide sun and heat protection for children and caregivers; ADA-compliant restroom upgrades to ensure the bathroom facilities meet current accessibility standards; new sidewalks to create safe pedestrian pathways throughout the park. The project area is approximately 3 acres and is located within the 100-year floodplain. Hernando County has identified the following existing natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values; water resource functions, living resource functions and cultural/recreational values.

Hernando County has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain/wetland: Limiting impervious surface coverage within the floodplain to maintain natural infiltration rates, incorporating native, flood-tolerant landscaping to preserve vegetative cover and wildlife habitat value, designing drainage improvements to convey stormwater consistent with existing natural flow patterns, avoiding grading or fill activities that would reduce floodplain storage capacity, requiring flood-resistant construction materials and methods for all improvements within the floodplain.

Hernando County has reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain/wetland and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to carrying out the proposed park and recreational facility improvements at Rogers Park as the project is site-specific by nature, serving the existing park and its surrounding community. The proposed activity has been designed to minimize potential harm to or within the floodplain through careful site design, limited impervious surfaces and use of flood-resilient materials and construction methods. The proposed improvements will preserve and, where feasible, enhance the floodplain’s natural and beneficial functions, including through the use of native vegetation, permeable surfaces, and stormwater design that is consistent with existing drainage patterns. The project complies with applicable floodplain protection standards, local floodplain management ordinances, and FEMA requirements. floodplain/wetland development. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, and/or Executive Order 11990, and 24 CFR 55, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplain/wetland and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplain/wetland can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplain/wetland, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by Hernando County Housing & Supportive Services at the following address on or before June 22, 2026: by mail at 621 W. Jefferson St., Brooksville, Florida, Email at Housingandsupportiveservices@hernandocounty.us. Attention: Velvet Burris, Housing Coordinator. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at the above address.

Date: June 14, 2026 92400