IFAS visitors to Nassau County

County Extension Directors from the North East Florida District met in Fernandina Beach last Friday to share information and administrative updates.

We first met at the Hampton Inn and Suites downtown. A panel of local Extension partners presented information and challenges to all the directors. The panel included County Commissioner Danny Leeper, Port Authority Commissioner Melvin Usery, Amelia Hart from the Amelia Island Chamber of Commerce, Extension Volunteer Bea Walker, and Extension Agent Steve Gaul. Following the panel discussion, we walked to 29 South and had an excellent lunch and discussion of local, sustainable agriculture practices. We adjourned to the porch at 29 South for some administrative updates. This group of Extension directors meets three to four times a year, but it has been a long time since we have met under such pleasant conditions and had such a group of partners present to us. Thanks to the panel members and the hosts at Hampton Inn, 29 South, and the Fernandina Beach Visitors Center, we not only got our business accomplished but had some time for exploration as well.

One topic we seem to return to every meeting is "budget." Some of our colleagues in other parts of the state and nation are experiencing a lot of stress due to forced budget reductions. While we are not immune to those threats in Nassau County, we currently expect to survive the budget process this year. This will enable us to continue to provide meaningful programs and services to the citizens of Nassau County in the areas of agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, environmental horticulture, family and consumer sciences, and community leadership development. Please let your county commissioners know that you appreciate their partnership and support of these programs brought to you by the University of Florida.