Ideal Times for Marinating Meat (5/15/2026) - I really enjoy baking and cooking, which is good because a fair chunk of time in my life (and likely yours) is spent eating and preparing that food to eat. While I am neither a youth nor cooking contest material, a recent Ask IFAS publication from the Florida 4-H Tailgate Contest series still piqued my… more
The Mindful May: Daily Meditation Challenges for the Busy Professional (5/15/2026) - Spring is the season of renewal. The sky is opening, the trees whisper new leaves, and for those of us in perpetual motion, an invitation to pause can feel surprisingly scarce. Yet what if you could swap a few minutes of your day for a small ritual that reorganizes your brain, steadies your emotions, and… more
Building healthier bones (5/15/2026) - Osteoporosis, often called a “silent disease,” affects millions of Americans and poses a significant public health challenge. Characterized by weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures, the condition frequently goes unnoticed until a minor fall or everyday activity results in a broken bone. As the U.S. population ages, the prevalence and consequences of osteoporosis are likely… more
What’s New on Ask IFAS: Family, Youth and Community Sciences (Mar.–Apr. 2026) (5/14/2026) - Osteoporosis: The Silent Disease Tammy Barnard and Wendy Dahl. Osteoporosis affects nearly 10 million Americans, most often adults over the age of 50. In osteoporosis, bones become brittle and can easily fracture. It is referred to as “the silent disease” because there are no symptoms, but it could lead to joint pain, loss of stature,… more
Managing Work and Family: A Balancing Act (5/14/2026) - In today’s fast-paced world, balancing work and family often feels overwhelming. Many people feel stretched thin by constant demands. Work responsibilities and family life both affect personal health and wellness. In particular, mental and physical health are shaped by job roles, family conflicts, and workplace organization. As workplace pressures increase, family obligations may become harder… more
Florida 4-H alumni trace tech success back to youth workforce development program (5/14/2026) - The Florida 4-H program, run by the UF/IFAS Extension, creates a pipeline of career success for tech and STEM students. Students in the K-12 program learn fundamental skills like public speaking, problem solving and perseverance. Florida 4-H alumni credit the program with their college success and career readiness. When Benjamin Wolking was raising goats in… more
UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities May 14, 2026 (5/14/2026) - UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities for May 14, 2026 IFAS Human Resources has now created an opportunity for you to view, at a glance, newly posted IFAS TEAMS positions. Please click on the link for further details. These positions were vacant as of the date of this posting. Administrative Assistant I - IFAS/ABE Requisition # 539808 … more
Clean Up with Homemade Cleaners (5/13/2026) - Spring has sprung and you may feel the urge to give your home a deep cleaning. The American Cleaning Institute finds that 80% of us are doing some type of deep cleaning this spring so you are not alone. Deep cleaning your home after winter gives a fresh restart and boosts your spirits. When choosing… more
Mental Health Awareness Month: Topics in Mental Health, A Series Supporting the Well-Being of Florida’s Agricultural Community (5/12/2026) - Florida’s agricultural industry plays a vital role in the state’s economy, environment, and communities. From farming and ranching to forestry and seafood production, agricultural producers across all 67 counties help provide food, fiber, and natural resources that support Florida’s residents and visitors every day. While agriculture is essential to the state’s success, the demands of… more
Not all smoke signals danger. Research explains how Floridians can tell the difference using access to new tools (5/12/2026) - As drought continues to dry out Florida’s landscapes and wildfires spread, smoke in the air can be hard to ignore. But experts with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) say it may also be a sign of efforts to keep fires from becoming more dangerous. "If you live in Florida, seeing or… more
From Wasteland to Wonderland: A Food Forest Journey Part 4 – Iguanas: A Challenge, A Question, A Lesson. (5/12/2026) - The challenge with iguanas has been, without a doubt, the toughest part of working on this food forest. At times, it felt like they made my life almost impossible. But somewhere along the way, a different mindset was necessary. Instead of chasing or hunting them, I started learning how to live with them. They… more
Growing Skills and Confidence: The Roots to Work Program (5/12/2026) - At UF/IFAS Extension in Brevard County, growth doesn’t just happen in the garden—it happens in people. The Roots to Work program brings education, hands-on experience, and community connection together to create meaningful opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Developed through Florida AgrAbility - UF/IFAS, Roots to Work is more than an agricultural program. It provides a pathway to independence, confidence, and real-world skills through… more
Millet: A Naturally Gluten-Free Whole Grain with Practical Nutritional Benefits (5/12/2026) - Millet refers to a group of small-seeded cereal grains cultivated for thousands of years across Africa and Asia. Common varieties include pearl millet, foxtail millet, and proso millet, although most retail packages are simply labeled “millet.” Naturally gluten-free and relatively quick to prepare, millet has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a versatile texture. When… more
Paws, Breathe, Relax: Stress Management for You and Your Pet (5/11/2026) - By: Giselle Navarro, UF/IFAS Extension, Broward County, Family and Consumer Sciences Intern Brenda Marty Jimenez, UF/IFAS Extension, Broward County, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent IV Stress is a part of everyday life—for both humans and animals. While people may experience stress through anxiety, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating, pets often communicate it through changes in… more
The Science of Vitamin K: Small Nutrient, Big Impact (5/11/2026) - Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin providing the body support in blood clotting and bone health. You may have heard of Vitamin K and Vitamin K2, so what’s the difference? Vitamin K1 supports blood clotting; where Vitamin K2 helps in cardiovascular health, regulate calcium, and plays a key role in bone health. Maintaining the right… more
2026 Florida 4-H Hall of Fame Inductees Announced (5/8/2026) - Gainesville, FL – May 8, 2026 – The Florida 4‑H Foundation and Florida 4‑H Youth Development Program are honored to introduce the 2026 Florida 4‑H Hall of Fame inductees. These remarkable individuals have shaped generations through exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and an enduring passion for the values of 4‑H. 2026 Florida 4-H Hall of Fame… more
Hurricane Season Begins June 1: Time to Prepare (5/7/2026) - June 1 marks the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through November 30. Recent seasons have reminded us how active and unpredictable hurricane activity can be, especially here in Florida. Now is the time to review your emergency plans, check your supplies, prepare your home and landscape, and stay alert to official… more
Mental Health Matters: Small Steps That Can Make a Big Difference This May (5/5/2026) - May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging conversations about mental and emotional well-being. While mental health has gained more attention in recent years, many people still struggle in silence, often believing stress, burnout, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion are just “part of life.” The truth… more
DNA analyses uncover what is hiding under the cap plaguing the white button mushroom industry (5/5/2026) - UF/IFAS researchers discovered that bacterial blotch in white button mushrooms is caused by a complex of multiple bacteria, not a single pathogen as previously believed. The disease significantly impacts mushroom growers by reducing yields, shortening shelf life and making crops unsellable due to visible blemishes. The findings are expected to support better diagnostics and more… more
Avoid Bringing Home the Powderpost Beetles from Yard and Estate Sales (4/30/2026) - Summer is the time of year when people are easily lured to yard and estate sales. The finds can be great ranging from antiques to nearly new items. One thing to keep in mind, however, is when choosing wooden items like furniture and frames, and baskets, always scout for signs of insect infestation such as… more
Digital Detox: Reclaiming Mental Space in a Connected World (4/30/2026) - Screens have become part of just about everything in daily life. Work, school, communication, and even how people relax at the end of the day often involve a device. While technology has made life more efficient and more connected, it has also changed how time, attention, and rest are experienced. This raises an important question:… more
With Gratitude for Sarasota County Extension’s Volunteers (4/29/2026) - I want to share some amazing numbers: Sarasota County Extension’s 282 volunteers contributed 13,604 hours of service, worth over $448,000, in 2025. That volunteer service is equal to another 6.5 full-time staff, which, on our small team, is an increase of more than 24%. The total volunteer time in 2025 increased from 11,800 and 12,800… more
Eyes on Seagrass Blitz in the Indian River Lagoon (4/28/2026) - Do you spend time out on the Indian River Lagoon? Whether you are a fisher spending time out on your boat or a kayaker who enjoyed paddling the lagoon, if you are out on the water, you can contribute to the Eyes on Seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon Blitz! Eyes on Seagrass is a… more
Stay Informed About Wildfires (4/28/2026) - Florida is a fire-adapted landscape. That means fire is a natural and beneficial part of the ecosystem with many plants and animals evolved to rely on fire. It is not uncommon for natural areas managers to use controlled, planned wildland fire (known as a “prescribed burn”). Prescribed burns help manage habitat for wildlife species, reduce… more
Fresh Picks: The Month’s Classes (4/27/2026) - As we head into summer, it’s a great time to build new skills and plan ahead. Our May classes include opportunities to learn about gardening, sustainability, financial well-being, and healthy living through practical, research-based programs. Browse the schedule below and mark your calendar. Ready to Register? View full class descriptions, dates, and registration details at:ocextension.eventbrite.com… more
Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way – Recent Program Highlights (4/24/2026) - About Program This month, I wrapped up our most recent Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way series. The goal of this program is to help busy adults adopt the Mediterranean diet by providing easy tips, healthy swaps, and practical strategies. Topics include mindful eating, physical activity, label reading, and meal planning. This cohort was the… more
Volunteers Keep Our Beaches Clean on Earth Day and Every Day (4/22/2026) - Happy Earth Day! UF/IFAS Extension Sea Grant in Okaloosa and Walton Counties and Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County’s Department of Tourist Development, helped celebrate Earth Day by hosting coastal cleanups in both counties. On Saturday, April 11, 2026, volunteers put on gloves and grabbed buckets to comb the beach for litter. There were five clean-up locations and 383 volunteer participants. Volunteers came from… more
Celebrating Volunteers (4/20/2026) - For the global volunteer month in April, the Sarasota County Commissioners honored all county department volunteers March 24 for their outstanding efforts throughout Sarasota County in 2025. UF/IFAS Extension celebrated its volunteers April 1 at the annual “Volunteer Appreciation” luncheon. Extension volunteers assisted staff in providing a wide range of programs on energy savings, gardening,… more
What the New 2026 Tax Brackets Mean — and What You Should Do Now (4/20/2026) - As we head into the 2026 tax year, the IRS has rolled out updated tax brackets, deductions, and limits. While these changes may look minor on the surface, they can directly impact how much you keep in your paycheck—and how much you owe when you file in 2027. The key takeaway: tax rates didn’t change—but… more
Simple Diet Changes Show Big Health Benefits, New Research Finds (4/20/2026) - A growing body of research in 2026 is reinforcing a message that nutrition experts have emphasized for years: small, consistent changes in diet can lead to meaningful improvements in overall health, even later in life. Recent findings tied to the newly released 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans highlight a shift toward simpler, more practical advice:… more
Your Guide to Earth Month 2026 in Sarasota County (4/16/2026) - As our region grows, we observe impacts of climate change such as an increase in days with extreme heat conditions, number and intensity of storms and hurricanes, and water shortages. This brings to light how important our actions are in response to these realities through a two-pronged approach. Adapting to the changing conditions we are… more
FYCS Graduate Student Yearbook 2026 (4/15/2026) - In honor of Graduate Student Appreciation week, we're featuring the hard work each of our graduate students devotes their time to every day as they work to expand their knowledge of youth and community development. FYCS graduate students dedicate themselves to bettering their communities and discovering new ways to support them. Read more to learn… more
Intensity and innovation earn UF/IFAS scientist Early Career Fellow honor by Ecological Society of America (4/15/2026) - Whether he’s submitting daily bird sightings on a citizen science website without missing a beat or racing the clock during a 24-hour biodiversity blitz, University of Florida scientist Corey Callaghan brings a distinct intensity to both his research and his passion for the natural world. That drive has now earned him national recognition. Callaghan, an… more
Intensity and innovation earn UF/IFAS scientist Early Career Fellow honor by Ecological Society of America (4/15/2026) - Whether he’s submitting daily bird sightings on a citizen science website without missing a beat or racing the clock during a 24-hour biodiversity blitz, University of Florida scientist Corey Callaghan brings a distinct intensity to both his research and his passion for the natural world. That drive has now earned him national recognition. Callaghan, an… more
Celebrating Ten Years of Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch in Cedar Key (4/14/2026) - Each spring and fall in Cedar Key, as full and new moons drive tides rise to seasonal highs along marsh edges and sandy shorelines, horseshoe crabs emerge from the water to spawn. In doing this, horseshoe crabs are continuing a cycle that has persisted for at least 150 million years. For the past decade, Florida… more
Common Nutrient Gaps in Plant-Based Diets and How to Bridge Them (4/14/2026) - Plant-based diets have become increasingly popular due to their health, environmental, and ethical benefits. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has been linked to lower risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Because some nutrients are more commonly found in animal products, following a plant-based diet such… more
Alumni Spotlight: Lauren Goldsby’s Path to Extension (4/13/2026) - Lauren Goldsby’s path to becoming a UF/IFAS Extension Agent in Bay County, Florida's panhandle, wasn’t linear. During her undergraduate years at UF, she worked in the Forage Breeding and Genomics Lab and the Blueberry Breeding Lab, gaining early research experience. After graduating, she entered production work, first in the medical cannabis industry and later as… more
Postharvest Lab Research Targets Strawberry and Blueberry Fruit Quality and Shelf Life (4/13/2026) - The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center’s (IRREC) Postharvest Technology lab, led by Mark Ritenour, is researching how to reduce decay in strawberries and blueberries and improve their quality during the postharvest process. This project is a continuation of other research they have worked on… more
SFFGS annual Spring Celebration more than an award ceremony (4/13/2026) - Families equipped with nets traipsed through the woods with an entomologist in search of bugs. Kids learned how to cast with fishing poles. The cornhole game was adjacent to enormous drones used by top geomatics scientists. Winners of the mini Tree Quest contest took home saplings. On Saturday (April 11, 2026) more than 300 faculty,… more
The cost of chronic stress (4/13/2026) - Chronic stress has become an increasingly common part of modern life, and health experts warn that its long-term effects can be far more damaging than many realize. While short bursts of stress help the body respond to immediate challenges, persistent stress keeps the body in a heightened state of alert, disrupting essential systems and contributing to serious health concerns. Chronic… more
De la curiosidad a la conservación: Cómo la ciencia ciudadana enseña a niños y adultos a observar y experimentar la naturaleza (4/13/2026) - Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para el Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. A menudo, todo comienza con algo pequeño: un ave que nunca habíamos notado posada en una rama, una mariposa de colores vibrantes en el jardín o una planta que brota, inesperadamente, entre las grietas de la acera o… more
FYCS Undergraduate Practicum Report 2025 (4/13/2026) - Each year, senior FYCS majors at the University of Florida (UF) complete their practicum at a community-oriented organization that they align with. We prepare seniors for this required internship by helping them make connections with local organizations at our fall and spring Volunteer and Networking Fairs, which we host alongside the David and Wanda Brown… more
Bat roosts in Florida are protected as of April 16th (4/9/2026) - Bats are an important part of our ecosystem in Florida, as the only major predator of night-flying insects. To ensure bats continue providing natural pest control, all bats in Florida are protected. Bat roosts are provided extra protection during certain times of the year. It's bat maternity season Late spring and summer is when female… more
Bat roosts in Florida are protected as of April 16th (4/9/2026) - Bats are an important part of our ecosystem in Florida, as the only major predator of night-flying insects. To ensure bats continue providing natural pest control, all bats in Florida are protected. Bat roosts are provided extra protection during certain times of the year. It's bat maternity season Late spring and summer is when female… more
Study uses AI, citizen science to show perceptions of access to Broward County parks (4/9/2026) - A new study from the University of Florida paired artificial intelligence and citizen science to measure whether parks in Broward County provide access and the same experiences across communities. Rather than focusing solely on where parks are located, researchers at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) based at the Fort Lauderdale Research and… more
Study uses AI, citizen science to show perceptions of access to Broward County parks (4/9/2026) - A new study from the University of Florida paired artificial intelligence and citizen science to measure whether parks in Broward County provide access and the same experiences across communities. Rather than focusing solely on where parks are located, researchers at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) based at the Fort Lauderdale Research and… more
Classroom Snapshots: Foundations of Youth Development (4/8/2026) - It's the Monday after Spring Break, and while many students may choose to extend their vacation, the students in Dr. Kate Fletcher's Foundations of Youth Development course (FYC3201) are ready for their morning class. Students greet each other as they enter the classroom, and chat among themselves while waiting for class to begin. Today, students… more
Conviértase en un detector de especies invasoras y ayude a los científicos de UF a localizar la esquiva anguila asiática de pantano (4/7/2026) - Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para el Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. Investigadores de University of Florida instan a los residentes del sur de Florida a colaborar para detener la propagación de un pez invasor que se desplaza de forma sigilosa por canales, marismas y humedales, afectando los entornos más… more
Digital Preparedness: Protect Your Information Before, During, and After a Disaster (4/7/2026) - Website tracking collects your online behavior using cookies, pixels, and device fingerprinting. After disasters, scammers can use this data to send targeted phishing messages, fake FEMA alerts, and fraudulent contractor offers. Protecting your digital privacy reduces your risk of identity theft and financial loss. In Monroe County, residents face a unique combination of risks: Hurricanes… more
Meet Dr. Mary Davis: A Florida Master Naturalist Success Story (4/6/2026) - Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate Meet Dr. Davis This is Dr. Mary Davis, a retired PhD Ecologist and Sarasota County volunteer. She is also a Florida Master Naturalist Program graduate. What is a PhD Ecologist doing in the Florida Master Naturalist Program? Keep reading to learn more about… more