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
UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities January 15, 2026 (1/15/2026) - UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities for January 15, 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. Academic Assistant II Requisition # 538268 Posting Closes 1/21/2026… 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 New Port Richey, Florida, this spring! Local waterways… more
Standard vs Itemized Deductions: Which Is Right for You? (1/9/2026) - A tax deduction reduces your taxable income. For example, if your income is $50,000 and you have $5,000 in deductions, your taxable income becomes $45,000. The benefit of a deduction depends on your marginal tax bracket—the rate applied to the highest portion of your income. For instance, someone in the 22% bracket with a $5,000… more
What’s New on Ask IFAS: Agricultural Education and Communication (Nov.–Dec.) (1/8/2026) - Co-Design for Participatory Action Research in Agriculture: A Practical Guide for Extension John Diaz and Ysabel Polanco. This is the third article in the Participatory Action Research (PAR) series that explores the co-design phase of PAR, where Extension professionals and community stakeholders collaboratively construct a research plan. Through a review of literature and examples from… more
Introducing the New Multipurpose Building at the Horse Teaching Unit (1/8/2026) - A fresh chapter is opening at UF’s Horse Teaching Unit (HTU). The new multipurpose building, scheduled for completion in early 2026, will provide modern living, learning, and working spaces for students and staff right on the Wall Farm property, just south of the main campus. Building features Replacing an aging residence that accommodated only three… more
What’s New on Ask IFAS: Food Science and Human Nutrition (Nov.–Dec.) (1/8/2026) - Fermented Foods: Olives By Fidela Gjondrekaj and Wendy J. Dahl. Olives are small fruit that grow on the olive tree, scientifically known as Olea europaea. These fruit have been cultivated and consumed for thousands of years, primarily in the Mediterranean region. Known for their distinct flavor and texture, olives are commonly used as food ingredients… more
What’s New on Ask IFAS: Family, Youth and Community Sciences (Nov.–Dec.) (1/7/2026) - A Taste of Culture: Evidence-based Health Benefits of Cooking with Herbs and Spices Isabella Alobele, Lori Johnson, Hillary MacMichael, Amy Mullins, Ava Theng, Madison Gindea, Ryan Perez, Tatiana Tchuisse, Yvette Vork, and Melissa J. Vilaro. This publication covers the health benefits of cooking with herbs and spices with a focus on up-to-date scientific evidence on… more
Financial Education Matters: Insights from CFPB & Extension (1/7/2026) - The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently released its Financial Literacy Annual Report (2025), highlighting the importance of financial education for youth and providing valuable resources for educators and families. As someone passionate about financial literacy, I’m excited to share the four actionable strategies that align with CFPB’s framework and our work at the UF/IFAS… more
New Year’s Resolutions for Private Well Owners (1/7/2026) - A new year is a natural time to reflect, reset, and commit to healthier habits. For Floridians who rely on private wells for drinking water, the new year is also a great opportunity to recommit to protecting household water quality. Unlike public water systems, private wells are the responsibility of the homeowner. That means routine… more
Feeling stressed? Help yourself by stepping into the shade of trees (1/7/2026) - Have you ever considered a walk in a tree-shaded park to relieve stress? If you have, you’re hardly alone, according to new University of Florida research. The study shows that spending time in tree-filled spaces — like parks or wooded areas — can be a powerful way to calm the mind. “For the average… more
Want to Be a Scientist? Citizen Science Reporting Apps (1/6/2026) - In 2025, science is more accessible to the public than ever. Citizen science programs are designed to recruit help from interested members of the public and contribute to scientific observations and research. Invasion science heavily relies on species observation and reporting, so citizen science programs are a great tool to use in this field of… more
Progress Over Perfection: A Healthier Way to Manage Money This Year (1/6/2026) - As a new year begins, many people feel pressure to “fix” their finances perfectly, never making mistakes, saving significant amounts of money, or eliminating all debt as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this all-or-nothing mindset often leads to guilt, frustration, and, ultimately, abandoning financial goals altogether. Instead, a healthier and more sustainable approach is to focus… more
Holiday Hangover? 5 Tips to Get Your Budget Back on Track (1/5/2026) - Did you attend one too many gift exchanges? Go a little overboard with family presents? If your holiday budget disappeared faster than the decorations came down, you’re not alone. The good news? A financial reset is totally doable. Here are five simple ways to shake off that holiday spending hangover and start 2026 on solid… more
New Year, New Financial Game Plan for Success (1/5/2026) - Did you know that approximately 90% of people abandon their goals each year? That means out of 100 people, only 10 achieve what they set out to do. Let’s change that! In this blog, we’ll explore why goals often fail, review SMART goals in the context of financial objectives, and share strategies for success to… more
New Year, New You: Setting Realistic Goals for Health and Wellness (1/1/2026) - The start of a new year is the perfect time to set fresh goals for your health and wellness. However, resolutions can be tricky—many people set ambitious goals in January only to lose steam by February. Instead of repeating that cycle, try setting realistic, achievable goals that fit into your lifestyle and support long-term change.… more
New Year, New You: Simple Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle (12/29/2025) - As the New Year begins, many of us make resolutions to improve our health but lasting change comes from small, sustainable habits rather than drastic overhauls. Eating well, staying active, and getting enough rest are the cornerstones of a healthier lifestyle that can benefit the whole family. Nutrition Start by focusing on what’s on your… more
Sarasota 4-H County Council and Club Updates – December 2025 (12/25/2025) - Read below to learn about Sarasota County’s council, club, and state-wide updates. Feel free to reach out to 4-H@scgov.net if you have any questions or need more information. Refer to this link for previous monthly updates: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2025/11/26/sarasota-4-h-county-council-and-club-updates-november-2025/ Club Updates Action Clovers: Action Clovers are working on an environmental/pollinator project by creating water pots for… more
Why Wait Until 2026 to Save Money on Healthier Food? Here’s How! (12/23/2025) - Is it possible to cook healthy, delicious food and save money on your grocery bill? Absolutely! Save Money When You Buy Local Produce Look no further than your local farmers market to save on fresh, local produce! Buying local fruits and vegetables while abundant in season helps you select food at its peak nutritional value… more
New Year, New You? Set SMART Financial Goals for 2026 (12/23/2025) - We’re heading into a new year, which means many of us will soon be making our New Year’s resolutions. Each year, around 2 out of 3 Americans make a resolution related to financial goals. However, statistically, 80-90% of our resolutions will fail (often within the first few weeks of the year!) So, how can you… more
Winter Is Coming – Here’s How to Get Your Building Ready (12/23/2025) - Florida is best known for its hot, humid summers and mild winters, but even the Sunshine State isn’t immune to an occasional freeze. When temperatures dip below 32°F, buildings quickly become vulnerable. To help our units - and even regular homeowners - prepare, I reached out to two FPO Maintenance Supervisors, Chad Stephens and Thomas… more
Meet the UF/IFAS Extension FCS Agent for Miami Dade County (12/22/2025) - About Me I'm happy to introduce myself as your new UF/IFAS Extension Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agent in Miami-Dade County. If you're not familiar with FCS, it is a field of study that combines the science and art of living well in our ever-changing world. This field supports the development of essential life skills… more
Celebrate National Bingo Birthday Month—with a Healthy Twist! (12/22/2025) - Did you know the game of Bingo dates all the way back to the 1500s? Today, it’s still a favorite because it’s simple, social, and fun. You grab your card, listen for the numbers, and when you land five in a row, you get that moment everyone loves: shouting BINGO! But what does any of… more
Federal Income Tax Webinars: Updates, Resources and Planning (12/19/2025) - All are 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST, Cost = Free Jan 28, 2025: Federal Income Tax Updates Join us to review how new federal tax legislation – “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” will affect individual tax filers. Our discussion will include new tax deductions, changes to tax credits, and 529 accounts. This webinar is… more
Highlights of the 20th Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop (12/19/2025) - The Sustainable Communities Workshop (SCW) celebrated its 20-year milestone by inspiring and informing many in our community and celebrating successes as we explored the theme “Then, Now, Next: 20 Years of Sustainable Communities.” Topics included resilient architecture, green business, climate communication, Sarasota’s sustainable past and future visions, and regenerative community strategies. SCW was hosted at… moreIntentional hosting: The key to a good, stress-free gathering (12/18/2025) - Gatherings don’t have to feel overwhelming or revolve entirely around food. The key to a meaningful celebration is intentional hosting, a practice that Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez experienced and developed while growing up in South Florida. She says it’s her go-to, all year long. “When planning your next gathering, start by grounding yourself in the reason for… more
Small but Mighty: MGVs Connecting Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles with HOA Communities (12/17/2025) - Article by UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Master Gardener Volunteer Catalina Franco-Cicero Growing Community, One Master Gardener at a Time: The Isles Garden Club Story In the heart of Pembroke Pines, Florida, the Isles Garden Club's Florida-Friendly story began with a simple idea that blossomed into something extraordinary. The Isles Garden Club, founded by Catalina Franco-Cicero,… more
The class of 2026 (12/17/2025) - Are you a candidate for the Charlotte County Master Gardener Volunteer Program? Do you enjoy meeting and talking with people? Do you like searching for answers to gardening questions that you or others have? If so, you may be just who we are looking for! Master Gardener Volunteers are trained volunteers who provide the public… more
UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences expands as Environmental Horticulture faculty and staff join the department under a shared vision. (12/17/2025) - The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is uniting faculty and staff from Environmental Horticulture with Horticultural Sciences Department, strengthening collaboration across teaching, research, and Extension while broadening the department’s scope and impact. The transition reflects an effort to align plant science expertise in ways that better support students and faculty,… more
For 2026, do you resolve to lead a healthier lifestyle? Making it a habit is easier said than done (12/17/2025) - If you’re like many people, you will make a New Year’s resolution to eat better and exercise more. It might seem simple enough to start your diet and walking, but making those actions into habits can be a lot tougher. Research indicates that nearly half of adults in the United States make New Year’s resolutions. Of… more
2026 EDEN Spring Training Set for Tampa (12/16/2025) - Tampa, Fla. — The 2026 Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Spring Training will take place in Tampa from Feb. 24 to 26, 2026. Early bird registration closes Jan. 15. This year, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of high-impact trainings and experiences, including: FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) trainings Train the… more
Energy-Efficient Holiday Tips for Florida Homes (12/16/2025) - The holiday season in Florida is a time for celebration, often bringing unique energy challenges related to lighting displays and occasional heating needs. By implementing smart strategies for decorating, cooking, and climate control, you can keep your home cozy and bright while significantly reducing your utility bills. Holiday Lighting Tips One of the most festive… more
¿Tiene propósitos para este 2026? Aquí le explicamos cómo mantenerlos (12/16/2025) - Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para el Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. Cada enero, millones de personas se plantean ambiciosos propósitos de bienestar, solo para abandonarlos en cuestión de semanas. De hecho, los estudios muestran que, para mediados de enero, la mayoría de los propósitos ya se han dejado de… more
Have 2026 resolutions? Here is how to make them stick (12/16/2025) - Every January, millions set ambitious wellness resolutions only to abandon them within weeks. In fact, the second Friday of January is known as Quitter’s Day, a reminder of how quickly good intentions fade. For 2026, we turn to Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez, a University of Florida expert in family and consumer sciences based at the Institute of… more
Para el 2026, ¿se propone un estilo de vida más saludable? Convertirlo en hábito no siempre es tan fácil como parece (12/16/2025) - Creado por Brad Buck, especialista sénior en relaciones públicas para UF/IFAS. Para muchas personas, el inicio del Año Nuevo trae el propósito de comer mejor y hacer más ejercicio. Empezar una dieta o salir a caminar puede parecer sencillo; sin embargo, convertir esas acciones en hábitos duraderos suele ser mucho más difícil de lo que… more
Simple Money Saving New Year’s Resolutions (12/15/2025) - A new year is the perfect moment to reset your financial habits. You don’t need extreme budgets or complicated spreadsheets to make real progress—small, consistent changes can add up to meaningful savings over time. Below are practical, realistic New Year’s resolutions that help you keep more of your money without sacrificing your quality of life.… more
Community service is the heart of 4-H. (12/15/2025) - Do you know what 4-H is? 4-H is a positive youth development program in which youth ages 5-18 can participate. Okeechobee County has 24 clubs with over 600 members who participate in monthly club meetings and choose a project or multiple projects to complete. Part of being in 4-H is to also participate in a… more
The Budding Business: Turning Blooms into Income (12/15/2025) - Want to brighten your home or office—or even start a floral business? Follow this simple guide to create a stunning bouquet and learn the basics of floriculture. The Inspiration This idea began when Hartley and Josey met during UF/IFAS Extension New Agent Training. Hartley suggested a 4-H class teaching youth how to design floral arrangements… more
Trust Your Gut: Why Women’s Health Starts Within (12/15/2025) - Welcome to our next edition of Nutrition Stories, our series exploring hot topics in nutrition and dietetics. Our guest today is Rileigh Swift, a student in the UF Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) in the Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) Department at the University of Florida. In this article, Rileigh discusses the importance of considering gut… more
Wakulla 4-H Announces Clover Gala Honorees (12/12/2025) - 4-H agent Rachel Pienta announced that Wakulla 4-H will honor the 2025 Volunteer of the Year and Business/Organization of the Year nominees at the Clover Gala on January 29, 2026. Pienta said, “Each year, we ask the community to nominate individuals and groups that they see supporting 4-H positive youth development programming in Wakulla County.”… more
Holiday Activity Guide (12/12/2025) - This holiday season, you and your family are going to be spending a lot of time together. Instead of letting your children stay glued to a screen, let me introduce you to 4-H Activity guides. 4-H Activity Guides are guides through the Clover initiative designed for hands-on learning anywhere. There are many different categories of… more
Don’t let good food go to waste this holiday season (12/11/2025) - By Brenda Marty Jimenez, UF/IFAS Extension Agent IV, Broward County FL With food costs increasing upwards, it is best to prioritize handling your leftovers wisely, to prevent food waste this holiday season. Here are 14 tips to consider implementing: 1. Start by writing down your holiday menus and creating a shopping list, while keeping track… more
Florida responde al desafío: 32 773 frascos de mantequilla de maní llevan esperanza a los hogares que más la necesitan (12/11/2025) - Creado por Brad Buck, especialista sénior en relaciones públicas para UF/IFAS. Desde las opciones más cremosas hasta las más crujientes, miles de frascos de mantequilla de maní están llegando a los hogares de Florida gracias a la generosidad de los residentes de todo el estado, quienes se unieron al Reto de la Mantequilla de Maní… more
Florida rises to the challenge: 32,773 jars of peanut butter spreads hope to the state’s hungry (12/11/2025) - From creamy to crunchy, thousands of jars of peanut butter are making their way into Florida homes, thanks to the generosity of residents statewide, who rallied behind this year’s Peanut Butter Challenge – feeding families one jar at a time. All those jars add up to 44,564 pounds of peanut butter, and every ounce counts,… more
Okeechobee County’s Peanut Butter Collection Surpassed Last Year’s Record! (12/10/2025) - In Florida, between 14 and 17 percent of our population faces food insecurity, affecting a disproportionate number of children. According to Feeding America, that is 1 in 7 people and 1 in 5 children facing hunger. https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/floridaOkeechobee County took our peanut butter challenge to heart and once again, we spread the love one jar at… more