California Seeking to Ease Restrictions on Gulf Oyster Rule
A notice has been issued by the California Dept. of Public Health dated June 27 that is seeking public comment on a proposed rule change regarding the allowable level of microbial Vibrio vulnificus in post-harvest processed Gulf oysters. Post-harvest processed oysters...

Cool Season Wildlife Food Plots
It’s time to start planning your cool season wildlife food plots. Cool season food plots do a great job attracting deer and other wildlife to your property as well as providing a little nutrition. The first step is to choose an appropriate location. Remember wildlife...

What Is Up with All the Sharks?
Since the beginning of the summer, panhandle residents and visitors have been reporting numerous sharks hanging out along the sandbars near the passes. , cruising between the 2nd sandbar and the beach. One visitor was even bitten; raising the question – WHAT’S UP WITH...
Pond Weed Management Workshop – June 12th
Privately owned ponds and lakes are common across the Panhandle. Ponds can be a source of great enjoyment and frustration for their owners. When all is well a pond is a welcome addition to most any landscape. However, when problems arise pond owners are often...

Living with Florida Snakes
Warming temperatures have awaken snakes that have been dormant during the winter months. As a result, they are more active during abnormal times of the day and move more than they typically do while searching for food. This also means more people are likely to...
“Digital Devices Transform Couch Potatoes into Air Potato Destroyers – Use Your Phone to Help Manage Florida Invaders”
Digital devices have proliferated like kudzu in July, and new user applications for these devices are as common as armadillos. Untold hours and dollars are being spent by couch potatoes to defend artificial worlds from dragons, zombies and other imaginary invaders....

Our Recovering Florida Black Bear Population
Florida Black Bear are the largest land mammals in the state of Florida. At birth they are smaller than a soda can but they quickly grow up to 250-400 pounds for males and 125-250 pounds for females. Even though black bears are large animals, they are not fierce...
March is an ideal time to consider wild birds
Spring is a dynamic time for wildlife. If you enjoy watching nature, now is a fantastic time to get outdoors to see some interesting activity. March is also one of the best times of year to do some active management on your property to enhance the habitat you provide...
Aquatic and Natural Areas Pesticide Training and Exams
Pesticide Training and Exams being offered at the University of Florida IFAS Okaloosa County Extension Office. March 31, 2014 8am-11am Aquatic Pesticide Training 11am Aquatic Exam 1pm-4pm Natural Areas Training 4pm Natural Areas...
Deer Nutrition Now Can Pay Off in the Fall
To the chagrin of hunters across the panhandle deer season has drawn to a close. As the days lengthen and temperatures begin to climb, many of the area's outdoorsmen (and women) shift their focus to a more aquatic nature. However, those sportsmen, who...