July 13, 2026 Saharan dust, a vast plume of fine particles lifted from the deserts of North Africa, may seem like a distant phenomenon—but it regularly reaches the Florida Keys, shaping the environment and skies in subtle but important ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, UF/IFAS Extension
A new invasive seagrass is spreading in Florida waters, and scientists are asking people to help watch for it. Halophila stipulacea is a small tropical seagrass that was first found in Florida in 2024 in Biscayne Bay near Key Biscayne. Since ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension
The Fourth of July is one of the busiest weekends of the year on Florida’s waterways. From lifelong locals to first-time visitors, thousands of people head out to enjoy time on the water. No matter your level of experience, understanding how ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Summer on Florida's Nature Coast means one thing for many families and outdoor enthusiasts - scallop season has arrived! From first-time snorkelers to seasoned scallopers, thousands of people will head to the seagrass beds this summer in search ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
El Niño Conditions are Present As of June 11, 2026, NOAA assessments indicate El Niño conditions have officially begun and forecast to strengthen from the current time through winter in the Northern Hemisphere. This could once again elevate ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, UF/IFAS Extension
June 2026 Potential New Invader: Pulse Corals There is the potential for a new aquatic invader in South Florida. Pulse Corals are bright-colored soft corals that are very popular in the saltwater aquarium trade. These soft corals are a type ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, UF/IFAS Extension
Sargassum: The Golden Tide The Florida Keys are currently experiencing a familiar golden-brown visitor: floating mats of sargassum seaweed. Scientists often refer to the annual influx of sargassum as a "golden tide" because of the macroalgae's ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension
Did you know there is a new building in Fort Walton Beach connected to the largest informal education provider in the U.S. and the world? Visit our new building on June 27 and learn what we can do for you. We will share many of our helpful services, ... READ MORE
Category: Events
As the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Cedar Key community is celebrating recent contributions made by Master Naturalist students and partners. This spring, students in the FMNP Coastal ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Community Volunteers, Professional Development, Water
https://www.flseagrant.org/dr-sharon-cilano-named-franklin-county-extension-director/ READ MORE
Category: UF/IFAS Extension