Wednesday, August 27, 2025

September Meeting - Caitlin Sollazzo - Plant Pests and Diseases

September Meeting - Caitlin Sollazzo - Plant Pests and Diseases

Meeting Date/Time: Monday, September 8th, 2025 7pm

Location: Harlee Building/County Fairgrounds, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221

Our September Speaker
from the Program Committee 

Caitlin Sollazzo is the Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent with
UF/IFAS Extension in Manatee County. She grew up locally and holds a
bachelor’s degree in Entomology and Nematology and a Doctor of Plant
Medicine (DPM) from the University of Florida. In her role, she
supports nursery and ornamental producers with a focus on sustainable
practices, integrated pest management, and plant health.

Her topic will be An Overview of Plant Pests and Diseases. How to tell
the difference between insect, mite, nematode, bacterial, fungal, and
viral issues—plus tips for recognizing common symptoms and knowing
what to look for. This is the first in a series of three talks on
plant pests, diseases, and management strategies for the home grower.
The remaining two presentations will be in 2026.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

August Meeting - Eric Henson - Dragon Fruit

August Meeting - Eric Henson - Dragon Fruit

Meeting Date/Time: Monday, August 11th 2025 at 7pm.  

Location: Harlee Building/County Fairgrounds, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221

Our August Speaker
from the Program Committee 

Our August speaker, Eric Henson, is the owner and operator of Casting Kayaks, a Sarasota enterprise that provides kayaks and fishing gear for enthusiasts in the Sarasota area. An expert tournament fisherman, he writes articles and creates videos for many magazines and fishing companies. Eric is also a horticulturalist focusing on dragonfruit, as featured on his Instagram site bigechronicles. He will speak to us about this exotic Florida fruit.