Hi, I’m Lauren Goldsby and I am excited to be the new Commercial and Environmental Horticulture Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Bay County! I joined the UF/IFAS Extension team in August, and I can’t wait to share my knowledge and passion for horticulture with the Bay County community. As someone who grew up in the Florida Panhandle, I’ve always felt a deep connection to this region.
My interest in growing plants led me to pursue a degree in plant science at the University of Florida, where I earned my bachelor’s degree. After graduation, I worked in ornamental and greenhouse production, leading workshops, implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, and growing plants. I returned to UF as a graduate research assistant, focusing on nitrogen rate recommendations for evergreen blueberry production and completed my master’s degree in horticulture.
In addition to my role as an Extension Agent, I also coordinate the Master Gardener Volunteer program in Bay County. Master Gardener Volunteers play an important role in extending UF/IFAS Extension’s outreach through the Master Gardener Help Desk and a variety of community service initiatives centered around horticultural education. They also maintain demonstration gardens on-site with many native plants that are less common in traditional landscapes. Many of these plants are host species essential to the life cycle of local butterflies and other insects. The Master Gardener Volunteers in Bay County had their first Ask A Master Gardener booth at The Great American Home & Recreation Expo in late January. Their highly anticipated yearly plant sale will be held at the Extension Office on April 12.
We look forward to engaging with the local community through sustainable horticulture programs that benefit both backyard gardeners and commercial producers. At the Extension Office, we can help answer your plant questions, provide informational resources, and offer supplies for soil testing. You can call us at (850) 248-8091, send us an email at baymg@ifas.ufl.edu, or stop by the office located at 2728 East 14th Street in Panama City.
Now that I’m settling into Bay County, my fiancé, David, and I—along with our cat, Pucker—are enjoying the area’s beautiful beaches and natural surroundings. The warm welcome we’ve received from the community has been wonderful, and we’re looking forward to exploring more of what Bay County has to offer. My goal is to inspire and engage individuals who are curious about their plants while also supporting professionals who build their careers in plant-related fields. By fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of plants, we can encourage more sustainable practices and help protect the unique natural resources that make up Bay County.
