Hernando Beach, Florida facts for kids
Hernando Beach is a beautiful waterfront community in Florida, located northwest of Tampa. It's known for its many canals and peaceful atmosphere.
The area was created by Charlie Sasser between 1959 and 1965. He used earth from coastal mining and dug out many canals. The northern part of Hernando Beach has deep, wide canals that lead right to the Gulf of Mexico. This makes it easy for people to go boating.
In 1971, new rules were made to protect wetlands, which are important natural areas. These rules stopped more building in Hernando Beach. This led to some legal discussions, but in the end, much of Hernando Beach's natural beauty was saved. People still enjoy the untouched coastal areas today.
Hernando Beach has three main parts. The northern part is great for boaters because it has direct access to the Gulf. The middle part has many streets off Hermosa Blvd. The southern part has homes with special rules, managed by a property owners' group. People in the southern area use a boatlift system to get their boats to the Gulf. This system helps them cross a small land barrier to reach the main canals and the Gulf.
Quick facts for kids
Hernando Beach, Florida
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Aerial view
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Location in Hernando County and the state of Florida
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| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| County | Hernando |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.88 sq mi (12.64 km2) |
| • Land | 3.55 sq mi (9.19 km2) |
| • Water | 1.33 sq mi (3.45 km2) |
| Elevation | 3 ft (1 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,452 |
| • Density | 691.29/sq mi (266.91/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
34607
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| Area code(s) | 352 |
| FIPS code | 12-29437 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1867152 |
Hernando Beach is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida. This means it's a community that the government counts for population, but it's not a city with its own local government. In 2010, about 2,299 people lived there.
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Hernando Beach in Movies and TV
Hernando Beach was mentioned in a TV show called "Magic City." It appeared in Season 2, Episode 4 of the Starz series.
Where is Hernando Beach?
This community is located in the southwestern part of Hernando County, right along the Gulf of Mexico. Shoal Line Boulevard is on its eastern side. The area stretches from Osowaw Boulevard in the south to Minnow Creek in the north.
The southern end of Hernando Beach is about 1.5 miles west of U.S. Route 19 near Timber Pines. The northern end is about 2.5 miles southwest of Weeki Wachee Gardens. It's also about 7 miles west of U.S. Route 19 at Weeki Wachee Springs.
The U.S. Census Bureau says that Hernando Beach covers a total area of about 10.5 square kilometers. About 9.1 square kilometers of this is land, and 1.4 square kilometers, or about 13.38%, is water.
Who Lives in Hernando Beach?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1990 | 1,767 | — | |
| 2000 | 2,185 | 23.7% | |
| 2010 | 2,299 | 5.2% | |
| 2020 | 2,452 | 6.7% | |
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In 2000, there were 2,185 people living in Hernando Beach. Most people lived in families, with many being married couples. About 16.3% of households had children under 18. The average household had about 2.24 people.
The population included people of different ages. About 13.6% were under 18 years old. A large portion, 38.8%, were between 45 and 64 years old. About 26.3% were 65 or older. The average age was 53 years.
Keeping Hernando Beach Safe
The Hernando County Sheriff's Office helps keep Hernando Beach safe. They have a special Marine Unit Station right in Hernando Beach on Shoal Line Boulevard. This unit helps with water safety and law enforcement on the water.
There is also a Crime Watch program in Hernando Beach, which works with the Sheriff's office. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary also has a unit there. This group helps with boating safety and public education for Hernando County.
Exploring The Flats
Just past the canal system in Hernando Beach are "The Flats." These are shallow waters perfect for people who love boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It's a great place to enjoy nature. You can reach The Flats by going through the canals and following special markers.
The Flats are a peaceful spot where you can relax and enjoy the sunny waters. It's a favorite place for families because it's safe for kids to play. They can collect seashells and explore the coastal environment.
To get to The Flats, you can use a boat, jet ski, or kayak. After navigating the canals, follow the channel markers until you see marker 25. This marker shows you the entrance to The Flats. You'll often see many boaters there, especially on sunny days.
Once you're in The Flats, the water is usually 2 to 4 feet deep, depending on the tide. This makes it ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just relaxing in your boat. Many people think The Flats are the best part of Hernando Beach. It gets busy, especially on summer weekends and holidays. It's a wonderful place for families and kids to explore, find seashells, and splash in the water.
When you take your boat into The Flats, especially when the tide is low, be careful because the water can get very shallow. Sometimes, you might need to gently push or drag your boat to avoid damaging the propeller. Even though it's popular, there's usually plenty of space for everyone to enjoy The Flats without feeling crowded.
Images for kids
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Aerial Photo of the Flats in Hernando Beach
See also
In Spanish: Hernando Beach para niños
