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Indian River County, Florida <br />*�ivAr MEMORANDUM <br />we, <br />Indian River County <br />Administration Complex <br />1801 27th Street <br />Vero Beach, Florida 32960 <br />indianriver.gov <br />File ID: 25-0453 Type: Presentation / Proclamation Meeting Date: 4/22/2025 <br />TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners <br />THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator <br />Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator <br />Beth Powell, Parks, Recreation & Conservation Director <br />FROM: Andrea Lazzari, UF/IFAS County Extension Director <br />DATE: April 22, 2025 <br />SUBJECT: Recognition of UF/IFAS Extension Indian River County Volunteers <br />BACKGROUND <br />The success of cooperative extension programs heavily relies on the dedication and contributions of our <br />volunteers. At UF/IFAS Extension Indian River County, our volunteers play a crucial role in delivering <br />educational programs, supporting community projects, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of our services. <br />These volunteers, including 4-H volunteers and Master Gardener volunteers, bring invaluable expertise, <br />enthusiasm, passion, and commitment to our mission of extending knowledge and improving lives. <br />ANALYSIS <br />In 2024, our volunteers made a significant impact through their dedicated service. The combined efforts of our <br />75 volunteers amounted to an impressive 5,658 hours of volunteer time. This equates to 2.7 FTE, effectively <br />increasing our office's workforce by 68%, and illustrating the impressive contribution our volunteers provide. <br />The monetary value of these volunteer hours is estimated at an extraordinary $178,849, reflecting the extensive <br />expertise, effort, and cost -savings our volunteers contribute to our programs. The time and expertise provided <br />by our volunteers assisted our office and enabled us to offer nearly 1,000 educational programs and reach over <br />11,600 county residents in 2024. <br />Highlights of their service include: <br />4-H Volunteers: Our 4-H volunteers include club leaders, co -leaders, and other dedicated adults who lead and <br />support our 4-H community clubs, in -school and after-school programs, and state 4-H events. They work <br />tirelessly mentoring and guiding young people in various educational endeavors, competitive events, and <br />community service activities. Their involvement helps foster leadership skills, community awareness, and <br />personal growth among our county's youth. <br />Master Gardener Volunteers: These volunteers provide crucial support in horticultural education, assisting with <br />public workshops, community gardens, outreach events, and individual consultations in our office plant clinic, <br />at local libraries, and at other community hubs. Their expertise in Florida -Friendly gardening practices helps <br />Indian River County, Florida Page 1 of 2 Printed on 4/17/2025 <br />powered by LegistarTM 10 <br />