Update
As previously stated, entities from every aspect of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office continue to actively monitor this situation.
Crime Analysts and Deputies continue to monitor social media. We are aware of the numerous posts regarding planned events in Hernando County.
We ask again that anyone who sees a post or receives information regarding a planned event and/or potential violence to please NOT share the information but to send it to law enforcement. If the information pertains to Hernando County, please feel free to send it to us via Facebook private message.
We also ask all PAGE MODERATORS to closely monitor all posts and to remove any post where the information has not been verified or is perpetuating violence. Many, many posts have been created and are circulating with absolute false information. False information can cause panic and hysteria, as well as lead to unnecessary violence. It is important to note that, if our citizens see anything on social media regarding the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office that is conflict with the items posted via our official channels, you can assume the information is false and the intentions of the person or persons posting that information are to divide the community and/or cause unnecessary fear or anger.
We’d like to thank each and every citizen who has taken the time to send us screenshots of posts they felt were of concern. Each one has been vetted by investigators. Thank you!
Original Information 06-01-20
The top priority for Sheriff Al Nienhuis and the men and women of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is the safety and security of each and every resident, business owner, and visitor in Hernando County.
With that being said, we are sensitive to, and saddened by, recent events in Minnesota involving Mr. George Floyd and several members of law enforcement. We send our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Floyd.
Sheriff Nienhuis does not tolerate any type of violence or unnecessary force as it pertains to deputies engaging with individuals in the field or the detention center.
Our law enforcement officers are aware of the information circulating on social media regarding planned events in Hernando County. Entities from every aspect of the HCSO are actively monitoring this situation and taking the appropriate steps with each piece of information.
Please, if you do not have first-hand knowledge of information being discussed on social media regarding these events, we ask that you do not publicly post or share the information.
If you do become aware of an event, incident, situation, possible rumor, etc., please contact the HCSO at 352-754-6830, so we may investigate it. If you believe it is an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Most importantly, violence and lawlessness are never the correct response to any incident. In order to effect change, we must all work together.
Sheriff Nienhuis remains in contact with key leaders in the community as we work through this trying time. Additionally, Sheriff Nienhuis has every intention to provide a safe environment for those who wish to exercise their right to protest lawfully and peacefully.
As in all situations, we stand ready to protect the citizens and businesses within our community.
