FAMU Brooksville Extension Office

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is hosting a public harvesting event at its Brooksville agricultural station on Saturday, March 28. From the morning until midday, local residents are welcome to visit the campus to pick their own fresh collard greens. Participants are responsible for bringing their own personal containers and cutting tools to gather the produce. Located on Chinsegut Hill Road, this initiative encourages community members to engage directly with local agriculture. Organizers hope that supporters will share the details of this gathering with their friends and colleagues to ensure a strong turnout. This outreach effort highlights the university’s commitment to providing nutritious food access through hands-on involvement.

Spring is here. Summer is coming. The sun is out, the grills are hot, and families are stepping back outside—but there’s something else showing up too.

Mosquitoes.

In this episode, we break down the real truth about one of the smallest yet deadliest threats in our environment. You’ll learn why mosquitoes are more dangerous than most people realize, how they spread disease, and what simple steps you can take to protect your home, your family, and your community.

This isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness. Because strong communities stay ready.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why mosquitoes are considered the deadliest animals in the world
• The truth about who bites (and why)
• Diseases mosquitoes can carry (West Nile, Zika, Dengue, and more)
• How mosquitoes breed in small amounts of standing water
• Why spring and summer increase your risk
• Simple, practical steps to protect your home and family

🧠 Key Takeaway (Sticky Statement):

“The smallest bite can carry the biggest consequence—stay aware, stay ready.”

🛠️ Protect Your Home (Quick Action Steps):

• Dump standing water weekly (buckets, tires, pots, etc.)
• Clean gutters and drains
• Use mosquito repellent outdoors
• Wear protective clothing when needed
• Check window and door screens

This excerpt from Terrence Cole's "4-H Critical Thinking and Problem Solving" guide outlines a three-stage process for effective problem-solving. First, it emphasizes clearly defining the problem and prioritizing goals. Second, it stresses gathering information and evaluating potential solutions. Finally, it advocates for choosing and implementing a solution, then reflecting on the outcome and making adjustments as needed. The overall goal is to equip teenagers with essential critical thinking and problem-solving skills for navigating life's challenges. The guide uses a "Ready, Set, Go" framework to organize its advice.

This excerpt from Terrence Cole's "4-H Emotional Intelligence" guide presents a practical framework for improving emotional intelligence (EQ). The guide emphasizes recognizing and understanding one's own emotions, including identifying triggers. It then promotes developing empathy and calming techniques to manage emotional responses effectively. Finally, it encourages pausing to reflect before reacting and communicating feelings openly to build stronger relationships. The overall goal is to equip individuals with skills for navigating emotional challenges and fostering healthier connections.

This 4-H workshop, led by Terrence Cole, focuses on improving teens' financial literacy. It emphasizes understanding one's relationship with money, setting financial goals, and creating and maintaining a budget. The program promotes opening a savings account and developing consistent saving habits to build a secure financial future. Practical steps, such as using budgeting apps, are suggested to facilitate effective money management. The overall aim is to equip teenagers with the essential skills for responsible financial decision-making.

The FAMU Brooksville 4-H program offers diverse opportunities for youth development through hands-on learning experiences. Three key program areas include in-school and after-school enrichment, weekend campus events, and spring/summer camps. These programs emphasize experiential learning, focusing on agriculture, environmental science, and STEM. The program aims to cultivate life skills, leadership, and a strong connection to the community. Ultimately, it seeks to empower youth to become responsible and engaged citizens.

The Baers Extension Office, led by Terrence Cole, focuses on community development in Brooksville. A key program is 4-H, which provides youth with leadership and life skills training, particularly in agribusiness. The office also supports families through various programs and workshops, and assists local farmers with resources and best practices. Contact information for Cole is provided for those wishing to participate.