Who: Volunteers who want to help a major Florida blueberry grower recover from Hurricane Irma: University of Florida students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension agents, researchers, 4-H youth and local residents.

What: Hurricane Irma downed approximately 100,000 blueberry bushes at Frogmore Fresh Farm, a 125-acre blueberry farm in Pasco County. If these plants are not re-staked and reestablished, they will die, a significant loss for the grower and the Florida blueberry industry.

Searching for a solution, Whitney Elmore, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County director, worked through the UF/IFAS network to recruit volunteers to come to the farm and help save the plants. Organizers expect more than 100 volunteers. Volunteers should bring gloves, hats and sunscreen.

When: Sept. 16, 9 a.m.

Where: Frogmore Fresh Farm

28411 St. Joe Road,

Dade City, FL 33525

Contact: Samantha Grenrock, 352-294-3307 (office), 949-735-1076 (cell), grenrosa@ufl.edu

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The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.

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