Helping Hands After the Storm: How Floridians Can Lift Each Other Up(10/9/2024)by Noelle Guay-As Floridians, hurricanes are part of our story. We’ve faced them together, like Hurricane Helene not long ago, and now we’re preparing for whatever Hurricane Milton may bring. But one thing we know for sure: after the storm passes, that’s when our community spirit truly shines! 💚 Small Acts, Big Impact Sometimes, the smallest actions… more
Tips for restoring your yard after Hurricane Milton in Lake County(10/8/2024)by Maria Quirico-Lake County frequently feels the impact of storms, making it crucial for residents to prepare for hurricanes. Following Hurricane Milton, effectively restoring your yard is vital for maintaining a healthy landscape that can withstand future storms. Here are some practical tips to help you recover and safeguard your property and landscape. Remove yard waste safely:… more
Hurricane Prep – Before and After the Storm(10/8/2024)by Jenny Rodriguez-Preparing and expecting the consequences of a significant hurricane in your region can be worrisome. We often start to doubt our housing, job, and other essential parts of life might come up, especially if we find ourselves having to evacuate our homes. It is natural to be concerned about potential storm damage to your home,… more
Preparación para las Evaluaciones de Daños y Pérdidas Agrícolas tras el Huracán Milton(10/8/2024)by Luz Bahder-Creado por Alena Poulin y Christa Court, Departamento de Economía de Alimentos y Recursos de UF/IFAS. Mientras muchas áreas aún se están recuperando de los impactos del huracán Helene hace dos semanas, Florida ahora espera otro impacto directo del huracán Milton. Los modelos de pronóstico actuales indican que Milton tocará tierra en la costa oeste,… more
Diabetes Hurricane Prep: Smart Pantry Staples to Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check(10/7/2024)by anikolai-Let’s pretend you are preparing for a hurricane, and you’re taking stock of our pantry. What do you find? Chips, crackers, granola bars…and marshmallow Peeps. Now, while those might sound like classic hurricane snacks, they’re not exactly the dream team for managing blood sugar or your health. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, keeping your… more
Hurricane Milton: Updates for Polk’s Small Farmers(10/7/2024)by Luis Rodriguez Rosado-Here are some steps to follow for farmers, ranchers and growers during emergencies. Take care of yourselves and your families before taking care of the farm. Secure all your farm equipment, protect your plants or animals, and remove anything (such as debris) that could become a projectile. Stay safe during the hurricane and avoid flooding… more
Preparing for Agricultural Damage and Loss Assessments Following Hurricane Milton(10/7/2024)by Alena Poulin-As many areas are still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene two weeks ago, Florida is now expecting another direct hit from Hurricane Milton, with current forecast models showing landfall along the west coast near Tampa on Wednesday, October 9. Hurricane Milton has been rapidly gaining strength, attaining Category 5 status as of Monday afternoon,… more
Hurricane Milton Updates from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County(10/7/2024)by Shannon Carnevale-As our community prepares for Hurricane Milton, see the following storm-related updates from our office. You’ll find extension program and event updates, storm prep and recovery resources, and local resources here. Stay tuned to your local news channels and Polk County Emergency Management for updates. This page was last updated: Thursday, 10/10, at 11:10 AM Office Hours:… more
Update on Hurricane Milton, 10/9(10/7/2024)by Andra Johnson-October 9, 9:30 AM EST The National Hurricane Center (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/) has issued an advisory stating that Hurricane Milton is expected to expand in size and remain a hurricane as it approaches the west coast of Florida, bringing life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds and heavy rainfall beginning Wednesday. Please don't let your guard down between hurricanes!… more
When It Storms: Managing Pests Effectively(10/3/2024)by Jackie Lebouitz-Whether you're preparing for a storm or dealing with its aftermath, pests are probably the last thing on your mind. That's fair - we get it! However, taking the time to prepare your home in defense against unwanted ants, flies, beetles, moths, mosquitoes, and more will serve you well in the long-run. Here are 10… more
Disaster Assistance After Helene(10/2/2024)by Cindi Hetz- Hurricane and Storm Assistance Available Now: Hurricane Helene showed us the dangers of storm surge, winds, and the devastation of so many communities across multiple states. Homes and businesses along the Gulf Coast were inundated with record high levels of storm surge. The Tampa and St. Petersburg areas recorded 6 to 7+ feet of… more
Smart Rain Garden Series – What happens during and after a rain event?(10/2/2024)by Holly Abeels-Droppin’ In at the Smart Rain Garden #1 in a series of 5 write-ups to introduce the processes and technology at work in the City of Cape Canaveral's Veterans Memorial Park "Smart" Rain Garden. Please join us for all the posts in this series. The blog series was written by Mandy Baily with assistance from… more
Florida Land Steward Update, October 2, 2024(10/2/2024)by Chris Demers-HURRICANE HELENE DISASTER RECOVERY The impacts of this storm are still being assessed. Hurricane Helene made landfall late last Thursday night, September 26 in the eastern Big Bend area of Florida. This powerful storm devastated many communities in this region of Florida and continued its path of destruction through GA, and into the Appalachian Mountains… more
Hiring an Arborist Post Storm(10/2/2024)by Alyssa Vinson-Listen/view my recent radio interview on this topic here. As we take stock of our losses from Hurricane Helene, many questions will arise about our trees, whether limbs broke, small branches shed, whole trees toppled, or we are already thinking about the next storm. Trees are instrumental in forming our opinion of our landscapes. We… more
Disaster Preparation, Cleanup and Assistance(10/2/2024)by Barbara L. Edmonds-REVISED 12:30 pm 10-9-2024 For road obstructions contact the County Roadway Obstruction Line: Trees, sinkholes, washouts, and other hazards on Levy County Roads call 352-451-9639. Contact your power provider for downed power lines. Multiple Ways to Receive Information: Sign up for Alert Levy at levydisaster.com. or for SMS messages text ALERTLEVY to 888777. Call Levy… more
Disaster Preparation, Cleanup and Assistance(10/2/2024)by Barbara L. Edmonds-REVISED 12:30 pm 10-9-2024 For road obstructions contact the County Roadway Obstruction Line: Trees, sinkholes, washouts, and other hazards on Levy County Roads call 352-451-9639. Contact your power provider for downed power lines. Multiple Ways to Receive Information: Sign up for Alert Levy at levydisaster.com. or for SMS messages text ALERTLEVY to 888777. Call Levy… more
THE FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE – A Mission to Fight Wildfires and Protect Forest Resources(10/1/2024)by Giuseppe Di GIacinto-Have you ever wondered who safeguards our forests from wildfires? Florida Forest Service’s primary mission is to “protect Florida and its people from dangers of wildland fire and manage the forest resources through a stewardship ethic to assure they are available to future generations”. According to Florida Forest Service (FFS) website, nearly one half of… more
Sobrecarga del Sistema Séptico: Cómo las Fuertes Lluvias Afectan su Sistema y Qué Debe Hacer(10/1/2024)by Luz Bahder-Creado por Yilin Zhuang, agente especialista en recurso hídrico del Servicio de Extensión de UF/IFAS. Cuando hay fuertes lluvias o huracanes, muchos propietarios de viviendas con sistemas sépticos enfrentan un problema común: la sobrecarga del sistema. El exceso de agua puede saturar el suelo alrededor del campo de drenaje, provocando atascos, desagües lentos e incluso… more
Alerta de prensa: Se solicita al sector agrícola de Florida que reporte los impactos adversos del huracán Helene(10/1/2024)by Luz Bahder-Creado por Meredith Bauer, especialista sénior en relaciones públicas para UF/IFAS. Qué: Encuesta del Programa de Análisis de Impacto Económico (EIAP, por sus siglas en inglés) de University of Florida-Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) sobre pérdidas y daños asociados con el huracán Helene. Dónde: Los productores agrícolas pueden completar la encuesta en español en https://go.ufl.edu/impactosagricolashelene… more
4-H Serves Florida: Hurricane relief supply drive and project grants(9/30/2024)by Caylin Hilton-The Florida 4-H State Executive Board is activating the 4-H Serves Florida project in response to Hurricane Helene. On September 26 Helene made landfall in Taylor County as a category 4 storm, causing catastrophic flooding and destruction along Florida's Gulf Coast, across the Big Bend region and the southeastern United States. This is the third… more
4-H Serves Florida: Hurricane relief supply drive and project grants(9/30/2024)by Caylin Hilton-The Florida 4-H State Executive Board is activating the 4-H Serves Florida project in response to Hurricane Helene. On September 26 Helene made landfall in Taylor County as a category 4 storm, causing catastrophic flooding and destruction along Florida's Gulf Coast, across the Big Bend region and the southeastern United States. This is the third… more
Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources(9/30/2024)by Andra Johnson-I hope that you and your loved ones are safe from harm. Early Friday morning, Hurricane Helene made landfall along Florida's Big Bend area as a Category 4 hurricane. As of Monday, many areas of North Florida are without power, and there has been widescale damage to structures. Most UF/IFAS Extension offices have reopened, and… more
Septic System Overload: How Heavy Rainfall Affects Your System and What to Do(9/27/2024)by Yilin-When heavy rainfall or hurricanes hit, many homeowners with septic systems face a common problem: system overload. Excessive water can saturate the soil around the drainfield, leading to backups, slow drains, or even sewage contamination in your home. Understanding how rainfall affects your septic system and what steps to take can help prevent costly damage… more
What Homeowners Should Do if Public Wastewater Treatment Plants Are Disrupted After a Hurricane(9/27/2024)by Yilin-Hurricanes can disrupt critical infrastructure, including public wastewater treatment plants. When these facilities fail, homeowners must be aware of the health and environmental hazards and take actions to protect themselves. Here is a guide to what homeowners should do and be aware of when wastewater treatment plants stop functioning. 1. Limit Water Use at… more
Preparing to Assess and Report Agricultural Losses and Damages Following Hurricane Helene (9/25/2024)by Alena Poulin-As Florida braces for the arrival of Hurricane Helene, agricultural producers are preparing their farms and ranches to mitigate its impacts. During this time, it is also critical that they prepare to assess and report any losses and damages that might be sustained once the storm passes. This assessment process is important not only for… more
Private Well and Septic System Care Before and After Storms: Essential Resources for Homeowners(9/25/2024)by Yilin-Florida’s frequent storms and hurricanes can have significant impacts on private wells and septic systems. Homeowners must take proactive steps to protect their water quality and ensure their systems function safely before and after severe weather. This article provides essential resources and guidance to help Floridians prepare for and recover from storms, protecting both their… more
Experta de UF/IFAS Ofrece Consejos para el Control de Plagas Durante la Temporada de Huracanes(9/25/2024)by Luz Bahder-Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para el Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. Las tormentas traen consigo más que viento y lluvia durante la temporada de huracanes del Atlántico; también dan cabida a plagas no deseadas que pueden entrar en nuestras vidas. Con cortes en el servicio eléctrico, agua estancada y… more
UF/IFAS expert shares pest control tips for hurricane season(9/25/2024)by Lourdes Mederos-Storms bring more than wind and rain during the Atlantic hurricane season. Unwanted pests crawl into our lives. With electricity outages, standing water and damaged structures, urban pests find ample opportunity to invade homes, businesses and schools. “The summer months of May through November are prime time for both storm activity and pests in Florida.”… more
Hurricane Preparation and Recovery: What Hillsborough County Residents Need to Know(9/24/2024)by Michael J. Masucci- Tropical Storm Helene, currently forming in the Caribbean, is projected to intensify into a hurricane and make landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast later this week. With the National Hurricane Center forecasting Helene to potentially gain wind speeds of up to 80 mph by Thursday, Hillsborough County residents must prepare for significant storm surge, strong… more
Using Sandbags for Flood Protection During Tropical Weather(9/24/2024)by Shannon Carnevale-As we prepare for incoming tropical weather, protecting your home from floodwaters becomes a top priority, especially for those living in flood-prone areas. Using sandbags for flood protection is a commonly used and cost-effective method to provide a temporary barrier against rising waters. Thankfully, many municipal governments offer free sandbag stations ahead of storms. In… more
Update on Hurricane Helene 9/27(9/23/2024)by Andra Johnson-Sept. 27, 8:00 AM EST The National Hurricane Center (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/) has issued an advisory stating that Helene subsided to a Tropical Storm. The Gulf Coast of Florida was severely impacted by storm surge, flooding and high winds, and many throughout the state are without power. Many roads are closed to traffic. UF/IFAS Extension is assessing… more
Prepping Livestock During Hurricane Season(9/23/2024)by micahgallagher-As Florida anticipates another hurricane approaching, it is recommended to be prepped, including your livestock. It is important to recognize different livestock have different requirements and needs during storm season. What Identification is Needed? One accessory all livestock should have is a visible form of ID with the owner’s contact information. For cattle, pigs, and… more
Florida Land Steward Update, September 13, 2024(9/13/2024)by Chris Demers-SIGN UP OPEN FOR USDA NRCS ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM AND CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM Apply by November 1, 2024 The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida announces Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025) federal assistance opportunities for agricultural producers, including through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation… more
Blame it on the Rain(9/6/2024)by Tonya Ashworth-Over the last couple days, parts of Jacksonville experienced urban flooding that had people in my neighborhood of Springfield moving their cars blocks away to higher ground. Drivers had to find alternate routes home as streets became impassable. A video of cars driving through water up to the hoods through San Marco circulated on social… more
Florida Land Steward Update, September 6, 2024(9/6/2024)by Chris Demers-FALL FOOD PLOTS, WILDLIFE HABITAT, AND HUNTING September is a good time for some attention to planting cool season wildlife food plots for use by wildlife in fall, winter, and early spring. There are many factors to consider when planting a cool season food plot. Food plots can be an effective method of providing food… more
Coastal Hurricane Preparation(9/3/2024)by Dr. Megan Moore-With hurricane season upon us, it is important to understand how to properly prepare and protect your family, home, and property from potential storm impacts. The hurricane season officially runs from June 1st through November 30th, however, peak months include August through October. Although we cannot always predict the exact events that will impact our… more
Florida Land Steward Update, August 16, 2024(8/16/2024)by Chris Demers-SUMMER-FALL ISSUE OF QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE In this issue: A New Tool Helps to Prioritize Invasive Species Management Efforts, Conservation Easements Save Ag Lands and Wildlife, Meet the Panhandle Extension Forester - Ian Stone, R.F., Remembering Bob Simons, Sign up for Florida Land Steward Email Updates, Timber Price Update, Certified Landowners.… more
Florida Land Steward Update, August 9, 2024(8/9/2024)by Chris Demers-USDA ASSISTS FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND FOREST LANDOWNERS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE DEBBY U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will aid recovery efforts for farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and communities affected by Hurricane Debby, which, as of this update, continues its track north up the East Coast. USDA staff in offices across the country are ready to respond… more
Do you Know the Difference Between a Watch, a Warning and an Advisory?(8/8/2024)by Nelly Nelson-Do you know the difference between a watch, a warning and an advisory? Whether you are a new resident to an area or an established one, it’s important to know the terminology that the government agencies will use to communicate information to residents before, during and after a storm or hurricane has passed through the… more
La supervivencia de las palmeras tras los huracanes: recomendaciones de los expertos de UF/IFAS(8/8/2024)by Luz Bahder-Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para el Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. Después de un huracán, algunos propietarios pueden preocuparse por la supervivencia de sus queridas palmeras. Con más de 2600 especies en el mundo, la icónica palmera que adorna los paisajes de Florida es más resistente de lo que… more
Palm tree survival after hurricanes: UF/IFAS tips and insights for property owners(8/8/2024)by Lourdes Mederos-In the aftermath of a hurricane, some palm tree owners may worry about the survival of their beloved palms. With more than 2,600 species, the iconic palm seen across Florida landscapes is heartier than one may think, even when those lush green palm fronds are suddenly wilted and thinned out due to extreme winds and… more
After the Storm Passes — What to Do(8/6/2024)by Andra Johnson-I hope that you and your loved ones are safe from harm. Early Monday morning, Hurricane Debby made landfall along Florida's Big Bend area as a Category 1 hurricane. As of Tuesday, many areas of North Florida are without power, and many areas are experiencing flooding from heavy rains. UF/IFAS Extension faculty and staff are… more
Media Alert: Florida agricultural sector asked to share adverse impacts of Hurricane Debby(8/6/2024)by Megan Winslow-What: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) survey for losses and damages associated with Hurricane Debby. Where: Agricultural producers can complete the survey at go.ufl.edu/debbyagimpacts or report information to their local UF/IFAS Extension county office by calling or visiting in person. About: UF/IFAS requests agricultural producers affected… more
Be Hurricane Ready: Tips for 4-H members and their Pets(7/26/2024)by ambernorris-It is that time a year that we are mindful of being prepared for natural disasters such as hurricanes. Here are some essential steps4-Hers can take to prepare for natural disasters, particularly when they have animal projects. Take a look at your outside projects and see what should be brought in or secured. You can… more
Basics of Landscaping in Florida–Bilingual Booklet in the UF/IFAS Bookstore(7/25/2024)by Hannah Eason (formerly Wooten)-Better landscaping practices are good for Florida! Even though Florida has a lot of water resources, there are also a lot of people and industries sucking from the tap...and more keep coming. Long story short, Floridians need to conserve clean water so we always have enough affordable water now and into the future. How we… more
How Hurricanes Affect Florida Agriculture: Assessing Short-Term Economic Impacts(7/22/2024)by Alena Poulin-Hurricanes and other natural disasters pose a major threat to people and industries, bringing with them severe winds and intense flooding. When these events occur, conducting damage and loss assessments is a critical part of the recovery process. The first episode of F.R.E. Lunch: The Food and Resource Economics Podcast explores how the UF/IFAS Economic… more
Florida Land Steward Update, July 19, 2024(7/19/2024)by Chris Demers-OWN FOREST LAND IN FLORIDA? CHECK OUT THE NEW "MY FLORIDA FOREST LAND" VIDEO SERIES! A collaboration between the Florida Forest Service, Florida Forestry Association, the University of Florida, and filmmakers from Untamed Science; the goal of this series to help keep Florida’s forests working for you. This series is just starting. These short and… more
Hurricane Preparedness: Key Foods to Keep in Stock(7/12/2024)by Hillary Ayers-With hurricane season well under way, it’s important to remember to plan ahead. Before a storm hits, you want to be sure that you have non-perishable food items on hand. These items do not need to be refrigerated and are safe to eat if you lose power. You want to store non-perishable items higher up… more
Florida Land Steward Update, July 10, 2024(7/10/2024)by Chris Demers-FOREST CERTIFICATION AND FLORIDA TREE FARM PROGRAM WEBINAR RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE Thanks to those joining us on June 27 for our webinar on forest certification programs. The recording is now available for viewing. This webinar provides an introduction to forest certification programs: what they are, why they exist, and how they came about. Then we… more
Helping Hands After the Storm: How Floridians Can Lift Each Other Up (10/9/2024) - As Floridians, hurricanes are part of our story. We’ve faced them together, like Hurricane Helene not long ago, and now we’re preparing for whatever Hurricane Milton may bring. But one thing we know for sure: after the storm passes, that’s when our community spirit truly shines! 💚 Small Acts, Big Impact Sometimes, the smallest actions… more
Tips for restoring your yard after Hurricane Milton in Lake County (10/8/2024) - Lake County frequently feels the impact of storms, making it crucial for residents to prepare for hurricanes. Following Hurricane Milton, effectively restoring your yard is vital for maintaining a healthy landscape that can withstand future storms. Here are some practical tips to help you recover and safeguard your property and landscape. Remove yard waste safely:… more
Hurricane Prep – Before and After the Storm (10/8/2024) - Preparing and expecting the consequences of a significant hurricane in your region can be worrisome. We often start to doubt our housing, job, and other essential parts of life might come up, especially if we find ourselves having to evacuate our homes. It is natural to be concerned about potential storm damage to your home,… more
Preparación para las Evaluaciones de Daños y Pérdidas Agrícolas tras el Huracán Milton (10/8/2024) - Creado por Alena Poulin y Christa Court, Departamento de Economía de Alimentos y Recursos de UF/IFAS. Mientras muchas áreas aún se están recuperando de los impactos del huracán Helene hace dos semanas, Florida ahora espera otro impacto directo del huracán Milton. Los modelos de pronóstico actuales indican que Milton tocará tierra en la costa oeste,… more
Diabetes Hurricane Prep: Smart Pantry Staples to Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check (10/7/2024) - Let’s pretend you are preparing for a hurricane, and you’re taking stock of our pantry. What do you find? Chips, crackers, granola bars…and marshmallow Peeps. Now, while those might sound like classic hurricane snacks, they’re not exactly the dream team for managing blood sugar or your health. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, keeping your… more
Hurricane Milton: Updates for Polk’s Small Farmers (10/7/2024) - Here are some steps to follow for farmers, ranchers and growers during emergencies. Take care of yourselves and your families before taking care of the farm. Secure all your farm equipment, protect your plants or animals, and remove anything (such as debris) that could become a projectile. Stay safe during the hurricane and avoid flooding… more
Preparing for Agricultural Damage and Loss Assessments Following Hurricane Milton (10/7/2024) - As many areas are still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene two weeks ago, Florida is now expecting another direct hit from Hurricane Milton, with current forecast models showing landfall along the west coast near Tampa on Wednesday, October 9. Hurricane Milton has been rapidly gaining strength, attaining Category 5 status as of Monday afternoon,… more
Hurricane Milton Updates from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County (10/7/2024) - As our community prepares for Hurricane Milton, see the following storm-related updates from our office. You’ll find extension program and event updates, storm prep and recovery resources, and local resources here. Stay tuned to your local news channels and Polk County Emergency Management for updates. This page was last updated: Thursday, 10/10, at 11:10 AM Office Hours:… more
Ongoing Impacts on Urban Forests Two Years After Hurricane Ian (10/7/2024) - Ecological Trauma … more
Update on Hurricane Milton, 10/9 (10/7/2024) - October 9, 9:30 AM EST The National Hurricane Center (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/) has issued an advisory stating that Hurricane Milton is expected to expand in size and remain a hurricane as it approaches the west coast of Florida, bringing life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds and heavy rainfall beginning Wednesday. Please don't let your guard down between hurricanes!… more
When It Storms: Managing Pests Effectively (10/3/2024) - Whether you're preparing for a storm or dealing with its aftermath, pests are probably the last thing on your mind. That's fair - we get it! However, taking the time to prepare your home in defense against unwanted ants, flies, beetles, moths, mosquitoes, and more will serve you well in the long-run. Here are 10… more
Disaster Assistance After Helene (10/2/2024) - Hurricane and Storm Assistance Available Now: Hurricane Helene showed us the dangers of storm surge, winds, and the devastation of so many communities across multiple states. Homes and businesses along the Gulf Coast were inundated with record high levels of storm surge. The Tampa and St. Petersburg areas recorded 6 to 7+ feet of… more
Smart Rain Garden Series – What happens during and after a rain event? (10/2/2024) - Droppin’ In at the Smart Rain Garden #1 in a series of 5 write-ups to introduce the processes and technology at work in the City of Cape Canaveral's Veterans Memorial Park "Smart" Rain Garden. Please join us for all the posts in this series. The blog series was written by Mandy Baily with assistance from… more
Florida Land Steward Update, October 2, 2024 (10/2/2024) - HURRICANE HELENE DISASTER RECOVERY The impacts of this storm are still being assessed. Hurricane Helene made landfall late last Thursday night, September 26 in the eastern Big Bend area of Florida. This powerful storm devastated many communities in this region of Florida and continued its path of destruction through GA, and into the Appalachian Mountains… more
Hiring an Arborist Post Storm (10/2/2024) - Listen/view my recent radio interview on this topic here. As we take stock of our losses from Hurricane Helene, many questions will arise about our trees, whether limbs broke, small branches shed, whole trees toppled, or we are already thinking about the next storm. Trees are instrumental in forming our opinion of our landscapes. We… more
Disaster Preparation, Cleanup and Assistance (10/2/2024) - REVISED 12:30 pm 10-9-2024 For road obstructions contact the County Roadway Obstruction Line: Trees, sinkholes, washouts, and other hazards on Levy County Roads call 352-451-9639. Contact your power provider for downed power lines. Multiple Ways to Receive Information: Sign up for Alert Levy at levydisaster.com. or for SMS messages text ALERTLEVY to 888777. Call Levy… more
Disaster Preparation, Cleanup and Assistance (10/2/2024) - REVISED 12:30 pm 10-9-2024 For road obstructions contact the County Roadway Obstruction Line: Trees, sinkholes, washouts, and other hazards on Levy County Roads call 352-451-9639. Contact your power provider for downed power lines. Multiple Ways to Receive Information: Sign up for Alert Levy at levydisaster.com. or for SMS messages text ALERTLEVY to 888777. Call Levy… more
THE FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE – A Mission to Fight Wildfires and Protect Forest Resources (10/1/2024) - Have you ever wondered who safeguards our forests from wildfires? Florida Forest Service’s primary mission is to “protect Florida and its people from dangers of wildland fire and manage the forest resources through a stewardship ethic to assure they are available to future generations”. According to Florida Forest Service (FFS) website, nearly one half of… more
Sobrecarga del Sistema Séptico: Cómo las Fuertes Lluvias Afectan su Sistema y Qué Debe Hacer (10/1/2024) - Creado por Yilin Zhuang, agente especialista en recurso hídrico del Servicio de Extensión de UF/IFAS. Cuando hay fuertes lluvias o huracanes, muchos propietarios de viviendas con sistemas sépticos enfrentan un problema común: la sobrecarga del sistema. El exceso de agua puede saturar el suelo alrededor del campo de drenaje, provocando atascos, desagües lentos e incluso… more
Alerta de prensa: Se solicita al sector agrícola de Florida que reporte los impactos adversos del huracán Helene (10/1/2024) - Creado por Meredith Bauer, especialista sénior en relaciones públicas para UF/IFAS. Qué: Encuesta del Programa de Análisis de Impacto Económico (EIAP, por sus siglas en inglés) de University of Florida-Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) sobre pérdidas y daños asociados con el huracán Helene. Dónde: Los productores agrícolas pueden completar la encuesta en español en https://go.ufl.edu/impactosagricolashelene… more
4-H Serves Florida: Hurricane relief supply drive and project grants (9/30/2024) - The Florida 4-H State Executive Board is activating the 4-H Serves Florida project in response to Hurricane Helene. On September 26 Helene made landfall in Taylor County as a category 4 storm, causing catastrophic flooding and destruction along Florida's Gulf Coast, across the Big Bend region and the southeastern United States. This is the third… more
Septic System Overload: How Heavy Rainfall Affects Your System and What to Do (9/27/2024) - When heavy rainfall or hurricanes hit, many homeowners with septic systems face a common problem: system overload. Excessive water can saturate the soil around the drainfield, leading to backups, slow drains, or even sewage contamination in your home. Understanding how rainfall affects your septic system and what steps to take can help prevent costly damage… more
What Homeowners Should Do if Public Wastewater Treatment Plants Are Disrupted After a Hurricane (9/27/2024) - Hurricanes can disrupt critical infrastructure, including public wastewater treatment plants. When these facilities fail, homeowners must be aware of the health and environmental hazards and take actions to protect themselves. Here is a guide to what homeowners should do and be aware of when wastewater treatment plants stop functioning. 1. Limit Water Use at… more
Preparing to Assess and Report Agricultural Losses and Damages Following Hurricane Helene (9/25/2024) - As Florida braces for the arrival of Hurricane Helene, agricultural producers are preparing their farms and ranches to mitigate its impacts. During this time, it is also critical that they prepare to assess and report any losses and damages that might be sustained once the storm passes. This assessment process is important not only for… more
Private Well and Septic System Care Before and After Storms: Essential Resources for Homeowners (9/25/2024) - Florida’s frequent storms and hurricanes can have significant impacts on private wells and septic systems. Homeowners must take proactive steps to protect their water quality and ensure their systems function safely before and after severe weather. This article provides essential resources and guidance to help Floridians prepare for and recover from storms, protecting both their… more
Experta de UF/IFAS Ofrece Consejos para el Control de Plagas Durante la Temporada de Huracanes (9/25/2024) - Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para el Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. Las tormentas traen consigo más que viento y lluvia durante la temporada de huracanes del Atlántico; también dan cabida a plagas no deseadas que pueden entrar en nuestras vidas. Con cortes en el servicio eléctrico, agua estancada y… more
UF/IFAS expert shares pest control tips for hurricane season (9/25/2024) - Storms bring more than wind and rain during the Atlantic hurricane season. Unwanted pests crawl into our lives. With electricity outages, standing water and damaged structures, urban pests find ample opportunity to invade homes, businesses and schools. “The summer months of May through November are prime time for both storm activity and pests in Florida.”… more
Hurricane Preparation and Recovery: What Hillsborough County Residents Need to Know (9/24/2024) - Tropical Storm Helene, currently forming in the Caribbean, is projected to intensify into a hurricane and make landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast later this week. With the National Hurricane Center forecasting Helene to potentially gain wind speeds of up to 80 mph by Thursday, Hillsborough County residents must prepare for significant storm surge, strong… more
Prepping Livestock During Hurricane Season (9/23/2024) - As Florida anticipates another hurricane approaching, it is recommended to be prepped, including your livestock. It is important to recognize different livestock have different requirements and needs during storm season. What Identification is Needed? One accessory all livestock should have is a visible form of ID with the owner’s contact information. For cattle, pigs, and… more
Florida Land Steward Update, September 13, 2024 (9/13/2024) - SIGN UP OPEN FOR USDA NRCS ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM AND CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM Apply by November 1, 2024 The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida announces Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025) federal assistance opportunities for agricultural producers, including through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation… more
Blame it on the Rain (9/6/2024) - Over the last couple days, parts of Jacksonville experienced urban flooding that had people in my neighborhood of Springfield moving their cars blocks away to higher ground. Drivers had to find alternate routes home as streets became impassable. A video of cars driving through water up to the hoods through San Marco circulated on social… more
Florida Land Steward Update, September 6, 2024 (9/6/2024) - FALL FOOD PLOTS, WILDLIFE HABITAT, AND HUNTING September is a good time for some attention to planting cool season wildlife food plots for use by wildlife in fall, winter, and early spring. There are many factors to consider when planting a cool season food plot. Food plots can be an effective method of providing food… more
Coastal Hurricane Preparation (9/3/2024) - With hurricane season upon us, it is important to understand how to properly prepare and protect your family, home, and property from potential storm impacts. The hurricane season officially runs from June 1st through November 30th, however, peak months include August through October. Although we cannot always predict the exact events that will impact our… more
Florida Land Steward Update, August 16, 2024 (8/16/2024) - SUMMER-FALL ISSUE OF QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE In this issue: A New Tool Helps to Prioritize Invasive Species Management Efforts, Conservation Easements Save Ag Lands and Wildlife, Meet the Panhandle Extension Forester - Ian Stone, R.F., Remembering Bob Simons, Sign up for Florida Land Steward Email Updates, Timber Price Update, Certified Landowners.… more
Florida Land Steward Update, August 9, 2024 (8/9/2024) - USDA ASSISTS FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND FOREST LANDOWNERS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE DEBBY U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will aid recovery efforts for farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and communities affected by Hurricane Debby, which, as of this update, continues its track north up the East Coast. USDA staff in offices across the country are ready to respond… more
Do you Know the Difference Between a Watch, a Warning and an Advisory? (8/8/2024) - Do you know the difference between a watch, a warning and an advisory? Whether you are a new resident to an area or an established one, it’s important to know the terminology that the government agencies will use to communicate information to residents before, during and after a storm or hurricane has passed through the… more
La supervivencia de las palmeras tras los huracanes: recomendaciones de los expertos de UF/IFAS (8/8/2024) - Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para el Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. Después de un huracán, algunos propietarios pueden preocuparse por la supervivencia de sus queridas palmeras. Con más de 2600 especies en el mundo, la icónica palmera que adorna los paisajes de Florida es más resistente de lo que… more
Palm tree survival after hurricanes: UF/IFAS tips and insights for property owners (8/8/2024) - In the aftermath of a hurricane, some palm tree owners may worry about the survival of their beloved palms. With more than 2,600 species, the iconic palm seen across Florida landscapes is heartier than one may think, even when those lush green palm fronds are suddenly wilted and thinned out due to extreme winds and… more
Media Alert: Florida agricultural sector asked to share adverse impacts of Hurricane Debby (8/6/2024) - What: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) survey for losses and damages associated with Hurricane Debby. Where: Agricultural producers can complete the survey at go.ufl.edu/debbyagimpacts or report information to their local UF/IFAS Extension county office by calling or visiting in person. About: UF/IFAS requests agricultural producers affected… more
Be Hurricane Ready: Tips for 4-H members and their Pets (7/26/2024) - It is that time a year that we are mindful of being prepared for natural disasters such as hurricanes. Here are some essential steps4-Hers can take to prepare for natural disasters, particularly when they have animal projects. Take a look at your outside projects and see what should be brought in or secured. You can… more
Basics of Landscaping in Florida–Bilingual Booklet in the UF/IFAS Bookstore (7/25/2024) - Better landscaping practices are good for Florida! Even though Florida has a lot of water resources, there are also a lot of people and industries sucking from the tap...and more keep coming. Long story short, Floridians need to conserve clean water so we always have enough affordable water now and into the future. How we… more
How Hurricanes Affect Florida Agriculture: Assessing Short-Term Economic Impacts (7/22/2024) - Hurricanes and other natural disasters pose a major threat to people and industries, bringing with them severe winds and intense flooding. When these events occur, conducting damage and loss assessments is a critical part of the recovery process. The first episode of F.R.E. Lunch: The Food and Resource Economics Podcast explores how the UF/IFAS Economic… more
Florida Land Steward Update, July 19, 2024 (7/19/2024) - OWN FOREST LAND IN FLORIDA? CHECK OUT THE NEW "MY FLORIDA FOREST LAND" VIDEO SERIES! A collaboration between the Florida Forest Service, Florida Forestry Association, the University of Florida, and filmmakers from Untamed Science; the goal of this series to help keep Florida’s forests working for you. This series is just starting. These short and… more
Hurricane Preparedness: Key Foods to Keep in Stock (7/12/2024) - With hurricane season well under way, it’s important to remember to plan ahead. Before a storm hits, you want to be sure that you have non-perishable food items on hand. These items do not need to be refrigerated and are safe to eat if you lose power. You want to store non-perishable items higher up… more
Florida Land Steward Update, July 10, 2024 (7/10/2024) - FOREST CERTIFICATION AND FLORIDA TREE FARM PROGRAM WEBINAR RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE Thanks to those joining us on June 27 for our webinar on forest certification programs. The recording is now available for viewing. This webinar provides an introduction to forest certification programs: what they are, why they exist, and how they came about. Then we… more