Making way for Mylander

A man known for paving the way for law enforcement in Hernando County will now have a street named in his honor.

Clinton Boulevard will soon be renamed Tom Mylander Way to honor former Hernando County Sheriff Tom Mylander, who city and county officials say led the way to upgrade the agency.

Sheriff Richard Nugent, who asked city officials to change the street name, said it was Mylander who led the agency to acquire updated facilities, training and resources, such as K-9 units, forensics and the agency's helicopter.

Having worked under Mylander during that time, Nugent said it's fitting for the road near the sheriff's office to be named in his predecessor's honor.

"He was a super guy to work for, and I think a lot of people are grateful for his leadership and for what he's done for this community," Nugent said. "Times have really changed in the county, and we've progressed because of a lot of the great things he's done."

During Monday's Brooksville City Council meeting, Mayor Lara Bradburn said those who were in the county during Mylander's time as sheriff can better appreciate all that he did for the community.

As a former reporter for Hernando Today, Bradburn said she remembers Mylander as an honest and respectable sheriff, which helped to go a long way with the community respecting him. He also didn't make political party a big deal.

Now as mayor, Bradburn said she's pleased to be able to honor the former sheriff for his helping Brooksville and Hernando County develop.

"He brought us into the new age of law enforcement," Bradburn said. "People who weren't here at that time just can't understand all what he did for the community. There are those who go into political office to have their name on a plaque and those who go in to serve the public. He definitely served the public."

Changing the name of the road will cost the city $140 to substitute the street signs, not including labor. The name change is expected to become official by Thursday, April 1. At that time, Bradburn and Nugent agreed they'd like to hold a ceremony with Mylander to honor him at the newly named street.

Mylander meanwhile said he's honored to have a street named after him, but also would like to credit the many staff members and deputies who worked with him throughout the years he was sheriff. Without them, he said the changes in the community wouldn't have been possible.

The former sheriff, who also served a brief stint as an appointed county commissioner, is now retired and spends part of his free time building midget and sprint racing cars.

"It's certainly an honor, and I'd like to thank all those who brought this about," Mylander said. "But a lot of people helped build that agency. No administrator can do it alone and, thanks to them, we've come a long way in law enforcement."