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.
After tropical storms and hurricanes, there are always discussions about the trees which have fallen during the storm. Many times the trees in question have landed on a home or some other structure which resulted in multiple thousands of dollars damage. Commonly, water and laurel oaks are the culprits. These large trees are frequently found…Read more
With the warmer weather, the time for outdoor activities has arrived for all living in the area. It causes much consternation with many parents to have children who only want to stare at a phone and play video games. These pastimes have come under much criticism in recent years. Many “experts” feel those in their…Read more
Everyone needs a vacation to recover from all the work of the previous season. Students get the summer to enjoy some R & R (rest and relaxation), so it is only fair to start planning a period of inactivity during the coming months. In commercial agriculture farmers will leave fields vacant or fallow for a…Read more
Fall, believe it or not, will soon be in the air and on the thermometer. There will be a few warm days in October, but soon the 90 plus degree days in 2022 will be gone. Additional north fall color is developing in the vast hardwood forests of maple, hickory, and other showy tree species….Read more
Even on the doorstep of autumn, panhandle Florida is associated with many outdoor activities. The brightly lit beaches still attract sunbathers and fishing enthusiasts, prompting the need for sunscreen and a wide variety of hydration options. Football is replacing baseball as another solar-soaked September pastime. Want-to-be gridiron experts, of all ages, spend their weekends and…Read more
Even today, there are mysteries and riddles which defy understanding. One of those endless enigmas is the common names of objects or tangible things, especially some plant species. Many plants have identifiers which accurately recognize their function as it relates to human contact. Two examples of locally common plants are purple nutsedge and sandspurs. Purple…Read more
Florida is known nationally and internationally for many features and locations. Beaches, big cities, theme parks, military bases, specialty agriculture and many more facets make up the Sunshine State. As such, these all require an effective transportation system so workers, customers and visitors can reach their desired location. Today, in the first half of the…Read more
The dog days of August have temperatures and rain which are supporting late summer flowering in both the landscapes and wild areas of panhandle Florida. Native wildflowers and many other late bloomers which surround homes and businesses are on full display. The wet summer conditions have also stimulated the insect population. They, as a general…Read more
Sitting on the shore of Tallahassee’s Lake Ella in a neatly kept plot is a stubby concrete monument to events and efforts of a bygone era. The fireplug-shaped tribute comes from the Republic of France in recognition for the support of Florida’s soldiers and citizens in liberating the western European nation from the Nazi Army…Read more
Sometimes it is easiest to hide in plain sight of everyone and everything. Appear to be something else with little to no interest to anyone or anything which might happen to pass by and notice. This strategy is the basis for numerous disguises used as part of the camouflage tactic. Blend into the background and…Read more
