DeSoto County UF/IFAS Extension

05/05/2026

05/01/2026

The burn ban is still in effect in DeSoto County

🛑 HOLD THE MATCHES, DESOTO! 🛑

Yeah... we’re gonna need you to go ahead and remember that the County-Wide Burn Ban is still in effect. That would be great, mmmkay? ☕️📁

We know the yard debris is piling up, but with current drought conditions and high wind risks, even a small spark can quickly become a major wildfire. Help us protect our community and our first responders by keeping the lighters put away for now.

🚫 PROHIBITED:
Burning of yard debris (leaves, branches, etc.)
Bonfires and campfires
Fireworks and sparklers

✅ ALLOWED:
Above-ground charcoal, gas, and electric grills (must be attended and fully extinguished)
Barrel-type barbecue smokers

To report a violation, please contact the DeSoto County Sheriff's Officeat 863-993-4700. For more info, reach out to DeSoto County Fire Rescue at 863-993-4842.

05/01/2026

Please share with any teachers or homeschool groups that may be interested.

Florida Teachers — Don’t Miss This!

Registration is now open for the 2026–2027 A Land Remembered: Where Cattle, Conservation, and Beef Come Together classroom program.

This free, standards-based 6-week unit brings Florida history, ranching, and conservation to life through engaging, ready-to-teach lessons and real-world connections.

Includes a live Virtual Ranch Experience with Florida ranchers.

Bring meaningful, place-based learning into your classroom.

Register your class today:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/R3CFNXgWiK

Photo: Bridget Stice, UF/IFAS

04/18/2026

Mark your calendars 🐂

We’ve got a strong lineup of special sales coming up in 2026, and you won’t want to miss them!

04/15/2026

Important Message from DeSoto County Emergency Management
As we approach the start of Hurricane Season on June 1st, now is the perfect time to prepare for your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
If you or a family member have special medical needs that may require additional support during an emergency, we strongly encourage you to register for the Special Needs Shelter today.
✅ Registration ensures you receive important information from emergency officials and helps us better plan for your needs.
✅ Spaces in the Special Needs Shelter can fill quickly once a storm threatens — registering early improves your chances of admittance.
DeSoto County Special Needs Shelter Location:
South Florida State College – DeSoto Campus
2251 N.E. Turner Avenue
Arcadia, Florida 34266
Register Online Here:
https://snr.flhealthresponse.com
Registration is quick, secure, and recommended for anyone who may need assistance beyond what a general population shelter can provide.
Don’t wait until a storm is approaching — take this important step now to protect yourself and your family.
For questions, contact DeSoto County Emergency Management at (863) 993-4831.

04/14/2026

Are you missing a goat… or did it just decide it’s officially living its best life elsewhere? 🤔🐐

If this well-traveled goat belongs to you, please contact Sgt. Bill Bevis at (863) 993-4700.

When calling, please be prepared to provide a detailed description of the animal for verification and safe return to its rightful owner. Thank you!

04/13/2026

Please share

04/10/2026

2026 FWA College Scholarship Program 🍉

The Florida Watermelon Association (FWA) College Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to support students pursuing higher education in agriculture and related fields. For 2026, FWA will award one (1) scholarship in the amount of $5,000.

Apply Here: floridawatermelons.com/scholarship

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Florida High School Graduate
-Applicants must have graduated from a Florida high school.

Field of Study
-Must be pursuing a degree in Agriculture or an agriculture-related field at an accredited college or university.

Academic Documentation
-Copy of high school diploma or official high school transcript (if applying as an incoming freshman).
-Most recent college semester transcript or report card (if currently enrolled in college).

Letters of Recommendation
-Two (2) letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, employers, or industry professionals.

Essay Requirement
-A typed essay of 500 words or fewer describing: The applicant’s involvement in agriculture, and/or Their future aspirations within the agricultural industry.

Award Information
-Scholarship Amount: $5,000
-Funds will be distributed directly to the recipient (or institution,
-The recipient will be invited to attend the October Convention and will receive 2 nights' room and Registration paid for by FWA.

Apply Here: floridawatermelons.com/scholarship