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.
Given the warming weather, yardwork is a productive choice and provides the necessary space to stay safe. Keeping a well-groomed yard and home landscape requires regular clipping of the foliage, some of which voluntarily appeared. Unfortunately, some of the “volunteer greenery” which has recently emerged is quite difficult to control and nearly impossible to eradicate….Read more
The basic needs, along with the luxuries, of contemporary living are accessed through a quick visit to local shops and big box retailers. Often forgotten is the frontier period with its more primitive life when, even here in panhandle Florida, human existence was not as pleasant as today. Rare is the modern person who takes…Read more
The yo-yoing thermometer has many panhandle Florida residents in a state of seasonal confusion. Some want to know if we will have another visit from the dreaded Polar Vortex, the latest term for a dipping jet stream which will deliver colder temperatures. Others just want to know when warmer weather will be here to stay….Read more
Deer hunting techniques vary by preference of the hunter, along with state and federal regulations. The most frequently used method is still-hunting from a tree stand or elevated perch. Properly placed, the aerial platform provides a convenient and low exertion way to procure venison and a brag-worthy antler rack. While the tree stand may seem…Read more
The natural tri-colors of panhandle Florida’s winter are giving way to the soon to be arriving seasonal change. The dominant hues of green, tan and brown represent the evergreens and the deciduous species. The rainbow shades of brilliant spring will be here in a few weeks, but for now only a few plants offer any…Read more
The winter of 22/23 has been variable from a weather standpoint. Mostly dry until recently with some very cold days and seasonally humid nights in panhandle Florida. This is far better than the residents of the Midwest and New England who are enduring bomb cyclones and polar vortexes. This regional pattern portends a variety of…Read more
It may be hard to believe, but life in 21st century panhandle Florida is fairly constant and predictable, at least from a geological perspective. The seasons change with regularity as the sun, moon and stars relocate on schedule. Roadways in cities and towns clog up twice daily during the week. Holidays come and go as…Read more
Some of the early blooming azaleas are already flowering in early February. Less obvious are some of the other species which add color to the environment. One of these bright spots is wild geraniums. Much like the camellias and azaleas, geraniums have been cultivated for centuries. While the details are lost to history, the plant…Read more
Hitchhiking was once a common means of low-cost transportation. A person would walk to the nearest road and hold out their fist with the thumb pointed up while attempting to make eye contact with passing drivers. In a simpler time, hitchhikers were commonly provided a ride to a predetermined spot on the map. In exchange…Read more
Panhandle Florida residents are able to enjoy a lifestyle with vast tracts of forested land having ample greenery, even in winter. Combined with the temperate climate (most of the year), the wildlands sustain an environment which is the envy of many Americans in more urban locales. Those acres stay lush during years with normal to…Read more
