Landscapers Offered Hurricane Prep Tips at Tree and Landscape Short Course
Landscapers in Hillsborough County are gearing up for hurricane season with a special training course offered by the Hillsborough County Extension Service. The tree and landscape short course, set to take place on Feb. 5 at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, will provide valuable tips and updates for professionals in the landscape and arboriculture community.
Attendees can expect to learn about how hurricanes can impact landscapes over time, the potential increase in bark beetle infestations in urban areas following storms, and the latest updates on tree root inspections. Special sessions will cover topics such as equipment calibration, pesticide rotation, and demystifying tree codes.
The all-day course costs $75 and is a great opportunity for landscapers to stay informed and prepared for the upcoming hurricane season. For more information and to register, visit 2025TreeAndLandscapeShortCourse.eventbrite.com.
In other news, the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue has added a new full-time rescue unit, Rescue 16-A, stationed in Riverview. This addition brings the total number of full-time rescue units operated by HCFR to 41, ensuring round-the-clock coverage for the community.
Additionally, the city of Tampa has partnered with Tampa General Hospital, Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg, and OnMed to open a 24-hour on-demand medical clinic known as the “clinic in a box” at Tampa Hope. This innovative clinic allows residents in need of healthcare access to real-time consultations with licensed clinicians via high-definition audio-video capabilities and a comprehensive suite of medical devices.
Furthermore, Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County received a generous donation of $147,500 from global architect and design firm Gensler. The funds will go towards the construction of a home for local resident Hector Ortero-Reyes and his family. Gensler Tampa staff also volunteered to help with painting and installation work on the home and other Habitat townhomes.
Lastly, Zethadia Millman of Tampa has been recognized for her academic achievements, earning a spot on the Dean’s List at Norwich University for the fall 2024 semester. Full-time undergraduate students who achieve a semester grade point average of at least 3.40 are awarded Dean’s List honors.