In The Field magazine Hillsborough edition

Cover Photo by Karen Berry

Letter from the Editor

Boy, have we had some rain. I am, “I now have a rain gauge in my yard” years old and while sometimes I get less than people on the other side of town, I often get more. Just last night I had almost 3 inches of rain in about an hour. My house is high and dry and there is typically no standing water. But I have had the occasional small lake stick around for a bit in recent days. I really feel for those of you who live in or have livestock in lower lands that flood, as well as the strawberry growers trying to get land prepared for the next crop of deliciousness.

And, while we’ve had a crazy amount of rain, there are still watering restrictions in place. Why? Because Florida doesn’t seem to do anything in moderation. It’s flooding or bone dry. So, even though we are up to our eyeballs in water at the moment, the dry season is just around the corner.

We hope you check out our advertisers in each issue. They allow us to continue covering what is growing, as we have for the past 20 years. Let them know you saw their ad in In The Field magazine. Also, check labels to ensure your food is Fresh From Florida. Be an informed consumer so we can continue to have the safest, most abundant food supply in the world.

Until Next Month

Sarah Holt

Publisher/Photography

Karen Berry

Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher

Sarah Holt Sales

Karen Berry

Sarah Holt

De De Floyd

Melissa Nichols

Creative Director/Illustrator

Juan Alvarez

Photography

Karen Berry

Staff Writers

Al Berry

Sandy Kaster

James Frankowiak

Sean Green

Autum Miller

Contributing Writers

Wade Osborne

John Dicks

Tiffany Dale

Social Media

Victoria Saunders

In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association.

Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909

Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc.

Greetings,

BACK TO WORK

-Dennis Carlton Jr. - President

Summer is over, school is back in session and we are gearing up for a busy fall. This is the month of our annual membership meeting followed by the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in October. This is also the time of year that marks the beginning of our annual strawberry season. My best to my fellow growers and hope that we have a productive and profitable 2024-2025 season.

I am proud that nearly 3,700 families are members of Farm Bureau here in Hillsborough County, many actively involved in our activities such as our annual meeting and the upcoming Ag-Venture field trips, which is slated for October 1-11 at the Florida State Fairgrounds for students here in Hillsborough County. Ag-Venture is a learning experience designed to teach students about agriculture and the importance of where our food comes from, featuring a variety of group activities and hands-on stations. We take pride in agriculture’s sustainability story, and we believe the future of agriculture is bright as we work together to further solutions and practices that protect our resources, farms and communities.

An important aspect of that overall effort is to be certain that we effectively plan for the future, and that emphasizes the need for us to nurture our future leaders and volunteers – today’s youth. We not only

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

want our children to carry on our efforts, but we also want to educate those young people who are not familiar with agriculture and its critical importance to all of us.

Let me close by thanking those members of our Board who are ending their terms and express my sincere welcome to new members and officers. Our effectiveness as the “Voice of Agriculture” relies heavily on the engagement of those individuals and our member volunteers who give selflessly throughout the year.

Lastly, if you are not a Farm Bureau member, please consider joining so that you can help us advocate and educate on behalf of agriculture with our diverse audiences. And, if you are a member, please consider volunteering.

Dennis Carlton, Jr.

Dennis Carlton

Jr.

Dennis Carlton Jr. - President

Board of Directors

Dennis Carlton Jr, Casey Runkles, Madison A. Salter, Clay Joyner, Carl Bauman, Brittany Coleman, Travis Council, Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Drew Futch, Brian Shoop and Michelle Williamson

FLORIDA GRASSHOPPER SPARROW

By Libby Hopkins

The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, or the Ammodramus Savannarum Floridanus as it’s known by its scientific name, is an endangered subspecies of grasshopper sparrow native to the dry prairies of South-Central Florida.

One of four subspecies of Grasshopper Sparrows in North America, the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow does not migrate, living here year-round (endemic). Perhaps the most endangered bird in the continental U.S., few people have seen or even heard it.

The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow is a small sparrow with a short tail and rounded head, averaging 13 cm in total length when fully grown. Like most grasshopper sparrows, their wings are brown, white, and grey in color, with patches of yellow on the alula and supercilium.

Adult sparrows have white undersides with a buff throat and breast, while juveniles have streaked breasts. The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow has a longer bill and tarsi than other subspecies and lacks reddish streaks on its nape.

The song of the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow sounds much like that of a grasshopper, from which it gets its name. Males only sing a few hours a day during the breeding season, and they often perch on twigs or dead palmetto leaves to sing when available. Singing most frequently occurs during the early morning and early evening hours, around sunrise and sunset.

Though some migratory grasshopper sparrows are distributed throughout parts of both North and South America, the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow is a non-migratory species and is thus limited in distribution to the prairie region of South-Central Florida. Counties in Florida where this species has been sighted include Glades, Highlands, Polk, Okeechobee and Osceola counties.

Habitat requirements for the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow are quite spe-

cific. Recommended habitat consists of large tracts of poorly drained grasslands with a frequent history of fire and a limited number of trees (less than one tree per acre). Common plant species found in this habitat include bluestem and wiregrass, with occasional saw palmettos as well. As grasshopper sparrows are largely a grounddwelling species, some bare ground is necessary as well to provide areas for movement and foraging purposes.

Florida Grasshopper Sparrows are the only subspecies of grasshopper sparrow known to breed in the state of Florida. They are known to nest between April and August on the ground at the base of a small shrub or clump of grass.

Their nests are often constructed of available plant matter nearby, which mainly consists of the leaves of bluestem and wiregrass. Females are known to lay between three and five eggs and the young fledge about 10 days after hatching. Nest success rates are often quite low, with one study observing success rates of between 1033 percent at multiple sites. Only three locations in Florida are now known to definitively support wild populations of the sparrow, and populations are declining in all three.

Florida Grasshopper Sparrows are omnivores, with most of their diet consisting of insects, such as grasshoppers, crickets, beetles and moths. Most of the vegetation in the sparrow’s diet is made up of sedge seeds and star grass seeds. Florida Grasshopper Sparrows forage near the ground, and thus, frequent fires are essential to maintain areas of bare ground for foraging.

Until large scale surveys were undertaken in the 1980s to determine the abundance and distribution of the subspecies, the number of Florida Grasshopper Sparrows present in the wild was largely unknown. Following these surveys, it was determined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow be listed on the Endangered Species List. Subse-

quent surveys performed in the 1990s estimated fewer than 500 adult Florida grasshopper sparrows and recent work estimates that, under present habitat conditions, there is a 22 percent chance of extinction of the species within the next 50 years. The survival of the subspecies is highly dependent upon habitat availability, with another model correlating a loss of habitat to a 66 percent chance of extinction. Based on population trends, the species was predicted to possibly become extinct in the wild as soon as 2018–2019. However, recent conservation efforts prevented this from occurring.

The good news is that in 2014, a captive breeding program was initiated from scratch. No one had ever bred Florida Grasshopper Sparrows. After many hurdles and lessons learned, by 2019, breeding techniques had become so successful that the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow team released more than 100 sparrows into Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area. About 50 more were released in the spring of 2020 and to everyone’s joy, not only did many of the released birds survive but they also successfully nested in 2020, adding to the wild population.

The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Working Group is composed of managers of properties the sparrows occupy, researchers, federal and state wildlife agencies, and Audubon. The group’s short-term emphasis: manage the sparrows’ habitat to the best standard possible. The essential longer-term need is to maintain an intensive research effort examining threats like disease, genetics and fire ants, as well as nest success and population change. This effort is being funded principally by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, FWC and others are funding several captive breeding efforts, and other partners, including Audubon, are contributing funds and manpower to cooperative efforts.

GLEANING PARTNERS NEEDED!

By Jim Frankowiak

The impact of the Covid pandemic was widespread; deeply affecting some, while others were barely touched. In the case of the Patterson family, husband and father Billy (BJ) suffered from three strokes, and “it is only by the Grace of God is he still with us and able to continue to work,” said his spouse, Christa. BJ and Christa are proud parents of Macie and Walker.

“He realized tomorrow is not promised and he needed to be more accessible to his family,” she added. “So, we stepped out on faith and opened Send It Fabrication, a company that enables us to handle any commercial or residential steel work such as handrails, mower decks, and equipment repair, to small structural construction. We can also install metal buildings and barns.”

The path leading to the opening of Patterson’s company is noted in their advertising via bible verse 1Peter 5:10, which states: “May the God of all Grace, who called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, Perfect, Establish, Strengthen and Settle you.”

“Through the trial and suffering we went through with BJ’s health we leaned on our faith to get through it all,” said Christa. “Out of the struggle came the strength to open Send It Fabrication. All the Glory goes to God.”

“The joy of owning our own business is, we can work on anything we can think we can do,” said Christa. “If someone has an idea for a livestock trailer or hunting stand, we can help them bring it to life. Give us your ideas and we will design and build it in-house.” Send It Fabrication is based in Mulberry and serves Central Florida. “We are able to ship any steel to our customers and install, as well as onsite repairs for equipment and structures,” said BJ, who brings more than 30 years of experience in the steel industry to the Patterson’s new company. “I started work with my father, Billy Patterson, and Jay Strickland at B & J Steel when I was 16,” said BJ. “I became a foreman/lead 10 years later, installing metal buildings throughout Central Florida. In 2012, I began my career in the structural steel industry and became a Steel Plant Superintendent, in charge of building structures such as bridges, hospitals, schools, hotels, stadiums and theme parks.”

“It is a running joke in our family that when we drive by something we know he built, we have to acknowledge it, every time,” said Christa. “Honestly, it is more than a joke; it’s a sense of pride to know that he had a part in so many projects that are an important part of so many people’s lives.”

“We are so excited to be able to serve and give back to our community,” said the Patterson’s. “We are members at Welcome Baptist Church and serve in the youth program. As a family, we enjoy time out on the water fishing and in the woods hunting. We spend most of our weekends at the softball and football fields, cheering on our kids as they make memories. They are also involved in both FFA and 4-H where they show their animals at local fairs. We enjoy spending our time together as a family during these important times of our children’s lives,” they said.

If you have an idea for a project, or need help with a structure or repair, contact Send It Fabrication by calling 813763-5722. You can also find out more by visiting Facebook under Send It Fabrication.

FDA Issues Revised Ag Water Rule

By Jim Frankowiak

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a final rule that revises pre-harvest agricultural water provisions in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. The rule replaces the previous microbial quality criteria and testing requirements with systems-based, pre-harvest agricultural water assessments.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is committed to providing support for farms that may be affected by this rule change and offers fruit and vegetable producers safety training opportunities provided in partnership with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF-IFAS). Farms that have already received this training may benefit from taking a refresher course to better understand the new rule requirements.

Under the revised rule, covered farms using preharvest water for covered produce must conduct annual agricultural water assessments and assess factors such as water source, distribution system, protection from contamination sources, application methods, time interval between water application and harvest, crop characteristics, environmental conditions and other relevant factors.

Based on the assessments, farmers must determine if corrective or nitigation measures are necessary to minimize contamination risks. Prompt action is required for hazards related to animal activity, biological soil amendments of animal origin or untreated/improperly treated human waste.

The final rule also requires supervisory review of the written assessment and determination made. Covered farms may be exempt from the assessments if they meet specific requirements for their pre-harvest agricultural water.

Compliance dates for the pre-harvest agricultural water provisions are as follows:

• Large farms – 8 months after the April 7, 2025 effective date

• Small farms – 1 year and 9 months after the April 6, 2026 effective date

• Very small farms – 2 years and 9 months after the April 5, 2027 effective date

For information on the new rule, readiness reviews and other related topics, visit www.FDACS.gov/ FSMA.

It’s a Grass Flats Bonanza!

It’s been a long hot summer, but relief is just around the corner. The days are getting shorter and soon the water temperatures will be dropping back into the 70’s. Once the water cools, the redfish and snook fishing will heat up.

Mid-to-late September, and especially October, ushers in some of the best redfish action Tampa Bay has to offer. The redfish spawning season really amps up mid-to-late fall. I’ve had clients catch 40” redfish numerous times during October. As a matter of fact, my best redfish outing ever happened during the month of October. In one particular instance, during a five-hour charter, three clients managed to land 96 redfish. You can read about redfish in more detail on my websites about redfish page.

a bait out to increase your chances at a hookup. Continuous chumming helps keep the bite going allowing you to catch numerous snook before moving on to the next spot.

As for seatrout, there’s no shortage in Tampa Bay. They seem to be just about everywhere there’s bait. Seatrout fishing is best on a moving tide, so check a tide chart in your fishing location and plan accordingly. Most of the time when fishing grass flats it’s best to use a bobber to keep your bait out of the grass where the fish can see it. Once a fish takes the bobber under, wait two to three seconds before setting the hook.

There are a couple of methods for targeting seatrout. You can drift the flats and let the wind and tide take you along, or you can anchor your boat. If you’re using artificial lures, it’s obviously best to drift. If you’re using live bait, I’ve found it’s best to anchor and fish an area before moving slightly down the flat. While anchored I chum with live bait which floats down tide and draws fish to the boat. Doing so not only attracts seatrout, but on some grass flats ladyfish, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel and the occasional shark and cobia.

When pursuing redfish, I always keep an eye out for mullet. The Tampa Bay mullet run is at its peak right now and tapers off by December, so mullet are everywhere. This in conjunction with the annual redfish spawn which makes for a winning combination. Redfish like to travel with mullet, and here’s why. Mullet travel in schools and feed on seagrasses, micro crustaceans, and microalgae. As they forage across the grass flats, they flush out baitfish and crustaceans from their hiding places. Redfish trail along so they can scoop up what the mullet don’t eat.

These shorter days and lower water temperatures make for excellent snook fishing and will remain so until the season closure on December 1. I can also honestly say, I have never seen as much bait in Tampa Bay as there is right now. Bait is literally on every grass flat. This has snook in a feeding frenzy.

Snook can be found adjacent to most mangrove points and mangroves that line deep water channels. As always, do some live bait chumming before casting

The Spanish mackerel fishing is still going strong, and they are big, some reaching four to five pounds. You can find them feeding around the bay area bridges, over submerged rock piles, spoil islands adjacent to channels, artificial reefs and on some of the bays deep-water grass flats.

Typically, there are about two more solid months of excellent fishing on the grass flats throughout Tampa Bay until the cool fronts start. Once three or four cold fronts move through the area, the water temperature drops below 70 degrees and the bait leaves the flats. When this hap-

26-Year Veteran Fishing Guide, Captain Wade Osborne.

Capt. Wade Osborne

pens it’s a whole different ball game. That’s a ways off, until then enjoy!

In closing: I usually don’t mix politics and fishing, but this November amendment 2, the right to fish and hunt, is on the ballot. Even though it’s already a Florida statute, statutes can be changed or eliminated by the legislature without any vote from “We the People.” Voting yes on amendment 2, makes the right to fish and hunt a Florida constitutional right which is stronger than a statute. However, to be enacted the amendment has to be approved by greater than 60% of the electorate.

Don’t let anti-fishing and anti-hunting organizations potentially stand in your way of enjoying the great outdoors in the future, vote yes on amendment 2.

Afishionado, “Adventures in Fishing.”

Tampa Bay fishing guide Wade Osborne of “Afishionado Guide Services” has been plying the waters of Tampa Bay as a professional full-time captain, since 1997. Osborne has been featured on numerous TV and radio shows and writes for multiple publications. Osborne offers inshore fishing charters on light tackle spin, fly or plug. He also offers eco-tours with an emphasis on photography. For more info visit Afishionado.com or find Afishionado Guide Services on Facebook and Instagram. Email: wade@afishionado.com Call/Text 813-286-3474

September 28, 2024 Live Music. Biergarten. Weingarten. Lebensmittelgarten. Main Street Kids Zone. Exhibitors. Stein Holding Competition. Axe Throwing. Costume Contest. Rides, Games, and More Holding Axe Throwing. Rides, Games, and 3pm - 10pm 100 N. Collins Street Plant City, Florida rd Annual 3

Auto Services

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The glabella is the space between your eyebrows

In 1927 Morris Frank became the recipient of the first U.S. dog guide, a German Shepherd named “Buddy.”

The term “couch potato” is the legal property of Robert Armstrong, who trademarked it in 1976.

Willie Mosconi, “Mr. Pocket Billiards,” played against professionals at the age of six.

You can use potato chips to start a fire.

The human tooth has approximately 50 miles of canals in it.

Smokey Bear has his own zip code – 20252.

Ants do not sleep.

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

Some things I don’t understand

The other day while in the local pharmacy to pick up a prescription, I passed by the area where they sold thermometers. There was one rectal thermometer that caught my eye. In bold print it stated, “Pre-Tested, 99% Accurate.” Now tell me, who in their right mind would buy a pre-tested rectal thermometer? Or better yet, who would take the job to pre-test them?

I was always taught that customer service is first and foremost to make a business successful. If that’s the case then a number of Plant City food chains need to shape up. The other day I stopped in for a bowl of chili and a drink. It was raining and I had to park far from the entrance, as all the parking spaces close to the door were full. When I got inside I noticed I was the only customer in the store. I asked the young lady taking my order whose cars were parked at the entrance. She replied cheerfully, “Oh, those belong to our employees.”

A few days later I had an interesting experience buying some food at a popular fast-food chain. The total came to $10.15. Not wanting a lot of change I gave the cashier a twenty-dollar bill, and a quarter. She looked at the money. Then the cash register, scratched her head, and gave me back a dime. I called her attention to the fact that I had given her a $20.00 bill. She smiled and said, “Sir do you think I owe you more”?

Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the September 2019 issue

“Yes,” I said. “According to your cash register you owe me $10.10.”

I took my change, and moved over to pickup my order and the man in back of me just rolled his eyes and shook his head, and said, “I’ve seen it all now!”

Life goes on and I still wonder why we say “after dark” when it really is “after light.” Why is the third hand on a watch called the second hand? Why do we wash bath towels? Aren’t we clean when we use them? Why do they call it a TV set when you only have one? Why is it called a “building” when it is already built? And why do they advertise toilet paper? Everybody uses it!

I stopped in for the Plant City Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours” at Tim Lopez’s Southside Farm Supply. They really have a lot to offer, and Tim is as happy as if he just caught his limit of speckle perch at Lake Thonotosassa. Tim said, “Al, I ran across something for your Rock’n Chair Chatter.”

I love it when my readers offer suggestions, so I said, “Tell me about it, Tim.”

Here is his story: A psychiatrist visited a Georgia mental institution and asked a patient, “Tell me sir, how did you get here? What is your problem?”

The old fella replied, “Well, it all started when I got married and I guess I should never had done it. I married a widow with a grown daughter who then became my stepdaughter. My dad came to visit us, fell in love with my lovely stepdaughter, and then married her. And so my stepdaughter was now my stepmother. Soon, my wife had a son who was, of course, my daddy’s brother-in-law since he is the half-brother of my stepdaughter, who is now, of course, my daddy’s wife.

So, as I told you, when my stepdaughter married my daddy, she was at once my stepmother! Now, since my new son is brother to my stepmother, he also became my uncle. As you know, my wife is my step-grandmother since she is my stepmother’s mother. Don’t forget that my stepmother is my stepdaughter. Remember, too, that I am my wife’s grandson.”

“Wait just a minute,” he said, “You see, since I’m married to my step-grandmother, I am not only the wife’s grandson and her hubby, but I am also my own grandfather. Now sir, can you understand how I got put in this place?”

Tim told me buying Southside Farm & Pet Supply was the best thing his family has ever done. He said in his construction work he never meets as many people as he does at the store. Those farmers and ranchers always have a tall tale to tell. He recalled a farmer from Turkey Creek that came in the store and shared the story of a talking horse. As he tells it a jogger was running down Mud Lake road and was startled when a horse yells at him, “Hey buddy, come over to the fence, I want to talk with you.” Some what stunned the runner jogs over to the fence and says, “Were you talking to me?” The horse replies, “Yes I was, and man I have a problem. I won the Kentucky Derby a few years ago and this farmer bought me, and now all I do is watch joggers like you run up and down Mud Lake road. I am sick and tired of this daily routine. Why don’t you run up to the house and offer him $4000 to buy me? I promise you I can make you some money because I can still run.”

The jogger thought to himself, ‘Good grief, a talking horse.’ Dollar signs started appearing in his head. He jogs over to the house and the old farmer is sitting on he porch. He tells the farmer, “If you’re interested in selling that old nag over by the road, I’ll give you $4000 cash for her.”

“Son, I go through this every day with that old horse. You can’t believe anything the horse says. She has never ever been to Kentucky.”

In closing, remember that the proper use of toiletries can forestall bathing for several days. However, if you live alone, deodorant is a waste of good money.

UF SCIENTISTS USE AI ALGORITHM TO IMPROVE STRAWBERRY DISEASE DETECTION

By Brad Buck

Florida’s strawberry season doesn’t return until December. But University of Florida scientists work year-round to support an industry with a $500 million-a-year farm-gate value in Florida. Among their research endeavors, UF/IFAS scientists search for ways to help growers control diseases that can damage strawberries.

Most of Florida’s 13,500 acres of strawberries grow in Hillsborough, Polk and Manatee counties. For over a decade, Florida farmers have used the UF/IFAS-designed Strawberry Advisory System (SAS) to tell them when to spray fungicides to prevent plant diseases.

SAS works with data generated by Florida Automated Weather Network stations near farms – in this case, near strawberry fields. SAS uses leaf wetness duration to help growers estimate the risk of their fruit getting infected with a fungal disease.

In newly published research, Won Suk “Daniel” Lee, a professor of agricultural and biological engineering and Natalia Peres, a professor of plant pathology, show how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve leaf wetness detection.

The AI system that uses an algorithm to detect leaf wetness on strawberries. Leaf wetness is an indication of fungal diseases. Courtesy, Daniel Lee, UF/IFAS

Continuous moisture and temperatures higher than 65 degrees, combined, give growers a sign that damaging diseases such as botrytis and anthracnose are imminent.

Lee and Peres conducted the research at the Plant Science Research and Education Center in Citra, the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, and at farms in Dover and Plant City.

A system developed by the researchers took photos of a reference plate, which detects water more directly than the method currently used in SAS.

Scientists trained the algorithm to use the images and detect wetness. They found that AI technology improves the accuracy of wetness detection.

Nearly 96% of the time, the algorithm found moisture on the reference plate in comparison with manual observations, and a nearly 84% accuracy rate was observed when comparing with the current sensors and models in SAS.

“Ultimately, we want to replace the current wetness sensors with an imaging system because the current sensors are difficult to calibrate and not always reliable,” said Lee, corresponding author of the study. “Using the AI system, we can detect wetness and consequently forecast the disease better, so we can help growers. The implementation of this advanced detection system within SAS may improve decisions about fungicide applications and may facilitate the implementation of leaf wetness detection for disease forecasting to other crop systems.”

ABOUT UF/IFAS

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) 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 brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.

HILLSBOROUGH, PASCO AND PINELLAS COUNTIES REMAIN ON ONCE-PER-WEEK WATERING RESTRICTIONS

By Jim Frankowiak

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board has extended one-day-per-week watering restrictions for Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties until Dec. 31 due to ongoing efforts to refill the regional reservoir.

The District also approved a request from Tampa Bay Water to modify their existing emergency order for the Alafia River to help refill the reservoir. The modified order will temporarily increase the maximum day withdrawal limit from 60 million gallons per day to 75 million gallons per day when additional flow is available above the river’s minimum flow. The order has been extended to March 31, 2025. Once-per-week lawn watering days and times are as follows unless your city or county has a different schedule or stricter hours in effect:

• If your address (house number) ends in... ...0 or 1, water only on Monday ...2 or 3, water only on Tuesday ...4 or 5, water only on Wednesday ...6 or 7, water only on Thursday ...8 or 9*, water only on Friday * and locations without a discernible address

• Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, properties under two acres in size may only water before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

• Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, properties two acres or larger may only water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

• Low-volume watering of plants and shrubs (microirrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) is allowed any day and any time.

The order also requires local utilities to review and implement procedures for enforcing water shortage restrictions, including reporting enforcement activity to the District.

The District’s Year-Round Water Conservation Measures, or twice-per-week watering, focuses on allowable irrigation practices, including lawn and landscape watering that are in place when there is no drought or other declared water shortage. The District recommends practices to reduce wasteful irrigation habits and to help condition lawns for drought survival.

For additional information, visit the District’s website WaterMatters.org/Restrictions. For water conserving tips, visit WaterMatters.org/Water101.

NEWS BRIEFS

Compiled by Jim Frankowiak

EPA issues emergency order against DCPA pesticide use

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency order suspending all use of dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), a pesticide also known as Dacthal. Under the order, DCPA may not be sold, distributed or used in any manner. Consumers with current stocks of the product cannot use it.

DCPA exposure in pregnant women can cause thyroid level changes in their unborn babies, according to the EPA. These changes are linked to low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ and impaired motor skills later in life.

Water Restrictions

Hillsborough County residents are reminded that they are under a Phase 1 Water Shortage Order issued by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) because of prolonged drought conditions. Under the order, residents can only water their lawns one day a week and this restriction applies to all water users in the county.

Hillsborough County Fair Announces Events; Advance Ticket Sales

The 2024 Hillsborough County Fair is set for October 31 – November 11 and advance sale tickets are now available. This year’s Fair includes a variety of events, including: National All Region Rodeo Finals, County Fair Truck and Tractor Pull, Demo Derby and Midget Warrior Wrestling – all in addition to the Fair’s traditional exhibits and competitions.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com.

UF Ranked #6 among U.S. Ag Science Colleges

The University of Florida, College of Agriculture and Life Sci ences (UF/CALS) is ranked 6th nationally among higher edu cation institutions. This is according to Niche, a Pittsburghbased data science company that serves as a review and search platform for education, that recently released its updated statistics.

Governor Reappoints Michelle Williamson to SWFWMD Governing Board

Governor Ron DeSantis has reappointed Michelle Williamson to the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board. Williamson represents Hillsborough County.

Williamson, of Dover, was appointed to the Governing Board in December 2020. She previously served on the Board from August 2016 to August 2020. Williamson is the manager of G & F Farms. She received her associate degree from Hillsborough Community College. Williamson is reappointed to a four-year term ending March 1, 2028. Williamson serves as chair of the Governing Board. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Governing Board members are unpaid, citizen volunteers who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate. The Governing Board sets policy for the District, whose mission is to manage the water and related resources of west central Florida to meet the needs of current and future water users while protecting the environment.

Shift in Florida’s lizard population could influence spread of mosquito-borne diseases, UF/IFAS scientists probing impacts

by Lourdes Mederos

By Lourdes Mederos

The brown anole, a nonnative lizard and common sight in Florida, has long served as an important host for disease-carrying mosquitoes. However,  its population in South Florida may be declining, apparently displaced by the more recent arrival and spread of the Peters’s rock agama, an aggressive and large nonnative lizard.

“This battle over Florida territory by two lizard species may seem minor, given the myriad of problems that Florida faces from other invaders such as Burmese pythons,” said Nathan Burkett-Cadena, associate professor at the UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory (FMEL). “However, this reptile rumpus could have implications for public health.”

A team of University of Florida scientists is looking to unveil those implications in a one-year study, while focusing on how these reptiles are influencing the spread of diseases like West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis and Eastern equine encephalitis.

The study, “Invasive lizard-mediated risk of mosquitoborne pathogen transmission,” is one of seven projects funded by a $350,000 grant from UF’s Invasion Science Research Institute. The team is addressing critical ecological issues in the state caused by the spread of the Peters’s rock agama.

“It’s possible that brown anole lizards have been unwittingly and unintentionally protecting us from West Nile virus and some other mosquito-transmitted diseases,” said Burkett-Cadena, principal investigator of the study. “Any time a mosquito bites a lizard, it doesn’t bite a bird or a human. This could result in fewer cases of mosquitoborne disease, because birds are natural hosts of some dangerous mosquito-transmitted viruses.”

The Peters’s rock agama may be changing all that by reducing the numbers of brown anole lizards that are available for mosquitoes to bite, and mosquitoes don’t bite the rock agama because they sleep in crevices where the mosquitoes can’t or don’t go, said Burkett-Cadena.

Together with co-principal scientists Melissa Miller, a research assistant scientist in invasion ecology at the UF/ IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, and Lawrence Reeves, an assistant professor of entomology at FMEL, they will look at how invasive lizards, like the Peters’s rock agama, affect which animals mosquitoes bite and how this influences the spread of diseases in Florida.

Here is a brief overview from the team on what they will be focusing on during the research.

brown anole. Courtesy Nathan Burkett-Cadena

Peters’s rock agama. Courtesy Nathan Burkett-Cadena

This mosquito, Culex nigripalpus, is a targeted species in the study. As a mosquito of public health concern, it is responsible for transmitting the St. Louis encephalitis virus throughout the southern half of Florida. They are also reportedly involved in the transmission of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus from Titusville north to Jacksonville and west to Pensacola. Courtesy Nathan Burkett-Cadena

Q: What is the most important outcome you hope to learn from the study?

A: (Burkett-Cadena) We hope to show that invasive species have a lot of indirect consequences that are difficult to imagine before they establish. This will hopefully highlight the importance of programs that manage invasive species.

Q: Why is Florida particularly vulnerable to nonnative reptiles, and how many of these species are established in the state?

A: (Miller) Florida is a hot spot of biological invasions, particularly for reptiles, primarily due to its warm climate, major ports of entry, a thriving reptile trade and destructive storms that can facilitate escapes. At least 54 species of nonnative reptiles are established and breeding in Florida.

Q: What role does Peters’s rock agama play in this ecosystem?

A: (Miller) Since its introduction, Peters’s rock agama has spread to at least 20 counties in Florida. Agamas impact our native wildlife directly through predation and competition. However, less conspicuous impacts, such as the potential for agamas to alter disease transmission, are less understood and warrant further investigation.

Q: Why is it important to study the indirect impacts of invasive species on mosquito-borne parasites and pathogens?

mosquitoes, Culex erraticus shown biting, is a species targeted for this study. It is of public health concern for its potential to transmit mosquito-borne diseases to humans. Photo courtesy Nathan Burkett-Cadena

A: (Reeves) When nonnative or invasive species move, they have diverse impacts on the ecosystems they invade. Some of these are direct, like the Burmese pythons in southern Florida eating mammals and other vertebrates. Others are indirect effects, like Burmese pythons eating racoons that would normally eat turtle eggs, leading to more turtles hatching. These impacts extend to the transmission of mosquito-borne parasites and pathogens. Transmission of many of these are influenced by the diversity and abundance of the available animals.

As a result, the introduction of new animal species into a system can directly or indirectly change how and how much these pathogens are transmitted. Studying the indirect impacts of invasive species on mosquito-borne parasites and pathogens allows our understanding of transmission and risk to humans to be up to date, helping us better address issues in mosquito-borne disease.

Q: What are the main objectives of your research on Peters’s rock agama?

A: (Reeves) We are investigating how the presence or absence of these lizards affects the types of animals that are bitten by mosquitoes and how those impacts influence the transmission of avian malaria. It has a similar transmission cycle to West Nile virus, the most widespread mosquito-spread pathogen affecting people in Florida.

Q: What are the potential implications of your research for wildlife management and public health in Florida?

A: (Burkett-Cadena) Wildlife managers can prioritize their budgets and personnel to manage invaders that have consequences for human health.

By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu

ABOUT UF/IFAS

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) 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 brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS

ABOUT ISRI

The mission of the University of Florida Invasion Science Research Institute (UF/ISRI) is to facilitate interdisciplinary research that advances our understanding of the causes and consequences of invasive species; generates innovative approaches to reduce invasions and their impacts on natural, agricultural, and urban systems; and train the next generation of invasion scientists. UF/ISRI has over 190 affiliates and collaborators with a variety of backgrounds and expertise.

FLORIDA ENDIVE

By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science

Ever wonder what those fancy leafy greens are in your salad? Spring mix or salad mix often contains a variety of greens and this is a great way to get a variety of vitamins and minerals. Endive (Cichorium endivia) is one of those leafy greens that adds taste and texture to a salad. Some types of endive have broad, wider leaves and are called escarole. Other types have more narrow, ruffled leaves and are known as frisee or curly endive. Belgian endive has very light green, broad leaves.

Escarole is milder and less bitter than its relatives frisee and radicchio. The inner leaves are sweeter and more tender than the outer leaves. The flavor also mellows more when cooked. Curly endive has a unique, mildly bitter and nutty, bright flavor. The leaves are serrated and twisted, a dark green color at the base that fades to a lighter cream color near the core. It adds visual appeal, crunch, and flavor to any dish. Technically, frisee is not actually a lettuce, but rather a member of the chicory family, along with endive.

Fresh Florida endive grows best in cooler weather and planting can start as early as September in some parts of the state.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE

Fresh Florida endive is very low in calories and high in nutrients, particularly folic acid, and vitamins A, C, and K. Its high fiber content helps reduce glucose and cholesterol levels, and aids in promoting satiety with very few calories. The darker colored leaves contain more nutrients than the lighter colored ones.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, a two-cup serving of fresh raw endive (100 g) contains 16 calories, 1.2 g protein, 0.4 g fat, 3 g carbohydrate, and 2.5 g of dietary fiber. One serving of endive also provides 193% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for vitamin K, 72% for vitamin A, 36% for folate, 18% for manganese, 7% for vitamin C and potassium, and plenty of iron, zinc, copper, and many of the B vitamins. That’s an amazing amount of concentrated nutrients in only one serving and a great way to get filled up on fewer calories!

Antioxidants

Fresh Florida endive is full of antioxidants in many forms, including flavonoids and carotenoids. These compounds help provide anti-inflammatory effects, which is beneficial in warding off many major diseases. Other antioxidant nutrients high in this leafy green vegetable include vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and manganese, zinc, and selenium.

These antioxidants are particularly beneficial in protecting blood vessels from oxidative stress, which results in atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. Several of the carotenoids are especially important for good eye health, offering protection to the retina and macula.

Vitamin K

Fresh Florida endive is bursting with vitamin K. A two-cup serving of fresh frisee provides almost 200% of your daily needs for this vitamin! Vitamin K is an essential component for clotting of blood in the body. This vitamin also helps maintain bone health by transporting calcium and metabolizes the mineral into your skeleton. Several research studies have found that vitamin K boosts bone mineral density and reduces fracture rates in people with osteoporosis. As a result, the Institute of Medicine increased its daily recommendation of vitamin K. Endive, spinach, and other leafy greens are very rich sources of vitamin K, and contain other bone boosting nutrients such as calcium and magnesium.

Manganese

Fresh endive is considered a great source of manganese, an important mineral that plays a role in a variety of physiological functions throughout the body. Manganese is needed for glucose, protein, lipid, and cholesterol metabolism from the foods we consume, as well as for pancreatic function and development. The mineral is important in normal skeletal growth and development, prevention of sterility, and synthesis of thyroid hormone.

How to Select and Store

Choose endive that has crisp leaves with no signs of wilting or yellowing. The leaves and stems should look fresh and tender, and be dry to the touch. To store, pat leaves dry with a paper towel, place in a tightly wrapped plastic bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. Keep refrigerated for up to two weeks. Rinse well under running water immediately before use.

How to Enjoy

Fresh endive is most commonly eaten raw in salad either by itself or mixed with other greens. It can also be sautéed, braised, steamed or chopped and added to vegetable or bean soups. Its slightly bitter flavor goes well with fruit, citrus, bacon, and blue cheeses. When sautéed, its flavor becomes more mellow. Although endive is best known for its starring role in salad, there are many other ways to enjoy this nutritious leafy vegetable, including:

• Sautee lightly with olive oil and herbs

• Grill and top with salad dressing

• Toss into a stew or soup

• Use as a sandwich topper

• Use leaves as an edible garnish under fish or chicken

Enjoy fresh Florida endive today. Eat more of these leafy greens and reap all of the health benefits they offer in every delicious leaf.

SELECTED REFERENCES

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.whfoods.com

UP TO $500K IN ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS IMPACTED BY HURRICANE DEBBY

By Jim Frankowiak

Farmers, ranchers and growers in the Sunshine State impacted by Hurricane Debby can apply for low-interest or no-interest loans to help pay for damage sustained by Hurricane Debby as the system moved through the Florida peninsula.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is helping to organize the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Program. The program offers loans to eligible producers to repair or replace properties that were damaged from winds and rains caused by Debby.

That financial relief could include fences, equipment, greenhouses and other buildings, along with removal of vegetative debris.

Agriculture and aquaculture business owners can help the application process by taking photos of property that was damaged by the storm and submit those when they file for financial relief.

The Florida disaster loan program includes low-interest or interestfree loans up to $500,000 for eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers that have experienced damage or destruction from Hurricane Debby. Loans can be used to restore, repair or replace essential physical property, including fences, equipment, greenhouses and other buildings, or to remove vegetative debris.

Interested producer can learn more or apply at: https://www.fdacs. gov/Agriculture-industry/Agriculture-producers-national-disasterrecovery-loan-program.

AFRICAN VIOLETS – MY FAVORITE WORK AND HOUSEPLANTS

Lynn Barber, Extension Agent, University of Florida/Hillsborough County Extension

Growing up, my mother grew African Violets on a tv tray in her room. We were more into climbing trees, playing baseball and splashing in the creek. It’s interesting how things come around. There are 12 African violets, 11 in bloom, on two towel racks, now plant stands, in my office.

You, too, can be successful in growing these adorable plants by following the tips below, which include light, temperature, soil, water, fertilizer, propagation and pest management.

Direct sunlight is damaging to this plant which thrives in bright light within three feet of a southeast or southwest-facing window. The plant will let you know if the light level is appropriate. If it is too low, you will see thin, deep green leaves and the plant stretching for light. If the leaves are pale or greenish yellow, there is too much light. This situation slows growth and decreases flowering. African violets need eight to 12 hours of light and eight hours of darkness daily. Fluorescent lights and other artificial lights are options.

You can purchase African violet soil mixtures which contain peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. Drainage holes in plant containers are a must. Water should be at room temperature. You can water from the top of the container or bottom/saucer. Don’t leave water in the saucer. Note that overwatering is a significant issue.

Water-soluble African violet fertilizer is available in nurseries and big box stores. Follow the recommended application rate. If you overfertilize this plant, you will see a rusty appearance on the leaves.

Now, for the most fun part, this plant is easy to propagate. Select a firm leaf, cut or leaving the leaf stem intact. Trim the stem to 1 - 1 ½ inches. Use a pencil to make a hole in the soil mixture, then insert the stem knot in the hole. It generally takes three to four weeks for the roots to form. New plant leaves appear in three to four weeks after rooting occurs. You can anticipate flowers in six to nine months thereafter.

To minimize pest management, remove faded flowers and unhealthy leaves. Provide adequate spacing so pests, like mealybugs and cyclamen mites, are not able to infest the other African violets nearby. Purchasing and using sterilized soil is also important.

For additional information on African violets, including root diseases and petiole rot, go to https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ publication/MG028 and read the publication by Dr. Sydney Park Brown, University of Florida.

Let’s grow some lovely African Violets inside.

Contact: labarber@ufl.edu

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CONSERVATION DISTRICT UNDERGOING REJUVENATION TO BETTER MEET AGRICULTURE’S CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES, NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

BY Jim Frankowiak

The Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District is undergoing significant changes as it strives to meet its mission to support the agricultural base of Hillsborough County and adjoining areas with a focus on sound management and long-term sustainability of soil characteristics and water quality associated with rural, working lands.

Preferably referred to by its leadership as the “Conservation District,” the HSWCD is one of nearly 3,000 districts nationwide dedicated to wisely using soil and water resources and involved in efforts as varied as their conservation needs and the local citizenry they serve. The 1930’s Dust Bowl disaster prompted the U.S. Congress to declare soil and water conservation as a national policy and priority in 1935.

Conservation Districts serve as a liaison between federal government and local landowners to address conservation needs. Conservation districts are local units of government established under state law to carry out natural resource management programs at the local level. Districts work with cooperating landowners and operators to help them manage

and protect land and water resources on all private lands and many public lands in the United States.

There are currently Soil and Water Conservation Districts throughout Florida, all organized by local people for the purpose of promoting and encouraging the wise use, management and general conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources.

These districts were created to serve as local sponsors partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote sound management and conservation of soil and water resources on rural lands within local areas. That mission has expanded over time to address a wide range of natural resource values, including suburban and urban areas to achieve that mission. The Conservation District leverages its resources in partnership with a variety of governmental agencies, profit and non-profit entities, agricultural trade organizations and educational institutions. Some examples of district activities include: “Dollars for Dirt” (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Natural Resource Conser-

vation Service) programs to enhance soil and water characteristics on agriculture properties and educational and outreach programs.

The elected five-member, non-partisan board of supervisors, who volunteer their services, manages each soil and water conservation district. Candidates are elected in a general election to a 4-year term. Soil and Water Conservation Districts are non-taxing and are supported by maintaining relationships and partnership with organizations, government agencies, and receive voluntary contributions. The Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District was organized by local referendum in 1946.

Current Conservation District officers include: Ryan Gill, Chair, District 2, Robert “Myke” Morris, Treasurer, District 4 and Christopher “Bear” McCullough, District 1. The district’s Executive Director is Dr. Joe Walsh.

“A great deal has changed since the districts were formed nearly nine decades ago,” said Gill. “Our country’s population has increased from 123 million in the 1930s to more than 331 million, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. More recently, agriculture has faced many substantial challenges such as climate change, growing urbanization of rural lands and advances in technology.”

“After closely evaluating our activities as they relate to these diverse advances and challenges, we determined the need to update our activities, so we better support the sustainability of

agriculture,” said Gill. “Some might consider this a rebranding, which it is, but there’s more. We believe that we must better serve our farmers and ranchers so they can meet the changing challenges they face. This will be done through educational outreach, making them aware of advances in technology available to them, resources that can assist them and available financial resources.”

“To do this, we have to reach out to farmers and ranchers directly and through the associations that serve them and educational resources available to them,” said Gill. “There is a great deal of assistance that is available, but we have to foster the link between those resources and agriculture.”

“Population growth has and continues to increase the urbanization of rural lands,” he noted. “Sustainability of our agricultural lands is critical, and our producers must be aware and share in the governmental resources available to them, as well as expanded urban areas. That is part of our task, too,” said Gill.

“This is not to say that we have not been doing our job, but it emphasizes the need for us to continually monitor the dynamics that are in place and how they affect agriculture so that we can meet our mission within that changing environment,” said Gill.

For more information about the Conservation District, visit hillsboroughswcd.com or check the District’s FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/HillsboroughSWCD.

Gardening for the health of it!

Horticulture therapy has been documented since the 1700s noting improvements in physical and mental health. In the 1800s prison staff trained inmates to garden due to a lack of available food sources. During WWI and WWII, 40% of the produce in the United States was grown by war gardens.

Gardening is exercise, and it includes productive activities – both mental and physical. Nearly every part of society can participate in gardening – vegetable, flower, landscape and more. There are programs conducted in nursing homes, senior centers, schools, community gardens, hospitals, homeless shelters, penitentiaries and UF IFAS Extension offices throughout our state. Several restaurants have herb and vegetable rooftop gardens to grow their own produce.

According to Center for Disease Control (CDC) exercise can improve your overall health and decrease the risk of high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression, obesity and more. Are you, adults, involved in 2.5 hours of moderate to intensive activities each week? Are your children performing moderate to intensive activities for 60 minutes per day? Moderate to intensive activities are not as challenging as you may think. Consider gardening, walking, biking, dancing and cleaning your house (please, no!).

US IFAS Extension offices are involved in community and school gardens. In our west central Florida area, there are approximately 70 community gardens. To find one in your area, go to: https://coalitionofcommunitygardens.weebly.com/join-a-garden.html

Community gardens provide many benefits. They create a sense of community, education and teach skills that can be utilized in different opportunities. These gardens can help deter crime and illegal neighborhood activities. Community gardens are a great way to convert unproductive land into productive gardens.

School gardens provide excellent opportunities to teach youth about plants, seed identification, water requirements, teamwork and attracting pollinators. Knowing how and when to plant, water, prune and harvest are all important for success.

Have you experienced botanical gardens where you live? In our area, there are many: Fairchild, Leu., Selby, University of South Florida, many UF IFAS Extension offices and the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden at our office in Seffner. What a fun experience for adults and youth. Gardens are always an educational opportunity.

Gardening can relieve stress, decrease anger and physical pain. It works well to improve concentration, memory and coping skills. Digging in the dirt can increase

Lynn Barber, UF IFAS Extension Hillsborough County

Sage photo credit Jackie Rivas

your self-confidence and give some a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It’s still the #1 favorite exercise. We hope you will go outside and get your hands dirty. Gloves are not necessarily required!

References: Health benefits of gardening, Mia Wilchcombe

Horticulture Therapy, Eva C. Worden, Theodora M. Frohne and Jessica Sullivan

Horticulture Therapy: How can it make a difference in your everyday life? Patricia Porchey

Dr. S. Hollander and S. Kracov, Tampa Bay Times 2015

LIFE WITHOUT AN IPHONE

by John Dicks

Our perspective on things in life greatly depends on where we’re starting from. Are we coming, or are we going? Are we moving up, or fading back; going faster, or slowing down.

Take for example, the wonderful luxury of a car with power windows. If your first car had rollup windows (like mine did), the first time you experienced the ecstasy of sliding a doorwindow up and down by only touching a button seemed almost magical.

Things were just fine until you witnessed the power of that electric button; but now, there was no going back, at least if you could help it! Going forward is easy; going back is painful.

Such was the case with my recent 10 day ordeal of life without an iPhone!

Consider for a moment where we are with these technological marvels. Our “phones,” formerly referred to distinctly as “telephones” were single use items. We’d could call someone, provided that they likewise owned, or at least had access to a similar heavy, black, “stick your finger in a rotary dial” device attached to a cord running to the wall.

Life was simple. You could communicate just by making a telephone call.

Then, came the upgrades. Suddenly, we could make a connection just by pushing buttons rather than spinning a dial. Next came the absolute wonder of cordless, when we could unbelievably talk on the thing without being leashed to a wall.

Soon, we saw phones amazingly installed in cars, and people driving around town talking without even stopping in the process! It was all so amazing; and mind you, once we had it in our hands, we never would want to go backwards and do without.

Time, though, doesn’t stand still; and with technology, there was so much room to move forward.

In 2007, the late Steve Jobs, the genius behind Apple, marveled the world, and arguably changed it forever, when he introduced what he called the iPhone. Yes, it could make phone calls, but as you certainly know, it could do so, so very much more.

It’s moved us unimaginably ahead, and no doubt most of us never would want

to go back to a time without it. That would be going backward, and not forward, just like losing power windows would do.

Painful is what it would be; and certainly in my case, that’s exactly what it was.

A few weeks ago, I was hiking the beautiful North Cascades National Park when suddenly I got caught up in a short, but drenching rainstorm.

No problem, I thought, with my iPhone sloshing around in my pocket. After all, Apple loves to tout that its current iteration of iPhones can function just fine even after being fully immersed for up to 30 minutes in 19’ of water. Well, maybe so, but apparently they can’t withstand the rigor of riding soaking wet in a pocket for even a few minutes!

When I grabbed it to check the status of our trail hike, I found myself staring at a blank, black screen. That it refused to startup was more than a bit disconcerting, consider what I now could no longer do.

The trail maps could no longer guide me, nor could car maps provide directions back to civilization. No more pictures could I take, (and many were ultimately lost). No calls, nor texts, nor email, nor checking in online for the plane ride home. No electronic boarding pass, no audio books to listen to during the flight, no movies to watch, no music to listen to, nor screens to navigate the flight timeline. I no longer had the NFC signal to unlock my car at the airport, nor a QR code to get out of the parking garage. Not even Apple Pay was available!

I now had no alarm to set for the morning, no flashlight to use at night, no weather app to plan for rain, no calculator, no electronic notes, nor my list of reminders. My calendar was gone, and so was Siri and Google to give me advice.

Without my contact list, I couldn’t even borrow a phone to make a call since gone were all of the numbers that I long ago quit remembering!

The saga continued, and even with the backups that I had fastidiously been keeping, the replacement and restoration process dragged on into 10 very long days.

Yes, I survived; and strangely, I am still committed to the iPhone. Life without it is moving backward, not forward!

John Dicks is both a Lawyer and Businessman, including an interest in farming. He and his family have owned a Blueberry Farm and have Agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!”. John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his Law Degree from Florida State University. John serves as Of Counsel to Trinkle Redman, a law firm in Plant City where he also served nine years as City Commissioner, including three terms as Mayor.

The Farmhouse at Gillman Farms To Reopen October 1

By Michelle Caceres

The

off-season has seen a flurry of activity with new additions to its footprint and menu

For our neighbors to the north, shorter days, cooler temperatures and falling leaves are all signs that summer is transitioning into autumn. In central Florida, we have a different signal that the season is changing.

Row after row of black plastic raised beds that cover thousands of acres of land in and around Plant City, the signal that farmers are preparing their fields for strawberry season.

In addition to the planting of the crop, closed up roadside stands once again show signs of life as their owners prepare to satisfy customers’ cravings with their delicious berries, whether by the quart or flat or made into tasty desserts. Strawberry lovers rejoice because The Farmhouse at Gillman Farms will reopen its popular produce stand and cafe for the season beginning October 1.

While visitors craving a strawberry shortcake (cake-based) or slice of strawberry pizza may have to wait until the end of November, when farmers Lee and Dixie Gillman begin harvesting the berries they grow on their 50-acre farm that surround the stand, the cafe will offer plenty of menu options to tempt every taste bud. The menu consists of sandwiches, seasonal desserts (pumpkin treats for fall), milkshakes and soft-serve ice cream.

Dixie Gillman said the kitchen staff have been hard at work crafting new recipes for the new season. “Pressed cubans and smoked sausage, meatball and steak and cheese sandwiches were on our menu last year but this season we’re adding more options including bacon ranch chicken salad and pulled pork sandwiches, steak and cheese nachos and soups and salads,” said Gillman.

Soups that will be made on a rotational basis will feature chili, Spanish bean and vegetable beef.

The menu wasn’t the only thing that saw additions. They expanded the kitchen to give staff more space to prepare their delicious delicacies and added an indoor meeting space for small groups. In addition, their large front porch will also be

available on weekdays for group gatherings. Reservations are highly suggested.

“Right now we’re chomping at the bit to get back into the rhythm of the business,” said Gillman, who, with her husband, envisioned the cafe as a gathering spot that felt like home, where friends and families could make memories.

Their vision has certainly become a reality. With Cork Elementary a mile away, families have stopped in for an afternoon snack (milkshakes are a popular choice) and to shop at the produce stand, which offers a plethora of locally-sourced fruits and vegetables as well as locally-made jams and jellies, jewelry, candles and honey.

Rhonda Deshong visited the cafe in May with three of her grandchildren, who were visiting from Georgia. “We got milkshakes and they scarfed them down,” said Deshong. “They got to pick sunflowers and we really enjoyed our time there.” She hopes to bring them back when they come for another visit next month.

The Farmhouse at Gillman Farms also hosted a bluegrass night in May that drew nearly 200 guests and they are planning another event in October.

Whether a first time visitor or a regular, the Gillmans are eager to share another strawberry season with others. “We just want the community to feel welcome here,” said Gillman. “We’ve missed our customers over the summer and we’re ready to get back in action.”

The Farmhouse at Gillman Farms is located at 5617 Thonotosassa Road and will be open Monday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For more information, follow @The Farmhouse at Gillman Farms on Facebook for updates and menus. For information about reserving the indoor meeting room, contact Gillman at (813) 967-4146.

DR. SHANE WHITE JOINS UF-PLANT CITY FACULTY

By Jim Frankowiak

Dr. Shane White, an award-winning Documentary Storyteller, has been named an Instructional Assistant Professor in the University of Florida (UF) Department of Agriculture Education and Communication (AEC), the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) located at Plant City.

Dr. White received his bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Horticulture, Master of Arts in Documentary Filmmaking and Ph.D. in Agricultural Communication with a focus on environmental conservation all from the University of Arkansas. His research explores the role of storytelling and visual media in shaping perceptions, attitudes and behavioral changes concerning environmental and natural resource conservation.

“Born, raised, bred, branded and trained” in northern Arkansas, Dr. White’s family has a long legacy in agriculture. “My great grandparents were sharecroppers,” he said. From age 5-13, Dr. White resided with his family on a thoroughbred breed horse farm in Kentucky. As a teenager, he became involved in video production, producing shows for contemporary, online programming. That led to advanced learning in the field and the production of a host of award-winning documentaries at the national and international levels.

“While I had never thought I would work and live in Florida, I found the opportunity with the University of Florida and the faculty members I met welcoming and in line with my long terms goals,” said Dr. White. “It is my hope that we become the premier visual storytelling campus in Florida so that students who want to do anything with a camera will be drawn to our Plant City campus where our focus will be experiential learning. My overall approach seeks to give students the skills of being creative and efficient storytellers, making them valuable assets to whatever career path they take,” he said. Dr. White’s current course offerings include:

• In class and online Digital Media Production in Agricultural and Life Sciences;

• The Communication Process in Agricultural and Life Sciences;

• Communication and Practices for Agricultural and Life Sciences;

• Communication and Leadership in Groups and Teams; and

• Advanced Agricultural Communication Production.

For more information, visit: https://gcrec,ifas.ufl. edu. You may also contact Academic Advisor Jason Steward at 813/754-3707 or by email: jsteward@ufl.edu. The campus is located at 1200 North Park Road, Plant City, FL 33563.

NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH PURSUING AG CAREERS

By Jim Frankowia

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC),(Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA), Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) and Agriculture Education Services & Technology, Inc. (AEST) have entered into an agreement through which ABAC will now award three semester hours of credit for any AEST Specialist level certification or any FNGLA certifications listed below. This is a major milestone in providing another great opportunity for young people pursuing agricultural careers.

AEST Certifications:

Agricultural Biotechnology Specialist

Agricultural Communications Specialist

Agricultural Mechanics Specialist

Agritechnology Specialist

Animal Science Specialist

Forestry Specialist

Natural Resources Specialist

UAS in Agriculture Specialist

FNGLA Certifications:

Certified Horticulture Professional-FCHP

Certified Landscape Installation-FCLT

Certified Landscape Maintenance-FCLMT

Certified Landscape Irrigation-FCLIST

Certified Pest Management-FCPMT

For more information, visit: https//aest.ag.

FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER TO HIGHLIGHT 2024 COUNTY FAIR HARVEST AWARDS

Florida’s 13th Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, will highlight the 2024 Hillsborough County Fair Harvest Awards, slated for the fairgrounds, 215 Sydney-Washer Road in Dover, October 10 at noon. This annual event, being sponsored by Odiorne Insurance Agency and Auto-Owners Insurance, recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations that play a vital role in Hillsborough County and Florida’s rich and diverse agricultural industry.

Following careful deliberations from an extensive list of quality nominees, the Hillsborough County Fair Harvest Awards Committee has named its 2024 award recipients. Honorees for this year include: Farm Family of the Year – Hinton Farms; Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient – Dennis Carlton, Sr.; Outstanding Agribusiness – Keel Farms; Outstanding Woman in Agriculture – Karen Hamilton; Urban Agriculture – VISTA Gardens (Village Institute for Sustainable Technologies and Agriculture) and Next Generation Farmer – Eric Davis, ELM. For Farm Family of the Year Hinton Farms, located right in Dover. It all started in 1980 with the vision of patriarch Elton L. Hinton. Today the operation is run by three of Elton’s four sons, Wylie (Buzz) Hinton, Robert (Bob) Hinton, and Gary (Rock) Hinton, along with their families. This major operation grows, packs, cools and ships fresh Florida fruits and vegetables. While focusing on strawberry and blueberry production, Hinton Farms also produces summer and zucchini squash, eggplant, cantaloupe and other assorted fruits and vegetables. The Hinton family is never too busy to support both affiliated organizations, as well as multiple youth programs. They’re members of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association and Florida Blueberry Association, among others. In addition, they’ve been long time supporters of livestock shows and sales at the Hillsborough County Fair, Florida State Fair and Florida Strawberry Festival. Their commitment to excellence has made them an integral part of the agricultural industry in both Hillsborough County and the state of Florida.

Mention Florida’s cattle industry and the name that immediately rises to the top is that of 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Dennis Carlton, Sr. With over 50 years in the business, this cattle rancher, citrus grower and real estate investor, runs multi-county cattle operations spanning thousands of acres under Carlton & Carlton Ranch and Audubon

Ranch. These major operations are run by Carlton with the help of son Dennis Carlton Jr, and son-in-law Pat Thomas. But Carlton’s work isn’t limited by any means to on-farm activities. He’s a leader in the agricultural community, serving as representative of the cattle industry and Chairman of Hillsborough’s powerful Agricultural Economic Development Council. He also served as President of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, a position now held by his son. But his leadership doesn’t stop there. Dennis has served on the Board of Farm Credit of Central Florida, as well as state Farm Bureau Committees, HSWCD, Hillsborough County Ag Task Force, Center State Bank and was a founder of Valrico State Bank.

Over the years many recognitions have come to Dennis, including being named in 2014 as Florida Farmer of the Year by the prestigious Sun Belt Expo. He and his wife, Alice, are tremendous supporters of their church, as well as numerous community and youth activities at local, state and national levels.

Outstanding Agribusiness, Keel Farms, was the brainchild of landscaper Joe Keel who began his own plant nursery in 1981 on 10 acres in Plant City. Over the years the nursery transitioned from small plants to blueberries. In 2003 Keel decided to try his hand at winemaking, producing just 10 gallons of blueberry wine that season and founding Keel & Curley Winery.

Keel expanded his operation in 2013 with the founding of Keel Farms Agrarian Ale and Cider, producing locally inspired craft beers and ciders. The operation now covers 35 acres and includes produce, pasture raised chickens, grass fed cattle, and of course its mainstay, blueberries. Throughout their existence Keel Farms has been committed to producing honest, healthy, sustainable ground to glass products served in a comfortable, family environment.

Karen Hamilton, Outstanding Woman of the Year in Agriculture, has devoted her lifetime to youth through her work as both an agricultural educator at Riverview High School, supporting its outstanding FFA program, as well as leader of the Chautauqua 4-H Club. Following her graduation from the University of Florida, she started her career as an agricultural educator over 40 years ago, teaching at Eisenhower and Rod-

gers Middle Schools before her many years of dedicated service at Riverview High School.

Her involvement in 4-H goes back even further. As a child when her family moved to Florida, she wanted to raise animals, so her parents insisted she join 4-H. After years as a member, she began as a 4-H leader over 35 years ago. Her traditional 4-H Club uses a unique approach to selecting areas of interest. They pick three main topics each year and focus their efforts on those. From the vast array of projects available, the Club’s focus areas for this year are wildlife, camping and animal sciences, with an emphasis on poultry. Whether they wear the blue and gold of FFA or the green of 4-H, Karen Hamilton continues to be an inspiration to area youth and adults alike!

Outstanding Public & Community Service Harvest Award winner Vista Gardens is a 3.31 acre site that represents a model for environmental sustainability and organic food production. Once an abandoned water treatment facility and overgrown eyesore, through thousands of hours of volunteer work, it now has been restored to Hillsborough County’s first garden park. VISTA adheres to 100 percent sustainability principles: zero use of metered water, no municipal electricity, and organic compost produced on-site.

This community garden produces fruits, herbs, flowers and vegetables, many of which are shared with local food pantries. Vista Gardens has no paid employees but operates totally on the commitment of volunteers that work on committees, as well as on garden upkeep. All garden members commit to grow only organically, eliminating the use of pesticides, fungicides and chemical fertilizers. Among initiatives at the Garden are a Registered Monarch Waystation and Certified Wildlife Habitat, the Viva Florida Landscape Demonstration Garden with 62 plant varieties and an apiary operation. This year’s Next Generation Farmer/Rancher/Nurseryman is Eric Davis of ELM. The 35-year-old nurseryman started work-

ing with his family in a landscape company, growing to incorporate sod, maintenance, tractor and site work. With his love for the land and the growing of plants, he expanded his operation five years ago to include a nursery and tree farm that today grows a number of woody ornamentals, as well as pines and magnolias.

Eric attributes his passion for agriculture as having been instilled in him by his grandfather, Roy Davis, and dad, Steve Davis. He’s involved in FNGLA and Farm Bureau and proudly supports a number of youth initiatives, including the annual plant auction at the County Fair. He works hard to stay on the cutting edge of the landscape and nursery business and looks forward to continued growth and expansion of his business to meet future consumer needs. Eric and his wife Courtney have a baby girl.

Also recognized at the luncheon will be the 2024 Friends of the Fair Award recipients, consisting of Tampa Bay television personality Charley Belcher; Hillsborough County Farm Bureau; Hillsborough County 4-H; Hillsborough County Future Farmers of America; Hillsborough County Public Schools and Parkesdale Farms.

According to Fair Manager Suzanne Holcomb, “We’re especially excited about this year’s event as we’ve moved it from opening day of the Fair to three weeks in advance. Our guests will include many of Florida’s outstanding agricultural leaders, governmental officials, business and community partners, leaders, as well as outstanding youth, as we celebrate the very best in Florida agriculture.”

Co-chairing the Harvest Awards Luncheon are Suzanne Churchwell and Betty Jo Tompkins. Further details on the event and the 2024 Fair, which runs from October 31 – November 11, are available by contacting the Fair at: 813.737.3247 or www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com.

MEET THE FFA TEAMS IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

We are going to introduce the FFA officers for high schools in Hillsborough County. We’ve selected the four schools in the Plant City area to start. If you would like to have your officer team included in upcoming issues, please email a photo and paragraph about your team to sarah@ inthefieldmagazine.com.

DURANT

The Durant Sr. and J.F. St. Martin FFA chapters have made serving our community a priority for many years. This year our officer team and alumni decided to take that goal and amplify it. Before the start of the school year, we had one of the most successful Tools for School Drives our chapter has ever seen! With a total of 80 backpacks going to four different elementary schools and two boxes of supplies getting donated to our home school. This helps to get students started on the right foot! We look forward to continuing to focus on community service as the year continues. Later this month our chapter

President - Cooper Davis

Vice President - Carly Varnum

Secretary - Juliana Parmentier

Treasurer - Marlena Lott

Reporter - Lyla Bent

Sentinel - Grace Merrell

Historian - Kaylee Marsh

Parliamentarian - Hannah Rice

Chaplin - Lena Bent

Student Advisors - Chesnee Wink, Kylie Devaun, Christeen Joseph, and Halie

Hinson

will hold a social media training to educate our members on the importance of effective social media use and marketing. We also will be hosting our Annual FFA BBQ on September 26. Throughout the year we look forward to growing leaders at Durant. The new J.F. St. Martin team was just elected a few weeks ago and is already learning the ropes of leadership and effective communication. This year at Durant, we look forward to Growing Leaders, Building Communities and Strengthening Agriculture!

St. Martin Officer team: President: Jackson Sturgis

Vice President: Adrianna Herlong

Secretary: Johnathan Miller

Treasurer: Payton Flanagan

Reporter: Colby Holcomb

Sentinel: Amiyah Smith

Historian: Haleigh Horner

Parliamentarian: Vanessa Trevino

Chaplain: Addison O’Brien

Student Advisors: Savannah Jenkins, Mitchell Amole, Madison Bond

Simmons Career Center FFA is excited about the 2024-2025 school year!  Eight officers were just elected to their positions on August 30th, and we have many animals this year for SAE (Supervised Agriculture Experience) projects like rabbits, chickens, ducks, goats, and sheep.  One of our many goals is to participate in CDE (Career Development Events) competitions like vegetable evaluation, meat evaluation and poultry evaluation.  As we anticipate the seasons, we are working hard to get our strawberry field and vegetable garden areas ready for planting. Participating at local fairs and festivals is always a highlight for our students and organization.  We are going to the Hillsborough County Fair, the Florida State Fair, and the Strawberry Festival.  Monthly spirit nights at Culvers on Park Road in Plant City help our organization to fund our projects and reach our goals. Please come out and support Simmons Career Center FFA on Tuesday, September 17th from 5PM to 8PM at Culver’s on Park Road by ordering dinner, which will allow Simmons FFA to earn a portion of the proceeds. This is Simmons FFA where “We Believe in the Future of Agriculture!”

Durant Sr. Officer team:

J.F

Top L to R : Elizabeth Griffin – Treasurer, Daelan CastSecretary, Kaidon Hall – Chaplain  Bottom L to R: Rocelyn Pineda – Sentinel, Christina Bennett – Reporter, Madison Townsel – Vice President, Pagan Edgeman – President, Aubrie Sullivan – Historian Joanna Patino - Advisor

SIMMONS CAREER CENTER

Plant City FFA is dedicated to creating a chapter based on leadership, personal growth, and career success. Throughout the year we make it a goal to reach our highest potential in order to create an atmosphere of success for our members. Due to setting high goals and surpassing expectations, Plant City Sr. FFA will be recognized at the 97th National Convention and Expo as a 3-Star National Chapter! As an officer team, Plant City Sr. has crafted a list of goals that they wish to accomplish to advance the chapter with a foundation based on success. Their key goals include growing their membership and member participation. Along with an increased membership also comes more opportunities to participate in additional CDEs and LDEs (Career and Leadership Development Events), with every contest they want members to aim for the best, with the hopes of achieving the top five in the state. The Plant City FFA Alumni continuously goes above and beyond in supporting our officers and members. This annual alumni fundraiser, “Pig N’ Poke”, is crucial in supporting

our initiatives. This year the Pig N’ Poke falls on September 16th and we are expecting a great outcome! The Plant City FFA Sweetheart Pageant is also another activity that the alumni puts on to fundraise and support members throughout the year. The sweetheart pageant provides scholarship opportunities to the girls participating, and even the guys ushering during the event. Plant City FFA is dedicated to excellence and community involvement, fostering a deep appreciation for agriculture among its members and community.

Plant City Sr. Officers:

President- Natalee Francis   Vice President- Kyndall Bass  Secretary- Makinley Jensen   Treasurer- Marley Muller   Reporter- Alexsandra Goulding

Sentinel- Brightyn Willis   Student Advisor- Kyleigh Meiers

Chaplain- Braxton Willis   Historian- Ava Swindle  Parliamentarian- Kate Solomon

Leadership Team- RJ Christopher, Brooke Brewer, Daisy Aguinaga

J.G. Smith Statement

The newly elected J.G. Smith officer team is filled with officers who are eager and willing to begin their highschool journey in a leadership position. These freshmen fill their responsibility with prestige and respect. These officers set the standard for the rest of the incoming FFA members and are the image of the advancement of Plant City FFA. Plant City FFA values the next generation of agriculture, and these ninth graders represent the future of the industry. We cannot wait to see all they accomplish this year!

This year I’m excited to get in to the community and give back while working on one of the best teams I have ever been apart of - Jaden Ausburn

“As it’s my senior year, I am so excited I get to serve my chapter one final time and make it the best year yet. I’ll be soaking up every moment of all of our events, competitions and time with my fellow members until I hang up my blue jacket for the last time.” -Alivia Eben

“I am looking forward to spending my final year doing the competitions I love with the people I hold closest. I can’t wait for nationals and state Environmental competition!” -Jaylene Carey

I’m really excited to be able to develop my skills in all of my CDE’s and LDE’s and have a chance to lead other kids if it is their first year in FFA, just like the senior officers helped guide me. -Emma Fagnan I am so excited to be able to work with our officer team and watch our chapter grow! -Emalee Cofield

I’m looking forward to competing in several competitions this year and hopefully walking away with a state title -Maddox Eben

This year I am looking forward to all the exiting new experiences I will have with this chapter and with my officer team -Adysen Young

I am looking forward to competing at nationals this year with our chapters floriculture team.  Rease Marchese

Jr team

What I am looking forward to most for this year is all of the leadership opportunities, CDE’s, and SAE’s I get to do with the chapter. I am also excited for all the community service activities I can participate in!

Ellie Miller

I am excited for going to the COLT conference if I become an office and compete in multiple CDE and LDE and become part of many leadership opportunities Massimo Jimenez

This year I am most excited for is making new friends and becoming involved with anything FFA! I love doing the CDEs, my favorites are Forestry and Floriculture. I’m excited to work on teams, make new friends and for the clay shooting fundraiser coming up soon enough. I’m excited for the fun year ahead!

Emily Berst

I’m looking forward to improving involvement and build community’s also I want to do more service projects

Jacob Carey

J.G. Smith Officers:  President- Harper Muller   Vice President- Alleigh Goff   Secretary- Rylee Mobley  Treasurer- Sydney Brannon   Reporter- Paitlyn Davis   Sentinel- Presley Ham  Student Advisor- Jackson Blanton  Chaplain- Lillie Mae Whitefield

Historian- Brylynn Newsome   Parliamentarian- Bryce Runkles  Leadership Team- Ashlynn Lofley, Lillie Sumner, Sophia Butterfield

for a FREE On-Farm Readiness Review On-Farm Readiness Review Sign up

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) inspections have begun. Sign up now to request a free On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR), offered in partnership by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University of Florida IFAS. The OFRR is an educational opportunity to help individual farms align practices with the PSR regulatory requirements in preparation for inspections. For more information on FSMA and to sign up for an OFRR, visit FDACS.gov/FSMA or call (863) 578-1900.

To take full advantage of the OFRR and for PSR compliance, one farm representative should first attend a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. Upcoming trainings can be found at: crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/events

This publication is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007446 totaling $1,166,732 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/ HHS, or the U.S. Government.

FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD

WHAT IS A NATIVAR?

Tia Silvasy, Residential Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County

A nativar is a cultivated variety of a native plant. Nativars have the same drought-tolerance and local adaptations as straight natives but may also have improved form or other traits desirable for urban landscapes.

For example, dwarf firebush (Hamelia patens ‘Compacta’) provides a tighter compact form as compared to the native firebush. A drawback of using natives is that they may not provide as much food for wildlife. Still, nativars may be a better option than non-native Florida-Friendly plants in the landscape because of their low-maintenance requirements and ecological benefits.

Nativars are good to supplement native and Florida-Friendly plants in the landscape because they are adapted to the local soil and climatic conditions with added benefit of longer flowering time, disease resistance, and aesthetically pleasing form. You can purchase nativars at Florida native plant nurseries www.plantrealflorida.org.

Let’s review some definitions of how we determine a plant’s status.

A native plant is a plant that has been documented to be in a region without human intervention. The term cultivar refers to plants that are naturally mutated and selected by humans or intentionally bred for specific traits. A nativar is a cultivar of a native plant, so a native plant that has been selected from nature for certain plant traits or bred to have improved traits. To determine plant status, check serval resources including the UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping Plant Guide, the Florida Native Plant Society website, the Florida Wildflower Foundation website, and Atlas of Florida Plants.

There are mostly positive impacts of selecting nativars, but also a few concerns. Nativars often have traits that are desirable in urban landscapes, such as a compact form, heattolerance, seed or flower modifications.

Like straight native plants, they are adapted to local environments and often can thrive with minimal inputs of water, fertilizer, and pesticides. While some natives are bred to be more floriferous or heavy fruiting, critics of nativars argue that they do not provide the same benefits to wildlife and pollinators.

For example, compact cultivars may have shorter flower tubes and less nectar for pollinators. Others are bred to be a male cultivar or sterile female and produce no fruit. For example, the dwarf yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Schillings’) has a slow growing compact form ideal for urban landscapes but produces no berries for wildlife. More research is needed to examine the benefits and drawbacks of using nativars in the landscape.

Examples of nativars commonly planted in Central Florida:

• Hamelia patens ‘Compacta’

• Ilex vomitoria ‘Pendula’

• Ilex vomitoria ‘Schillings’

• Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’

• Viburnum obovatum ‘Mrs. Schillers Delight’

If you have any horticultural questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519. Contact: hillsmg@mail.ufl.edu

Florida Coalition Conservation 2024 Mini-Grants Program

For youth conservation programs, projects and activities

Eligible To Apply

Grants Are For Groups

Dates & Timelines

How To Apply

Hillsborough County students enrolled in K-12 public, parochial, private, charter, home and virtual school programs.

Each application group must consist of at least five students and one adult. Eligible groups are clubs, organizations, chapters, classes, troupes or any other youth-affiliated initiative determined to explore and promote conservation.

Application deadline for a $250 mini-grant is Sept. 30, 2024. Judging conducted in early October. Winners announced at the Hillsborough County Fair, Oct. 31 - Nov. 11. Project execution dates, Nov. 1 through March 31, 2025. Final project report deadline is April 10, 2025. Additional awards for outstanding projects.

Submit applications to Florida Conservation Coalition Inc., with attention to: Betty Jo Tompkins, FCC President Mail: 1206 Millennium Parkway, Suite 2009, Brandon FL 33511 E-mail: bjt6890@yahoo.com. Call: 813-477-8332

PURPOSE — Conservation is everybody’s business. It’s critical that we teach young people the importance of protecting our environment to ensure a healthy, safer world both now and in the future. This includes protection and enhancement of air, water, soils and all elements of life. These mini-grants give students a starting point from which they can execute both small and major projects within the community. Creativity counts, so let your imagination fly!

PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS — We’re looking for initiatives that address some of the most pressing issues in conservation, such as food insecurity, food waste, water quality and shortages, air pollution, plastic pollution and climate disruption. Programs, projects and activities include such things as road and waterway cleanups, wildflower and pollinator initiatives, tree plantings, community and school gardens, composting, recycling and trash repurposing, and educational programs, displays, presentations and contests at fairs, festivals, schools and other events.

FUNDING AND RECOGNITION — The 2024 Florida Conservation Coalition Mini-Grant Program is supported with funds raised at the 2023 Super Plant Auction at the Hillsborough County Fair. The annual auction is set to return Nov. 10, 1 p.m., at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover. Grant recipients will be recognized at the auction and throughout the run of the 12-day fair, Oct. 31 through Nov. 11.

The Florida Conservation Coalition —

Advocating, Educating and Facilitating Conservation Programs for Youth and Adults

The FCC is an alliance of combined action that engages youth and adults in programs, projects and activities that preserve and enhance the world and its natural resources. Together we make a difference, through education, hands-on activities, civic and community engagement, and the discovery, use and dissemination of best practices.

Next up, the coalition at the 2024 Hillsborough County Fair is set to present the Super Plant Auction, Youth Plant Show, Youth Rain Barrel Decorating Contest and Pollinator Drawing Stations.

YOUTH GROUPS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR CONSERVATION MINI-GRANTS

The Florida Conservation Coalition is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for their 2024 Conservation Mini-Grants. Any Hillsborough County student group from kindergarten through 12th grade consisting of five or more youth and one or more adults are invited to apply. This includes students in Hillsborough public, private, parochial, charter, home and virtual school programs. Eligible groups are clubs, chapters, organizations, troupes or any other youth affiliated initiative determined to explore and promote conservation, including church youth groups.

Programs, projects and activities may include food composting, recycling of paper, plastic and electronics; wildflower and pollinator initiatives; road and waterway cleanups; community and school gardens; tree plantings; as well as educational programs, displays, presentations and contests at fairs, festivals, schools and other events. Students are encouraged to be as creative as possible when considering innovative ways to tackle conservation challenges.

Florida Conservation Coalition is an alliance of combined action that engages youth and adults to preserve and enhance the world and its natural resources. Together FCC makes a difference through education, hands-on activities, civic and community engagement and the discovery, use and dissemination of best practices. The Coalition’s theme is “Conservation is Everybody’s Business” and its mission is “Advocating, Educating and Facilitating Conservation Programs for Youth and Adults.”

A minimum of 12 $250.00 mini grants will be awarded. Applications are due by September 30, 2024, and winners will be announced at the Hillsborough County Fair, October 31 – November 11. Winning groups will conduct their project between November 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. Project reports will be submitted in April, with additional awards presented for the most outstanding projects.

Funds to support this program are raised annually at the Super Plant Auction, open to the public and scheduled for 1:00 p.m., November 10 at the County Fair, 215 Sydney-Washer Road, Dover. Plants are available at excellent prices thanks to the generosity of area nurserymen and include annuals, perennials, landscape and butterfly plants ferns, bushes, trees and plant nutrition items.

Mini-grant applications and instructions are available by contacting Betty Jo Tompkins, President, Florida Conservation Coalition via email: bjt6890@yahoo.com; by phone: 813.477.8332 or on the Fair’s website: hillsboroughcountyfair.com .

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Florida Beef Vegetable and Pasta Casserole

Chef Justin Timineri

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare pasta shy of al dente, drain and set aside. In a saucepot add the milk, heavy cream, butter, and all-purpose seasoning. Bring to a simmer and add the Parmesan cheese, ½ cup cheddar cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Preheat a sauté pan on medium-high heat, season ground beef and brown, draining excess oil. Next, sauté the vegetables until crisp tender. In a large bowl combine the cooked beef, sautéed vegetables, cooked

pasta, fresh herbs, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and mix. Place into a buttered casserole dish and pour the cheese sauce over the mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Florida Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms Recipes

Ingredients q q

1-pound Florida mushrooms

4 cups fresh Florida spinach

5 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

½ onion, diced fine

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

6 ounces cream cheese,

PREPARATION

softened to room temperature

2 tablespoons unsalted butter Oil, for cooking

Pinch of red pepper flakes

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook bacon until crispy and drain on paper towel (reserve ¼ cup of bacon drippings). Coarsely crumble bacon. Heat

2 teaspoons reserved bacon drippings in skillet

Ingredients q q

1 pound Florida lean ground beef

1 pint Florida mushrooms, slice thin

1 Florida zucchini, medium dice

1 Florida squash, medium dice

1 pound pasta (your favorite)

2 garlic cloves, chopped fine

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped fine

1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped fine

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup milk

½ stick unsalted butter

½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

1 teaspoon oil, for cooking

1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning (your favorite)

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl and allow to cool. Mix in bacon, spinach, feta, cream cheese and crushed red pepper. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss mushrooms and remaining bacon fat in large bowl to coat and season with salt and pepper. Place mushrooms,

rounded side down, on baking sheet and bake until centers fill with liquid (about 15 minutes). Turn mushrooms over and bake for another 5 minutes. Remove from oven, fill with spinach mixture, and return to oven for additional 7 minutes. Transfer to platter and serve warm.

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DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER

No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378

KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES

Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378

OVERSTOCK SPECIAL

Barn doors starting at $80.00 Call Ted 813-752-3378

CULVERT & DRAIN STEEL PIPE NOW AVAILABLE & PRICED TO MOVE FAST!

• 9ft. and 10ft. Diameter used railroad tank car culverts 40 to 50 ft. lengths.

• 20in and 24in Diameter used steel pipe - 45 to 50ft lengths. ContactGATEWAY PIPE INC. Naples, Florida. Ask for Gary 636-346-3320 Delivered prices available.

MISC.

FREE Wooden Shipping Pallets

All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722

24 HOUR SERVICE

Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com 813-643-7173

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE

We have you covered! Call us today. 813-752-5577

ALAN’S AIR CONDITIONING

Residential, Commercial Sales SVS & Repair. Legendary service for over 20 years! 813-752-0821

SHOWER STALLS - FIBERGLASS

Scratch and dent shower stalls - fiberglass perfect for hunting camps. $150 you pick! Call us! 813-752-3378

Cover More Ground with CKP

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