The county is applying for a maximum grant amount of $500,000 to restore the historic Hernando County Courthouse. The grant is the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources special category grant funding. If awarded there is a 50% match requirement. The maximum matching will be 25% in kind services and 25% cash out of the general funds. Cash matching will be due in FY 2018.
The county states, "The Courthouse will be under the direction of the Hernando County Tourism Development Manager and will be open for public use to provide lectures, rotating exhibits, gift shop, tours, operas, musicians, educational classes, weddings, meeting, etc.
The collaboration between Hernando County, Historic Hernando Preservation Society, Hernando Historical Museum Association and the Hernando Arts Council proposes Phase I to include but not limited to:
1. ADA Inclined Platform Lift on the north side. Two lifts will be needed, one for the outside and one for the inside.
2. Re-painting the north side parking lot for ADA parking to include signs.
3. ADA signs in front of the courthouse to direct to ADA accessibility.
4. Doors on each floor located in the annex just past the elevators to secure the courthouse during non-government hours.
5. Remove drop down ceiling on floors 2 and 3. Restore ceilings to original state.
6. Restore/repair terrazzo flooring throughout the courthouse."