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 summer of 2025 has been a good season for the insect population. There has been plenty to eat and the region has provided an exceptionally hospitable environment for these six- legged residents. It is difficult to step outside without encountering one of these creatures which walks, crawls or flies. Insects buzzing in the air…Read more
Looks, as the old saying goes, can be deceiving. It is a cautionary pronouncement from experience, usually painful and/or expensive, to serve as a warning to those who follow and hopefully avoid similar complications if the advice is heeded. In most situations a threat in nature can be clearly identified and sidestepped with a little…Read more
The recent heat dome has made the news as a major cause of distress to residents of panhandle Florida and far beyond. Air conditioning has made this troublesome weather tolerable, at least until the power bill arrives. Of course, Florida has long been a haven for sun worshipers, those members of the leisure class who…Read more
As the summer heat settles in and roads to the beach become congested, one of the last things on anyone’s mind is deer season. Even so, many hunt clubs and land managers are actively assessing the effectiveness of their efforts for attracting, nourishing and retaining whitetail deer. A wide variety of annual crops have been…Read more
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
