Category: Dixie

  • “Celebrating Resilience: Maggie the Opossum’s Journey from Vulnerability to Vitality”

    “Celebrating Resilience: Maggie the Opossum’s Journey from Vulnerability to Vitality”

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    Maggie, a special opossum, recently celebrated her second birthday with a delightful tuna fish and sweet potato cake. This celebration marks not just her age, but also an incredible journey of recovery that warms the hearts of her caretakers and fans alike.

    Maggie was discovered as a baby by a kind-hearted samaritan, who found her on the ground, frail and unable to walk. Covered in fleas and visibly thin, she faced significant challenges from the very start. However, thanks to the dedicated staff who provided her with months of physical therapy and treatment, she began to regain her strength and mobility.

    Despite her initial clumsiness, Maggie’s calm demeanor made her a perfect candidate to become an animal ambassador. Now, she spends her days surrounded by fans and loving caretakers, who appreciate her unique charm and tenacity.

    Living in Dixie County, Florida—a community that values nature and supports wildlife—Maggie’s story resonates with local residents who understand the importance of caring for animals in need. Her journey illustrates the powerful impact that compassionate individuals can have in transforming lives. Through rehabilitation and support, Maggie has not only found a loving home but has also become a symbol of hope and resilience in our community.

    References

    WEC426/UW471: Wildlife of Florida Factsheet: Virginia Opossum. (n.d.). Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW471
    AE514/AE514: Field Observations during the Eleventh Microwave Water and Energy Balance Experiment (MicroWEX-11): from April 25, 2012, through December 6, 2012. (n.d.). Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AE514
    WEC423/UW468: How Effective and Humane Is Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) for Feral Cats?. (n.d.). Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW468
    WEC440S/UW510: Los reptiles introducidos en Florida: la iguana verde (Iguana iguana). (n.d.). Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW510
    Pelican Harbor Seabird Station. (n.d.). facebook.com. https://facebook.com/pelicanharbor/posts/765893442004923

  • “Cultivating Growth: Key Agricultural Updates for Dixie County from SWFREC”

    “Cultivating Growth: Key Agricultural Updates for Dixie County from SWFREC”

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    Dixie County Residents: Exciting Updates from the SWFREC Newsletter

    The latest newsletter from the University of Florida’s Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) brings some exciting news that could impact our local agricultural community here in Dixie County. The newsletter is filled with research updates, opportunities for education, and important events that are relevant to farmers, students, and anyone interested in the future of agriculture in Florida.

    International Collaboration in Citrus Research

    One of the standout features in this edition is about a recent exchange program involving agricultural graduate students from the University of Florida and Universitat Politecnica de Valencia in Spain. This collaboration allows students to share research and best practices, particularly in citrus farming. Dr. Ute Albrecht from SWFREC and her students recently traveled to Spain to learn about innovative methods in citrus production, which could lead to new ideas for local growers in Dixie County. Sharing knowledge across borders can help improve the quality and yield of our citrus crops, which are vital for Florida’s economy.

    Citrus Industry Conference Highlights

    Dixie County’s agricultural community will also want to pay attention to findings shared by local researchers at the recent Citrus Industry Annual Conference. Dr. Albrecht discussed the benefits of oxytetracycline (OTC) injections, a treatment that helps combat Huanglongbing, or citrus greening—an ongoing challenge for citrus growers everywhere. Dr. Tara Wade also presented on the adoption of these treatments and their outcomes. This kind of research is crucial for our local citrus industry, especially as many farms in Dixie depend on healthy citrus production.

    Citrus Growers’ Institute and Media Coverage

    The SWFREC was featured in Specialty Crop Grower magazine, highlighting the Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute conference. Dr. Albrecht presented findings from research trials showing that trunk injection therapy is improving both the yield and quality of citrus fruit. This is promising news for local growers who are looking for effective ways to enhance their production.

    Upcoming Events to Mark on Your Calendars

    There are also some important events on the horizon that could be beneficial for residents interested in agriculture. The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is scheduled for August 20-21, 2025, at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. This is a great opportunity for local farmers to learn more about emerging trends and technologies in agriculture. Additionally, the UF/IFAS Florida Tomato Conference will take place on September 4, 2025, in Clewiston, which will provide valuable insights for those involved in tomato farming.

    Stay Informed and Get Involved

    These updates underscore the ongoing efforts of researchers and educators at SWFREC to support agricultural communities like ours in Dixie County. By participating in upcoming events and staying informed about the latest research, local residents can gain valuable knowledge that could enhance their farming practices and contribute to the sustainability of our local agriculture.

    For more details on these updates and to explore additional resources, be sure to check out the full newsletter here.

    References

    Untitled. (n.d.). swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu. https://swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/docs/pdf/swfrec-update/25-06-18-SWFREC-eNews.pdf

  • “Empowering Friendship and Inclusion: The Impact of Best Buddies International”

    “Empowering Friendship and Inclusion: The Impact of Best Buddies International”

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    Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, committed to fostering opportunities for friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Over the years, Best Buddies has evolved into a global movement, positively impacting the lives of millions worldwide.

    A highlight of Best Buddies is its collaboration with NFL star Tom Brady. For nearly 15 years, Brady has served as a Global Ambassador for the organization, using his platform to raise awareness and funds. Together, they have raised significant resources to support individuals with IDD, showcasing the power of community involvement.

    Annual events like the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port attract thousands of participants and are vital to the local community. This year’s challenge aims to raise substantial funds, emphasizing the commitment to creating meaningful employment and friendship opportunities for those involved.

    With over 2,300 chapters worldwide, Best Buddies is dedicated to promoting inclusion and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The organization implements various programs in schools and communities, assisting individuals in securing jobs and forming lasting friendships. Best Buddies strives for a world where everyone can thrive, regardless of their abilities.

    In Dixie County, Florida, community engagement is essential, and Best Buddies’ mission aligns closely with local values. By engaging youth through schools and community events, we can promote inclusion and create more opportunities for friendship and support for individuals with IDD. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for everyone in our community.

    References

    4H448/4H448: Promising Practices for Working With Youth With Disabilities. (n.d.). Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/4H448
    4H447/4H447: 4-H Afterschool Resource Guide: Developing and Managing a 4-H Afterschool Program. (n.d.). Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/4H447
    FCS3377/FY1516: Foster Care Youth in Transition: How to Help Mitigate Risks of Homelessness Faced by Teens and Emerging Adults in the Foster Care System. (n.d.). Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FY1516
    FCS3321/FY1451: The Impact of Fathers on Children’s Well-Being. (n.d.). Ask IFAS – Powered by EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FY1451
    The 18th Annual Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port Sells out in Record Time Thanks to Partnership with Best Buddies Global Ambassador Tom Brady – Best Buddies International. (2017, April 21). Best Buddies International. https://www.bestbuddies.org/2017/04/21/18th-annual-best-buddies-challenge-hyannis-port-sells-record-time-thanks-partnership-best-buddies-global-ambassador-tom-brady-2/