What’s New

Get Storm-Ready, during May 5-11 National Hurricane Preparedness Week (5/8/2024) by Maria Portelos-Rometo - National Hurricane Preparedness Week runs May 5-11. So, let's take this time to begin preparing for our annual hurricane season, which runs June 1 through Nov. 30. For many of us, preparing for a weather event can be time consuming and overwhelming. We can help. A great way to get ready is to break down… more

Re-think Your Beverage Choices (5/8/2024) by Brenda Marty-Jimenez - Do you drink many sugar sweetened drinks like regular soda, sweet tea or flavored coffee beverages? Maybe it is time to re-think your drink, as we say at Extension, and switch to non-sugary, healthier beverage choices. Water is an example of a great choice.   Did you know? National Beverage Day is celebrated on May… more

Influenza Aviar Altamente Patogénica en Florida: ¿Qué Riesgo Enfrenta el Ganado Bovino? (5/7/2024) by Jonael Bosques - La producción de alimentos y fibra es una actividad extremadamente riesgosa. Los agricultores y ganaderos están a merced de los elementos. Mark Twain lo dijo mejor: "La agricultura es simplemente apostar con la tierra". Sin embargo, el tomar riesgos calculados e invertir en implementar medidas preventivas puede afectar positivamente lo que hacemos para alimentar al… more

Aging Healthy: Maintaining Our Mental Health (5/7/2024) by Maria Portelos-Rometo - In our last Aging Healthy series post, we talked about visiting our healthcare providers and the importance of regular office visits. Today, we'll focus on mental health. As we age and go into retirement, we sometimes find ourselves losing—or perhaps entirely without—daily connections to the world. We might no longer have a job that keeps… more

Advancing Food Safety Monitoring Using an AI-based Sensor (5/6/2024) by Jessie Erwin - We are pleased to introduce Emma Holliday, a food science master's degree student in the Food Science and Human Nutrition program at The University of Florida. She is our latest guest in the FSHN Research Journeys series, which follows graduate students' research. Emma is keen to ensure the food we eat is safe and that we have… more

Aging Healthy: Checking Our Physical Health and Healthcare Checkups (5/2/2024) by Maria Portelos-Rometo - Our last post in the Aging Healthy series discussed the reasons to stop smoking, as well as limiting alcohol and other substances. In today’s post, we are going to discuss regular healthcare checkups and why they are important to healthy aging. Going to the doctor and having regular health screenings is important for healthy aging.… more

New Neighborhood Best Practices Program Provides Key Tools for Building Healthy Communities (5/1/2024) by Ashley Ellis - Are you a homeowner living within a Homeowners Association (HOA) or serving on its board? Managing common areas like landscaping, trees, and stormwater ponds effectively can often be a challenge. But, fret not! There's a new initiative tailored just for you. Introducing the Neighborhood Best Practices Program: A free online resource specially designed for Sarasota… more

Delicious Avocados (5/1/2024) by Brenda Marty-Jimenez - When you think of eating an avocado what do you think of? I think of a fresh bowl of guacamole and delicious Mexican food. May 5th, which is Cinco de Mayo, is the perfect time to enjoy and celebrate with some fresh and tasty avocados. There are many varieties of avocados and many ways to… more

Aging Healthy: Stopping Impacts of Smoking, Alcohol and Other Substances (4/30/2024) by Maria Portelos-Rometo - Last time, in our Aging Healthy series, we looked at sleep and provided some suggestions to promote a better night’s sleep. Today, we’re going to talk about the reasons to stop smoking, as well as limiting use of alcohol and other substances. Over the years, many studies have shown that quitting smoking has a positive… more

Assessing Nanomaterials: Exploring Implications in Agri-food Microbiome Evolution (4/29/2024) by Jessie Erwin - A warm welcome to Sherry Bansal, the latest guest in our FSHN Research Journeys series, which follows graduate students' research in the Food Science and Human Nutrition program at The University of Florida. Sherry is a food science Ph.D. student studying the effects of nanotechnology in agriculture. With the increased use of nanomaterials in agriculture, it is… more

Connecting Future UF Alums to UF Extension-Meet Abraham Cuadrado (4/28/2024) by Lorna Bravo - Article by UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Urban Horticulture Agent Lorna Bravo What is the UF/IFAS Extension Internship Program? The UF Internship program is a collaboration between the Florida Cooperative Extension Service and the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Its main goal is to introduce UF students to Extension services and the land-grant system… more

Protecting Our Pets (4/25/2024) by Jackie Lebouitz - Our pets are precious to us, and their safety should always be a priority. Follow these 10 tips to help keep your pet healthy and safe. You can click on each tip to learn more. Tip #1: Prevent heartworm. Tip #2: Use pet-safe scents. Tip #3: Share food with care. Tip #4: Stay away from… more

Move More (4/25/2024) by Elisha Foster - National Move More Month is every April, and the objective of this month is clear and simple: get up and move! Created by the American Heart Association as a way to help improve the health of Americans everywhere, National Move Month is aimed at getting more of us to hit 10,000 steps every day or,… more

Aging Healthy: Slipping Into Sound Sleep (4/25/2024) by Maria Portelos-Rometo - In our last Aging Healthy post, we discussed making healthy food choices and briefly looked at some healthy eating patterns. Today’s post will focus on sleep and what we can do for a good night’s rest. Perhaps many of you have found yourself awake at 2 a.m., staring at the clock and your bedroom wall.… more

The Value of Community Gardens: Social Impact (4/25/2024) by Julia Sirchia - What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about community gardening? You may be picturing a patch of land dedicated to growing fruits and veggies collaboratively, or a collection of individual plots. And you would be correct. But if you take a closer look, you’ll see much more than plants, these… more

Duval County volunteers keep Jacksonville trees trim (4/24/2024) by Megan Winslow - Jacksonville, the largest city by landmass in the contiguous United States, is also home to the country’s largest urban park system – more than 80,000 acres of land featuring more than 400 parks. For a decade, a cadre of gloved individuals armed with pruning shears has helped provide the city’s young trees with a healthy… more

Trees Change Climate (4/23/2024) by Donna Corbelli Castro - We need more trees, everywhere! Loss of tree canopy is one of the main reasons that climate change has become so severe.  Whichever side of the fence you are on, we all must admit that the climate is changing, and not for the better. When USDA Plant Zones change then we know that something very… more

Aging Healthy: Making Smart Food Choices (4/23/2024) by Maria Portelos-Rometo - In our last Aging Healthy post, we talked about physical activity, its benefits and how to be successful in your activity routine. In this post we will take a look at making smart food choices. Do you ever get overwhelmed with all the different diets? Choosing what to eat for our health can be confusing.… more

Spice Up Your Life: A Beginners Guide to Growing Thyme (4/23/2024) by Julia Sirchia - Are you a fan of fresh aromatic herbs in your dishes? If so, growing herbs right at home may become your new favorite hobby. In this guide, we'll delve into how to grow thyme right at home.  Commonly Grown Varieties Thyme is a versatile herb known for its earthy flavor and aromatic qualities. It's a… more

Gator alumni-led company recognized for decade of compassionate growth (4/22/2024) by Megan Winslow - Every year for the past 10 years, the University of Florida’s Gator100 program has honored the fastest-growing businesses in the world owned or led by UF alumni. In the decade since the program’s inception, only one business has managed to appear on the list every year: Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice. UF College of Veterinary… more

Combatting Food Waste: Practical Tips for Every Home (4/22/2024) by KGriffin - During the month of April, we are shining a spotlight on food waste. Did you know that in the United States alone, 30-40% of all food produced goes to waste? This is a surprising statistic when you consider the impact that food waste has on both the environment and our communities. Food waste is about… more

Reporting Sightings of Tagged Horseshoe Crabs in Hernando: A Citizen Science Opportunity (4/18/2024) by Brittany Hall-Scharf - Since 2018, volunteers in Hernando have been diligently tagging horseshoe crabs as part of an ongoing statewide effort to study and conserve these fascinating creatures. Horseshoe crabs are known to come ashore during the new and full moons at high tide during the spring and fall months, and sightings of tagged individuals provide valuable data… more

Aging Healthy: Checking Our Physical Health and Activity (4/18/2024) by Maria Portelos-Rometo - In our last Aging Healthy post, we introduced the behaviors that are part of healthy aging: being physically active, food choices, sleep, quitting unhealthy habits, and visiting your healthcare provider. There is a lot of information to cover with physical health, so we’ll break it down into smaller sections. Let’s begin by talking about our… more

Go Bananas on National Banana Day! (4/17/2024) by Brenda Marty-Jimenez - Bananas are a popular food item and a favorite of many people. Many write the word – “bananas” on their grocery list week after week. Bananas are a long-standing fruit staple item in many households and are affordable.  I remember my grandparents eating them, declaring they were getting a source of potassium for the day,… more

Científicos de UF/IFAS lanzan una encuesta sobre el uso del agua para mejorar la conservación de este recurso en todo el estado (4/16/2024) by Luz Bahder - Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para el Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. ¿Busca alternativas que le puedan ayudar a ahorrar dinero en la factura del agua de su hogar? ¿Se pregunta con qué frecuencia debe regar sus áreas verdes? Quizás usted esté considerando el uso de tecnologías que le ayudarán… more

Spring Clean Your Diet: Tips to Declutter Unhealthy Eating Habits and Introduce Fresh, Nutritious Springtime Foods (4/16/2024) by Elizabeth Shephard - The glow of the sun, longer days, and flowers in full bloom announce that spring has arrived. One of our favorite seasons is here, and for many, it's a time for thorough cleaning of our homes. But why not "clean" our diet as well? Here are some tips to leave behind those not-so-healthy eating habits… more

Aging Healthy: What Can We Control? (4/16/2024) by Maria Portelos-Rometo - Have you ever opened a magazine or turned on the television only to be bombarded by advertisements promoting a youthful appearance and promising an active lifestyle with a pill? Do those lotions, creams, and pills create the fountain of youth? Many factors influence healthy aging. Some, such as genetics, are out of our control. Fortunately,… more

Making Choices Count: Achieving a Healthy Weight (4/15/2024) by Lori Johnson - You will find many suggestions when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, but which is the best for you? Losing the term “diet” and focusing on a “healthy lifestyle” is key. If it's not something you can do for the rest of your life to maintain health, it won’t help you achieve your health… more

New Episode from Naturally Florida Podcast: “Mosquito Season is Coming!” (4/15/2024) by Lara Milligan - Are you itching for answers to the pesky mosquitoes starting to make their presence known? In this two-part episode, we explore the mosquitoes of Florida, covering everything from mosquito biology, types of mosquitoes, mosquito surveillance and control, and ways you can yourself from these important, but sometimes pesky insects. Mosquito season in Florida coincides with… more

New Episode from Naturally Florida Podcast: “Mosquito Season is Coming!” (4/15/2024) by Lara Milligan - Are you itching for answers to the pesky mosquitoes starting to make their presence known? In this two-part episode, we explore the mosquitoes of Florida, covering everything from mosquito biology, types of mosquitoes, mosquito surveillance and control, and ways you can yourself from these important, but sometimes pesky insects. Mosquito season in Florida coincides with… more

A Regulation Intrigue: Investigating E. coli’s Path onto Dropped and Drooped Strawberries and Grapefruit (4/15/2024) by Jessie Erwin - We are pleased to welcome Claudia Pegueros to our FSHN Research Journeys series, which follows graduate students' research in the Food Science and Human Nutrition program at The University of Florida. Claudia is a food science master's degree student committed to researching how to make our produce safer. In her research project, she studies E. coli contamination… more

4-H Community Service-Learning Project (4/14/2024) by johnferguso - A worthy volunteer month highlight! William Kicklighter's Community Service-learning Project. William is a Beef Builders 4-H Club member, a prospective Eagle Scout recipient, and an aspirant to the University of Florida College of Engineering. As a member of the UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development team, we all love to see when 4-Her’s “Interest or Spark.”… more

Florida Land Steward Update, April 12, 2024 (4/12/2024) by Chris Demers - PUTNAL TREE FARM TOUR APRIL 5: THANKS FOR JOINING US! Our tour last week at the Putnal family’s Tree Farm was a success. Thanks everyone who joined us and made the event possible. Congratulations once again to Terry Putnal, his father Howard in memoriam, and the whole family for their recognition as the 2023 Jon… more

April 15 Tax Deadline: Penalties Depend on Whether You Owe (4/11/2024) by Lisa Leslie - The April 15, 2024, tax filing deadline  comes with the potential of two types of penalties for people who owe money. (For residents of Maine or Massachusetts, the tax deadline is Wednesday, April 17, due to Patriot’s Day and Emancipation Day holidays.) The two penalties are a failure-to-file penalty and a failure-to-pay penalty. If you… more

Gardening Successfully in Florida’s Summer Heat (4/11/2024) by Julia Sirchia - Welcome to the Sunshine State! If you've recently made Florida your home or if you're diving into gardening in this unique climate for the first time, you're in for an adventure. Florida's summers are famous for their intense heat, humidity, and frequent rainfall, making it a challenging season for traditional vegetable gardens. But fear not!… more

UF therapeutic horticulture program generates zen for students (4/10/2024) by Megan Winslow - Every spring, vehicles converge at the intersection of Mowry Road and Gale Lemerand Drive as green thumbs arrive for the annual Wilmot Botanical Gardens plant sale. Although they may not know it, much of the greenery they load into their vehicles is propagated by a select group of students for whom horticulture has become therapy.… more

UF/IFAS scientists launch landscape water use survey to enhance water conservation efforts, programs statewide (4/10/2024) by Lourdes Mederos - Looking for ways to help save on your household water bill? Wondering how often to irrigate the lawn? Perhaps you are looking at the use of technologies that will help you gauge when and how often to irrigate. A team of University of Florida researchers at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has… more

Volunteers are the Heart of Extension (4/9/2024) by Andra Johnson - April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week. It's a great opportunity to celebrate the people who lend their time, effort and talents to make a difference in their community! In UF/IFAS Extension, we would be lost without our volunteers. They act as the facilitators and ambassadors of our mission to bring science-based education to the people… more

New study shows seafood waste less profound than previously thought (4/9/2024) by Megan Winslow - A new study shows seafood food loss and waste in the United States is approximately 22.7%, a drastic decrease from previous estimates of between 43% and 47%. The study, conducted in part by researchers from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS,) provides an in-depth estimate of food loss and food… more

Celebrate National Pet Day Safely: A Guide to Pet-Friendly Plants and Avoiding Toxicity Risks (4/8/2024) by Olivia Zugay - Written by Samantha Walter-Cano, Edited by Olivia Zugay April 11th marks National Pet Day, a wonderful occasion to celebrate our furry companions and raise awareness about their well-being. As we cherish our pets, it's crucial to be mindful of common household plants and ornamentals that can pose risks to their health. Holiday Plants and Their… more

Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Week – the Heartbeat of Extension. (4/7/2024) by johnferguso - St. Lucie County 4-H association celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Week from April 21 - 27. This week is dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions of our dedicated 4-H volunteers. They tirelessly donated their time, skills, and passion to positively impact our community. We recognize and celebrate the following individuals. Direct volunteers (trained, certified, screened, and working… more

Planning for the 2024 Eclipse (4/7/2024) by Brenda Marty-Jimenez - I’ve been pondering something recently. What will I be doing and thinking about during my 2024 Eclipse experience on April 8, 2024? Those of you that know me, know that I’m a thinker and a planner.  I was fearful of the 1979 eclipse. All I could think of was staying inside to protect my eyes… more

Please welcome our newest green business partner, Sarasota Green Group (4/5/2024) by Randy Penn - Sarasota Green Group is a company that believes you shouldn’t have to choose between products that work and products that are safe for people, pets and the planet. Our team proudly manufactures pesticides using only safe ingredients like sea salt, rosemary oil, thyme oil and citric acid. Our products are highly effective and always free… more

Extension, County Volunteers Honored at Ceremony (4/5/2024) by kgeis - UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County honored a suite of high-performing volunteers at a March 19 ceremony, ahead of global volunteer month in April. At the event, held in the Sarasota County Commission chambers and including volunteers with other county departments, Extension staff highlighted five of its volunteers for outstanding achievement in 2023: Linda Collins June Haley… more

Miami-Dade County 4-H Teen Ambassadors Present at National 4-H Conference in Washington D.C. (4/4/2024) by Kenan Bridges - Washington D.C. – Three exceptional Teen Ambassadors from Miami-Dade County 4-H made their mark at the 2024 Ignite by 4-H conference, an annual gathering that drew over 1,200 teen delegates from across the United States. Supported by a generous scholarship from the Walmart Foundation, these young leaders were selected to present their innovative workshop, "Igniting Sparks… more

Investigadores de Suecia y de University of Florida conectan al microbioma infantil con el desarrollo de autismo y TDAH (4/4/2024) by Luz Bahder - Creado por Megan Winslow, especialista en relaciones públicas de UF/IFAS.  Un estudio, el primero de su tipo, ha identificado bacterias en el contenido de los microbiomas de los niños que se considera podría contribuir al desarrollo de trastornos del neurodesarrollo, años antes de que a los niños se les diagnostiquen con estos trastornos. Los cambios… more

A Career for Impact: Microbiology and Cell Science (4/3/2024) by Elizabeth Gadsby, Ph.D. - An education in Microbiology and Cell Science opens many opportunities to make a difference for human and animal health, the environment, and the future! A master’s degree in the field not only bolsters pre-health and Ph.D. applications, but propels career trajectories for advancement to more influential and senior levels. Recent global events, notably the pandemic,… more

Webinar: Federal Income Taxes and Your Paycheck (4/3/2024) by Lisa Leslie - Join us for this upcoming webinar! Federal Income Taxes & Your Paycheck: An IRS representative will demonstrate the Tax Withholding Estimator. This online Estimator is a free tool that can help you make sure the right amount of money is taken from your paycheck. This webinar is approved by Association of Financial Counseling & Planning… more

UF and Swedish researchers connect childhood microbiome with development of autism, ADHD (4/3/2024) by Megan Winslow - A first-of-its-kind study has identified bacteria in the contents of children’s microbiomes that are believed to contribute to the development of neurodevelopmental disorders – years before the children are diagnosed with the disorders. Changes to the microbiome, the community of microorganisms inside the body, were correlated with future neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses, as well as environmental… more

Minimizing Food Waste in Urban Landfills (4/2/2024) by Lorna Bravo - Article by UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Urban Horticulture Agent  Lorna Bravo   Did you know that Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic estimates that approximately 40% of food produced annually is never consumed in the United States, resulting in 62.5 million tons of food going to landfills?     Did you know that… more