Who We Are 

The Cooperative Extension Service is a program that started in 1914. It was created to help people all over the country learn useful skills and get research‑based information. It is a partnership between state universities, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local county governments. These groups work together to plan and support Extension programs. In Florida, the University of Florida runs the Cooperative Extension Service.

UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County is part of this nationwide network. Its job is to share trustworthy, research‑based information with people in the community. It connects the University of Florida’s research to local residents by offering classes and programs for both adults and kids.

Extension programs are based on the Land‑Grant system, which was created in the early 1900s to bring university knowledge to people where they live. In Pinellas County, Extension is a partnership between Pinellas County Government and the University of Florida in Gainesville. Our programs focus on important issues in the country and state, as well as the needs and priorities of our local community.