Monument of Martin Luther King Jr., with text banner noting office closure.

Please note that our office will be closed Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will resume regular business hours Tuesday, Jan. 20.

While we’re away, you can continue to find helpful information at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota.

#ufsarasotaext

photo-illustration of gnome doll snow-skiing, with text noting office closure dec. 24 through dec. 26.

Please note that our office will be closed Dec. 24-26 to celebrate the holidays, and resume business Dec. 29 (Mon).

While we're away, you can continue to find great information at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota and blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco.

Happy holidays!

#Holidays, #ufsarasotaext

a group of young adults sitting around a table at a restaurant/bar. [credit: unsplash.com]

Round 2 (so to speak) in our "Brewing Ideas..." series. This time, we're talking dolphins, mangroves, seas and more. Meet us 5:45p Dec 02 at Calusa Brewing, 5377 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Learn more and register: www.eventbrite.com/e/events/190696290036.

#brewingideas, #discussion, #ufsarasotaext

three people sit around a cafe-style table and engage in conversation, while drinking beverages. [credit: unsplash.com, sergey tarasov]

We're "Brewing Ideas" — bringing you key information in a new way. Join us at 5:45 p.m Nov. 04 at Calusa Brewery for a relaxed, idea-rich evening focused on water quality in Sarasota County, from solutions to collaborations. Learn more and register: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_br....

#ufsarasotaext

some of the plants available at the 19th annual sarasota county extension plant sale + edfest, held oct. 11, 2025.

elevated view of attendees at the 19th annual sarasota county extension plant sale + edfest, held oct. 11, 2025, as they survey and shop for "the right plant for the right place."

a woman uses her smartphone to get information about plants, at the 19th annual sarasota county extension plant sale + edfest, held oct. 11, 2025.

a woman holds a plant in one hand while using her other hand to check out a ceramic pot for plants, at the 19th annual sarasota county extension plant sale + edfest, held oct. 11, 2025.

We want to thank everyone 🙌 who attended and/or helped make the 19th Annual Sarasota County Extension Plant Sale + EdFest such a success. Great people. Great plants. Great weather. Great day. Keep an eye on this space or tiny.cc/ufsaraext_pl... to get details on next year's event.

#ufsarasotaext

uf/ifas extension sarasota county staff pose for a group photo, wearing green and waving a 4-h flag, to celebrate national 4-h week. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]

🍀🎉 Happy National 4-H Week! We're showing our pride 😁 in our 4-H youth and families for all they've accomplished 🔓, with still more to come. Learn more about 4-H: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_4h.

#4hweek, #National4HWeek, #florida4h, #youthempowerment, #ufsarasotaext, #ufsarasotaext_4h

a young girl spreads peanut butter on a partially peeled banana, while sitting at a table with a checkered tablecloth, in this promo for the 2025 peanut butter challenge. [credit: uf/ifas]

During October's 🥜 Peanut Butter Challenge 🥜, drop off unopened, unexpired jars of peanut butter at our UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County office, 6600 Clark Road, Sarasota, which we'll share with local food pantries for the holiday season.

#PBChallenge, #peanutbutter, #endhunger, #ufsarasotaext

Crumbs attract pests! Make crumb cleanup easy with a crumb cleaner. While supplies last, Sarasota County residents qualify for a free crumb cleaner. Read our blog at tiny.cc/ufsaraext_cr... and then complete the survey linked in the post.

#crumbs, #insects, #ufsarasotaext, #ufsarasotaext_chems

an a-frame sign shows the agenda for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the sarasota county extension greenhouse.

decorations in place for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the sarasota county extension greenhouse.

dignitary and attendee tent for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the sarasota county extension greenhouse.

We're prepping for a ribbon-cutting ceremony today with Sarasota County commissioners and other leaders, to officially open our Education Outreach Garden Greenhouse, key for horticultural education for residents and businesses, hands-on learning, and more.

#ufsarasotaext, #ufsarasotaext_hortres

a rancher-instructor shares production information with participants at "small farm startup school" class, as organized by uf/ifas extension sarasota county. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]

Our very popular "Small Farm Startup School" is back this year, with even more expert information, keen insight, tips, techniques, and more, to get you growing. Learn more and register at www.eventbrite.com/e/1596275806909.

@srqcountygov, @ufifas_solutions
#ufsarasotaext, #ufsarasotaext_ag

Back to school is in full swing. 🎒🚸👩‍🏫🚌 Get some tips for going (or staying) green when gathering gear for the school year. Watch our latest "Dishing the Dirt" podcast: youtu.be/6QMws6XV750.

#school, #greenlife, #dishingthedirt, #podcast, #ufsarasotaext, #ufsarasotaext_chems, #ufsarasotaext_waste

photo montage illustrating the 2025 sarasota county farm and ranch tour, set for nov. 14

Don't miss the 2025 Sarasota County Farm and Ranch Tour, our guided bus tour of vibrant farming and ranching operations across the area, from aquaponics to stallions. Learn more and register: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_farmtour.

#ag, #agriculture, #farming, #ranching, #ufsarasotaext, #ufsarasotaext_ag

Join us as we explore Sarasota County Green Business Partner, Sarasota Architectural Salvage, where sustainability is central to their mission.

Learn more: www.scgov.net/government/sustainability/green-business-partnership
#SRQCountyGov #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_waste

Come with as we explore one of Sarasota County's green business partners, the Mangrove School of Sarasota. This eco-conscious educational institution is committed to nurturing a love for nature and sustainability among its students. #SRQCountyGov
#UFIFASNews #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_waste

A person hanging a refrigerator thermometer with food containers in the background

Hurricane season is here! Now’s the time to check your pantry. 🥫 Visit tiny.cc/FoodSafetyTips for recommendations to ensure your family has a safe food supply during weather events. Stay prepared!
#HurricanePreparedness #FoodSafety #UFIFASNews #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_fcs

Registration is now open for the 20th annual Sustainable Communities Workshop celebrating Sarasota’s sustainability journey!

📅 Register now: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_scw2025
🔍 Learn more: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_scw

#SCW2025 #SRQCountyWhy #UFIFASNews #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_sustain

Shoreline with trees along the side and in the background

Interested in learning about our shorelines, their functions, and their importance to coastal habitats and communities? Join our free Living Shorelines webinar, Tuesday, June 24. Sign up today. 🔗 www.eventbrite.com/e/1238138608909. #SRQCountyGov #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_marine

Today, we celebrate #WorldSeaTurtleDay. Let's raise awareness about conservation efforts to protect these incredible creatures and their ocean habitats. Every action counts! Read our blog at blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/?p=25651.🐢🌊 #SRQCountyGov #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_marine

Your Edibles to Plant in June guide is here.
You can download your own copy at gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/infograp...
#ufsarasotaext

Man standing behind a table.

Igor gathering produce for distribution.

Jalapeno peppers

Lettuce

Last week, we distributed 400 lbs of fresh produce at CenterPlace Health. Through our partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, community memebers received a variety of greens, tomatoes, and corn grown by aspiring farmers in the Small Farm Incubator Program.
#ufsarasotaext

🌱 Your Voice Matters for a Cleaner Future! 🌎

🚗🏡♻️🌾 Help shape our Climate Action Plan to reduce pollution & build a resilient community.

📝 Take the survey today! tiny.cc/CCAPsurvey

🔎 Learn more: scmc-pollutionreduction.com/

#ClimateAction #SRQCountyGov #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_sustain

Our MGV candidates have taken their finals, and we couldn't be prouder! 📚✨
After months of hard work, dedication, and teamwork, they showcased their knowledge and skills. We're excited to see all their efforts pay off!
Good luck, everyone! 🌟💪 #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_hortres

Did you know sharks have a sixth sense? 🦈Join our free webinar, "Sensational Sharks,", May 22 at 4p to learn about their amazing senses and why they’re vital for ocean balance! 🌊💙 Sign up today.
www.eventbrite.com/e/1238097455819.
#ufsarasotaext

In May, the garden comes alive,
In a place where flavors thrive.
Okra, roselle, and peas to sow,
Nurtured by sun as they grow.

So grab your spade, let’s plant,
For a garden, that will enchant!

Get your May Edible Planting Guide at
tiny.cc/MayGuide.

#ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_gardens

Rock the Block Art Fest, Friday, April 25 from 4 to 6 p.m.

🎉Rock the Block Art Fest is coming up, Friday, April 25.

Join us for a day filled with creativity at interactive stations, various art activities, delicious food and lively music.

Come on out, meet new friends, and let those imaginations soar. #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_4H

April is the perfect time to plant edibles like beans, tropical spinaches and sweet potatoes for a bountiful garden!
Get your free planting guide at gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/what-to-plant-in-april.
Now go forth and garden. 🌱
#ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_gardens

Join us in June for a 5-day 4-H summer camp adventure designed for kids ages 10-14!
They'll dive into hands-on scientific experiments, make observations, and conduct inquiries about our environment and ecosystems.
Learn more and register at tiny.cc/ufsaraext_4h....
#ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_4H

🐾Join us for a screening of 'Path of the Panther' and a panel discussion focused on efforts to conserve land and help create wildlife corridors here in Sarasota County. Seats are limited! Learn more and purchase your ticket at tiny.cc/ufsaraext_pathofpanther. 🐾

#ufsarasotaext, #ufsarasotaext_econr

meme image showing a squirrel standing on its back legs with front legs raised upward, with caption "helloooooooo, spring!!!"

Yep, it's that time of year again. New beginnings. New growth. And new opportunities to "jump" into our classes, workshops and other events -- most of which are FREE! Drop in via ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com.

@ufifas-irrec.bsky.social @ufifas-cheri.bsky.social
#spring, #celebrate, #ufsarasotaext