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University of Florida Extension reports expanded 4‑H and family programs, interim staffing update
Summary
A UF Extension representative reported strong summer participation in 4‑H programming, described ongoing family and consumer sciences classes, and said the county’s County Extension Director position had attracted multiple applicants; the office plans more fall programming.
A University of Florida Extension representative gave the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners a presentation on July 14 outlining 4‑H youth programming, family and consumer sciences activities and interim horticulture services.
Danny (University of Florida Extension agent, nonprofit/education) told commissioners the Extension posted program materials and the preliminary budget on the county website and summarized activities: two summer day camps with more than 150 youth participating, 455 hours of instruction across seven weeks, an open house event that attracted about 300 attendees (the most in 15 years), and a 4‑H sharpshooter who competed in the national shooting sports competition. Danny said the 4‑H program will offer 14 club options through the fall and that after‑school clubs had already begun.
Danny also described family and consumer sciences programming, including cottage‑food classes that teach residents how to grow, preserve and sell foods under Florida’s cottage food law, and a business‑basics class offered to inmates preparing for reentry. The presentation noted a QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) mental‑health training targeting agricultural professionals.
The Extension reported interim small farms and horticulture coverage while the county’s County Extension Director (CED) vacancy remains open. Danny said the CED posting closed on Aug. 28 with 16 applicants at that time, and the position requires a master’s degree and supervisory experience. Staffing updates included two staff names: Samantha Kennedy (family and consumer sciences/summer programs), Christy Pearson (4‑H program assistant) and Patricia Standiford (administrative assistant); Danny said one position had been eliminated after a resignation and duties were redistributed.
The board thanked Extension staff for the program work and outreach; a 4‑H youth, Jennifer Masters, spoke briefly earlier about her experience at 4‑H University at the University of Florida, saying, “It was really fun, and I learned a lot.”
Commissioners did not take action on the presentation but heard it as part of the meeting’s awards and presentations portion.
For residents: Extension programming described in the presentation includes cottage food classes, summer camps and 4‑H clubs; the Extension office continues to accept inquiries about small‑farm consultations and soil sampling.
