Hernando County to close government services for MLK Day

Hernando County will close government offices and suspend several public services on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The county’s Public Information Office announced the closures in a media release issued Jan. 13, giving residents advance notice of which operations will be affected and how to get more information.

The closure affects county government offices, TheBus public transit and library services. Riders who rely on TheBus should expect service suspensions for the holiday and plan alternative transportation. Library patrons will not be able to access branch services that day, and typical weekday programming and in-branch services will be paused.

Solid-waste operations will follow a mixed schedule. The county indicated that the main landfill will remain open on Jan. 19, allowing residents with large loads or scheduled drop-offs to keep planned visits. Convenience centers will be closed "as normal," adhering to their regular weekly schedule rather than opening for the holiday. For curbside collection questions and specific pickup schedules, residents were directed to contact Coastal Waste & Recycling, which handles collection logistics for the county.

The county release included a contact number for county questions and pointed residents to the Hernando County website for details. Residents planning errands, medical appointments, or municipal business should confirm office hours and service availability before traveling, particularly if they depend on public transit or scheduled waste pickups.

The notice arrives during the standard run-up to a federal holiday, when municipalities adjust operations and residents must adapt routines. For businesses that interact with county departments, including permitting or licensing offices, the closure can delay processing by at least one business day. For households, the main practical impacts will be on transit-dependent commutes, library access for students and families, and timing for waste disposal or landfill trips.

The takeaway? Plan ahead and confirm schedules. Check TheBus status if you rely on public transit, verify library hours before visiting, and contact Coastal Waste & Recycling about collection changes. If you need county assistance, use the contact information provided by the county or visit hernandocounty.us to avoid a wasted trip. Our two cents? Shift nonurgent errands to another day, and keep trash and recycling expectations flexible around the holiday.