UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County -

Seaweed aquaculture in Florida? A farmer’s perspective.

by Angela Collins
December 3, 2025

Global seaweed production is currently at an all time high (World Bank, 2023; FAO, 2024). Almost all of that production occurs in Asia. The small amount that does occur in the US is restricted to cold water species, like the kelps of New England ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Aquaculture, Clams, Florida Sea Grant, Macroalgae, Seaweed, Shellfish, Tampa Bay

Nature Wrote the Horror Story First

by Caitlin Sollazzo
October 8, 2026

I can’t believe it is already October and Halloween season. I’ve never been particularly drawn to horror movies and all the frightening things we get into this time of year. That’s not to say I don’t appreciate horror as a genre. It’s ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Beauveria Bassiana, Beneficial Fungi, Biological Control, Entomopathogenic Fungi, Garden Pests, Halloween, Integrated Pest Management

Hidratación: El Superpoder Silencioso del Bienestar

by Nelly Nelson
September 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. ... READ MORE

Category: Health & Nutrition, Work & Life
Tags: Agua, Bebidas, Hidratacion

Seguridad en la entrega de alimentos

by Nelly Nelson
September 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 ... READ MORE

Category: Home Management, Work & Life
Tags: Alimentos, Comestibles, Entregas, Pedidos

A New Appreciation for Myakka River State Park

by Caitlin Sollazzo
September 13, 2026

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County and listening to a talk about the history and management of the park. This was organized as part of a retreat for environmental agents in the Southwest Extension ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension

A Parent’s Guide to a Smooth Re Start: Making the First Day Back in Elementary School a Real Success

by Nelly Nelson
August 7, 2026

Get the Mental Game Readied Parents set the emotional tone for their children before they even step out the front door. The research on early‑year parental engagement is clear: when parents participate in the first‑week “look‑around” ... READ MORE

Category: Relationships & Family, Work & Life
Tags: Back To School, Family And Life, Preparations

Don’t Let Your Landscape Become an Invasive Plant Factory

by Michelle Atkinson
August 5, 2026

You carefully select plants to create a beautiful landscape, provide wildlife habitat, and increase your home's curb appeal. But hidden among those desirable plants may be an uninvited guest, an invasive plant that quietly establishes itself, ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease
Tags: Conservation, Featured, Florida Landscapes, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Invasive Plants, Landscape Maintenance, Natural Areas, Sustainable Landscaping, Watershed Protection, Wetlands

Take the Edge on Your School‑Supply Bill: Florida Tax‑Savvy Tips for Parents

by Nelly Nelson
July 28, 2026

Back-to-school season means back‑to‑budget season, especially in Latin America and the Southwestern parts of the United States where the school year starts right after Labor Day. Did you know that the timing of your purchases and where ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Money Matters, Work & Life
Tags: Back To School, New School Year, Savings Back To School, School Supplies

UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Scouting Training Series

by Caitlin Sollazzo
June 2, 2026

Early detection is one of the most important (but often overlooked) parts of plant health management. Whether managing insects, plant diseases, weeds, nutrient issues, irrigation problems, or environmental stress, the ability to scout effectively ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, , Horticulture, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching

Talking Trash – Rodent Prevention

by Michelle Atkinson
May 29, 2026

If you want to attract rodents to your home, leave food out, provide shelter, and give them easy access. If you don’t, your trash habits matter more than you think. Garbage is one of the primary reasons rodents settle around homes. The ... READ MORE

Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease, Wildlife
Tags: Garbage, Pest, Rats

The Mindful May: Daily Meditation Challenges for the Busy Professional

by Nelly Nelson
May 15, 2026

Spring is the season of renewal. The sky is opening, the trees whisper new leaves, and for those of us in perpetual motion, an invitation to pause can feel surprisingly scarce. Yet what if you could swap a few minutes of your day for a small ... READ MORE

Category: , Health & Nutrition, Work & Life
Tags: Meditation, Mindfulness, Relax, Stress

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