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 healthy eating, mindful eating, physical activity, label reading, and meal planning. This cohort… more
UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities April 23, 2026 (4/23/2026) - UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities for April 23, 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 Specialist II Requisition # 537933 Posting Closes… 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
When the Garden Wakes Up, So Do the Insects: A Spring Story About Pests, Predators, and Paying Attention (4/5/2026) - On a warm spring morning in Southwest Florida, the garden doesn’t just grow—it hums. If you pause long enough, you’ll notice it. A leaf that wasn’t chewed yesterday now carries a series of holes caused by cabbageworm. Ants move steadily up and down a broccoli stem, protecting a herd of hungry aphids clustered beneath a… more
What to Know About Gift Taxes (4/3/2026) - A gift is a transfer of money or property made by a donor to another person without receiving full consideration in return. This article focuses on gifts made by a donor during their lifetime. The recipient of the gift does not pay federal taxes on the gift. However, income generated from a gift — such… more
From Wasteland to Wonderland: A Food Forest Journey PART 3 (4/1/2026) - As this food forest continues to evolve, the focus has shifted from site preparation and design to one of the most exciting and revealing phases: plant selection and performance. This stage has brought both rewarding harvests and unexpected challenges. Now we have a clearer understanding of what prospers on this site and what struggles to… more
Iron-Rich Foods That Fight Fatigue and Boost Energy (4/1/2026) - Do you feel sluggish in the morning or afternoon, even after a full night’s sleep? Fatigue could be your body’s way of asking for more iron. Iron is an essential mineral that helps your body produce energy and remain focused. You can boost your iron levels through consuming everyday foods. Without enough iron, your… more
Discover the Power of Food (3/31/2026) - March is National Nutrition Month, and the 2026 theme, “Discover the Power of Food!”, invites us to reflect on the role food plays in health and disease prevention. ⚕️Chronic disease is a growing public health concern. Nationwide, approximately 75% of adults live with at least one chronic condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention… more
Did You Maximize 2025 Tax-Advantaged Contributions? (3/31/2026) - There is still time to make 2025 contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). The deadline is this year’s tax filing deadline April 15, 2026. This is important because there is a limit on how much you can contribute each tax year. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs): Tax-Free Growth: Money in IRAs can… more
Sweet Corn Has Nutritional Value! (3/31/2026) - I am no stranger to food myths. Until this year, one from early childhood still rang in my ears: "Corn has no nutritional value." This was hammered into my head all my life, so you can imagine my surprise when I learned this statement had been false the entire time. Sweet corn does have nutritional… more
Therapeutic Horticulture Program Awarded Burpee Grant (3/31/2026) - On the south side of UF’s campus, between UF Health Shands Hospital and IFAS’s research greenhouses, is a small team making a deep impact. The greenhouse at Wilmot Botanical Gardens is home to UF’s Therapeutic Horticulture Program, where participants build connections to nature, to others, and to themselves. For many who have spent time in… more
Are You Over-Pruning Your Palms? (3/29/2026) - The Big Misunderstanding: “Do not prune above 9 and 3 on a clock” was guidance intended as an absolute pruning limit. “Pruning to 9 and 3” as a standard was never the goal. Over time, it has been misinterpreted as the correct way to prune palms. Horticultural best practices are to encourage a palm's natural… more
Agents of Discovery Goes to the Beach! South County Parks and Preserves in April and May (3/27/2026) - Agents of Discovery Goes to the Beach! This time around, Agents of Discovery will be live our first beach park to have a mission! Put on your Special Agent gear and head on down to North Jetty Park in Nokomis to explore nature like never before! Learn all about North Jetty Park while exploring the… more
Spring Into Wellness: Step Outside for Your Mind (3/27/2026) - There’s something about spring that feels like a fresh start. The days are longer, the air feels lighter, and everything around us is growing again. It’s a natural reminder that we can reset, too. But here’s something we often overlook—stepping outside isn’t just refreshing… It’s powerful for your mental health. Nature isn’t just beautiful. It… more
Farro: An Ancient Whole Grain with Modern Nutritional Benefits (3/25/2026) - Farro is an ancient variety of wheat that originated in the Fertile Crescent and later became a staple in early Mediterranean diets, including those of ancient Rome. Today, it remains popular for its nutty flavor, pleasantly chewy texture, and versatility in both warm and cold dishes. In U.S. grocery stores, farro is typically sold in… more
The Screening That Could Save Your Life: Understanding and Preventing Colorectal Cancer (3/23/2026) - Most colorectal cancers begin as small, slow‑growing polyps that can be removed long before they become dangerous. With routine screening, colorectal cancer is highly preventable, yet many people still put off the test that could save their life. What exactly is colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum.… more
April is Financial Literacy Month: Building Skills for a Stronger Financial Future (3/19/2026) - April is Financial Literacy Month—a nationwide effort recognized each year by state and federal agencies, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, schools, and businesses. Together, these groups work to highlight the importance of financial literacy and expand access to financial education for individuals and families. This national campaign emphasizes financial wellness and the critical role money management… more
Fresh Picks: The Month’s Classes (3/18/2026) - April is a great time to put knowledge into action. Our April lineup features classes on gardening and sustainability, financial education, and healthy living, along with hands-on opportunities to learn from Extension agents and volunteers. Explore what’s coming up this month and find a class that fits your goals. Ready to Register? View full class… more
Tales from UF in Ireland: Two Students Share Their Experience (3/17/2026) - On the river between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay lies the city of Galway, Ireland. Known for its colorful buildings and whimsical artists, every year, Galway hosts a cohort of students passionate about service-learning through UF in Galway & Gweedore – Youth Development, Irish Culture, and Service Learning (UF in G&G). Students receive 6 credits… more
El polen imparable: la temporada que pone a prueba sus alergias (3/17/2026) - Creado por Brad Buck, especialista sénior en relaciones públicas para UF/IFAS. Prepárese: la temporada de estornudos, picazón en los ojos y polvo amarillo por todas partes ya ha llegado. Para muchos, esto significa lavar su auto más a menudo. La temporada de polen en Florida, que alcanza su punto máximo de enero a junio, está… more
The unwelcome dust that won’t quit: Pollen season hits with full force (3/17/2026) - Brace yourselves – the sneezing, the itchy eyes, the yellow-dust-on-every-surface season is here. And for most of you, it might mean more trips to the car wash. Pollen season in Florida, which peaks from January to June, is in full bloom. Its density varies by location, due to tree species, local climate and elevation. It… more
Careers and Degrees in Sustainability (3/16/2026) - In the past decade, there has been a large increase in the number of sustainability jobs, with demand for sustainability employees growing 8% in the past two years1. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability, many fields are looking to hire individuals with a background or interest in sustainability. From engineering, to business, to research,… more
Spring Forward: Using Longer Days to Boost Your Health (3/13/2026) - Now that we have adjusted our clocks for Daylight Saving Time, many people focus on the lost hour of sleep. However, the shift also brings a welcome benefit, longer evenings filled with natural light. Those extra daylight hours provide a perfect opportunity to improve both physical and mental health. By making small changes to your… more
Dr. Xiaoya Zhang Discusses AI in Family, Youth and Community Science Research at the UF/IFAS AI Summit (3/13/2026) - At the UF/IFAS AI Summit, Assistant Professor Dr. Xiaoya Zhang presented her innovative, AI-powered research that investigated a support program for high-risk families. Her study examined the effectiveness of the Family Check-Up Online Program, a program designed to reduce emotional problems in youth. The issue of youth mental health has become a prominent concern in… more
Think Green for Better Health (3/13/2026) - We often hear the phrase “eat the rainbow.” Today, let’s talk about one color that deserves a lot of attention: Green! Green vegetables are some of the most nutrient dense foods you can eat. Think leafy favorites like spinach, arugula, romaine lettuce, collards, kale, Swiss chard, and broccoli. These foods pack a serious nutritional punch.… more
Fresh, Flavorful, and In Season: March Produce Brings Big Health Benefits (3/12/2026) - As winter transitions into spring, grocery stores and local markets begin to showcase a colorful shift in seasonal produce. Choosing fruits and vegetables that are “in season” not only enhances flavor and affordability but also maximizes nutritional value. In North Florida and across the Southeast, March offers a variety of fresh options that support overall… more
Budgeting Made Simple: Free Tools to Help You Manage Your Money (3/11/2026) - Managing money can feel overwhelming, especially when bills, groceries, and unexpected expenses compete for attention. A budget is one of the most practical tools available to help individuals and families plan ahead, reduce financial stress, and make progress toward their goals. Budgeting does not mean restricting everything you enjoy. Instead, it provides a clear picture… more