Snack-Sized Exercise: Small Bursts Of Movement Can Make A Big Difference (10/9/2026) - When we hear the word "exercise," we often picture a trip to the gym, a long walk, or a scheduled fitness class. However, a growing body of research suggests that physical activity doesn't always have to happen in long sessions to benefit our health. Short bursts of movement, sometimes called "exercise snacks," offer a simple… more
Preparing for Agricultural Damage and Loss Assessments Following Hurricane Isaias (10/9/2026) - Florida is now expecting a potential direct hit from Hurricane Isaias, with current forecast models showing landfall along the Northern Gulf Coast the evening of Friday, October 9, 2026. Hurricane Isaias has been rapidly gaining strength, attaining Category 3 status as of Friday, October 9, and it could remain a major hurricane ahead of landfall. As… more
Growing Better Communities: How HOAs Can Partner with UF/IFAS Extension (10/8/2026) - A resource for HOA boards, property managers, and landscape professionals If you are part of an HOA board, you already know that managing a community is not always simple. There are budgets to consider, residents to satisfy, contractors to coordinate, trees to maintain, irrigation systems to manage, ponds to protect, and landscapes that need attention… more
Agricultural Logs for Disaster Reimbursement (10/8/2026) - Documentation is key for reimbursement following a natural disaster. If there is a USDA-FSA program to support farmers' and ranchers' recovery efforts, it will be required that all expenses and efforts are documented. Purchase and Work Documentation Form Use the form above to document all purchases and log tools, equipment, time, and resources used to… more
Florida Land Steward Update, October 8, 2026 (10/8/2026) - Hurricane Isaias Taking Aim at Florida We are closely watching Hurricane Isaias. Make sure you have the provisions needed should the storm impact your area. See the UF/IFAS Disaster Preparation and Recovery site for guidance. As always, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Center is a good place to keep an eye on the… more
Medicare Open Enrollment: A Little Homework Now Could Save You Money Later (10/8/2026) - Have you ever opened a letter from your insurance company, looked at all the fine print, and thought, "I'll deal with that later"? I think most of us have. Insurance paperwork isn't exactly exciting reading, especially when everything seems to be working just fine. But if you have Medicare, that letter might be worth a… more
Washington County Peanut Butter Challenge (10/7/2026) - Did you know the average American child will eat 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before graduating high school? Or the average U.S. adult or child consumes three pounds of peanut butter annually? That’s a lot of peanut butter! In Florida, between 14 and 17 percent of the population face food insecurity, affecting a… more
Living Fences and Thorny Hedges in Florida (10/6/2026) - Every hurricane season leaves the same debris along Suncoast streets: snapped wood pickets, cracked vinyl panels and leaning posts. Since Hurricane Ian in 2022, and again after Milton in 2024, many homeowners and HOA communities have paid to rebuild the same fence more than once. Over the past few years, more of them have turned… more
UF mosquito research exposes unexpected discovery on what is in your yard (10/6/2026) - Your backyard can be more than a place to garden, play with your dog, spend time with the family or relax. It can also be a place where people encounter mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue, according to a University of Florida study. With the rise of dengue cases in Florida this year, UF researchers at… more
Preparing Your Florida Vegetable Garden for Fall (10/6/2026) - Fall is one of the best times to grow vegetables in Florida, and a little preparation now can lead to a more productive garden later. Before planting, start by clearing away old crops and any loose mulch left from the previous season. Next, loosen and break up the soil to improve root growth and water… more
Building Better Tomorrows: Raising Confident, Capable Kids (10/2/2026) - Every child is learning who they are. Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping children develop a positive self-image, build confidence, and understand that they can improve through effort and practice. Building a Positive Self-Image A positive self-image is not about being perfect. It is about recognizing strengths, accepting challenges, and believing in… more
The Power of Peanut Butter: How a Simple Jar Can Make a Big Difference (9/30/2026) - Peanut butter is a household staple, but did you know that it can also help support individuals and families facing food insecurity? Peanut butter is a high-demand food item at pantries because it is shelf-stable and nutrient-dense. Every year, UF/IFAS Extension offices across Florida participate in the Peanut Butter Challenge, a statewide initiative that collects… more
Spread the Word: 2026 Peanut Butter Challenge runs Oct 1 to Oct 31 in Polk County! (9/30/2026) - Join the Peanut Butter Challenge! Get ready to go nuts for a great cause! The Peanut Butter Challenge is back, and it’s more exciting than ever! Hosted by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension, this annual jar collection is all about giving back to our community, just in time for the holidays.… more
Always on the Go: Nicole Geller’s Journey to a Ph.D. (9/30/2026) - Nicole Geller has two speeds: stop and go. This mentality has brought her through life, from playing sports to teaching, parenting, playing more sports, and now getting her Ph.D. in Youth Development and Family Sciences. As a child, Nicole was always active. With her parents as role models, she excelled in sports like soccer, swimming,… more
Recap: Septic System 101 – Understanding Septic Systems and Common Homeowner Practices (9/29/2026) - Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Septic System 101 webinar, hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Well Owner Network (FWON). This was the second webinar in our Private Well and Septic System Webinar Series, and we appreciated everyone’s participation and thoughtful questions throughout the session! What We Covered This webinar provided an… more
Buyer Beware of Fake Shopping Websites (9/29/2026) - The internet has made shopping more convenient than ever—but it has also opened the door for scams. Fake websites that claim to sell cheap products are increasingly common, targeting people looking for good deals. While these sites may look professional and convincing, they often exist only to steal money, personal information, or both. How Fake… more
Email Bombing and Online Fraud (9/29/2026) - Learn what email bombing is, how criminals may use a flooded inbox to hide fraud, and what steps you can take to protect your accounts and personal information. Email bombing—sometimes called an email bomb, subscription bomb, or list bomb—is when someone floods an email account with a huge number of messages in a short period.… more
Developing Critical Thinking Skills in the Age of AI (9/28/2026) - Since the 1990’s the internet has provided a portal to the world of information. We could simply type a question or topic into a search engine and be provided with a long list of possible resources on that topic. It was then up to the researcher to analyze and evaluate those resources to determine which… more
¡Regresa el Desafío Anual de la Mantequilla de Maní! ¡Únase a la iniciativa! (9/28/2026) - Creado por Chris Vivian, vicepresidenta adjunta del Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. Aspectos destacados: Las oficinas de Extensión de UF/IFAS recolectarán donaciones de mantequilla de maní durante octubre y noviembre. Toda la mantequilla de maní recolectada se distribuirá a bancos de alimentos locales. No deje pasar las ofertas de mantequilla de maní y ayude a… more
It’s time for the 15th annual Peanut Butter Challenge! Spread the word (9/28/2026) - Highlights: UF/IFAS Extension offices will collect peanut butter donations in October and November All collected peanut butter will be distributed to local food pantries Don’t pass up those peanut butter sales—you can help fight hunger in your community. For the 15th year in a row, 38 of Florida’s Extension service offices will be collecting the… more
The Med Way: Step 3 – Eat More Vegetables (9/25/2026) - Looking for ways to add vibrant colors and flavors into your meals? Simply add more vegetables! The Mediterranean Diet (the Med Way) is a long-standing, recommended approach to balanced eating that supports optimal health and chronic disease prevention. The Med Way centers around seven simple eating tips. Last month, we explored Step #2: Swapping Your… more
Recognized by the Library of Congress, UF’s Books & Cooks program teaches literacy and healthy eating (9/24/2026) - What if you could encourage young children to have a love for reading and an interest in healthy eating at the same time? That’s the concept behind the University of Florida’s (UF) Book & Cooks program. Administered by UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension, the Books & Cooks program creatively brings families… more
Un nuevo estudio revela los efectos del dolor de espalda entre los trabajadores hortícolas (9/24/2026) - Creado por Chris Vivian, vicepresidenta adjunta del Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. Aspectos destacados: El dolor de espalda es extremadamente común entre los trabajadores del sector hortícola. Es importante contar con estrategias para controlar los episodios de dolor y minimizar el estrés relacionado con el trabajo. Fomentar el conocimiento sobre formas de controlar el dolor… more
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: A Tradition on Every Table (9/23/2026) - September 15 – October 15 | Hispanic Heritage Month — Part 2 Few things bring people together quite like food rooted in culture and tradition. Hispanic cooking, in particular, has a remarkable way of turning humble, everyday ingredients into something deeply meaningful — the kind of meal that fills a room with warmth and leaves… more
Hidratación: El Superpoder Silencioso del Bienestar (9/23/2026) - Cuando pensamos en una rutina de bienestar, el ejercicio, la nutrición equilibrada y la meditación suelen ocupar el centro de la atención. Sin embargo, uno de los actos más simples, como tomar un vaso de agua, revela un superpoder silencioso. El agua no es solo un fondo neutro; es un solvente vital, un motor de… more
Seguridad en la entrega de alimentos (9/22/2026) - Con muchos estadounidenses trabajando jornadas más largas, teniendo empleos secundarios, desplazándose de nuevo a la oficina y, en general, estando más ocupados, buscan maneras de hacer la vida más fácil. Esta necesidad de comodidad ha provocado un aumento significativo en los kits de comida por suscripción, las entregas de comestibles y las de comida de… more
Blackberries Pack Big Health Benefits (9/22/2026) - Blackberries may not always get the attention they deserve but they are often considered nutritional powerhouses because they provide many important nutrients while remaining relatively low in calories and naturally low in sugar. One cup of blackberries contains several key vitamins and minerals that support good health, including: Vitamin C helps support the immune system… more
Let’s Walk Florida! Join the fall program to learn virtually, walk locally and get healthier (9/22/2026) - As the weather cools, it’s the perfect time to join an easy, supportive way to become more active. Let's Walk Florida!, hosted by Florida Cooperative Extension, is a statewide virtual educational program designed to help Floridians achieve and maintain health through physical activity. Let’s Walk Florida meets you where you are - both in terms… more
More Than an Itch: Protecting Your Home and Family From Mosquitoes (9/21/2026) - For many Floridians, mosquitoes are simply part of spending time outdoors. But a mosquito bite can be more than an annoyance. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases, including dengue, West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Recent dengue activity in Florida is a reminder that mosquito-bite prevention deserves our attention. According to the Florida Department of Health,… more
Fall Vegetable Planting Dates for Central Florida (9/19/2026) - When to Plant Warm-Season Vegetables in Central Florida The ideal planting date for warm-season vegetable crops in Central Florida is September 15. Gardeners in North Florida can generally plant about two weeks earlier, while South Florida gardeners should wait until around October 1. Start Tomato, Pepper, and Eggplant Seeds Six Weeks Before Planting Approximately six weeks… more
A Tree Is an Investment in Your Home and Health (9/18/2026) - A healthy tree is much more than a pretty part of the yard. Trees provide shade, lower energy costs, manage rainwater, support wildlife and improve air quality. They may also increase property value and support our physical and mental health. These benefits are especially important in Northwest Florida. Our long, hot summers make shade valuable. Our… more
Found an Invasive Plant? Here’s What to Do Next (9/18/2026) - Once homeowners learn what invasive plants are, they often start seeing their own yards differently. A plant they have grown for years may suddenly raise a new question: Could this be invasive? And if it is, the next question is usually: “How do I get rid of it properly?” That is a great question because… more
Passive vs Active Investing: Which Strategy Outperforms? (9/18/2026) - What is Passive Investing? Passive investing is a strategy that seeks to match the performance of the market rather than beat it. In this context, the market refers to publicly traded securities (stocks, bonds, and other investments). A passive investor typically buys shares of an index mutual fund or an index exchange-traded fund (ETF). The funds… more
What Are You Throwing Away? (9/18/2026) - We are blessed with an abundance of food in our country, but did you know that 40% of food in the United States is never eaten? How can we avoid food waste? September 28-October 4 is Food Waste Prevention Week. Check out these tips for reducing food waste. Meal Planning – this helps to… more
Florida Land Steward Update, September 18, 2026 (9/18/2026) - Congratulations Mark and Janora Crow: 2026 Jon Gould Florida Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year The Florida Tree Farm Program proudly recognizes Mark and Janora Crow as the 2026 Jon Gould Florida Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year, honoring more than six decades of exemplary forest stewardship, sustainable land management, and an unwavering commitment… more
The Power of Volunteers: Making a Difference Through Extension (9/17/2026) - Volunteers are at the heart of UF/IFAS Extension Taylor County. They give their time, share their knowledge and step forward when help is needed. While much of their work happens quietly behind the scenes, their collective impact can be seen throughout our community. During a program year, Taylor County Extension volunteers contributed more than 6,706… more
Does a chronic disease diagnosis change what you put in your grocery cart? (9/17/2026) - When someone is diagnosed with a chronic illness such as diabetes or heart disease, one of the recommendations is to often change what they eat. Changing what they add to their grocery cart will be a critical part of managing their health, but purchasing habits, food prices and other economic factors can make those changes… more
Redefining Reproductive Health: PCOS to PMOS (9/17/2026) - September is PMOS Awareness Month, a time to focus on how this condition can affect both overall and reproductive health. For decades, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been recognized as one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years old). In 2026, an international consensus of researchers, healthcare… more
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a Delicious & Nutritious Twist! (9/16/2026) - September 15 – October 15 | Hispanic Heritage Month Every year from September 15th to October 15th, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month — a time to honor the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and extraordinary contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. From art and music to science, literature, and cuisine, Hispanic culture has woven itself… more
Fiber Is the New Protein: Are You Getting Enough? (9/15/2026) - For years, protein has been one of the biggest stars of the nutrition world. But as conversations about gut health and healthy eating continue to grow, another nutrient is beginning to share the spotlight: fiber. Fiber may not be new, but interest in it certainly is. From gut health to heart health, consumers are becoming… more
Drought rapid response project lands nearly $300K NIFA grant (9/15/2026) - You spend the money, take the time and effort, then you have your seedlings in the ground ready to start their growth into tall and hardy trees. However, as it’s liable to do, the weather turns poor and you get a severe drought, like the one that started in 2025 and carried into spring 2026. … more
Safe egg storage (9/15/2026) - I have been asked several times recently about the currently-trending practice of water glassing eggs for long-term storage and whether it is a safe practice. The short answer is no. But continue reading to find out just why it is not recommended. As interest in home backyard chicken flocks continues to grow, an old-fashioned food preservation method known as… more
Grow with Confidence at the 20th Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale (9/14/2026) - Imagine your are about to buy a lovely little plant from a store and suddenly you wonder…is it healthy? Will it survive in my yard? Will I be able to take care of it? Most of us who love plants have experienced this. Coming up soon in Sarasota is an event which will take the… more
Gardening and Alzheimer’s Disease: Cultivating Connection and Purpose (9/14/2026) - Gardening and Alzheimer's disease may intersect in unexpected ways. For many individuals living with Alzheimer's disease, the simple act of planting a seed, smelling a familiar flower, or harvesting a favorite vegetable can spark memories, encourage social interaction, and create meaningful moments with family members and caregivers. While gardening is not a treatment for Alzheimer's… more
It May Be a Little Pushy – But It Only Wants to Help (9/12/2026) - Written by MGV Linda Knight While visiting the Discovery Gardens Rose Garden, I noticed a Corky-Stemmed Passionflower (Passiflora suberosa) had pushed its tiny, pale yellow-green flower to the top of the perfectly trimmed Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) hedge. Some of us are perfectionists and prefer our hedges to be flawless, but every now… more
A Bluebird on Your Shoulder (9/11/2026) - Written by MGV Paula Bleakley The phrase “bluebird on your shoulder” symbolizes happiness or good fortune. Who doesn’t smile when they see a picture of a chubby little bluebird in its pretty orange vest? But having one in your own backyard garden is even better-and watching them is simply irresistible. How do we attract bluebirds?… more
How Much Water Can a Rain Barrel Really Save You in Florida? (9/11/2026) - One good South Florida downpour can fill a 55-gallon rain barrel from just a small slice of your roof. Rain barrels are an easy, inexpensive way to catch that "free" water and use it on your yard — trimming your irrigation bill and keeping plants happy through a dry spell. What is a rain barrel?… more
¿Por qué convertirse en un arbolista puede ayudar? (9/11/2026) - Si trabajas en la industria verde, probablemente ya tienes experiencia con plantas, paisajismo, poda y mantenimiento de árboles. Pero ¿alguna vez has pensado en llevar tus conocimientos sobre los árboles al siguiente nivel? Convertirse en un arbolista certificado puede representar una excelente oportunidad para crecer profesionalmente, ampliar los servicios que puedes ofrecer y, sobre todo,… more
Florida Land Steward Update, September 11, 2026 (9/11/2026) - APPLY FOR THE SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE ASSISTANCE AND PREVENTION PROGRAM Apply by October 9, 2026 Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program through October 9. The program includes 44 northern Florida counties – the known range of the southern pine beetle. This program provides incentive payments… more
Good For You Snacks (9/11/2026) - Snacks can be a great way to help you get the nutrients you need to stay healthy. The key is to choose foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients so you can get the most “bang” for your nutrition buck. The next time you get the munchies between meals, reach for one… more