![a digital meat thermometer reads 165.3 degrees fahrenheit while checking chicken on a barbecue grill. [credit: uf/ifas, tyle jones; edit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/07/2017_FCS_foodsafetyGrillingThermometer01UPDATE165F_ifasJonesTyler_CROP1650x470.jpg)
Every year, I get invited to participate in the Alligator Creek Festival. During this annual festival, attendees learned about sustainability, environmentally friendly practices, conservation efforts, and community engagement, among other ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, Natural Resources, Work & Life![a group of young adults sits at a table in a restaurant/bar, with "brewing ideas" pint glasses, sharing conversation. [credit: unsplash.com]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2025/11/2025_Waste_brewideasGroupAtBar_unsplashSergeyTarasov_EDITicon1650x470TINY.png)
Cheers to "Brewing Ideas with UF/IFAS"! We launched this innovative series last month, to bring together community members and local experts for an evening of open discussion on relevant environmental solutions. The goals were simple: make ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Water, Wildlife
We have the tools to build a sustainable future, what we need is the will to get it done. That's where youth organizing can be so powerful. It gives a voice to those of us who will inherit the consequences of today's decisions. It shows young ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
The common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) is a captivating species that inhabits a variety of coastal and estuarine environments. There are five species of snook in Florida, but the common snook, also known as robalo or linesider, is the largest, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
What is LIFE? The Learning in Florida’s Environment (LIFE) program is a science-based educational experience that engages 4th and 5th grade students in Sarasota County in 1-hour preparatory in-class presentations followed by a 3-hour field ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Coasts & Marine, Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
World Ocean Day was yesterday, but no worries if you missed it; World Ocean Day was created to advocate for and inspire people to take action every day, not just on one day. Consequently, it is always appropriate to celebrate our ocean and ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Work & Life
Summer in Florida means beach time. No school and warmer waters are a perfect excuse to go to the beach. With great fun, however, comes great responsibility. Safety is critical, especially when it comes to understanding rip currents. These ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Work & Life![assorted microplastics shown resting on two fingertips, with a pile of microplastics in the background. [credit: uf/ifas, tyler jones]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2025/02/2017_Waste_microplasticCloseupFingers01_ifasTylerJonesCROP1650x470TINY.png)
We have all heard the mantra: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. We know plastic isn't natural and doesn't decompose. After all, you can’t compost plastic, right? You’ve probably seen those heart-wrenching images of straws in sea turtles' noses ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Water
The Florida Master Naturalist Program Advisory Board (FAB for short) is a fabulous group of individuals dedicated to the present and future success of the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP). The FAB consists of individuals from across ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Professional Development, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
One week after Hurricane Milton and on the final day of the rainy season, October 15th, I look out over our Educational Outreach Garden and see a landscape transformed. Lush and vibrant just a week ago for our Annual Plant Sale and Edfest, it ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Work & Life