In 1975 Little Rock Cannery opened their doors in north central Hernando County, and now nearly 30 years later the doors are threatening to close! The cannery is looking at being cut from the county’s budget, as the $49,000 impact that it has on the annual budget is proving to be too much.

Many locals are up in arms at the thought of losing the cannery, since in today’s world many people are returning to the ways of feeding their families from their own backyard gardens. There were many different ideas that were tossed around at the Hernando County Budget and Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday. Raising the annual fee of the cannery from $10 per family per year, cutting back on payroll costs by introducing furloughs and closing the cannery one day week and having employees only put in 32 hours a week were some of the ideas that were laid on the table.

Little Rock Cannery is located at 15487 Citrus Way in Brooksville and provides a price break for county residents. The cannery cans meats, fruits and vegetables and sells jars, lids and rings. They provide steamers, pressure canners and juicers, as well. You will need to make an appointment by calling 352-540-4306.

During tough economic times, ridding the community of companies that provide services to help get back to the basics in life, is just a silly idea all around. These are the types of services that the “new America” will be in need of.