Flagler County Master Gardener volunteer program put on temporary hiatus; commissioners seek workshop with UF/IFAS

Several longtime volunteers in Flagler County's Master Gardener program told commissioners at the Aug. 3 meeting that the program is on a temporary one‑year hiatus while the University of Florida/IFAS (UF/IFAS) horticulture agent position remains unfilled.

"The Flagler County Master Gardener Volunteer Program is currently in a temporary hiatus while we await new horticultural leadership," said Liz Weimat, a Master Gardener volunteer, describing thousands of volunteer hours and the program's service. Priscilla Mueller and other volunteers asked when recruitment and hiring would begin and whether funding for the horticulture agent is secure.

County staff told the board that UF made the decision to place the horticulture agent position on a temporary hiatus and that the county partially funds that position along with other counties. Staff said decisions on filling the role depend on the county's budget and the university's funding and that recruitment is unlikely in the immediate term. Several commissioners said they want a focused workshop on the supervisory relationship, funding commitments and alternatives for delivering horticulture outreach if UF/IFAS services cannot resume.

The board reached a consensus to schedule a workshop to review the county's funding and supervisory relationships with UF/IFAS and to seek options for restoring Master Gardener services to residents. Staff said they would report back with timing and additional information later in the fall.