Category: UF/IFAS Extension

Pasture Mealybug

by Jackie Lebouitz and Ian Rabinowitz
October 30, 2026

Background In May of 2026, Heliococcus novovillei, also known as pasture mealybug, was detected in a limpograss field in St. Lucie County. This new and invasive pest had shown up in Texas in October 2025, but its detection this past May ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Farm Management, Invasive Species, Invasive Species, Lawn, Livestock, Pests & Disease, SFYL Hot Topic, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Cattle, Forage, Grass, Insect, Invasive, Invasive Species, IPM, Mealybug, Pasture, Pasture Mealybug, Pest, Pgm_Ag, Pgm_Chemicals, Turf
Redfish getting reeled in.

2026 National Seafood Month Celebration Event in Sarasota County

by Amber Daniels and Armando UbedaThe author, New Family Consumer Sciences Agent, Amber Daniels, is standing at a walking path using hand gesture to invite viewer to join her in the path. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]
October 13, 2026

National Seafood Month October is National Seafood Month, and here in Sarasota County, we invite you to celebrate with us this Saturday, October 17th, at the 7th Annual Alligator Creek “Creekfest”! This event is free to the community ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Conservation, Environment, Florida Sea Grant, Health, National Seafood Month, Nutrition, Pgm_FCS, Pgm_Marine, Sustainability, Water
Close up image of butterfly nectaring on flowers.

Grow with Confidence at the 20th Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale

by Ashley Ellis
September 14, 2026

Imagine your are about to buy a lovely little plant from a store and suddenly you wonder…is it healthy?  Will it survive in my yard?  Will I be able to take care of it? Most of us who love plants have experienced this.  Coming up soon ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: FFL, Master Gardener Volunteer, Pgm_HortRes, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County
A compilation of photos of decorated bug themed pots and sculptures

Visit Our Bug Bungalows

by Jackie Lebouitz and Erin Petersen
August 7, 2026

Bugs are an incredibly important part of the environment. Many pollinate plants, including fruits like berries and melons, help make the soil healthier by breaking down leaves, wood, and other organic matter, serve as food for wildlife like ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Art, Beneficial, Bug, Bungalow, Entomology, Fairy, Game, Good, House, Insects, Pgm_Chemicals, Pollinator
An image of a group of people standing together in front of a large oak tree after a class.

Meet Sarah Denison Williams: A Florida Master Naturalist Success Story

by Katherine Clements and Zahir Ringgold CordesAvatar photo
August 3, 2026

Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate Meet Sarah Denison Williams A native of Florida’s east coast, Sarah Denison Williams has been smitten with the natural world since attending ... READ MORE

Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Conservation, Florida Master Naturalist Program, Fmnp-in-srq, Nature, Pgm_EcoNR, Volunteers

Keeping Sarasota Cool: Equipping Sarasota for Extreme Heat Conditions

by Michelle Marinangel
July 15, 2026

Over the last three summers, our team has interacted with residents in Sarasota County to discuss extreme heat science, safety, and conditions in our backyards. During our outreach events, we also distribute free resources such as cooling towels, ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Health & Nutrition, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching, Work & Life
Tags: Climate, Community Education, Extreme Heat, Healthy Living, Outreach, Pgm_Sustain, Sustainability, Weather

Meet Tish Sacks: A Florida Master Naturalist Success Story

by Katherine Clements and Zahir Ringgold CordesAvatar photo
July 2, 2026

Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate. Meet Tish Sacks Graduates form the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) routinely influence others with their knowledge of the natural world, ... READ MORE

Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Conservation, Florida Master Naturalist Program, Fmnp-in-srq, Nature, Pgm_EcoNR, Volunteers

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