UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities February 19, 2026 (2/19/2026) - UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities for February 19, 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. Accountant II Requisition # 538589 Posting Closes 2/23/2026 60790000… more
Annual Peanut Butter Challenge: 2025 Wrap Up (2/18/2026) - Thank You, Polk County! The 2025 Annual Peanut Butter Challenge was an incredible success! This year, our community came together in a big way to fight hunger and support families across Polk County. Every jar donated represents hope, nourishment, and care for those who need it most. Totals Are In! We have our final count,… more
Starting March 5, popular Let’s Walk Florida returns! Join the healthy lifestyle mobility movement (2/17/2026) - People tend to move more when they have inviting, safe places to walk. Those kinds of surroundings also help people stay motivated and connected with others, promoting sustained healthy habits, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) remains dedicated to… more
Love in Action: Civic Engagement (2/17/2026) - This Month, Show Love Where It Counts Most — In Your Community We often think of “love” as something shared between friends and family — but what if we showed more of that care where it matters most: right in our own neighborhoods? This month, let’s shift our focus outward and put love into action… more
In our Saving Era: Tiny Habits, Big Results (2/17/2026) - Let’s be honest, saving money can feel impossible some days. Between rent or mortgage payments, rising grocery bills, gas prices, insurance, and everything else life throws your way, it might seem like there’s nothing left to save. But here’s the truth: saving isn’t about having a lot of money. It’s about building a simple habit.… more
Starting March 6, learn to cook healthy Mediterranean meals with UF/IFAS lunch and learn series (2/17/2026) - The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is committed to providing research-backed nutrition education to the community. As part of this effort, UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County is offering a new virtual program that helps participants build healthier eating habits through simple, delicious and sustainable food choices. Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean… more
Benefits of Family Meal Planning (2/16/2026) - Between busy schedules, sports practices, and family commitments, many people struggle to make time for regular family meals. As a result, home-cooked meals often get pushed aside. However, planning meals together offers several important benefits. In fact, researchers have studied children’s participation in family meals and found strong links to healthier eating habits. For example,… more
From Wasteland to Wonderland: A Food Forest Journey PART 2 (2/13/2026) - Restoring degraded urban landscapes is rarely linear. It requires observation, adaptation, and a willingness to rethink initial goals. After the first phase of plant relocation and site assessment, it became clear that the project needed a more structured vision. A perfect choice that functions as a balanced ecological restoration, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability. This second… more
A Heart Full of Health (2/13/2026) - Valentine’s Day is around the corner! Do you have a favorite movie for this time of year? Perhaps you commemorate the day by visiting a green space or a favorite trail, or enjoying music and art at one of Gainesville’s many charming venues. Maybe you look forward to sharing delightful meals, themed desserts, and sweets… more
This prevention science researcher studies youth right alongside them (2/12/2026) - Erin Vines is a doctoral candidate in the Youth Development and Family Science (YDFS) program at the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences (FYCS). She conducts research on youth and families experiencing adversity. She focuses on promoting active youth engagement in research, practice, and policy decisions. Erin is passionate about bringing youth to… more
Unlocking the mystery of taste: Flavor experts converge in Orlando (2/12/2026) - Flavor isn’t just a sensory experience – it’s a force that shapes what we buy, what we crave and how food and beverage trends take off. Yet the mystery behind it remains irresistible. Where does flavor truly begin, and why do some people swoon over bitter coffee while others chase fruity seltzers or fiery hot… more
Alumni Spotlight: Connecting Communities Back to Agriculture (2/11/2026) - Extension From Day One Madelyn Greathouse is the UF/IFAS Extension Commercial Horticulture and Integrated Pest Management Agent serving Sumter and Pasco counties. She works with a wide range of growers, from blueberry and ornamental producers to tree farms, organic row crops, peaches, and agronomic crops like stevia. But unlike many people who discover Extension during… more
Cold snaps, wind burn, drought, stressing your landscape? UF experts available to help you detect, manage, recover (2/10/2026) - After the recent cold fronts, violent winds and ongoing drought conditions, many Floridians are stepping outside and asking the same questions: Did my mango tree survive? My lawn is yellow, dry, and windburned. Will it survive with water restrictions? Are my shrubs and groundcover dead or just stressed or dormant? How do I protect my… more
With Valentine’s Day coming up, we naturally start thinking red, making it the perfect time to add more RED fruits and vegetables to our day. (2/10/2026) - Did you know red foods are packed with nutrients that help support your overall wellness? Many of the powerful antioxidants found in red foods can help: Support your immune system Improve cardiovascular health Support brain function Reduce inflammation Lower the risk of certain cancers Help with healthy digestion Red fruits and vegetables are true powerhouse… more
Practical Strategies for Healthier Fast Food Choices (2/9/2026) - Hello and welcome to the next edition of Nutrition Stories, our series exploring hot topics in nutrition and dietetics. Our guest today is Isabella Mahboob, a graduate of the UF Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and a current MS-DI graduate student in the Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) Department at the University of Florida. In… more
Closing the loop: seed saving and roasting Seminole pumpkin (2/8/2026) - Seminole Pumpkin Seed SavingIf you have been successful in growing a Seminole Pumpkin, the last very important step is to save seeds from this heirloom vegetable so we can grow them again next year and pass along to friends. Start by cutting the pumpkin in half. Then press out the seeds with a spoon. Try… more
Show Your Love Through Storytelling This Valentine’s Day (2/6/2026) - Valentine’s Day often brings to mind grand gestures—flowers, cards, and special treats. While those moments are fun, it’s often the quieter, more meaningful connections that leave the biggest impact. One powerful way to show love and appreciation this season is through storytelling. Whether you’re gathered around the kitchen table, connecting during a 4‑H meeting or… more
IRS Scams and Fake Tax Filing: What Florida Residents Need to Know (2/6/2026) - Tax season is a busy time for families and small businesses—but it’s also peak season for scammers. Each year, the IRS reports billions of dollars lost to tax-related fraud, and Florida consistently ranks among the states most affected. One of the fastest-growing threats is fake tax filing fraud, where criminals file a tax return using… more
Media alert: Florida agriculture producers asked to share impacts of winter freezes (2/5/2026) - What: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) survey for losses and damages associated with recent freeze events, including Winter Storm Gianna. Where: Agricultural producers can complete the survey at go.ufl.edu/Winter26FreezeAgImpacts or by contacting your local UF/IFAS Extension office to see if your nearby office offers in-person or phone assessments.… more
SWES Faculty, Staff, and Student Recognized with Superior Accomplishment Awards (2/4/2026) - The Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES) is proud to celebrate three outstanding members of our community. All three represent UF/IFAS in different ways, but each demonstrates exceptional service worthy of a 2026 Superior Accomplishment Award (SAA). This annual program honors faculty and staff who perform efficiently with innovation. Their work impacts the… more
A Prevention Scientist’s Journey to Address Teens’ Mental Health Online (2/4/2026) - Josie Bryan is a Doctoral Candidate in Youth Development and Family Sciences (YDFS) in the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences (FYCS). She conducts prevention science research that tries to understand teens' mental health in online environments. Josie did not plan to continue her education after receiving her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and… more
Florida’s Winter Fruits Bring Fresh Flavor and Powerful Health Benefits (2/4/2026) - Floridians don’t have to wait for spring to enjoy fresh, locally grown fruit. Winter is one of Florida’s most productive fruit seasons, offering a variety of flavorful options that are as nutritious as they are delicious. Citrus fruits are the stars of the season. Oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, and mandarins are harvested across the state during… more
Preparing for Agricultural Damage and Loss Assessments Following Recent Winter Freeze Events (2/3/2026) - Florida has experienced several low-temperature and freeze events between late December 2025 and early February 2026. For the most up to date information about the forecast and freeze warnings in your area, visit the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center website, for additional information on current weather conditions in Florida and available tools related to… more
2025 in Review: Developing More Impacts (2/2/2026) - In the past year, Sarasota County Sustainability has advanced partnerships and projects building resilience, quality of life, public health, and sustainable and healthy living for now and our future. Building upon initiatives, programs, and partnerships allows for effective progression of impact from the groundwork of our program’s past efforts. From the 20 years celebration of… more
Understanding Fats: A Guide to Unsaturated, Saturated, and Trans Fat (2/2/2026) - Dietary fats are an essential component of a balanced diet; however, they are often a source of confusion and debate. There are three types of dietary fats: unsaturated, saturated, and trans fats. Understanding the health impacts of each type can help guide choices that can maximize health benefits and support a healthy lifestyle. The first… more
Artificial Intelligence and Children—What Adults Need to Know (2/2/2026) - Ready or not, it would seem artificial intelligence (AI) is now part of our everyday lives. You may not realize that AI has been around in various forms for decades. Most of us have been interacting with simple versions through chatbots, digital business services and even early computer gaming as far back as the 1950s.… more
Five Things You Didn’t Know About the University of Florida’s FSHN Department (2/2/2026) - The Food Science and Human Nutrition Department (FSHN) at the University of Florida is known for its innovative research, accomplished faculty and alumni, and top-notch academic programs in food science, nutritional sciences, and dietetics. Yet even for seasoned members, it's challenging to know everything about the FSHN department. That's why we're sharing five fun facts about our department, from the earliest… more
The Importance of Using a Food Thermometer (1/30/2026) - I cannot cook a meal without my trusty digital food thermometer. It gives me peace of mind and better health. It may be ever so tempting to assume food is fully cooked by looking at it, but this is not a reliable way to confirm food is safe to eat. The recent EDIS publication FSHN25-9,… more
2/18/26 GI-BMP in Orange County + Sun Spot Safety Lunch with Swag! (1/29/2026) - That is right! Fertilizer is regulated in Florida, including in Orange County and beyond. You are required to learn about it and follow the rules. We want to keep things interesting and beneficial for you, the landscape professionals. This year, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County is partnering with the Sun Spot Safety program to offer a… more
Mindful Mornings: Start the Day with Clarity and Purpose (1/29/2026) - How you start your morning can shape your entire day. A mindful morning routine is not just about checking things off a to-do list—it is about creating mental clarity, reducing stress, and showing up fully for whatever comes next. Instead of rushing through your morning, taking intentional moments can make a big difference in your… more
Frank Tipton and Joe Hayden retire after nearly 30 years in FPO (1/29/2026) - Our department is proud to have employees with many years of dedicated service. This year, I would like to honor two highly valued members of our team who, after many years with FPO, are preparing to begin a well-deserved new chapter. Frank Tipton - Celebrating 29 Years with FPO Frank Tipton was born in Glendive,… more
Too Cold to Swim: What Florida’s Winter Weather Means for Sea Turtles (1/29/2026) - Florida is famous for its warm beaches, swaying palms, and marine life. But when winter cold fronts sweep through, even our Sunshine State can get chilly enough to place sea turtles in danger. What is Cold-Stunning? Sea turtles are ectothermic meaning their body temperature matches the water around them. Unlike warm-blooded animals, they can't produce… more
Los marcadores al nacer pueden ayudar a predecir la diabetes tipo 1 (1/28/2026) - Creado por Brad Buck, especialista sénior en relaciones públicas para UF/IFAS. Algún día podría existir una nueva prueba para detectar la diabetes tipo 1, gracias a que científicos de University of Florida y Linköping University en Suecia han encontrado marcadores en la sangre del cordón umbilical de niños a quienes posteriormente se les diagnosticó la… more
Markers at birth may help predict type 1 diabetes (1/28/2026) - One day, there could be a new test to screen for type 1 diabetes, now that scientists have found markers in the blood of the umbilical cords of children who were later diagnosed with the disease. In new research published in the journal Nature Communications, scientists at the University of Florida and Linköping University in Sweden… more
Functional Movement Series: The Hip Hinge (1/26/2026) - Functional movements are movements that mimic activities of daily living. Incorporating functional movements into your daily routine can help you lower your risk of injury and increase your ability to perform activities of daily living. This is one blog in a series that will cover the importance of functional movements and their role in maintaining… more
Don’t Let Your Plants Catch a Chill (1/26/2026) - Winter in Florida? Yes, we do get wintry days in Florida, although they are (thankfully) few and far between. Pinellas County is in USDA hardiness zone 10 and freezes are uncommon, but frosts can happen even when the forecast temps range in the mid 30s-40s. Frost can occur thanks to microclimates where the air is… more
From Wasteland to Wonderland: A Food Forest Journey PART 1 (1/24/2026) - Every transformation begins with a question. For me, it started with a thought: What if a forgotten piece of land could come back to life? From this question, a vision began to take root. There was a garden along the west side of the FLREC Campus, near UF/IFAS Extension office in Broward County. I pass… more
Tax Season Scam (1/23/2026) - Full disclosure, I take a day of annual leave every April 15th. I need that day to finish and submit my taxes. Usually, I start my federal income taxes earlier, but I don’t finish. Then April 15th is here before I know it, leaving me to scramble and sweat. For many years, I stood in… more
Healthy Super Bowl Swaps That Still Score Big (1/22/2026) - It’s that time of year again for Super Bowl parties, friends gathered around the TV, and tables full of delicious snacks. But if you promised yourself that this year you’d start off on a healthier note, game day doesn’t have to derail your goals.No matter if you’re hosting or contributing a dish, making a few… more
Weekend Food Backpack Program Supports Taylor County Youth Through UF/IFAS Extension (1/22/2026) - Each week, children in Taylor County receive nutritious food to help sustain them during weekends, school breaks, and other out-of-school periods through the Weekend Food Backpack Program, operated through the UF/IFAS Extension Service and supported by dedicated community volunteers. When School Meals Are Not Available Food insecurity continues to affect families across rural Florida, where… more
UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities January 29, 2026 (1/22/2026) - UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities for January 29, 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. Agricultural Assistant I Requisition # 538425 Posting Closes 1/29/2026… more
New to Florida? Join Water Wednesday for Practical Guidance on Florida’s Environment (1/22/2026) - Florida is home to unique weather patterns, water resources, landscapes, and ecosystems. For many new residents, adjusting to these conditions can raise practical questions about everyday life, from lawn care and home maintenance to storm preparedness and water use. To help address these questions, UF/IFAS Extension is refreshing its Water Wednesday education series in 2026… more
Tackle Your Taxes Like a Pro (1/20/2026) - The Super Bowl isn’t the only thing right around the corner—tax season is almost here. Just like game day, a little preparation goes a long way.Use this playbook to get a jump start on your tax preparation and set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free filing season. Tax Season Playbook Dates• January 26, 2026 –… more
Vegetables to Grow in January in Your Central Florida Garden (1/17/2026) - January is one of the best months for gardening in Central Florida. Cooler temperatures, lower pest pressure, and mild days create ideal conditions for growing a wide range of cold-hardy vegetables. If you planted earlier in the fall, many crops are thriving now—and if you’re just getting started, it’s not too late to plant! If… more
Cold Weather Monitoring Tools Available through FAWN (1/16/2026) - This blog was co-authored with Rick Lusher, FAWN Project Manager. The Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) maintains a network of weather stations across the state of Florida. They make the data available to assist growers in managing their operations. FAWN data is especially useful for cold weather protection and irrigation management. You can find a… more
Senior Care in Florida: Tips for Caregivers (1/16/2026) - It’s probably no surprise that retirees are moving to Florida in large numbers every day. About 6.3 million Florida residents are over age 60. When counting only older adults, Florida is still one of the 30 most populated states. People are living longer, making adults over age 100 the fastest‑growing age group in the state.… more
Happy Tax Season: Let’s make it your best one yet! (1/16/2026) - Tax season is here, and for many, it can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re filing for the first time or you’ve been doing it for years, staying organized and informed can make the process much smoother. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate tax season with confidence. Gather Your Documents Collecting all… more
Remembering a Global Soil Scientist Whose Life’s Work Helped Feed the World (1/13/2026) - Dr. Pedro A. Sánchez, an internationally renowned soil scientist, visionary leader and tireless advocate for food security, passed away Monday morning, Jan. 12, 2026. He was 85. Born Oct. 7, 1940, in Cuba, Sánchez grew up on his family’s farm outside Havana. As a child, he often traveled throughout the country with his father, an… more
Sustainable Swaps (1/13/2026) - As the new year begins, it’s time to think about what small changes we can make in our daily routine to live each day more sustainably. One simple solution is to switch a handful of your single use plastic home items to reusable options. Not only can these swaps be less wasteful, but they are… more
Stormwater Story Stroll (1/12/2026) - Welcome to the Stormwater Story Stroll page. Here, you will be able to learn more about Stormwater pollution sources and solutions you can adopt to help keep our waterways clean! This page is based on our Stormwater Story Stroll project. The educational walk will be installed in Sims Park, New Port Richey, Florida, this spring!… more