Several CEUs Offered January 10th

Here are the CEUs for attending the third annual "Roots to Shoots" tree program on Thursday, January 10th:

ISA: 5 Utility Specialist: 5 TW Climber Specialist: 5 BCMA - Science: 2 BCMA - Practice: 3 BCMA- Management

FDACS CEUS 4 : 1 CORE; 3 Right of Way; 3 Ornamental & Turf; 3 Limited Lawn and Ornamental; 3 Limited Landscape Maintenance; 3 Commercial Lawn & Ornamental, 3 NWM. Maximum of 4 CEUs earned.

FNGLA: 4

To register go to this link:  http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4783424351/eorg#

"Roots to Shoots" Tree Program

You are invited to attend our third annual “Roots to Shoots” tree program, Thursday, January 10, 2013.


Topics covered include tree identification, mature tree pruning, new tree pests and hands-on demonstration of safety, rigging, and pruning.  Cost is $30.

To register go to this link: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4783424351/eorg#

New Clients? Bed Bugs Now in Libraries

See this article for more information:  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/06/garden/bedbugs-hitch-a-ride-on-library-books.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&  A good reason to stick with or start using digital books!

Crazy Ant Control Strategies

See new research to find out which baits work the best:  http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/category/lawn-garden/landscaping/

Battle Over Fertilizers Headed to FL Legislature

See this article for more information about the impending battle:  http://politics.heraldtribune.com/2012/11/30/counties-brace-for-battle-with-florida-legislature-over-fertilizers/

Cooking a Thanksgiving Turkey?

Did you know that for every 5 pounds of turkey it takes 1 day in the fridge to thaw?  A 20 pound turkey needs 4 days to thaw!
See this great little video about preparing your turkey...
http://www.youtube.com/user/SolutionsForYourLife

Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving!

Ask Your Questions at eTown Hall Meeting

Join the discussion about Pinellas County watersheds and how they connect the environment, economic vitality and quality of life

What is a watershed? Why should we care? A watershed is an area of land that drains to an open body of water. In Pinellas County, every square foot of land drains somewhere. The actions we take affect the health of our waterways and the economic vitality of the area, including the health of our tourism industry and the quality of life we enjoy.

Join the conversation about this important issue at the eTownHall: Watershed, where we LiveWorkPlay. The live online event will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 28, from 7 to 8 p.m. and will incorporate questions that are blogged and called in by members of the public.

Panel members will answer questions sent in by the public and discuss the connections between the county’s watersheds and how they directly affect the quality of life that is valued by residents, visitors and the business community.

The eight panelists represent a cross-section of the county, including the citizenry, Tampa Bay Times, Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Pinellas County Economic Development. Tampa Bay Estuary, Pinellas County Extension and the county’s Department of Environment and Infrastructure’s Watershed Division. The eTownHall will be moderated by Len Ciecieznski of the Pinellas County Communications Department.

The panelists will answer as many questions as possible during the hour-long program.

The first of a three-part series of video public service announcements will also be unveiled during the live event as the kickoff to a special effort to educate residents, visitors, business people, community leaders and all those who live, work and play in Pinellas County.

As a watershed management plan is being developed, solutions are being investigated to improve overall water quality and address drainage problems. Increased public awareness is the key to understanding the role of the community as part of the solution to these countywide problems.

There are five ways to participate in the eTownHall:

1. Blog on www.pinellascounty.org/etownhall. The blog opens at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 26, for early questions and comments and will remain open through the live event on Wednesday, Nov. 28.

2. View the live streaming video event on the eTownHall website on Wednesday, Nov. 28, from 7 to 8 p.m.

3. Tweet with the hashtag #pinellaswatershed to send in questions and comments.

4. Call in during the live event. To ask a question or make a comment, call (727) 464-TOWN (8696).

5. Watch the event live on PCC-TV (Bright House Channel 622, Knology Channel 18 or Verizon Channel 44).

For more information on the event call (727) 464-4600 or go to www.pinellascounty.org/eTownHall, where you can also access resources and watch a video to learn the basics of watersheds and why we should care. You can also set up a convenient event reminder.

The conference room at the Pinellas County Communications Department will be open to the public during the live event as well to provide access to a computer, TV and phone. It is located at 333 Chestnut St. in Clearwater.

Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this event, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. At least seven days prior to the event, contact the Office of Human Rights, 400 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Suite 500, Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-4062(V/TDD).

GI-BMP Instructor Training - Last One of the Year

GI-BMP Instructor Training

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
300 Tower Road
Naples, FL 34113

Registration Required. To register, please complete the enclosed Application Form by following the eligibility criteria described on the second page, and submit to Alberto Chavez by no later than Thursday, November 29, 2012. If you have already been accepted in the program please register by replying to this email confirming your attendance.

Becoming a certified GI-BMP instructor is a four step process:

1. Attend a GI-BMP class and pass the test with a minimum score of 90%

2. Apply to become an instructor by meeting the eligibility requirements and completing the attached form

3. Attend the GI-BMP Instructor Training class and pass the test with a minimum score of 75%

4. Co-train with an experienced instructor

If you have questions please contact Alberto Chavez at Alberto.Chavez@dep.state.fl.us or 239-417-6310 [temporary extension 204].

Alberto Chavez
GI-BMP Regional Coordinator [South]
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
300 Tower Road
Naples, FL 34113

239-417 6310 x [temporary extension 204]
FAX 239-417 6315

UF Builds A Better Fly Trap

See this article and video for more information:  http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/19969844/2012/10/31/building-a-better-flytrap

Bee Removal - Licensing Required?

New State law may require licensing of those removing bees.  For more information see this link:  http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/sep/16/collier-lee-bee-removal-experts-state-regulations/

It is currently a state recommendation that all bee colonies in and around homes be eradicated by a certified Pest Control Operator (PCO). Recent inspections in South Florida revealed that 70 - 90% of wild bee colonies are now Africanized. Approximately 50% of bee attacks are from a known wild colony that owners thought was "tame."

Learn more about bees at this link:  http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/afbee/bee_removal.shtml

Plumeria (Frangipani) Problems

If you are seeing chewed frangipani leaves you probably have the tetrio sphinx or frangipani hornworm caterpillar feeding on them.  This is a black caterpillar with yellow stripes that gets quite large and is usually seen here between July and September.  Since leaves will be dropping soon why not let the caterpillar have them, as it helps to fertilize the ground with its frass.  Thuricide or Dipel are Bt. products that control small caterpillars and are safe on other beneficial insects.  For other caterpillar control measures see this link:  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig012

Recently, we have seen a rash of frangipani or plumeria rust fungus (picture is a microscopic view of the rust spores).  This disease produces a mass of tiny pockets of rust colored spores on the undersides of the leaves.  Infected leaves become yellow-spotted on top and fall off the tree.  This disease is most commonly seen during the mid to late part of summer.  Although it may look rather menacing it normally does not cause any serious problem for the plant.  Since the leaves are getting ready to drop off for the fall anyway, spraying with a fungicide is usually not warranted.  It is best to pick up or rake away any infected fallen leaves and dispose of them in the trash.  This will help to reduce the amount of spores available to re-infest the tree at a later date. 

Palm Care & CEUs

Do you know what is wrong with this palm?  Find out at the "Palm Care, Maintenance and Diseases" class and earn 2 CEUs in the lawn/turf/ornamental categories.

Learn about pesticide safety in a fun way.  Lots of games to play.  Earn 2 Core CEUs.

To register for this October 30 class please visit this link:  http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4019462320/eorg

GHP, Termites, Fumigation & Core

Will your vehicle pass an FDACS inspection?  Do you know what to do if there is a pesticide spill?  Come to the core class and find out.

Silverfish, Bedbugs and Caribbean Crazy Ants will be discussed in the GHP module.  Learn new research information to help with their control.

New termaticides and new tools in termite control discussed in the Termite module.

Fumigation will cover why we use the chemicals we use as fumigants.

Each module will provide 2 CEUs for the specific category.

To register for this October 3 class please visit this link:  http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4019297828/eorg
Sign up for each class individually.

Hurricane and Disaster Info

The Boy Scout saying "be prepared" is a good motto to follow.  With the uncertainty of Isaac coming toward us as a possible hurricane, this is a good time to get prepared for hurricane season.  September is normally the peak month for hurricanes so it is best to be ready for a storm.

The University of Florida has put together a wonderful handbook full of information to help you with both preparation and the aftermath of a hurricane or disaster.  Click here for the handbook.

Wishing you a safe hurricane season.

What's Wrong with that Palm? Learn it ALL

Palm Management in the Florida Landscape

Date:  November  8-9, 2012  (2 days – Thursday and Friday)

Time:  7:45 AM – 5:00 PM each day

Location:   University of Florida - IFAS

Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center

3205 College Avenue, Davie, FL 33314

Registration Fee:  $300, checks only, payable to the “University of Florida”

For more information and to reserve your spot for “Palm School”, contact:

Dr. Monica Elliott at melliott@ufl.edu  or  954-577-6315

Reservations/Payment By:  Oct. 26, 2012 (or until class fills up)

Enrollment Limit:  40 persons.  Enrollment will be limited to 3 persons per company.  If space is still available after Oct. 26, this enrollment cap will be lifted.

CEUs requested:  ISA, FNGLA and FDACS (pesticide license)

CEUs for LA license approved (14.5):  Provider Number 0004406

Topics/Course Numbers (for LA CEUs)

Ÿ Diagnosing Palm Problems (#0008389)                   Ÿ Palm Diseases (#0009071)

Ÿ Palm Anatomy and Growth (#0008391)                 Ÿ Transplant Issues (#0008295)

Ÿ Physiological Disorders (#0009075)                        Ÿ Pruning Palms (#0009073)

Ÿ Nutrient Deficiencies (#0009079)                            Ÿ Fertilizer Formulations and

Ÿ Palm Insects (#0009069)                                             Application Techniques (#0009077)

Ÿ Field Trip I (#0009067)                                            Ÿ Field Trip II (#009068)

Instructors:

Dr. Timothy Broschat, Palm Horticulturist, Nutrition and Fertilization

Dr. Monica Elliott, Palm Pathologist, Fungal Diseases

Dr. Robin Giblin-Davis, Palm Entomologist/Nematologist

Dr. Nigel Harrison, Palm Pathologist, Phytoplasma Diseases

Dr. Catharine Mannion, Ornamental Entomologist

For more information and to reserve your spot for “Palm School”, contact:

Dr. Monica Elliott at   melliott@ufl.edu  or  954-577-6315

"Last Call" CEU Update Now Available for Registration

If you need fumigation, GHP, termite and/or CORE CEUs please go to this link to register:  http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4019297828/eorg

If you need any of the lawn/turf/ornamental CEU categories and/or CORE please go to this link to register:  http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4019462320/eorg

Please remember to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of class.  I am looking forward to seeing you!

The Great CEU Roundup

When:  July 11, 2012
Where:  Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner
Where:  Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto
Time:  8:30 AM to 4 PM
CEUs:  Up to 5 for: Commercial L & O; Ornamental & Turf (O & T); Limited L & O (LLO), Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance (LCLM) and Right of Way (ROW) and up to 1 for Core.
Register here for Hillsborough  (Complete form on second page to register).
Register here for Manatee
This is a polycom event - classes are broadcast out of Gainesville, FL through an internet cable to the local classroom.

Whiteflies and Free CEU

Visit the new whitefly website, learn about the new whiteflies damaging our landscapes and earn one free Continuing Education Unit (CEU).
  
The CEU e-learning module is entitled "Invasive Whitefly Pests of Florida". A quiz is available to take at the end of the module and a score of 70% or better on the quiz earns the user one FDACS CEU  in one of the following categories: Limited Lawn and Ornamental (LLO), Limited Landscape Maintenance (LCLM), or Commercial Lawn and Ornamental (L&O). 


When you have successfully completed the module, your name, as well as your company's name and county, will be placed on a public list of landscape professionals who have received training on Florida whitefly issues.  It's a win-win for you.


Picture is of Rugose whitefly spirals.   Photo by: H. Glenn, UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center

Free CEU Bug Tutorials for Download

The UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department is releasing 30 computer-verified training tutorials on arthropods as FREE downloads.

These tutorials are useful for training pest control technicians, agricultural workers or students in any setting requiring knowledge of arthropods. Even homeowners can profit from the information and photographs provided by these tutorials.

Florida, West Virginia and Vermont also authorize all or many of the tutorials for CEUs to renew pesticide application licenses or for required training of technicians.

These tutorials will install on any Windows operating system, but will not install on the newer 64-bit systems. This is the main reason for releasing these tutorials for free use.

The tutorials cover beneficial arthropods, household and structural pests, medically important arthropods, occasional invaders, landscape and agriculturally important arthropods.

Currently 16 Bug Tutorials are now available for FREE downloading.

Others will be available soon

There are also 7 previously-released FREE Label and Core tutorials on how to read pesticide labels. These are also authorized for CEUs.

All of these tutorials are available from the department's Buggy Software Web http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/fasulo/pests/software/det_bugs.htm   .

Caladium Festival

The festival is held in Lake Placid on August 24, 25 and 26.  Friday and Saturday 9 - 4 and Sunday 10 - 3.  UF/IFAS has 2 new varieties that will be available this year "Royal Flush" and "Tapestry". For more information on the festival.

Picture is of "Royal Flush" by Dr. Deng, UF/IFAS

Pest Alert - New Exotic Weevils

Did you know that exotic giant palm weevils are currently a potential Florida threat?

The two exotic species of concern are the Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) and the South American Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum). They can be very difficult to differentiate from our native species-the palmetto weevil (Rhynchophorus cruentatus).

Dr. Robin Giblin-Davis from the Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center has a UF/IFAS Featured Creatures publication on our native palmetto weevil 

The Florida Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry (FDACS-DPI) has an excellent pest alert describing the threat to Florida 

If you need your Giant Palm Weevils identified bring them to the Pinellas County Extension Lawn and Garden Help Desk, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo.  You can also contact our UF Insect ID lab, headed by Dr. Lyle Buss.  Dr. Lyle Buss also screens samples digitally through our UF Distance Diagnostics system(DDIS) 

Picture is from nature-of-oz.com

Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference

If you are interested in becoming a small farms or alternative enterprises entrepreneur you can learn all about it at the conference happening on July 27-29, 2012 in Kissimmee, FL.  For more information and to register please see this site.

New Pest Headed Our Way

Maybe you are already seeing this new insect pest in the landscape. It is called the rugose spiraling whitefly.  Heavy infestations are documented from the keys up to Palm Beach and Naples.  To learn more about this pest watch this YouTube video.  Here is a written publication on the rugose spiraling whitefly with a list of insecticides labeled for whitefly control.  Here is a link to a PowerPoint presentation about managing this pest in the landscape.  Please comment if you have seen this new pest in the landscape.

Tick-borne Diseases Highest in Florida

The Florida Department of Health released its Tick-borne disease Surveillance report for the period ending today.

Several counties reported tick diseases in humans. These diseases included human monocytic ehrlichiosis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease.

To see the full report click here 
For more information on ticks, diseases spread by ticks and control measures see this UF website 

Hurricane Prep Class

Are you Prepared for Hurricane Season?

Where will you go?  What should you pack?  Is your home secure?  Are You Really Prepared?  Join Pinellas County Extension and other county partners for a FREE Hurricane Preparedness Workshop for local residents at Weedon Island Preserve on Saturday, June 16^th at 9am.

Tom Iovino, Pinellas County Emergency Management spokesman, will deliver the Keynote address.  He will present the history of hurricanes in Tampa Bay and discuss the potential threat from a storm this season.  Experts from the University of Florida and Pinellas County Animal Services will deliver sound advice on preparing your home, family, finances, pets, and waterfront in the event of a storm.

Each participant will walk away with a reusable insulated tote bag full of informative resources including a manual LED Flashlight.  Refreshments will be provided. 

Door prizes include a complete set of Tires donated by TiresPlus and an Energy Efficiency kit provided by the Pinellas Energy Efficiency Project, all valued at more than $500!

Registration is limited, reserve your seat by going online to http://hurricanepreparedness.eventbrite.com/.  Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center is located at 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702. For questions, call (727) 453-6522.

Neonicotinoids May Be Causing Bee Colony Collapse Disorder

For more information about a recent experiment that points to neonicotinoids as a possible source of this decline see this article  You can also find this and other interesting information on the pest alert website.

Reminder - Become a GI-BMP Instructor May 30

GI-BMP Instructor Training Class
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Where: Pinellas Extension
12520 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33774

Time: 8:15 am to 4:00 pm
Registration Required
To register, please complete the Application Form found here after verifying your eligibility criteria described on the same link, and submit to Alberto Chavez (see contact info below) by no later than Friday, May 25, 2011. If you have already been accepted in the program please register by replying to Alberto Chavez and letting him know that you want to attend this class.

After reviewing the application and determining that you meet the requirements, you will receive an email confirmation and additional class information.

Becoming a certified GI-BMP instructor is a four step process:

1. Attend a GI-BMP class and pass the test with a minimum score of 90%
2. Apply to become an instructor by meeting the eligibility requirements and completing the form
3. Attend the GI-BMP Instructor Training class and pass the test with a minimum score of 75%*
4. Co-train with an experienced instructor

*The next class in the South Region will take place during the third quarter on 2012 in the South East Coast

If you have questions please contact Alberto Chavez at Alberto.Chavez@dep.state.fl.us or 239-417-6310 x222.


Alberto Chavez
GI-BMP Regional Coordinator [South]
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
300 Tower Road
Naples, FL 34113
239-417 6310 x 222
FAX 239-417 6315

Remember June 1 Fertilizer Ban

May 31 is the last date that you can apply nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizers in Pinellas County. October 1 these fertilizers can be resumed.  


To apply phosphorus any time of year you must have a soil test documenting a deficiency and also have sent this information to the Pinellas County Watershed Division, Attention:  Division Director, 300 South Garden Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756 prior to the application of phosphorus. 


For more information see the Pinellas County Watershed Division website

New Research Report on Fertilizer Leaching in Turfgrass

To see the paper click on this

Need to find a CEU class?

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FL DACS) Division of Agriculture Environmental Services (AES) offers a searchable database of available and completed CEU classes, earned CEUs, and exam scores.


To search for a CEU class,

• go to http://app1.flaes.org/ceu/

• select Available CEU Class from the menu

• choose Location and Category (you are not required to enter a date to perform a search)

• hit Search.

Please contact the Bureau of Compliance Monitoring at (850) 617-7870 or the Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control at (850) 617-7997 if you have a question about this site.

Become a GI-BMP Trainer

GI-BMP Instructor Training Class
Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Where: Pinellas Extension
12520 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33774

Time: 8:15 am to 4:00 pm
Registration Required

To register, please complete the Application Form found here after verifying your eligibility criteria described on the same link, and submit to Alberto Chavez (see contact info below) by no later than Friday, May 25, 2011. If you have already been accepted in the program please register by replying to Alberto Chavez and letting him know that you want to attend this class.

After reviewing the application and determining that you meet the requirements, you will receive an email confirmation and additional class information.

Becoming a certified GI-BMP instructor is a four step process:

1. Attend a GI-BMP class and pass the test with a minimum score of 90%
2. Apply to become an instructor by meeting the eligibility requirements and completing the form
3. Attend the GI-BMP Instructor Training class and pass the test with a minimum score of 75%*
4. Co-train with an experienced instructor

*The next class in the South Region will take place during the third quarter on 2012 in the South East Coast

If you have questions please contact Alberto Chavez at Alberto.Chavez@dep.state.fl.us or 239-417-6310 x222.


Alberto Chavez
GI-BMP Regional Coordinator [South]
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
300 Tower Road
Naples, FL 34113
239-417 6310 x 222
FAX 239-417 6315

Aquatic Weed Control Short Course May 7-10, 2012

Earn up to 22 CEUs at this conference. It is held in Coral Springs, Florida (near Ft. Lauderdale). For more information or to register go to this link. April 9th is the deadline for registering.

Living with Africanized Bees in the Outdoor Workplace

This class is for anyone that works outside. Africanized honeybees can be extremely defensive of their nests and have been known to sting people, pets and other animals to death.

Dr. Bill Kern, Associate Professor, Entomology, University of Florida will be presenting this class. Both sessions are the same, so you only need to attend one.

For more information or to register please select this link.

Downy Mildew Rampant on Impatients

See this link for information about downy mildew on impatients. Photo courtesy of T. Schubert

Two New Exotic Whitefies Now in Florida Attacking Ficus and Other Hosts

For more information about Bondar's nesting whitefly see this pest alert.

Here is a fact sheet on Bondar's nesting whitefly.

Rugose spiraling whitefly pest alert.

CEU Variety Pack

Spring CEU Update on March 15, 2012. A variety of CEUs have been requested including: CORE; Aquatic; Right-of-Way; Natural Areas; and all Lawn/Turf/Ornamental categories. Sign up for the whole day, or select by individual sessions.

For all sessions (2 core and 4 category) select this link


To select by individual sessions go to this link

Spanish BMP for fertilizer/pesticides

Do you know any Spanish-speaking folks that need to take this class? Please let them know that we are having it here at Pinellas County Extension in Largo on February 17, 2012.

They need to register online at this site at least 24 hours before class begins: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2744255141

Class check-in starts at 8:30 AM and the class begins at 9 AM. The class ends at 4:30. 4 FDACS CEUs are granted.