If you try to map Hernando, Florida on your phone you will wind up in Citrus County. This is because there is a Hernando in Citrus County. The city was formed in 1881 by the Van Ness and Croft families. The city of Hernando disincorporated in the 1970’s.
The city is named in honor of Hernando De Soto just like the county. Hernando De Soto marched through the area while exploring America for Spain. Hernando De Soto died of fever on the expedition in Louisiana.
The city of Hernando used to reside inside of Hernando County until 1887 when Citrus County was created from a portion of Hernando County. Austin Mann pushed the bill through the Legislature that created Citrus county and the new county seat was initially his town of Mannfield.
The former city of Hernando is located on the edge of Tsala Apopka Lake. The Tsala Apopka Lake refers to a group of lakes located within a bend in the Withlacoochee River.
The naming confusion does not stop with the city of Hernando. The park on the edge of Tsala Apopka Lake is named Hernando Beach & Community Park. There is swimming from a sandy beach and a boat launch at the park.
The city of Hernando is located on the 46-mile bike riding trail known as the Withlacoochee State Trail which runs through Pasco, Hernando and Citrus County. The City of Hernando Trailhead can be found on the northwest corner of US 41 and CR 486.
The city of Hernando can cause confusion for those who are not aware of its existence. If you are looking for something in Hernando County and perform an Internet Search, take a second to verify your result is not in the former city of Hernando.