Pinellas County Extension Thinking Green

Think Locally, Act Neighborly: Invasive Species Know No Boundaries

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:50:00 +0000

Lara Miller,
Natural Resources Agent

If you have ever had to battle an invasive species in your yard, you know the challenges they present. The bad news is, not only are they in your yard, but your neighbor’s yard, the park down the street and the preserve across the way. Did you know there is a Florida Invasive Species Partnership (FISP) to help us manage these pests?

The FISP facilitates the formation of Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs). These CISMAs focus on invasive species prevention, education/awareness, early detection & rapid response, monitoring, and integrated pest management.

There are a total of 17 CISMAs in Florida with more to come! Pinellas County falls under the Suncoast CISMA also including Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. Their mission: to address the threat to native diversity by coordinating and increasing efforts to eliminate or reduce invasive, non-native plants and animals across public and private boundaries.

Educational opportunities and CISMA Work Days occur throughout the year. During a recent event, Exotic Species Day at Brooker Creek Preserve, volunteers removed tuberous sword ferns and Caesar’s weed to provide space for native species to reestablish their roots. Another educational program, “Invasive Species & the Law” will be held on Wednesday, May 29th in Sarasota County. All of this information and more can be found on Suncoast CISMA’s website: http://www.floridainvasives.org/Suncoast/index.html

There’s more! If you have an exotic species as a pet, but no longer wish to care for it, you can attend the upcoming “Pet Amnesty Day” at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve on Saturday, July 13th. This program is run through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to help exotic pet owners who can no longer give the optimum care for their pet. Undesired pets are brought to this event and are handed over to trained exotic pet adopters. This event aims to reduce the number of nonnative species being released into the wild.

If you’re tired of dealing with invasive species, join your local CISMA and get involved. You can make a difference!

Stay Safe at the Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:50:00 +0000

Libby Carnahan,
UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent

Safety First

As summer draws near, many of us will make plans to head to the beach. The beaches of Pinellas County are a wonderful place to enjoy time with family and friends, take part in watersports, or just relax. However, before you head to the beach, it is important to keep safety as your number one priority. Below are some easy tips you can follow to keep you and your family safe.

Do Not Solely Rely On Lifeguards

Swimming in a pool is NOT the same as swimming at a surf beach with crashing waves, winds and currents that can change suddenly. It is always best to rely on the buddy system and never swim alone. Parents should stay close to young children, even if they are good swimmers. If you are not a confident swimmer, it is best to remain in shallow water and beware of steep drop offs. Lifeguards are a great resource when available, but should not be relied upon. Most of our local beaches do not have lifeguards, so we need to vigilant to prevent accidents.

Beware of Rip Currents

Rip currents are powerful currents that form when water rushes out to sea in a narrow path. Telltale signs of a rip current include differences in water color and water surface compared to surrounding water. If you are caught in a rip current, the most important thing is to remain calm and NOT try to swim against the current. You should swim parallel to shore until you are out of the current. For additional information on Rip Currents, visit http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/tips.shtml.

Monitor the Weather

Living in Pinellas County, we all know that a summer day can change from sunny and calm to a thunderous storm in a matter of minutes. Keep an eye on the weather forecast including severe weather warnings in your area. Know the meaning of and obey warnings represented by colored beach flags. Different beaches may use different colors but a commonly used series include those pictured.

Be Flexible

Remember, you go to the beach to enjoy yourself. If conditions are not good for the beach, be prepared to change your plans.

Savvy shoppers use labels

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:18:00 +0000

Ramona Madhosingh-Hector
Urban Sustainability Agent

Savvy shoppers always know how to get the best deals! They’re armed with knowledge, coupons (if available) and patience. If you’re an eco-conscious consumer, then you’re probably already familiar with these labels, if not, it’s time that you become familiar.

EnergyGuide – This label provides information on capacity, estimated operating costs, estimated annual consumption and energy efficiency rating. The label is based on standard tests conducted by manufacturers that compare annual energy use of different models. It also shows the average costs of operating and owning the appliance over the course of a year. By law, manufacturers are required to put labels on the inside or outside of the appliances and if you don’t see the yellow label, ask a salesperson for it.

Energy Star – This blue and white logo is placed on appliances that meet the strict standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Department of Energy. It indicates those appliances that use less energy, save the consumers money, and protect the environment.

GREENGUARD – This label helps buyers identify products and materials that have low chemical emissions and can improve the quality of air in which the products are used. This label is used on building materials, finishes, interior furnishings and cleaning products.

GREEN SEAL – From paper towels to food packaging, household products to construction materials, Green Seal certification considers the total environmental impact of the product. The Green Seal certification process looks at the manufacture, purchase, and use of environmentally responsible products and services.

The Lighting Facts label on light bulb packages gives you information that you need to compare different bulbs. The label helps you determine brightness (lumens), annual energy costs, light appearance (warm or cool), wattage (energy used) and expected bulb life.

Labels are valuable shopping tools when you’re looking to upgrade an appliance, replace a light or light fixture, or choose a cleaning product. Knowledge is power so shop confidently–look for labels, read labels, and use them to help you make a better purchase.

Resources:
www.energystar.gov
www.ftc.gov/appliancedata
www.energysavers.gov
www.greenseal.org
www.greenguard.org
www.lightingfacts.com/ftclabel

Seminole Discussion Group on Recycling and Sustainability

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:11:00 +0000

This Monday, May 6, 2013
10 a.m. to noon

Seminole Community Library Program Room
9200 113th St. N
Seminole, Florida 33722

Come hear Andy Karpinski–
ONE PERSON'S JOURNEY TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Andy's PowerPoint presentation will highlight his 30 years of experience in–

using less gas and electricity
using solar energy at home
growing better vegetables and fruits
craeting less waste
reusing more materials
catching rainwater

Bring along a friend or two to this exciting meeting.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Mary, queenofrecycle@hotmail.com.

Brooker Creek Exhibit Hall and Welcome Center closed through next Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:10:00 +0000

Cleanup from burst water supply line

The Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center Exhibit Hall and Welcome Center will be closed through next Wednesday, April 17, due to flooding from a burst water supply line. The extended closure will provide time for cleanup and evaluation of the extent of moisture damage that may have occurred.

The classroom building and restrooms are not affected by the flooding and will remain open for all previously scheduled activities. Trails will also be open to visitors as usual.

To learn more about Brooker Creek Preserve and its upcoming programs and events, call (727) 453-6800. To register for programs and events, visit www.brookercreekpreserve.org. Videos featuring Brooker Creek Preserve can be viewed at www.youtube.com/pcctv1.

For more information on Pinellas County services and programs, visit www.pinellascounty.org or create a shortcut to www.pinellascounty.org/mobileon any smartphone. Pinellas County government is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Tracking Your Weight on the Go

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 23:00:00 +0000

Nan Jensen,
Family and Consumer Sciences Agent

Whether it’s getting rid of those “extra winter pounds”, getting in shape for the beach or having more energy, keeping track of what you eat and your daily activity can go a long way in helping you achieve your goals. There are a number of good weight management apps that make it easy to keep tabs on your calorie intake and stick to a healthy eating plan.The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics features a review by registered dietitians of some of the most popular apps on its website eatright.org. Below is a summary.

Weight Management App Reviews
Registered dietitians review the top-rated free iPhone and Android apps for weight management.

Calorie Counter
Tracks food, exercise, weight and all the nutrients listed on a Nutrition Facts label. Includes daily inspirational articles, healthy recipes and an easy-to-understand help section. RD Rating: 4 stars
Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker by MyFitness Pal
Tracks a combination of fitness goals and nutrition analysis features to help you lose weight. RD Rating: 4.5 stars
Calorie Counter by MyNetDiary
Allows user to personalize a calorie limit for weight loss, gain or maintenance. RD Rating: 3 stars
Calorie Counter: Diets & Activities
Features a classic food diary that tracks calories, water, fitness and the time each food item is consumed and an option to create your own diet and physical activity plan and an Integrated Body Tracker. RD Rating: 4 stars
Calorie Tracker by Livestrong.com
Food and fitness diary designed to help you achieve your diet and nutrition goals, whether you want to lose, maintain or gain weight. RD Rating: 4 stars
Daily Burn
Keep track of calories consumed and track workouts to see how much energy is burned. RD rating: 2 stars
Diet Assistant
Diet Assistant provides diet plans for those who want to gain, lose or maintain their weight. RD rating: 2 stars
eaTipster
Created by the Dietitians of Canada, eaTipster delivers daily healthy eating tips to your mobile devices. RD rating: 5 stars
Lose it!
Keeps track of foods you eat with this detailed food database; primarily for people wanting to lose weight. RD Rating: 3 stars
My Diet Coach
Touted as a tool to "win the mental game of dieting," My Diet Coach is designed to keep dieters motivated and committed to meeting their weight loss goals. RD Rating: 3 stars
Sparkpeople Food and Fitness Tracker
Fitness and food tracker for people looking to lose a half-pound to 2 pounds per week or to maintain weight. RD Rating: 4 stars
Thryve
Thryve is marketed as a mobile food coach. Originally designed as a way to identify food intolerances, Thryve captures what and how much you eat and your mood after a meal. RD Rating: 2 stars
Weight Watchers Mobile
Follows the Weight Watchers plan step by step, using interactive tools, finding local meetings and creating shopping lists. RD Rating: 2 stars

No Fooling! Free Energy Classes and Kits in April!

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:45:00 +0000

This PEEP is not a marshmallow bunny.
It's the Pinellas Energy Efficiency Project!

This Monday, come see Greg Plantamura (Sustainability Educator from Pinellas County Extension) present a free one hour class on lowering your electric bill, at the monthly Seminole Discussion Group on Recycling and Sustainability.
Click here to pre-register and receive a free energy-saving kit, including an insulated tote bag!

Also at the discussion Group, enjoy an informative presentation by Laney Poire of the Crowley Natural and Cultural History Center from Sarasota.

April 1 at 10 a.m.–Noon
SPC Seminole Community Library Program Room
9200 113th St. N
Seminole, Florida 33722

PEEP will also be coming to the following locations. Click the dates to register.

For more information call 727-582-2097.

Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion or national origin.

Pinellas County 2014 Budget Community Forum comes to St. Petersburg College Seminole

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 21:35:00 +0000

As county officials begin preparing next year’s budget, Pinellas County is getting the public involved by bringing the 2014 Budget Community Forum out to the community on Wednesday, April 10, in partnership with St. Petersburg College Seminole.

An open house will be set up in the SPC Digitorium common area from 5:30 to 7 p.m. There, visitors can browse information booths set up by the various Pinellas County departments.

Residents can meet with county officials and their county commissioners, ask questions, provide feedback and learn more about county services.

From 7 to 8 p.m., an eTownHall will take place inside the Digitorium in front of a live audience. County commissioners and the county administrator will respond to comments and questions from the community as they discuss the budget, strategies for the future and the vision of the community as a whole.

This year’s event will be moderated by Bay News 9 senior anchor Al Ruechel.

The eTownHall can be viewed live in the Digitorium, online through the Pinellas County website or over PCC-TV on Bright House Channel 622, Knology Channel 18 or Verizon Channel 44. Large screen viewing areas will be set up at other SPC campuses as well.

Questions to the panel can be submitted via the online blog, Twitter, by calling (888) 409-5380 or via written submissions from the audience.

The eTownHall blog will open 9 a.m. on Monday, April 8, for those who want to submit their questions and comments in advance.

For more information, to view the program or submit a question to the blog, go to www.pinellascounty.org/etownhall.

The St. Petersburg College Seminole campus is located at 9200 113th St. N. in Seminole.

For more information on Pinellas County services and programs, visit www.pinellascounty.org, now with LiveChat, or create a shortcut to www.pinellascounty.org/mobile on any smartphone. Pinellas County government is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Urban gardening takes root

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:18:00 +0000

Imagine walking out the door of your home, and just a few steps away was some of the tastiest food you have ever eaten. Fresh. Crisp. Vibrant. Full of flavor and vitamins.

This isn’t some type of gourmet’s dream – it’s the reality of urban gardening. Even in highly populated Pinellas County, you can have the garden of your dreams that takes less work, encounters fewer problems and produces more crops with the right know-how.

That’s where the folks at the county’s Extension Service come in. The agents who work at Extension are trained by and have the backing of one of the most renowned agriculture universities in the United States – the University of Florida. They are also keenly attuned to the unique conditions that Florida gardeners face.

For instance, residents can find a bumper crop of information about getting their gardens off to a good start. Proper site location, soil preparation and crop selection can prevent issues from sprouting up later, reducing the need for fungicides, herbicides or other chemicals. From seeds in the ground to harvest time, farmers can bring their questions, concerns or samples to extension for a diagnosis and information on the best way to fix the problem and get ready for record growth.

Of course, a bounty of fruits and vegetables is great, but the enjoyment can be short lived without advice on how to cook, preserve or freeze the bounty for enjoying at some later date. For the tasty morsels you want to cook right now, get advice on how to build a balanced meal that is both nourishing and tasty.

Gardening isn’t just about plants, either. The number of people raising chickens in Pinellas County is growing, and they are getting the freshest eggs for their recipes. Extension agents can also help the aspiring chicken farmer with the know-how to get their brood off on the right wing.

Where to begin? You can visit the Pinellas County Extension Service online at http://pinellascontyextension.org to access all of the resources. Lawn and garden help is also a call away at (727) 582-2100 and then pressing the number one. The line is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. until noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

If you are the more up close and in person type, swing on by the Pinellas County Extension Office at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo, or check out the Pinellas County Master Gardener Plant Clinic at the Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave. in Palm Harbor.

If you visit the Ulmerton Road location, be sure to stroll through the abundant gardens located near the building. There, you can watch as volunteers harvest the many different botanical bounties and get ideas for your own garden.

Urban gardening classes are also offered. Be sure to click, call or stop by for the latest information on what’s coming up.

Gardening in Florida? You will dig it!

Avoid having the most expensive lawn in the neighborhood

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:47:00 +0000

Following water restrictions saves big dollars

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Government Board has unanimously voted to implement a Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage in the Tampa Bay area, effective March 13, 2013. Watering at restricted times in Pinellas County will result in a fine of $193.00.

Customers can avoid fines by familiarizing themselves with the new rules. If you choose to use a sprinkler timer, check to make sure it is operating correctly and has the appropriate times. One fine can quickly make your lawn maintenance the most expensive in the neighborhood.

Some of the features of the new restrictions include:

Watering 1 day per week (Monday to Friday)
Reduced hours before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Car washing one day per week on your regular watering day
Fountains can operate 4 hours per day
Low volume irrigation during authorized hours only

Addresses with “house numbers”	May only irrigate on …
Ending in 0 or 1	Monday
Ending in 2 or 3	Tuesday
Ending in 4 or 5	Wednesday
Ending in 6 or 7	Thursday
Ending in 8 or 9	Friday
Rights-of-way, common areas and other “no address” locations)	Friday

The watering restrictions for St. Petersburg water customers located within City limits is as follows:

● Even numbered property addresses should irrigate on Saturday ONLY
● Odd numbered property addresses, or locations with no address, should irrigate on Sunday ONLY
● Irrigation is allowed between 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the assigned day

These mandatory restrictions apply to properties using potable (city) water, private well water, and private connections to surface water sources (lakes, ponds, etc.) for watering. These restrictions do not apply to irrigation with reclaimed water.

More information can be found online at
www.stpete.org/WateringRestrictions or by calling 892-5300.

For more information about the Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage restrictions, please visit www.pinellascounty.org/utilities and click “Watering Schedule” on the menu.

To receive important notifications by email, customers are encouraged to go to Utilities My eAccount and add or update their email address. To access your account, visit www.pinellascounty.org/utilities and click on the Utilities My eAccount button. For more information, contact Customer Service at (727) 464-4000.

For more information on Pinellas County services and programs, visit www.pinellascounty.org or create a shortcut to www.pinellascounty.org/mobile on any smartphone. Pinellas County government is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Sinkhole Story

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:39:00 +0000

Click for large view

Lara Miller,
Natural Resources Agent

You’ve heard it in the news and you’ve seen it in your neighborhood, sinkholes are happening, but why? Underneath your home, garden or business is a layer of Karst topography or landscape. This Karst topography is made up of limestone rock which is composed of a mineral called calcite. Calcite is a mineral developed from fossilized remains of sea creatures that died and sank to the ocean floor 25 to 60 million years ago. Over these millions of years, shell remains became compacted into layers of whitish rock we know as limestone.

Karst topography is the reason Florida has sinkholes, springs, disappearing streams and even caves. Rainfall that percolates or seeps through the soil absorbs carbon dioxide and reacts with decaying vegetation along the way which leads to water that is slightly acidic. This acidified water slowly dissolves limestone rock as it moves through spaces and cracks underground, creating a network of cavities or holes. These holes serve as a sink for more acidic water, leading to larger cracks and voids over time. Sinkholes form when the underlying layer of limestone rock can no longer support the overlying elements (sediments, houses, etc.) and the earth collapses into the cavity.

Do sinkholes happen naturally or are humans contributing to these events?

Natural factors can contribute to ideal conditions for sinkholes to form. For example, a heavy rain following a long period of drought can cause enough overlying pressure in certain areas to cause the earth to cave in. Higher levels of pumping or removal of groundwater can also contribute to the formation of a sinkhole, especially during long periods of time with little to no rain.

Aside from the obvious damage sinkholes can cause, are there any other concerns?

Sinkholes may contribute to water quality problems if rainwater is not filtered by the soil and plants before reaching the aquifer, our underground source of drinking water. In an ideal scenario, rainwater will be caught by the leaves, branches and bark of trees and vegetation before it hits the ground. These obstacles slow the momentum of rainwater allowing it to seep into the soil to be filtered by the natural system before entering the aquifer. In the case of a sinkhole, rainwater flowing into the cavity may reach our aquifer without being filtered and result in reduced water quality.

Resources and additional information:

http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/hydrology/sinkholes/brochure.pdf

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/dh399

Visit PEEP at Boyd Hill's Wildlife Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 22:13:00 +0000

Stop by the Pinellas Energy Efficiency Project booth
during the annual

Wildlife Weekend at

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

March 9 & 10 (this Saturday and Sunday)

Spin the wheel of energy savings and get a free solar powered calculator! Get free information on ways to lower your home electricity bill, courtesy of Pinellas County Extension.

You'll also enjoy nature exhibits, tours, music, crafts, food and more.

Wildlife Weekend is free and open from 10am to 4pm at

1101 Country Club Way S.

St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Click here for map

Event flyer: http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/popupsevents/wildlife_weekend.pdf

One Earth, One Hour, Join Earth Hour 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:55:00 +0000

Ramona Madhosingh-Hector,
Urban Sustainability Agent

Get a head start on this year’s Earth Day celebration by pledging to participate in the seventh Earth Hour (http://earthhour.org/) campaign. The purpose of Earth Hour is to draw attention to climate change and unite people to protect the planet and make proactive changes. Participants commit to switching off lights for one hour. The organizer’s “60+” logo represents a pledge to do a positive act for the planet that goes beyond the hour. This year’s Earth Hour will occur on Saturday March 23 between 8:30 and 9:30 PM local time.

In 2012, more than 7,000 cities and towns in 152 countries switched off their lights for one hour. Earth Hour encourages participants to take personal responsibility for their impacts on the planet and to make behavior changes to promote a sustainable lifestyle. Turning off the lights is a symbol of your pledge to get involved but it doesn’t have to stop there! Earth Hour organizers also encourage participants to sign up for the “I Will If You Will” challenge to continue to inspire and share the commitment to protect the planet.

For more information about Earth Hour, check out the official video and the frequently asked questions. You may also get updates via social media feeds like Facebook and Twitter.

Get involved and “dare the world to save the planet”!

Resources:

World Wildlife Fund http://worldwildlife.org/pages/earth-hour

Climate Change http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/

Earth Hour City Challenge http://worldwildlife.org/pages/earth-hour-city-challenge

The Merits of Buying Florida Seafood

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:04:00 +0000

Libby Carnahan,
Pinellas County Sea Grant Extension Agent

Seafood is an important part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. According to health experts, eating fish just two times a week can significantly help to reduce the risk of heart-related death. However, seafood markets can be overwhelming. Seafood can vary significantly by price, type, and origin. With so much variety, how do we make good choices when buying seafood?

With over 80 different varieties, including shrimp, lobster, tuna, grouper, and mahi mahi, Florida has many great options for the consumer. Florida is one of the most competitive and active seafood markets in the world, with commercial landings in 2009 of over 88 million pounds of seafood products with a dockside value of over $145 million (FWRI 2009 Commercial Landings Data).

There are many positive merits for the environment, the economy, and the community to purchasing local Florida Seafood. Florida fishermen are required to follow strict federal and state laws that help protect the long-term sustainability of domestic fisheries for future generations. Despite dramatic changes to many of Florida’s coastal communities in recent decades, several communities have maintained their traditional working waterfronts and continue to harvest, process and sell seafood. By investing in local fishermen, consumers help to strengthen their local communities.

Florida seafood, like all U.S. seafood (both domestic and imported) must also follow protocols to ensure the safety and quality of the product. Purchasing seafood from reputable licensed vendors helps to ensure products are harvested, processed and sold according to federal, state, and local regulations. To find where you can purchase Florida seafood products visit the http://www.fl-seafood.com/consumers/wheretobuy.htm page. Health experts recommend eating a variety of seafood to maximize its multiple health benefits and mitigate potential risks. By choosing different types of seafood, you also help reduce pressure on highly targeted species as well.

Typically buying locally harvested seafood will significantly reduce one’s carbon footprint as there are usually fewer steps involved in processing the product and it doesn’t have to travel as far to reach the consumer. However, in some cases it might not be possible to buy Florida-harvested seafood. The product might be out of season or unavailable, it could be too expensive, or it simply is not harvested in the area (i.e. salmon or sea scallops). When possible consider purchasing seafood products that are harvested regionally or in the U.S. to further support the long-term health and sustainability of domestic fisheries. To learn more about U.S seafood visit the http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishwatch page.

Further Reading

Bryan Fluech, "Why Buy Local Seafood? The environmental and socio-economic benefits of eating Florida Seafood". http://collier.ifas.ufl.edu/SeaGrant/pubs/Benefits_of_Eating_Florida_Seafood_Fact_Sheet[1].pdf

Seminole Discussion Group on Recycling and Sustainability

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:57:00 +0000

Monday, March 4, 2013
10 a.m. to noon

Seminole Community Library Program Room
9200 113th St. N
Seminole, Florida 33722

Enjoy this special program that relates to this special area of Florida!

Tampa Bay Watch, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to the protection and restoration of marine and wetland environments of the Tampa Bay estuary through scientific and educational programs.

Come hear Rachel Arndt, Communications Coordinator for Tampa Bay Watch show a power point presentation about this wonderful organization.

We will also hear from Jim Igler, a diver for Tampa Bay Watch who has volunteered since 1993. Jim will discuss his fond memories of the work that's been going on to promote the steady progress of this important community organization!

Don't come alone! Bring along your friends!

For more information and to RSVP, contact Mary, queenofrecycle@hotmail.com.

Pinellas County citizens survey opens online and on the go

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:56:00 +0000

Got two minutes to help shape the future of Pinellas County?

Residents can take a brief online survey to share their vision about what is good and what needs improvement in Pinellas County. How do people’s priorities align with present realities? What do they want the county to be like in five years?

As the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners continues to set a strategic direction for the community, feedback from the survey will help set priorities that align with the vision of the citizens they serve.

Citizens can take the survey from 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, to 5 p.m. Friday, March 1.

The survey has gone mobile this year and is accessible at www.pinellascounty.org/mobile. The survey can also be found on the Pinellas County website at www.pinellascounty.org.

“The online survey is one of the tools we are using during the initial phase of prioritizing for the next year’s budget and as we continue to set long-range strategic direction this feedback will guide us toward a vision the community shares,” said Pinellas County Administrator Bob LaSala. “It is absolutely necessary to gather this feedback in order to learn the goals of the residents as individuals and then ultimately as a community.”

This is the third year that the county commission has collected input from residents with an online survey. It follows a statistically valid phone survey that was taken during the past month which targeted a cross-section of the county’s residents. The results of both surveys will be posted online once the information is compiled.

Another opportunity to offer feedback and interact with the county commissioners is coming up on Wednesday, April 10, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., when the Pinellas County 2014 Budget Community Forum is held at the Seminole campus of St. Petersburg College in the Digitorium. An open house and eTownHall will give officials and residents a chance to talk about budget issues and the future of the community.

For more information on Pinellas County services and programs, visit www.pinellascounty.org, now with LiveChat, or create a shortcut to www.pinellascounty.org/mobileon any mobile device. Pinellas County government is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Extension Launches New Sustainable Living Facebook Page

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 21:46:00 +0000

These are exciting times for social media and many organizations are reaching new audiences on Facebook. The University of Florida has jumped into social media and UF IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life is on Facebook now and covers a wide variety of topics from UF/IFAS Extension.

Pinellas County Extension just launched several new Facebook sites and a new site is available that covers Sustainable Living topics. Find us at UF IFAS Pinellas County Extension Sustainable Living. This site will cover lots of topics including energy, climate, green practices, local foods, and the cutting edge science on sustainable practices. “Like “ us on Facebook and join a community of people learning and sharing about sustainable living.

Recent Post:

Remember the old clotheslines? Do you still have one? Remember the smell of sun dried sheets! Dryers use a lot of energy. Tell us about your clothesline.

Here is an interesting site.
Project Laundry List http://www.laundrylist.org/map

Frogs and Toads of Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:03:00 +0000

Lara Miller
Natural Resource Agent

Frog or Toad? It’s a good question and one that the University of Florida’s Wildlife Extension experts are prepared to help you answer. In Florida, there are 33 frog and toad species (19 frogs, 8 tree frogs, 6 toads), but not all of them are found state-wide; some are only found in certain regions of the state. This fact alone can help when trying to positively identify a frog or toad.

How to tell if it is a frog or toad:

One initial observation to make is how the frog moves. If you find a frog that is able to cling to a wall or window, then it is a tree frog (1 of 8 species). If you find it hopping around on the ground then it is either a toad (1 of 6 species) or other terrestrial frog (1 of 19 species). Your next step could be to visit the UF/IFAS Frogs & Toads of Florida Image Index where you can search through a database of frog and toad photographs to try to match what you saw with the pictures provided. If you were not able to see the frog or toad, but you heard it, the USGS Frog Call Lookup is a great tool for identifying a frog by its call.

Spring, summer and fall in Florida are prime breeding times for frogs. This means you might year lots of loud frog calls. If you’re not a fan of the loud calls, there are a few steps you can take to potentially alleviate the noise disturbance. Frogs love to eat insects and the insects are attracted to light, which means if you have lights around your house, you are most likely attracting insects and frogs too. Turning off outdoor lighting and blocking inside light from shining out can help keep frogs away from your home and hopefully lead to a peaceful sleeping environment.

While frogs and toads might not be your favorite critter they are a favorite to many scientists because they are a key indicator species of the health of our ecosystems. For more information about frogs as an indicator species, visit http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw233 or join us at Pinellas County Extension’s satellite campus at Brooker Creek Preserve on Saturday, February 23rd at 10:30am for a presentation on the Frogs of Florida. For free registration for this environmental education opportunity, click here.

And remember, UF/IFAS Pinellas County Extension is here to provide you with unbiased, research-based information from scientists at the University of Florida to help improve your quality of life. Help us help you by spreading the word about Extension with your friends and family!

Seafood: A Healthy Choice for Your Heart and More

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 21:16:00 +0000

Nan Jensen,
Family and Consumer Sciences Agent

February is American Heart Month, a great time to do something good for your health and including more seafood in your diet is a way to do just that. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that consumers eat 8 or more ounces of a variety of seafood each week. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish) at least two times per week. That’s because seafood is rich in nutrients and low in calories. Most lean or lower fat species of fish, such as cod, flounder, and sole, contain 100 calories or less per 3 ounce cooked portion. Even fish like mackerel, herring, and salmon which are higher in fat contain approximately 200 calories or less in a 3 ounce cooked serving. Most of the fat in seafood is unsaturated, and it contains a type of polyunsaturated fat, called omega-3 fatty acids. The fat reduces the risk of heart disease, decreases levels of some types of blood fats and possibly cholesterol, contributes to brain development in infants and children and helps build muscles and tissues.

Seafood contains a high-quality protein that is easier to digest because it has less connective tissue than red meats and poultry. For certain groups of people such as the elderly who may have difficulty chewing or digesting their food, seafood can be a good choice to help them meet their daily protein needs. While the health benefits of seafood far outweigh the risks, it is important to follow these food safety guidelines.

Keep fish refrigerated below 40° until ready to use.
Separate cooked and raw seafood and wash utensils before re-using.
Wash hands before and after handling raw or cooked food.
Cook seafood thoroughly to an internal temperature of 145°F for at least 15 seconds. Properly cooked seafood should be moist and opaque throughout.
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Avoid holding temperatures of 40-140°F.
Purchase seafood from retailers that have high standards for quality and sanitation.
Remove the skin from fish and trim the fat to reduce exposure to PCBs, pesticides or other chemicals. Pregnant women, those who intent to become pregnant and children should not consume.
Do not eat swordfish, tilefish, shark, or king mackerel because of the higher levels of mercury if you are pregnant, or intend to become pregnant. Children should avoid these as well.

For more information go to Seafood Health Facts: Making Smart Choices at http://seafoodhealthfacts.org

Join us for a workshop on seafood called From Market to Menu: Incorporating Seafood into your Heart-Healthy Diet. Register at http://weedonislandpreserve.eventbrite.com

Seminole Discussion Group on Recycling and Sustainability

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 22:45:00 +0000

Monday, February 4, 2013
10 a.m. to noon

Seminole Community Library Program Room
9200 113th St. N
Seminole, Florida 33722

TOPIC 1:
Tampa Bay Time promotes people to exchange their time and talents....instead of money. This organization is the local affiliate of TimeBanks USA. Come learn about how this exchange system can work for you!

TOPIC 2:
Jene's Tropicals is a local company that has been in business 24 years! You will learn about their nursery, which is filled with citrus and tropical trees, bushes, vines, flowering tropical trees, and rare exotics. Bring your infected leaves....ailing palm fronds...or blades of sick grass for a professional diagnosis.

Kindly drop a note to Mary at queenofrecycle@hotmail.com to let her know you'll be attending.
Thanks!

Enjoying Kyaking

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:44:00 +0000

Libby Carnahan
Sea Grant Agent
Pinellas County Extension

Let me paint a picture for you…The water is flat calm around you, there is not a soul in sight, and the only sounds that you hear are those of wading birds and jumping fish. As the sun rises over the horizon, a manatee meanders by and surfaces not 100 feet from you. Life could not be more serene.

You are Kayaking! Kayaking and other paddle sports allow us to experience the coastal marine environment in a unique way. They offer increased opportunity for viewing wildlife for several reasons-there is no engine noise to deter animals, and with the slower pace of a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, you are more likely to be observant of your surroundings. Paddle sports are also a great form of exercise.

Kayaking and Canoeing can be combined with many activities that you already enjoy-fishing, bird watching, geochaching, spending time with friends and family, and exploring the great outdoors. You do not have to own your own gear or be an expert to enjoy a day paddling on the water. Tampa Bay is home to many reputable companies who rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Many outfitters also offer lessons from beginner to advanced, as well as provide guided tours.

Tampa Bay is home to many marked paddling trails that will lead you through mangrove tunnel and over seagrass flats including. Other trails will take you to Intracoastal spoil islands and sandy beaches. For a comprehensive list of paddling trails around Tampa Bay, as well as helpful safety tips, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Paddling Trails webpage,
http://ocean.floridamarine.org/boating_guides/tampa_bay/pages/paddling_trails.html

Backyard Poultry in Pinellas County

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 15:37:00 +0000

Mary Campbell,
Extension Director and Urban Sustainability Agent

If you are considering keeping chickens in your backyard, there are specific requirements based on the community you live in. Please refer to the local ordinances for your municipality or unincorporated Pinellas County for more information. Homeowner Associations may also have specific requirements that override local ordinances.

Municipalities that Allow Chickens

City	Chickens	Other Poultry	Restrictions	Limit	Noise Restrictions
Bellair	Yes	Yes	May not be raised for commercial purposes. Coops must be kept clean. Permit required.	5 domes- tic animals
Dunedin	Yes	Yes	Fowl must be kept within an enclosure, apply to city codes and regulations, and not constitute a nuisance.		Yes
Gulfport	Yes	No	Chickens must be contained in the backyard and all coops must be kept clean. No roosters.	10 hens
Largo	Yes	Yes	Fowl must be securely fenced and coops and runways must be kept clean.		Yes
St. Petersburg	Yes	Yes	Fowl must be securely fenced and coops and runways must be kept clean. Not within 100 ft of neighbors without their approval.		Yes

Summary of Pinellas County Ordinance for Unincorporated Areas

Fowl may not be raised for commercial purposes; fowl may not be slaughtered.
Up to 4 hens may be kept; no roosters.
Must not create a nuisance of noise, odor, pests, or any other nuisance condition.
Fowl must be securely fenced and the coop must be covered and ventilated. The coop must be completely secured from predators.
Chickens must be kept in the backyard.
Coops and runways must be kept clean.
Chicken enclosure must be kept a minimum of 10 feet from neighbor’s property and not be taller than 6 feet.
The chicken enclosure must be screened from neighbor’s view, using an opaque fence and/or landscape screen
If coop exceeds 100 square feet in size, a building permit must be acquired.
A minimum of 3 square feet is required per hen.
All stored feed must be kept in a rodent and predator-proof container.

Chicken FAQs
Here are some common questions that Pinellas County Extension has received from citizens who are interested in keeping chickens.

What types of breeds are recommended for backyard poultry? Buff Orpington, Rhode Island Red, Ameraucana, White Leghorn, Australorp, and Barred Rock.
How long do chickens live?Chickens live an average of 7 years although they can live 10 years or more.
What temperature do chickens need to survive?Chickens thrive in ranges between 70-75 °F, and may die in temperatures exceeding 95 °F. Hens lay eggs the best in temperature ranges between 45-80 °F.
How much space do chickens need?Chickens need about 2 square feet per hen for Bantam breeds, and 3 square feet for other birds.
Should I use chicken wire to enclose the chickens?Chicken wire can be used to enclose a run, but the open weave allows predators to reach through the openings. Rigid hardware cloth is recommended for sleeping or resting areas.
How much food and water do chickens need?Chickens drink about 1 to 2 cups of water each day. Layers drink twice as much as non-layers. Lightweight layers need about 4 to 4½ ounces of feed per hen per day, or about 4 pounds of feed for every dozen eggs laid.

If you are interested in backyard poultry, please click here to join Extension for a new workshop on Urban Agriculture: Small to Large on February 9^th for Chickens 101 – morning session.

Resources:
UF Basic Guide for the Backyard Chicken Flock: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an239
Backyard Chickens: http://www.backyardchickens.com/
Build A Chicken Coop Easy: http://www.buildachickencoopeasy.com/
4 H Virtual Farm: Poultry : http://www.sites.ext.vt.edu/virtualfarm/poultry/poultry.html
The City Chicken.com: http://citychickens.com/
City Chicks (chicken source) 727-546-3478 located in Pinellas Park

Free Energy-Saving Class

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:45:00 +0000

Would you like to learn more ways to consume less energy without sacrificing your level of comfort? Pinellas Energy Efficiency Project (PEEP) is offering FREE classes in various area of Pinellas County. You will learn how to reduce your home energy bill and receive free energy saving devices that will help you to save money, including a new LED light bulb.

Register at www.pinellascountyextension.org

Tuesday January 15 at 6 p.m.
at Largo Public Library
Saturday February 9 at 10 a.m.
at Weedon Island Preserve
Saturday February 16 at 10 a.m.
at Seminole United Methodist Church
Tuesday February 19 at 1 p.m.
at Pinellas County Extension’s Largo office
Tuesday March 5 at 6:30 p.m.
at St. Petersburg Main Library
Thursday March 21 at 6 p.m.
at Oldsmar Public Library
Saturday March 23 at 10 a.m.
at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Seminole Discussion Group on Recycling & Sustainability

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 21:53:00 +0000

Starting the New Year off right with two wonderful guest speakers.

Attend a fascinating meeting
Monday, January 7, 2013
10:00 am to noon

Seminole Community Library Program Room
9200 113th St. N
Seminole, Florida 33722

PowerPoint presentations on

Water Reuse
Speaker: Joy Ingram, M.A., Global Sustainability
Green Home Certification Program
Speaker: Joe Triolo, Progress Energy

Bring your questions. Bring your neighbors.

For information and to RSVP, contact Mary, queenofrecycle@hotmail.com.

Don’t Trash the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Solutions for Your Life) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:01:00 +0000

Let the holidays fill your heart, not your trash can.

The holidays are a season for giving, but also a good time to think about waste reduction. We often end up sending large gifts of holiday discards to the landfill. Gift wrap, packaging and party goods add up to truckloads of extra garbage. Start your own traditions to reduce, reuse and recycle your holiday trash.

Green holiday tips:

Save holiday wrappings such as gift bags, ribbons, bows, boxes and plastic peanuts to use again.
Replace incandescent Christmas lights with energy efficient LED lights.
Give eco-friendly gifts such as a fishing license or movie tickets instead of “stuff” that will ultimately be tossed.
Buy rechargeable batteries and a battery charger to accompany electronic gifts.
Draw names for family giving instead of buying for everyone.
Find a new home for usable items that have been replaced by visiting our A to Z “Get Rid of It” Guide at www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/getridofit.
Entertain with reusable dishes, silverware and cloth napkins instead of disposable items.
Recycle gift wrap, tissue paper or greeting cards with “mixed paper” at curbside or drop-off. For a list of local recycling programs, visit www.pinellascounty.org/recycle.
Buy paper items, such as greeting cards, with recycled content.
Set up a recycling bin for cans and bottles if you host a holiday party.
Reuse an artificial tree, or recycle a “real” Christmas tree. Most cities in Pinellas County collect trees for recycling either at curbside or drop-off sites.

Visit www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/holidays for more valuable tips to cut holiday waste.

For more information on recycling, contact Pinellas County Solid Waste at (727) 464-7500, or visit www.pinellascounty.org/recycle.

For more information on Pinellas County services and programs, visit www.pinellascounty.org or create a shortcut to www.pinellascounty.org/mobile on any smartphone. Pinellas County government is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Pinellas County Extension Thinking Green

Think Locally, Act Neighborly: Invasive Species Know No Boundaries

Stay Safe at the Beach

Savvy shoppers use labels

Seminole Discussion Group on Recycling and Sustainability

Brooker Creek Exhibit Hall and Welcome Center closed through next Wednesday

Tracking Your Weight on the Go

No Fooling! Free Energy Classes and Kits in April!

Pinellas County 2014 Budget Community Forum comes to St. Petersburg College Seminole

Urban gardening takes root

Avoid having the most expensive lawn in the neighborhood

The Sinkhole Story

Visit PEEP at Boyd Hill's Wildlife Weekend

One Earth, One Hour, Join Earth Hour 2013

The Merits of Buying Florida Seafood

Seminole Discussion Group on Recycling and Sustainability

Pinellas County citizens survey opens online and on the go

Extension Launches New Sustainable Living Facebook Page

Frogs and Toads of Florida

Seafood: A Healthy Choice for Your Heart and More

Seminole Discussion Group on Recycling and Sustainability

Enjoying Kyaking

Backyard Poultry in Pinellas County

If you are interested in backyard poultry, please click here to join Extension for a new workshop on Urban Agriculture: Small to Large on February 9th for Chickens 101 – morning session.

Free Energy-Saving Class

Seminole Discussion Group on Recycling & Sustainability

Don’t Trash the Holidays

If you are interested in backyard poultry, please click here to join Extension for a new workshop on Urban Agriculture: Small to Large on February 9^th for Chickens 101 – morning session.