
Don’t Let A Tick Ruin Your Summer!
Does the mere thought of ticks make you feel itchy all over? Ticks are not a fun thing to talk about, but we can’t ignore them. Ticks can pose a real threat to your outdoor summer fun. Here in the Florida Panhandle, you can find ticks all year-long. But ticks are the...

Mushrooms Are Popping Up All Over!
Here, there, and everywhere! With all the rain of late, there seems to be an interest in mycology. You know, the fruiting body of fungi called mushrooms! Edible mushrooms in particular. It is not unusual; our subtropical summer weather tends to make some fungi...

America LOVES Ice Cream! Help Celebrate National Ice Cream Month
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday in July (July 15, 2018) as National Ice Cream Day! Essentially, the entire month of July is supposed to be celebrated with “appropriate ceremonies and activities” involving...

Keep Your “Cool” This Summer
When the temperature is in the 90s and the heat index in the triple digits, you certainly don’t want your air conditioner to conk out! Follow these simple steps to keep your AC running efficiently and to save money on your electric bill: Check the filter monthly. ...
Summer Canning Methods with Your Children
At this point in the summer, many parents are at a loss for what to do to keep their children engaged and “off the couch.” How about a focus on healthy eating and food preservation? If you have a backyard garden be sure to pick the fruits and vegetables at their peak...

WATERMELON – Red, Juicy, Sweet and Healthy…It is Oh So Good!
We tend to think of watermelon as a summer fruit and that is because in Florida, you can find watermelons growing from late spring through mid-summer. “Fresh From Florida” watermelons are available in stores and roadside markets from April through July. Time is...

Water Safety is Key to a Fun-Filled Summer at the Pool
Summer is here! As the long, hot days of summer move forward there are many things to consider when it comes to children and water safety. Each summer we hear of tragic incidents of children drowning in pools, spas, and other bodies of water. These tragedies may be...

Start Your Day with Whole Grains
Don’t let the heat of the summer months deter your path to a healthy diet. Stay focused and take small steps that can make a difference in your health. Breakfast is an important part of a healthy diet. Most of us struggle with what to have on hand that is quick,...

Building a Healthy Taco Using Local Produce
Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish with a mixture of various fillings on a flat bread tortilla. Having recently visited the Yucatan Peninsula and consumed tacos on a daily basis, it became evident that even in Mexico, different regions make their tacos with local...

Water Safety Month is May!
Do you have firm water safety practices? Are you a strong swimmer? Do you know Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)? Each May, as the temperature rises, the gravitation to fun outdoor water activities begins. Numerous partners, including the American Red Cross and...