Category: UF/IFAS

Highlights From the 2025 Manatee County Farm City Week Agricultural Tour

by Caitlin Sollazzo
November 21, 2025

A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us for the 34th Annual Farm City Week Agricultural Tour. We had a full bus, a full schedule, and a full day of learning, connecting, and experiencing agriculture firsthand. Thank you to every operation ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: A.P. Bell Fish Co., Manatee Farms, Orban's Nursery, Palma Sola Botanical Park, West Coast Tomato

Porterweed Rust

by Caitlin Sollazzo
November 12, 2025

Sometimes nature can be quite beautiful. This is rust (Puccinia urbaniana) infecting native porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis). If you look closely, you can even see tiny fly larvae feeding on the spores of the rust fungus.Rust is a type ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, , Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Florida Friendly Landscape, Horticulture, Manatee County, Manatee County Extension

Antlion Insects as Pets?

by Caitlin Sollazzo
September 6, 2025

My Story One day on a walk, I noticed a cluster of tiny funnel-shaped pits in the sand. I knew right away who made them … an antlion larva, also called a “doodlebug.” These little predators are masters at building some of the most ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, , Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: 4-H, Antlions, Insects, Manatee County Extension

The Beneficial Insects You Don’t See

by Caitlin Sollazzo
August 4, 2025

When we talk about insect conservation, the conversation usually centers on “saving the bees.” But this often overlooks an entire world of tiny, unseen creatures that are just as vital to our ecosystems. These small, often overlooked arthropods, ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, , Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Conservation, Florida Friendly Landscape, Gardening, Horticulture, Insects, Manatee County Extension, Microscopic

Thrips parvispinus Management

by Caitlin Sollazzo
July 23, 2025

Thrips parvispinus: What We’re Learning About Management in Ornamentals A relatively new invasive pest in Florida, Thrips parvispinus, has quickly gained attention due to its ability to damage a wide range of ornamental and vegetable crops. ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Food Safety, Fruits & Vegetables, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Insects, Manatee County Extension, Pesticides, Thrips, UF/IFAS Extension

Do you Know the Difference Between a Watch, a Warning and an Advisory?

by Nelly Nelson
August 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 ... READ MORE

Category: , Disaster Preparation, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Advisory, Flood Warning, Hurricane, Manatee County, Manatee County Extension, Storm, Storm Surge, Tornado Watch, UF/IFAS Extension, Warning

Food Delivery Safety

by Nelly Nelson
April 1, 2024

With many Americans working longer hours, working side jobs, commuting back to the office, and getting busier in general, people are looking for ways to make their lives easier. This need for convenience has led to a significant increase in ... READ MORE

Category: Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Food, Food Deliveries, Food Safety, Foodborne Illnesses, Grocery Deliveries, Restaurant Deliveries, Safety, Subscription Meal Kits, Takeout

Zone Changes: What You Need to Know

by Alyssa Vinson
November 15, 2023

Change is the only inevitability. We see it echoed in the metamorphosis of insects, the too-quick growth of our children, the gray in our hair. From one moment to the next, the cells that comprise our bodies are shifting, changing, dying, ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Climate, Florida Friendly Landscape, Hardiness, Hardiness Zone, Map, USDA Map, Zones

How Manatee County Residents Can Prepare for a Hurricane

by Nelly Nelson
August 9, 2023

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, and if you live or work in Manatee County Florida, here is how Manatee County residents can prepare for a hurricane. Sign Up for Alert Manatee If you live or ... READ MORE

Category: , Disaster Preparation, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Alert Manatee, Emergency Shelter, Evacuation, Flood, Hurricane, Hurricane Preparedness, Hurricane Season, Manatee County, Manatee County Extension, Sandbags, Shelter, Special Needs, UF/IFAS Extension

Hurricane Supply Kit

by Nelly Nelson
August 3, 2023

Building A Hurricane Supply Kit The Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1st and runs until November 30th, which means that’s it’s important to have a hurricane supply kit on hand just in case disaster strikes. Circumstances may require ... READ MORE

Category: Disaster Preparation, Events, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Disaster, Disaster Kit, Food Storage, Go Kit, Hurricane, Hurricane Kit, Kit, Manatee County, Manatee County Extension, Storm, Supplies, Supply, UF/IFAS Extension

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