Les Harrison is a longtime resident of north Florida, having attended public schools in three counties. He has a Bachelor Degree from the University of Florida in Journalism and a Master’s of Science from Auburn University in Agricultural Economics. He is the author of more than 2000 newspaper and magazine stories and journal articles. During his career, he held positions in private, government and educational (university level) sectors. He holds the title of Extension Agent Emeritus. He can be reached at harrison.gl@gmail.com.
The pace of life and the unending supply of distractions in 2025 keep most residents’ thoughts occupied with too many diversions. As such, one hardly has time to notice an overlooked absence from the environment at large and the roadway specifically. The Lovebug (Plecia nearctica) population is not leaving its mark, especially on vehicles, this…Read more
Panhandle Florida has many interesting and historic sites for residents and visitors alike. Locations with archeological remains of pre-Columbian civilization, forts and battle grounds, and even beaches where soldiers trained for the invasion of Europe during World War II. Few compare to visiting a functioning navigation aide which was constructed in the late 19th century,…Read more
Nothing on four feet is identified with Florida as much as the alligator. The toothy grin is found on post cards, T-shirts, and a nearly unending list of tourist promotional items which invite visitors to come to the sunshine state and leave their money. Florida has two native species of crocodilians, the American alligator (Alligator…Read more
Most, if not all, of the migratory birds have reached their summer destination and have begun the nesting process. Incubating eggs and raising chicks is currently ongoing in warmer environs. Residential birds are doing the same here in panhandle Florida. Watching the broods and fledglings is a popular pastime with many residents. While songbirds, wading…Read more
Officially, summer begins on June 20, 2025. The thermometer and humidity have already reflected this reality and the plants are responding with unrestrained growth and production. Ample moisture encourages lush growth from both ornamental horticulture specimens and fruit and vegetable production. As such, there is plenty to do in the gardens and landscapes in panhandle…Read more
The pace of life typically slows in panhandle Florida as the temperature rises. For the youth, the exhilaration of freedom from the daily schooling grind passes into a leisurely lull which requires forethought only about the next snack. For most air conditioner acclimated adults, it is all about the thermometer readings and the rain. The…Read more
News sometimes feels like it is rarely good news. Politics, the economy, the national debt and the list goes on. To add potential injury to all the cheerless information, the storm prognosticators are forecasting an above average number and intensity of hurricanes for 2025… the bad news never ends! Anyone who has lived in panhandle…Read more
In case it has escaped anyone’s attention, May 2025 is turning out to be a hot and humid month. This trend is not a surprise for anyone who has lived in panhandle Florida for at least a year, but there are many new residents to the region who are having their first experience with north…Read more
Getting children interested in home gardening is, to say the least, a challenge. Instead of relaxing on soft cushions in climate-controlled comfort where the WIFI signal is strong, the youngster must put down the electronic device and go outside. When in the great outdoors, there are hand tools to be used which require physical exertion….Read more
Two popular vegetables will soon be producing in panhandle Florida vegetable gardens. One will come to the end of its season in a few weeks, and the other one is just beginning. Tomatoes and peppers have a long history in the region’s home gardens and a much longer history of being cultivated in the New…Read more
