Recent rainfall has improved conditions in parts of the St. Johns River Water Management District, but groundwater, lakes and rivers remain affected by a prolonged dry period. Phase III water restrictions remain in place in affected areas as officials urge residents and businesses to conserve water.

UF/IFAS research found that robotic lawn mowers can maintain and improve Florida turf, including St. Augustine grass, despite their lower cutting height. Their frequent mowing removes small amounts of grass at a time, encouraging healthier and denser lawns.

Orange County Mosquito Control is concentrating spraying efforts in targeted areas after health officials confirmed a locally acquired case of dengue fever. Residents are encouraged to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around their homes.

UF/IFAS will host a free Landscape, Nursery, and Controlled Plant Production Field Day on September 16 at its Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka. Visitors can tour the facilities, meet researchers, and explore work involving horticulture, controlled-environment agriculture, and space biology.

A new UF/IFAS app helps Floridians select plants suited to their landscapes while supporting pollinators, conserving water and protecting natural resources. The free FFL Plants & Pollinators App combines three previously separate Florida-Friendly Landscaping resources into one web and mobile platform.

University of Florida researchers have found that conventional fungicide spraying may unintentionally help spread bacterial spot disease in tomato fields under certain weather conditions. The findings could lead to new spraying techniques that better protect crops while limiting the movement of harmful bacteria.

Orange County Extension is offering a wide range of educational programs throughout July, including workshops on financial literacy, diabetes prevention, gardening, homeownership, and entrepreneurship. Most programs are available online, with several in-person opportunities for residents interested in horticulture, landscaping, and community gardening.

Planning a Florida backyard wedding? Discover the often-overlooked details—from weather and parking to power, permits, and guest comfort—that can make your big day a success.

Scientists have discovered and officially named a rare new moth species found only in Florida’s scrub ecosystem, highlighting the importance of protecting the state’s fragile native habitats. For decades, the Florida sack-bearer moth was hiding in plain sight among collections of other sack-bearer …

Orange County has launched its “OC Loves Trees” initiative, a long-term effort to plant hundreds of native trees and expand the region’s urban canopy. Officials say the program will improve air quality, reduce heat, and create more sustainable, livable neighborhoods.

Kase reports holiday shoppers increasingly use AI for gift selection, prompting retailers to adapt inventory and fulfillment strategies for 2026 demands.

AXE reports tips for staying fresh while camping, emphasizing hygiene essentials and fresh clothes to combat odor.

Jewelers Mutual Group reports that nearly 1 in 5 proposals occur during travel, highlighting the importance of protecting engagement rings during destination proposals.

Dove Men + Care reports that underarm darkening can be caused by friction, irritation, and product ingredients. 

AXE reports that as summer ends, stress sweat replaces heat sweat, triggering stronger odors due to routine changes.