History of Hernando County, Florida in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 16, 2025

Hernando County, Florida, is situated on the west-central coast of the state and forms part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area. The 2020 census recorded a population of 194,515 residents. Brooksville serves as its county seat, while Spring Hill is the most populous community. Hernando County experienced rapid growth in the early 2000s, ranking as the 35th fastest-growing county in the United States as of 2005.

1955: Atlantic Coast Line Railroad

In 1955, The last train directly serving the county, in Croom, was local Jacksonville - St. Petersburg service operated by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad.

1956: Atlantic Coast Line Railroad

In 1956, The last train directly serving the county, in Croom, was local Jacksonville - St. Petersburg service operated by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad.

2000: Census Results

In 2000, the census recorded 130,802 people, 55,425 households, and 40,016 families residing in Hernando County.

2004: Amtrak Service Discontinued

In late 2004, the Palmetto, the last Amtrak train on the line, had its Florida service discontinued. It ran along the old Seaboard Air Line Railroad line east of US 301 in Ridge Manor, but had no stops in the county.