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County extension asks for drone, rotary cutter and highlights volunteer impact
Summary
The county's UF Extension representative recapped 2025 outreach, volunteer contributions and 4‑H growth, and requested capital items including a $17,000 drone and a rotary cutter after noting large volunteer and client reach.
A representative of the Florida Cooperative Extension (University of Florida extension services) presented the extension and agricultural services budget, performance metrics and a few capital requests.
The presenter said the extension recorded roughly $56,000 in monetary donations in 2025, about 4,400 volunteer hours (equivalent to roughly 9.8 full‑time employees), and outreach to approximately 24,000 clients across 267 events. He highlighted growth in the 4‑H program (clubs up 16%, volunteer leaders up 87%) and outlined operating relationships with St. Johns County parks and other local partners.
Capital requests included a rotary cutter for county tractor work (about $4,000) and a drone to assist growers with drainage and pest/disease identification; the presenter listed a cost for the drone at approximately $17,000 and noted pricing volatility due to state procurement rules.
The presenter also noted that a major portion of the department's budget is contractual with the University of Florida (the contract cited in the presentation was approximately $856,000). Commissioners and staff discussed the contract renewal timing and how capital items fit into the departmental budget.
Next steps: Extension capital requests and contract details will be reviewed in the FY27 budget cycle and discussed with UF where necessary.
