In 1943, the Army acquired 10,200 Acres for training aerial gunners. The location is south of Centralia Road (Co Rd 476), east of Melanie Ave. and west of Citrus Way. They built a moving target system in which a jeep with attached target above went around a track. Soldiers in training fired .50 caliber machine guns at the target. Other training activities included jungle warfare, rifle firing practice, rifle grenades, bazookas, mortars and anti tank guns. By November 1946, the Army disbanded the training grounds due to the end of WWII.
The Army Corp contacted Hernando County this month with the results of a 2013 Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study looking for buried munitions at the Former Brooksville Turret Gunnery Range. During their investigation, they divided the site into two categories: Rocket Ranges and Remaining Lands.
The Munitions (with explosive material) and/or munitions debris were located previously within the Rocket Ranges including over 300 rockets, mortar rounds and practice munitions. The Rocket Ranges consist of two areas:
Webster and Taft Streets between Weeping Willow Street and Jayson Drive
The area between Exile and Weeping Willow Streets with Montour Street(to the South) and Pinetree Ave/Harrison Street to the North
No new munitions were discovered in the Rocket Ranges or Remaining Lands during the most recent investigations. However since they were found previously, Army Corp recommends being vigilant if any suspicious objects are seen. The Army Corp states that if you recognize or suspect a potential munition follow the three R’s. Recognize the potential danger, Retreat from the object and do not touch or move it and Report the finding by calling 9-1-1.