UF/IFAS News Digest for the Week of Oct. 28: A new college dean; Invasive reptiles; Post-hurricane support

A message from UF/IFAS Communications | Reply For the week beginning October 28, 2024 TIMELY NEWS November is Military Family Month, honoring the dedication, resilience, and sacrifices of military families who selflessly support our service members. This month also includes Veterans Day, recognizing those who have served. UF/IFAS offers a Military Family Readiness series with valuable resources and information for family service professionals and Extension agents supporting military families, along with programs aimed at creating opportunities for veterans. Need an expert? Contact us. Recent research, programs, events and more. We can help you cover and localize news to your area; just use the contact links below or reply to this email. Campus leader to serve as new UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences dean The University of Florida has selected Kati Migliaccio, Ph.D., UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering chair, as the new College of Agricultural and Life Sciences dean. She will begin her new role on January 1. Contact > Calling all volunteers Nov. 1-15: Join the Indian River Lagoon Seagrass Blitz Do you spend time out on the Indian River Lagoon? Whether you enjoy boating, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling or just soaking up the sun in these critical estuaries, Florida Sea Grant is calling on volunteers for the Eyes on Seagrass Blitz. Contact > Know your soil: UF/IFAS lab analysis reveals composition prior to planting Franta Majs, a familiar face at Florida plant shows, offers more than advice. As UF/IFAS Analytical Services Lab director, he encourages gardeners to understand soil and growing conditions before planting, ensuring success from the ground up. Contact > UF researchers’ strategy sets a blueprint for detecting invasive species in Florida Invasive reptiles like Nile monitors and tegus increasingly threaten Florida’s environment, economy, and safety. UF researchers’ focused outreach in Palm Beach County has significantly boosted reports. Contact > EN ESPAÑOL: Investigadores de UF Implementan una Exitosa Estrategia para Detectar Especies Invasoras Mediante la Divulgación. Contacto > UF expert: While hurricanes are on your mind, get your septic system inspected After hurricanes Helene and Milton, many homeowners faced flooded septic tanks. UF/IFAS scientist Mary Lusk advises flooded systems be inspected immediately, while unaffected systems should be checked to prepare for next hurricane season. Contact > RELATED RESOURCE: How to Check and Maintain Your Septic System Before and Immediately After Hurricanes. UF/IFAS supports Florida after Hurricanes Helene and Milton UF/IFAS faculty rallied at the Suwannee County Fairgrounds to aid North Florida farmers, repairing fences, clearing debris, and supporting community recovery post-Hurricane Helene, says Angela Lindsey. Contact > Grant opportunities for hurricane-damaged Florida 4-H youth projects Florida 4-H offers Serves grants to help youth rebuild hurricane-damaged projects like coops, pens, and bee colonies. Funded by donations, these grants support recovery after Hurricanes Helene, Milton, and other disasters. Contact > From Around IFAS News from across the UF/IFAS network. As Florida recovers from storms, D-SNAP and Fresh Access Bucks are here to help Many Florida families and farmers are recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Fresh Access Bucks helps SNAP/D-SNAP users stretch their dollars for fresh, nutritious Florida-grown produce statewide. Contact > Mold management in the home Learn about mold management in the home! This blog provides essential insights on mold detection, health risks, and prevention tips to help you control mold growth, protect your health, and maintain a safer living space. Contact > RELATED RESOURCE: Keeping It Clean: Controlling Mildew. IRS Announces New Tax Brackets and Standard Deduction Amounts The IRS recently announced new tax brackets and standard deductions for 2025, adjusting for inflation to prevent higher tax brackets due solely to salary increases and to preserve deduction value. Contact > Best of the rest. Alternative story formats created or supported by UF/IFAS Communications. At your UF/IFAS Bookstore: Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management: Northern Florida This brochure is an essential guide to creating pollinator-friendly landscapes and managing pests in North Florida, highlighting the role of insect pollinators and strategies for combining pest control with conservation. ALSO AVAILABLE: Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management: Southern Florida  Video stories: Holiday Food Safety Dr. Keith Schneider, Food Safety Specialist with UF/IFAS Food and Nutrition, goes over how to safely prepare a turkey for the Holidays and taking care of leftovers. Contact > RELATED ARTICLE: Food Safety Tips for the Holiday Season.  Visual learning: Mold remediation Stay safe while tackling mold! Follow these essential steps for effective mold removal, prevention, and ventilation to protect your home and health after water damage or everyday moisture issues. Download >  |  More infographics >  |  Contact > ¡NUEVO! EN ESPAÑOL: Infográfico - Limpieza del Moho. Contacto > Visit the UF/IFAS Newsroom Find B-roll, photos and more for your coverage needs at ifas.ufl.edu/newsroom. UF/IFAS Communications News and Media Relations Team

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