Yard Waste Can Block Drains and Increase Flood Risk (6/26/2026) - Summer rains will hopefully be here soon, bringing with them the potential for flooding. Litter, yard debris, and other objects can block the roadside inlets that route excess rainfall away from our homes. Keeping these storm drains clear is always important, but it becomes critical during the summer rainy season. Florida’s Rainy Season and Our… more
Enjoy a Safe and Healthy Summer (6/26/2026) - Summer is finally here! It's the season of family vacations, backyard barbecues, picnics in the park, days at the beach, gardening projects, and plenty of time spent outdoors. While summer is full of opportunities to make memories with family and friends, it's also important to keep safety in mind. A few simple precautions can help… more
The Heartbeat of Hillsborough: Celebrating Our 2026 4-H Award Winners (6/25/2026) - Every thriving community has a heartbeat—driven by people who show up, step out of their comfort zones, and quietly work behind the scenes to make the world around them a better place. In 4-H, we talk a lot about the four H’s: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. But these aren't just words we pledge at… more
Florida Land Steward Update, June 26, 2026 (6/24/2026) - SUMMER DOWN TIME AND TO-DOs Hope you have a chance to slow down a bit during this time of year. I enjoy cooler weather, but I’ve come to embrace the aura of Florida summer – the chorus of cicadas rising in the morning, bright sun blazing directly overhead, heavy wet air, billowing afternoon clouds, hungry… more
Florida Land Steward Update, June 26, 2026 (6/24/2026) - SUMMER DOWN TIME AND TO-DOs Hope you have a chance to slow down a bit during this time of year. I enjoy cooler weather, but I’ve come to embrace the aura of Florida summer – the chorus of cicadas rising in the morning, bright sun blazing directly overhead, heavy wet air, billowing afternoon clouds, hungry… more
The Microbiology of Microgreens: Unearthing the Nutrition, Benefits and Science (6/24/2026) - Quick answer Microgreens are young vegetable greens harvested shortly after germination when nutrient density and phytochemical production are especially high. Research has shown some microgreens contain significantly higher concentrations of antioxidants and bioactive compounds than mature vegetables. Their biology also connects directly to microbiology, gut health, plant-microbe interactions and NASA-supported food systems research. Keep reading… more
Two Reasons Your Homeowner’s Insurance May Not Cover Hurricane Damage (6/22/2026) - It’s hurricane season, and before a storm is on the radar, it’s a good time to review your homeowner’s insurance policy and understand what it covers. Many homeowners impacted by Helene and Milton had damage claims denied. According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, a significant number were denied because the insurance policy deductible… more
A Slice of History: Cakes (6/22/2026) - Sugar, fat, eggs, and flour are probably the most common ingredients for any dessert, including (most) cakes. There is often a fine line in baking between cake, bread, and even cookies. The actual word “cake” was borrowed from the Old Norse word “kaka,” which is also related to the modern English term “cook.” Meanwhile, the… more
Communicating Before, During and After a Hurricane – A PIE Center Lunch and Learn (6/22/2026) - The UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources, in collaboration with Florida Extension Disaster Education Network, will host a virtual Lunch and Learn on Jun. 23, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. EST on Communicating Before, During, and After hurricanes. Effective communication is essential in disaster management, and knowing communication frameworks and approaches… more
Watermelon: Summer’s Juicy Treat (6/19/2026) - A slice of juicy watermelon hits the spot on a hot summer day. A member of the squash and gourd family, watermelon is loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant which gives the melon that bright red color. Other nutrients include the amino acid citrulline, vitamins A, B6, and C, along with potassium, magnesium, thiamin, and phosphorus.… more
Summer Personal Finance Webinars (6/16/2026) - All are 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST. Cost = Free July 8, Trump Accounts 101: The Who, The What, and The How We will discuss Trump Accounts, a new tax-advantaged retirement savings account for children. We'll talk about how they're structured, who qualifies, and how to open one. We’ll also review the financial considerations… more
Careers Beyond Titles (6/16/2026) - Co-written by Angelika Keene What Do You Want to Do? One of the first questions adults ask students is, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It sounds simple, but for many people, it feels overwhelming. The problem is that we often focus on job titles instead of who we are as… more
Ten Cow-Calf Management Decisions That Pay Dividends (6/16/2026) - The cattle business is full of decisions! Some have a small impact, while others influence herd productivity and profitability for years. During a presentation on applied cow-calf management systems, University of Florida Animal Sciences professor Dr. Todd Thrift outlined several management practices that consistently separate successful operations from average ones. While every ranch is different,… more
Every Count Counts: Why Local Pollinator Observations Matter (6/16/2026) - When people think of scientific research, they often picture Bunsen burners, beakers, and scientists in white lab coats hunched over microscopes. But some of the most valuable data comes from community members observing the world around them. The Great Florida Pollinator Census is a perfect example of the citizen science in action. Pollinators like bees,… more
Beyond the Classroom: My Experience Interning with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County (6/15/2026) - My name is Evelyn Spencer, and I worked as an Environmental Education and Outreach Intern in the fall of 2025 and spring of 2026 with the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Sustainability Program. I graduated in May 2026 from the University of South Florida Patel College of Global Sustainability, and this was an amazing opportunity… more
Florida Land Steward Update, June 12, 2026 (6/12/2026) - REPORT YOUR WILD TURKEY SIGHTINGS THIS SUMMER! Participate in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC’s) Wild Turkey Summer Brood Survey and report your wild turkey sightings from June 1 – August 31. These observations help FWC biologists learn more about annual nesting success, brood survival, distribution, and abundance of wild turkeys in Florida.… more
Don’t let the ‘summer slide’ slow down learning; experts share fun options to fuel young minds (6/11/2026) - Summer break has arrived for kids. A time for fun, freedom and family vacation. It can also be a time when academic skills fade away. With nearly 3 million students enrolled in Florida public schools, University of Florida experts at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) say keeping youth engaged during the summer… more
Florida 101: Beach Safety (6/11/2026) - It is summertime in Florida, which means it is time to head to the beach! I love the beach as much (or maybe even more!) than the next Floridian, but there are some things we should keep in mind to stay safe at the beach. Whether you are a full time resident or visiting Florida… more
Florida 101: Beach Safety (6/11/2026) - It is summertime in Florida, which means it is time to head to the beach! I love the beach as much (or maybe even more!) than the next Floridian, but there are some things we should keep in mind to stay safe at the beach. Whether you are a full time resident or visiting Florida… more
UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities June 18, 2026 (6/11/2026) - UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities for June 18, 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 # 540139 … more
UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities June 18, 2026 (6/11/2026) - UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities for June 18, 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 # 540139 … more
Managing Credit Card Debt: Practical Steps and Realistic Options (6/11/2026) - If your credit card balances aren’t going down— or you’ve fallen behind —you’re not alone. Many households are balancing debt alongside increasing living costs. The steps below can help you evaluate your situation and identify realistic options for moving forward. Make a List of Debts You can get free copies of your credit reports from… more
Small Moves, Big Benefits: The Power of Short Bursts of Activity (6/11/2026) - Many people believe that improving their health requires spending hours at the gym or completing long, intense workouts. While structured exercise certainly has benefits, research continues to show that small bursts of movement throughout the day can also have a significant impact on overall health and well-being. For individuals with busy schedules, finding time for… more
A Lesser-Known Social Security Claiming Strategy: Claim, Suspend, and Restart (6/10/2026) - Deciding when to start Social Security retirement benefits -whether as early at age 62 or delay up until age 70 - is an important financial decision. The answer depends on your personal circumstances and some guess work about longevity. This article provides information about a claiming strategy that is not well known. It involves claiming benefits… more
FMNP in Action: Coastal Shoreline Restoration in Cedar Key (6/10/2026) - 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 Shoreline Restoration course completed a three-day field trip to Crystal River and Cedar Key, gaining hands-on experience in coastal restoration and resilience. Participants included engineers, ecotour guides, educators, volunteers, and waterfront property owners working alongside UF faculty and staff to learn and apply… more
Un estudio identifica indicadores biológicos en la etapa temprana de la vida que podrían anticipar el riesgo de obesidad décadas más tarde (6/10/2026) - Creado por Jamie Groh, especialista en relaciones públicas para UF/IFAS. Según una nueva investigación a largo plazo realizada en colaboración con especialistas del University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, es posible identificar señales tempranas durante el primer año de vida que podrían indicar qué personas tendrían mayor probabilidad de desarrollar obesidad en… more
Study finds early-life biological signals may predict obesity risk decades later (6/10/2026) - Clues to who may develop obesity later in life can be found within the first year after birth, according to new long-term research and co-authored by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences experts. The study is part of a broader collaboration with researchers at Linköping University, led by Johnny Ludvigsson, who established a group known as All Babies in Southeast Sweden (ABIS) cohort in Sweden. Published in an American Society for Microbiology journal, the study followed… more
Here’s what homeowners need to know about hybrid termites in Florida (6/8/2026) - Alarming reports of hybrid “super” termites have fueled misinformation, while flooding news outlets across the United States for months. University of Florida scientists are stepping in to help property owners separate fact from fiction. In the newly released publication, Hybrid Coptotermes Termites: Separating Fact from Fiction, researchers at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences… more
Blue-Green Algae Are Blooming (6/8/2026) - Here in Florida, we are no strangers to algae. It occurs naturally in both saltwater and freshwater ecosystems. Our warm climate, ample sunlight, and slow-moving, shallow waters provide excellent habitats for many algal species. If you have spent time around a pond or lake, you have likely seen common algae, often visible as hairy floating… more
Storm Season in the Wild: How Animals Cope (6/5/2026) - Every hurricane season, Floridians are provided with lots of information about how to ensure they and their loved ones stay safe. But have you ever considered how Florida's native wildlife combat against these, often large, natural disasters? Categorizing Hurricanes Before we get into the incredible abilities that our wildlife have, I want to quickly remind… more
Florida Land Steward Update, June 5, 2026 (6/5/2026) - 2026 USDA FOREST SERVICE LONGLEAF CONE REPORT RELEASED The latest USDA Forest Service Longleaf Pine Cone Report shows a promising outlook for 2026. Based on green cone counts this spring, the predicted regional longleaf cone crop for this fall is GOOD with an average of 53.9 cones per tree, an encouraging indicator for both natural… more
Stay Hydrated This Summer: Why Water Matters More Than Ever (6/5/2026) - As temperatures rise during the summer months, staying hydrated becomes one of the most important things we can do to protect our health. Whether you're working outdoors, enjoying recreational activities, gardening, attending community events, or simply spending time in the heat, your body depends on adequate fluids to function properly. Water makes up approximately 60%… more
Consider Equine Disaster Preparedness Ahead of Hurricane Season (6/4/2026) - Authored By: Amanda Masholie, UF/ IFAS Extension Service Walton County With hurricane season underway, equine veterinarians and emergency managers across the Florida Panhandle are urging horse owners and farm managers to update — or establish — comprehensive disaster preparedness plans. The region, historically vulnerable to major storms, faces heightened risks each year, making planning essential… more
Self-Compassion Practices: Be Kind to Yourself (6/4/2026) - Everywhere we turn, social media, influencers, and even health professionals are offering endless advice on how to practice self‑care. Most of it centers on outward habits like getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. These routines matter as they are the foundation of healthy living, but many of us try to “fix” ourselves through… more
The Power of Sleep: Why Rest Matters at Every Age (6/4/2026) - In today’s fast-paced world, sleep is often one of the first things people sacrifice. Whether it is staying up late to finish work, scrolling on phones, studying for exams, or managing busy family schedules, many Americans are not getting the rest their bodies need. However, health experts agree that sleep is just as important as… more
Prevention Before Intervention: A 4-H Community Pride Project (6/3/2026) - Guest Author: Lani Lopez-Logan The Wakulla County 4-H Community Pride Project took a powerful step toward youth awareness and prevention this year with “Prevention Before Intervention,” a teen town hall created by youth, for youth. Led by Emily Zak and co-hosted by Caden Gruebel, the event opened honest conversations about substance use, mental health, peer… more
Meet Kristen Sturgeon: A Florida Master Naturalist Success Story (6/3/2026) - Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate Meet Kristen Sturgeon Meet Kristen Sturgeon, an Environmental Specialist III with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources. In this image, Kristen is at the Celery Fields, preparing wood duck boxes for an upcoming nesting season. What a cool day at work! Kristen… more
Papaya: A Tropical Nutrition Powerhouse (6/3/2026) - This tropical fruit has bright orange-pink flesh, small black seeds in the center, and a naturally sweet flavor. Ripe papaya is typically enjoyed fresh, peeled, seeded, and sliced into cubes or wedges. Papaya is packed with nutrients while remaining low in calories. Just ½ cup contains about 27 calories and provides vitamin A, vitamin C,… more
What’s on the Menu? A Fresh Look at the New Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 (6/3/2026) - The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, developed by the USDA and HHS, are the nation’s science-based recommendations for healthy eating. At their core, the message stays consistent: build your diet around whole, nutrient-dense foods and limit added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats. There has been a lot of public discussion about recent changes in visuals and… more
Celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month This June (6/3/2026) - June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, the perfect time for families to enjoy the flavors, colors, and health benefits of nature’s bounty. With summer gardens beginning to produce and farmer markets filling with fresh local produce, there has never been a better time to add more fruits and vegetables to your family’s plate.… more
Prepare NOW, get a digital hurricane kit! (6/2/2026) - While living in Florida has its perks, the one thing that can ruin it (and rather quickly) is hurricane season. By now we should have all our hurricane preparation plan ready. But Wait! There is one more thing you need to do to prepare. In times of disasters, information is a powerful tool. A digital… more
Bebidas frías y mitos calientes: una experta de la University of Florida desmiente las creencias comunes sobre la hidratación en verano (6/2/2026) - Creado por Brad Buck, especialista sénior en relaciones públicas para UF/IFAS Con la llegada del verano, el calor puede llevarle a buscar una bebida fría y refrescante. Sin embargo, antes de elegir la más nueva “bebida milagrosa” que promete hidratarle y darle energía, una experta de University of Florida aclara varios conceptos sobre estas bebidas… more
Cómo los hábitos saludables fortalecen el cerebro: experta de UF/IFAS destaca la prevención del Alzheimer (6/2/2026) - Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para el Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. Se estima que 7,4 millones de estadounidenses mayores de 65 años viven con demencia tipo Alzheimer, una cifra que resalta la importancia del Mes de la Concientización sobre el Alzheimer y la Salud Cerebral, conmemorado cada junio. Esta… more
Cold drinks, hot myths: UF expert cuts through summer hydration hype (6/2/2026) - But before you grab the latest “miracle hydration drink” promising to cool and energize you, a University of Florida expert wants to pump the brakes on the hype. Laura Acosta, an instructional associate professor of food science and human nutrition at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, is cutting through the noise. She… more
How healthy habits promote stronger brains: UF/IFAS expert focuses on Alzheimer’s prevention (6/2/2026) - An estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, highlighting the importance of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month this June, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of brain health and prevention. Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez is a registered dietitian and family and consumer sciences agent for the University of Florida Institute of… more
Water Wednesday Recap: Hurricane Preparedness for New Florida Residents (6/1/2026) - In the June Water Wednesday webinar, Hurricane Preparedness: A Guide for New Florida Residents, Dr. Angie Lindsey, an associate professor in the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences with University of Florida, shares some practical steps to prepare for Florida’s hurricane season, including evacuation planning, emergency kits, generator safety, home preparation, and common post-storm… more
FIELD TRIP: Nehrling Gardens in Gotha, FL (5/31/2026) - Fourteen Master Gardener Volunteers (and family) toured Nehrling Gardens in May 2026. Theresa Schretzmann-Myers (Board of Directors Vice President) was our excellent tour guide. Ms. Theresa fed us history, facts, stories, and anecdotes in rapid succession. Here are a few bits that we learned from this very special field trip. Horticulturalist and Naturalist Henry Nehrling… more
Seven Simple Steps to a Healthier You (5/29/2026) - Many people underestimate the power of small shifts in their daily diet and lifestyle habits. These changes can create meaningful improvements in your health in terms of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, reducing risk for chronic disease, improving heart health, among other benefits. The Mediterranean Diet History The Mediterranean Diet (the "Med Way") is… more
Summer is here! Beat The Heat and Stay Healthy (5/29/2026) - When summer hits, life seems to speed up for many individuals. School ends, celebrations pile up, travel increases, and in Florida, the weather adds an extra layer of stress. These social and environmental shifts can trigger a dip in mood and energy, often called reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). What Is SAD? Seasonal Affective Disorder… more
Summer Time Blues: Turning Free Time into Life Skills Gold (5/29/2026) - Summer’s long, bright days are a perfect canvas for curiosity—especially when your kids have no school and only the sky to keep them company. Rather than waiting for the next organized camp or program, you can turn everyday moments into rich learning adventures. Think of the kitchen, the garden, the grocery aisle, and your community… more