How Do I... Use the Sarasota County Starter Kit
A Guide to Suncoast Living
Sarasota County’s continuing growth in popularity has made the area a destination for many, with the county adding an average of 35 new residents each day in recent years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But, moving to or settling into a new area, while it brings with it excitement, opportunity, hope and more, can be overwhelming.
We can help.
Our “Sarasota County Starter Kit” equips new (and existing) community members with essential information, from saving on utilities to living with local wildlife. Packed with free classes and other tools, the Starter Kit provides a guide to living on the Suncoast, provides valuable insights to new and longtime residents, ensuring that everyone has the tools and knowledge to make the most of their time in this vibrant community.
The Starter Kit covers a diverse range of topics crucial for successful living in the area, including:
- Sustainability and resource conservation
- Gardening in Florida
- 4-H activities for youth and families
- Understanding and interacting with local wildlife
- Saving on utilities
- Recycling and reuse
- Protecting water resources, from ponds to seas
- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
- Disaster preparedness
- Identifying beneficial insects and pests
Use the resource list, below, to find information on topics like living with wildlife, gardening in Florida's climate and soil, understanding utility costs (and potential savings), transporation options, and much more. By topic, find full recordings of webinars, blogs posts packed with information, and even a link to find related upcoming classes (most are free!). And, of course, reach out to us any time with your questions, whether you're new to the area or have called Sarasota County your home for years. Contact us by phone at 941.861.9900 or email to sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu. We look forward to sharing some time together.
RESOURCES
Click on a topic below to see (or hide) more content (or, show all content).
Introduction
Sustainably Savvy — An Introduction to the Green Living Toolkit
Growing Gardeners
Explore the Possibilities of 4-H for Youth
What Wildlife Lives in My Neighborhood?
Can I Plant This?
Understanding Your Utilities
Recycling for New Residents
Lakeside Living for Southwest Florida Residents
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ for Newcomers
A Guide to Living on the Suncoast: Disaster Preparedness 101
Edible Gardening: ABCs of Edible Gardening, Summer-Style
Your Connection to Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico
All About Alligators in Florida
Backyard Bugs: Identifying Insects in the Landscape
Navigating Sarasota Sustainably: Transportation Options
Learn More
- About Us
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- Educational Resources
- Events, Camps, Clubs, Training and More
- News, Notes and More
- Speakers Bureau
- Staff Directory
- Story Maps
- Timeline of Extension
- Videos
- Volunteers
- How Do I...