By Julie McConnell, UF/IFAS Extension The title “Florida Master Gardener” is not just a catchy name for someone who knows a lot about gardening; this designation is a hard-earned certification with annual investment of time by each dedicated volunteer. To become a UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer each person must apply for the program when recruitment is open in their home county. The application process includes a background check, competitive selection process, and an interview. If accepted as a trainee, the recruit will attend over 50 hours of volunteer training, then volunteer 75 hours in the first year to certify as a Master Gardener Volunteer. To maintain this certification the volunteer must meet minimum volunteer and continuing education requirements every year. Involvement in this program takes a great deal of commitment on behalf of the volunteers, faculty and staff. Santa Rosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Sally Mank Recognized For 35 Years Of Service UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteers have dedicated thousands of hours to learning about Florida Friendly Landscaping Practices and sharing that knowledge with Florida residents and visitors. These specially trained volunteers help the Horticulture Agent tremendously by providing one-on-one consultations, teaching to groups, and participating in youth development activities on behalf of the University of Florida. Bay County Master Gardener Volunteers Steve Bates And Janet Psikogios Honored For 25 Years Of Service On September 27, Master Gardener Volunteers from the Florida Panhandle attended the Northwest District Regional Master Gardener Volunteer continuing education conference in Panama City. During... Read More

  By Matt Pitts, Principal of Surfside A need has been met for many Panama City Beach families with the opening of the Surfside Middle School Academy! The Academy consists of four classrooms of students with intellectual disabilities from kindergarten to age 22. Many of these students previously attended Margaret K. Lewis School in Millville. Students were spending one to two hours per day on the bus to get to school, and the district knew they needed a solution. Principal Matt Pitts of Surfside Middle School heard about the need and graciously offered a portion of his campus. The campus allows for new experiences for our students with disabilities where they can be integrated with middle school students. Surfside is the first school in Bay County to start the Best Buddies program. Best Buddies is a club where our middle school students are matched and have frequent opportunities to spend time with an SMS Academy student in order to build a culture of acceptance on campus and help with social skills. Students who have joined this nationally known club in the past have created lifelong friendships and some even find a career path in Special Education. The post Surfside Middle School Academy appeared first on PCB Life | Panama City Beach News, Events and Community Information.   Read More