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.
There are certain sounds which cannot be ignored. They convey an immediate message which calls the listener to be alert and prepared. These noises, even in the panhandle, are uniquely distinct and are not likely to be confused with other audio messages. One of these acoustic alarms is buzzing, especially in close proximity. While there…Read more
Having a distinctive and easily identifiable physical feature can often prove to be a beneficial resource. This visible trait makes it easy for the viewer who encounters the notable subject to quickly know and make the necessary accommodations. The distinguishing trademarks in humans can include from unusual height, striking eye color, or even a dignified…Read more
The warmer weather’s approach has many residents of the panhandle believing the winter of 2021/22 is soon to be finished, and it might be. The nightly ruckus of toads and frogs staking out their territory becomes louder each evening, and even mosquitos have returned in small numbers. Unseen in most cases, but just as active…Read more
As February closes in on March, some are asking the age-old question: “Is spring here?” A few moderately warm days will stimulate interest in the topic for a variety of reasons. Methods to determine the seasonal transition vary widely. Calendar dates aside, some forecasting methods have a basis in scientific observation, and others in folklore…Read more
Life can be lonely at the top, but there are certain advantages. Command of the heights is an entrenched doctrine of every military unit on the globe. The value of this convention lies in the simple fact that controlling the high ground allows gravity to do some of the work of hitting targets fast and…Read more
The covers feel really great on cold February mornings, especially when it is time to get up and go. Warm and secure, there is a strong impulse to remain in bed for as long as possible and delay the thermal shock of the world beyond blankets and quilts. Despite that instinct, most residents of the…Read more
The lengthening days and less intense cold fronts, signifiers of spring’s approach, are speeding up the activity level of many plants, animals and fungi. Home landscape chores will soon shift from raking leaves and pine straw to mowing and edging. During this current period of mostly moderate temperatures, the installation of new ornamental plants and…Read more
The evidence in the home landscape, and in any panhandle Florida environment which includes trees, is unmistakable. The recent storm systems, with their potentially damaging wind gusts, have left limbs, and the occasional tree, on the ground. From the homeowner’s perspective, the limbs are usually a cosmetic irritant which must be removed to reestablish the…Read more
The botanical pause of winter is monotonous in its consistency. Each day, with very few exceptions, is just like the one before it, with plants in suspended animation. February brings the first inkling of the burst of activity coming to panhandle Florida which will soon arrive with vigorous growth and riotous color. One herald for…Read more
Classic mystery novels usually open with a set of unexplained occurrences that pique the curiosity of the protagonist. The clues frequently, but not always, lead to a malicious event that leaves only the disconnected evidence available for identifying the perpetrator. Add unidentifiable noises at night while the alleged offender is on the prowl, and the…Read more
