Brooksville Cemetery

County employees had erected a barrier around the Confederate soldier statue at Main and Broad streets. Roads and parking areas were blocked off. Uniformed local officers and federal law enforcement patrolled.Related News/ArchiveFor a while last Friday, it appeared as if something major was about to happen in downtown Brooksville.While other towns across America have conversations about the future of displays honoring Confederate Civil War soldiers and leaders, it seemed Brooksville's statue on the courthouse lawn was about to become part of the national trend.Instead, the entire scenario became no event at all.It was much the same at Tuesday's Hernando County Commission meeting, when the president of the local chapter of the NAACP, Paul Douglas, after reading a long article about the history of such statues and how they symbolize racism and white supremacy, asked commissioners to consider moving the monument to the Brooksville Cemetery.Some black residents of Hernando County won't even walk by the statue, in the heart of a community once known for its high number of lynchings, Douglas explained.But commissioners showed no interest in touching the statue, citing the fact that it represents history and honors war veterans, many of whom died to protect their homes and families, rather than protecting slavery.At the end of the meeting, when nearly everyone was gone, commissioners did agree to spend about $6,000 to erect a 6-foot-high aluminum fence around the monument to protect it from vandals.In a community where few voices have come forward over the years to urge removal of the statue, last week's scare seemed to come out of left field. The Sheriff's Office and city police placed the blame for the major response on social media reports, rather than any direct information about threats. But even those blamed for stirring up the trouble said they never had any plans to dismantle the statue by force, as some had feared.Bettejo Passalaqua, a 56-year-old social rights activist who supports removal of the statue, said rumors of a rally at the courthouse began on Fac... (Tampabay.com)

For those looking for a colorful and bright hideaway, this church-turned-house in Brooksville FL, is an ideal sanctuary.The 1,400-square-foot home has one bedroom, one full bath, and one half-bath. It's on the market for an affordable $215,000.“It’s really neat how someone was able to use their imagination to turn a church into a home and how it just flows seamlessly,” said listing agent Heather Tuttle. “Besides the stained glass, you wouldn’t even really know it’s a church from the inside.”Related ArticlesThe property started out as the first Catholic church in Brooksville. After nearly 30 years of masses held in private homes and other unofficial locations, the Catholic Women’s Club was formed in 1908 to raise money to build a church.They found a benefactor in A.H. Hirst, who contributed the funds for construction under the condition that the church be named after his deceased son, Anthony Jr. Thus St. Anthony the Abbot Catholic church was born. It served as a church until the congregation outgrew the location in 1963, and it was deconsecrated in 1972.Converted interiorrealtor.comView from the loftrealtor.comNow a private residence, the building retains many of the original stained-glass windows, including one of a nativity scene. The open living and dining areas have original hardwood flooring, and the sacristy is now a kitchen.The main-floor bedroom boasts a brick wall and plentiful closet space, and the second-story loft could be converted into a second bedroom. And for that extra dramatic touch, the bell still rings.Behind the property is a private cemetery where some members of Brooksville’s oldest families, including Confederate soldiers, were buried. The county maintains the cemetery, so the new homeowner won’t have to worry about cemetery maintenance.The home sits on a scenic, Spanish moss–draped street within walking distance to downtown Brooksville. The agent thinks it's ideal for a young family or retired couple, especially if they happen to be history buffs in search of a bargain.“It’s kind of like you’re buying a museum,” said Tuttle. “The price... (Realtor.com News)