The Path to Pain-Free Healthy Living Begins at Sarasota Neuropathy Center

Diabetes and Neuropathy Treatment in Laurel, FL

Living with neuropathy and diabetes is a challenge that millions of Americans face every day. Neuropathy - which comes in several forms and manifests in many ways - can affect any person. In the United States, neuropathy and diabetes often go hand-in-hand, with about 50% of people with diabetes suffering from the condition. In fact, the number of people with neuropathy is only increasing as diabetes becomes more common and the population ages.

People who suffer from these conditions must endure painful and disruptive symptoms, such as:

  • Intense Bouts of Sharp, Burning Pain
  • Numbness, Prickling, or Tingling in the Hands and Feet
  • Decreased Muscle Strength and Paralysis
  • Trouble with Balance and Coordination
  • Unusually High Sensitivity to Touch
  • Digestive and Bladder Control Issues

While some patients are at a greater risk of developing certain types of neuropathy, it doesn't discriminate between sex, race, age, or medical history. Fortunately, neuropathy and diabetes awareness are growing. By proxy, so are new and exciting treatment options that show dramatic improvements in both conditions.

If you've been suffering from the symptoms of diabetes or neuropathy and are in search of a truly effective solution, Sarasota Neuropathy Center can help. Unlike some clinics, our commitment is to offer more than temporary relief. As a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Laurel, FL, we aim to rectify the distinct root causes underlying each patient's symptoms.

But to understand how we're able to accomplish that goal, you've got to first understand the nuances of neuropathy and diabetes.

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Neuropathy 101

Neuropathy is a medical condition that arises when the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body, fail to function correctly due to damage or disease. These nerves are essential for detecting sensations such as warmth, cold, and pain, as well as regulating muscle movement and carrying out automatic processes like digestion and heartbeat without our conscious involvement.

What Causes Neuropathy?

When patients speak with a nerve pain doctor for the first time, they have a lot of questions, and rightfully so. At Sarasota Neuropathy Center, one of the most frequently asked questions we hear centers around the factors causing neuropathy. If you're reading this article, chances are you have similar questions. While we can't pinpoint what's causing your neuropathy without proper testing, here are a few of the most common factors that can cause neuropathy to manifest:

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Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of diabetes in adults - especially when a person has dealt with high blood sugar levels over long periods of time. When diabetes harms your nerves, it can lead to diabetic neuropathy and create a recurring trigger for this type of nerve damage.

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Lack of Vitamins

Your nerves require certain vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B12, B6, and vitamin E, to function correctly. Without a balanced diet or supplementation, deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to nerve damage over time.

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Autoimmune Disorders

In certain instances, a person's immune system accidentally attacks its own cells, including nerve tissues. When this happens, neuropathy often follows. Diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome come under this category, where the immune system's misguided attack on nerves causes dysfunction and pain.

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Genetics

Neuropathy can be inherited in some families, meaning it is passed down from one generation to another. When this occurs, peripheral nerves can be affected by genetic forms of the condition, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

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Infections in the Body

There are certain viruses and bacteria that have the ability to attack nerve tissues and also cause conditions that can result in nerve damage. Examples of such infections include Lyme disease, HIV, and hepatitis C. These illnesses have the potential to either initiate or worsen existing neuropathy.

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Physical Trauma

Physical injuries, whether caused by accidents, repetitive movements, or falls, can lead to nerve damage. Such injuries can result in neuropathy, causing loss of function and painful sensations in the affected region of the body.

What are the Different Types of Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that can affect one nerve, a group of related nerves, or multiple nerves in different parts of the body. The symptoms can vary depending on which type of nerve signals are affected. Keep reading for a closer look at the various types of neuropathies and how they affect you. If one of the categories below sounds familiar, make a mental note to discuss it with your diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Laurel, FL.

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Peripheral Neuropathy:

Nerve Pain in Your Arms and Legs

Of all the different types of neuropathies, this is the kind that you're probably most familiar with, as it's the most common form treated in the U.S.It occurs most often when the nerves responsible for transmitting messages of touch and movement between your brain and your extremities don't function properly.

Symptoms can include:

  • Sensations of Pins and Needles
  • Numbness
  • Soreness
  • Cramping
  • Shooting Pains

As the condition progresses, muscle weakness can occur, making it difficult to perform precise movements and walk without assistance. Balance problems are also common.

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Focal Neuropathy:

Nerve Pain in a Specific Area

Focal neuropathy can sometimes result in damage to a single nerve or a cluster of nerves in a particular region, leading to localized pain or weakness. For instance, carpal tunnel syndrome can affect the wrist, causing numbness or weakness in the hand. Similarly, Bell's palsy can impact the face, resulting in droopiness or stiffness on one side of the face.

Other symptoms can include:

  • Muscles Don't Work Correctly
  • Sharp Pains
  • Localized Pain and Weakness
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Autonomic Neuropathy:

Nerve Pain That Controls Automatic Body Functions

This type of neuropathy affects the nerves that control involuntary bodily functions, such as heartbeat, digestion, and bladder control. When these nerves are damaged

You may experience symptoms such as:

  • Dizziness When Standing Quickly
  • Issues with Sexual Intercourse
  • Constipation
  • Issues Regulating Body Temperature
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Compression Neuropathy:

Nerve Pain from Your Nerves Being Squeezed

This type of neuropathy happens when a nerve is pinched or squeezed. It happens most often when you are injured or have to repeat actions over and over again for work or sports purposes. Some examples include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and sciatica. Symptoms can include:

Symptoms can include:

  • Sharp Shooting Pain
  • Weakness in the Affected Body Part
  • Numbness

Whether you or someone you love are trying to live with neuropathy, you know that it can significantly alter lifestyles, making it difficult to perform day-to-day activities, work, or engage in hobbies. That's why it's so important to understand the underlying causes of your nerve pain, so that you can receive appropriate treatment and improve your quality of life. Taking care of the root problem, as well as managing the pain and other symptoms, is key to helping you stay active and comfortable. That's where working with a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Laurel, FL, becomes crucial.

Addressing the Root Causes of Your Neuropathy

Sarasota Neuropathy Center is a nerve pain clinic that provides patients with a comprehensive, rewarding journey toward healing. It begins with a thorough evaluation that involves in-depth laboratory tests and analyses. This introductory step helps us identify the specific factors that contribute to your peripheral neuropathy. Our team of neuropathy treatment specialists then creates a personalized treatment plan tailored exclusively to your body and symptoms.

By providing you with a wide range of strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of your condition, you can achieve lasting relief and may even be able to reverse the effects of peripheral neuropathy.

Our advanced therapeutic options include:

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 Neuropathy Treatment Center Laurel, FL

Nerve Regeneration Equipment

We use cutting-edge machinery like laser light therapy and electromagnetic impulses to stimulate your nerves, encourage repair, and foster nerve tissue regeneration.

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Vaso-Pulse Technology

This FDA-approved treatment sends signals through your feet and around your spine, which helps us highlight and rectify areas where nerve and vascular damage are present.

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Antioxidants

By incorporating antioxidants into your treatment plan, we can better mitigate nerve damage and counteract oxidative stress.

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Anti-Inflammatory Treatments

Inflammation exacerbates nerve damage and pain. Our neuropathy specialists use anti-inflammatory agents to help alleviate your symptoms

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Minerals and Vitamins

Nutritional deficiencies impact nerve health. We supplement those deficiencies with vitamins and minerals to help nerve repair.

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Immunomodulators

For neuropathies linked to autoimmune disorders, we employ immunomodulators that help regulate the immune system's activity to prevent it from attacking the body's own nerve tissues.

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Lifestyle and Diet Changes

Changing your diet and incorporating exercise into your daily routine are two of the best ways to support nerve health.

Through a personalized, natural, and comprehensive treatment plan from Sarasota Neuropathy Center, reclaiming your life doesn't have to be a dream - it can be a true possibility.

Diabetes 101

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of sugar in the blood. This happens when the body is unable to produce or use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels by facilitating its absorption into cells for energy or storage.

There are several types of diabetes of which you should be aware:

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is a condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, resulting in little to no insulin production. This condition usually develops in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. Patients who suffer from Type 1 Diabetes have to depend on daily insulin administration to manage their blood sugar levels.

The exact cause of this autoimmune reaction is not fully understood, although it is believed that genetic and environmental factors may contribute to it. Contact your diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Laurel, FL to learn more about this disease.

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Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is mainly caused by lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. In this condition, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or the cells don't use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes can sometimes be managed or reversed with lifestyle changes, although some people may still need medications or insulin therapy.

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Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and typically goes away after giving birth. However, it can give an indication of a woman's future risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The condition is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy that make the body's cells more resistant to insulin. It's important to manage Gestational Diabetes to prevent complications for both mother and baby.

Other types of diabetes can include:

  • Monogenic Diabetes
  • Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes
  • Secondary Diabetes
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 Diabetes Treatment Clinic Laurel, FL

Four Ways You Can Develop Diabetes

probably heard of people getting diabetes from poor diet choices. While that is true, you can get diabetes from several factors, such as:

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Genetics

You can have genetic links to both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. These links make you predisposed to the condition.

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Lifestyle

Poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity all contribute to insulin resistance, which causes diabetes

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Autoimmune

Your immune system mistakenly targets and eliminates insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production and Type 1 Diabetes.

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Insulin Resistance

The most prevalent type of diabetes - Type 2 Diabetes - arises when cells resist insulin's effect, causing a spike in blood sugar levels.

What Are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?

Many patients who speak with a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Laurel, FL assume they have Type 2 Diabetes, but aren't 100% sure. At Sarasota Neuropathy Center, we would need to conduct tests to verify whether you have the disease. With that said, the following symptoms often manifest when you have Type 2 Diabetes.

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Neuropathy

Type 2 Diabetes can cause nerve damage, which in turn causes tingling and numbness, especially in your feet and hands.

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Tiredness

Chronic fatigue happens when your body can't utilize glucose for energy in the right way.

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Excessive Urination and Thirst

When you have high blood sugar, your body's natural response is to eliminate excess fluids. This can cause you to urinate frequently and can also cause you to feel very thirsty.

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Slow-Healing Wounds

High blood sugar impairs your body's ability to heal itself and resist infection.

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Vision Changes

When your blood sugar spikes, it can cause visual disturbances that can blur your vision.

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Unexplained Weight Loss

In uncontrolled Type 1 Diabetes, the body may begin to break down muscle and fat for energy, leading to unexplained weight loss.

If you believe you may have Type 2 Diabetes, it's important to get checked out ASAP. Regular health screenings and glucose monitoring are important for early detection and effective management of Type 2 Diabetes, as symptoms may not be apparent in the initial stages.

The Sarasota Neuropathy Approach to Diabetes Care

As a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Laurel, FL, we are committed to offering a groundbreaking approach for Type 2 Diabetes, which focuses on reversing the condition by addressing the root causes rather than just managing the symptoms. Our innovative strategy goes beyond conventional treatment paradigms and delves into the underlying factors that contribute to Type 2 Diabetes.

We use a holistic methodology that includes comprehensive lifestyle interventions, nutritional counseling, and personalized medical oversight. This approach has consistently demonstrated remarkable efficacy in significantly reducing blood glucose levels among our patients.

Key highlights of our diabetes treatment include:

We aim to address the root causes of Type 2 Diabetes, including insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, to help the body regulate blood sugar levels naturally and effectively. This approach has led to significant reductions in medication dependency or even complete discontinuation of medication for many patients.

Patients who receive treatment at Sarasota Diabetes & Neuropathy Center often report experiencing an improvement in their glycemic control, as well as an overall enhancement in their well-being. This includes increased energy levels, sustainable weight loss, and a greater sense of vitality, which all contribute to a significantly improved quality of life.

Our expert medical team provides vigilant care to our patients and creates individualized treatment plans that cater to their specific needs. We support these plans with thorough laboratory testing and analysis to ensure precise identification of any imbalances and deficiencies. Based on the results, we develop personalized supplementation strategies that aim to correct these deficiencies and optimize metabolic health.

Our clinic specializing in diabetes and neuropathy offers comprehensive assistance for lifestyle adjustments, which includes custom diets, exercise routines, stress management practices, and education on the management of Type 2 Diabetes. These modifications are essential in reversing Type 2 Diabetes and are designed according to each patient's individual lifestyle and preferences.

We understand that reversing Type 2 Diabetes is a constantly evolving process, and we are dedicated to providing ongoing monitoring and support to our patients. Regular follow-up consultations enable us to make any necessary adjustments to treatment plans and tackle any new obstacles that may arise, resulting in consistent progress towards reversing Type 2 Diabetes.

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The Path to Relief Starts with a Diabetic and Neuropathy Treatment Specialist in Laurel, FL

At Sarasota Diabetes & Neuropathy Center, our mission is to empower you to overcome neuropathy, Type 2 Diabetes, or both by embarking on a transformative journey to wellness. By integrating advanced medical care with comprehensive lifestyle interventions, we help you achieve better health outcomes and a renewed sense of hope and control over your journey to a healthy life.

Latest News in Laurel, FL

Official says Laurel Hill is staying just above water as vote nears to dissolve city

LAUREL HILL — Scott Moneypenny, who is going on his sixth year as a City Council member, remembers the time when the engine on the city’s lone water utility truck failed.“We didn’t have enough money to buy a new truck,” Moneypenny said Thursday. “We had to get a surplus vehicle for about $2,500 from the Auburn Water System. Did we need a new truck? No, but it would sure have been nice if we didn’t have to use a truck that somebody else had to surplus.”Unable to affo...

LAUREL HILL — Scott Moneypenny, who is going on his sixth year as a City Council member, remembers the time when the engine on the city’s lone water utility truck failed.

“We didn’t have enough money to buy a new truck,” Moneypenny said Thursday. “We had to get a surplus vehicle for about $2,500 from the Auburn Water System. Did we need a new truck? No, but it would sure have been nice if we didn’t have to use a truck that somebody else had to surplus.”

Unable to afford a new computer system, the city of Laurel Hill uses the city of Niceville’s old computers, he said.

And because of the city’s limited septic system, new businesses do not want to get established in Laurel Hill and existing ones cannot expand, said Moneypenny, a military veteran who has lived in Laurel Hill for almost nine years.

In addition, the city has only five staff members and no city manager, accountant, grant writer or website, and its annual general fund usually has only about $10,000 or $20,000 for emergencies and badly-needed new equipment, he said.

Previous coverage:Laurel Hill, Okaloosa County's oldest city, could be dissolved

Too, some of the roads in the 3-square-mile city are in “absolutely atrocious condition,” due in part because the city has “no drainage, no ditches and no stormwater management plan,” Moneypenny said.

As if those problems are not enough, the Laurel Hill City Council must meet at a local church to use social distancing. If it wanted to do so at the tiny City Hall, some council and staff members would have to sit outside, Moneypenny said.

Such challenges will be on voters’ minds when they vote in the March 9 municipal election on whether to dissolve the city and allow it to become an unincorporated community of Okaloosa County.

Incorporated in 1905, Laurel Hill is the county’s oldest city and has about 600 residents.

“My heart is in the city, but we need to look at what the people want,” Moneypenny said. “The county just has so much more to offer” administratively, service-wise and in other ways.

The current initiative to possibly dissolve the city marks the third time in recent years that many Laurel Hill residents and some elected officials have seriously considered the city becoming unincorporated, Moneypenny said. The latest initiative is supported by at least 50 residents, he said.

“The voice of the people is what every council member should be looking at,” Moneypenny said. “I want somebody to tell me the benefit of staying a city.”

To prepare for the city possibly joining the ranks of the unincorporated, the County Commission last Tuesday agreed to have staff from the county Clerk of Courts’ Inspector General’s office evaluate Laurel Hill’s assets and conduct an audit of all of its finances.

Results of the evaluation and audit will be shared at a town hall meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 18 at The Barn at Water Oaks Farm at 4080 Second Ave. in Laurel Hill.

County and city officials at the meeting also will discuss the pros and cons of dissolution, and county officials will lay out what services the county would provide to Laurel Hill should it become unincorporated.

At last Tuesday’s commission session, County Administrator John Hofstad and District 1 Commissioner Paul Mixon, whose district includes Laurel Hill, both cautioned that roads in the city would not immediately be upgraded and the city’s other problems wouldn’t be immediately taken care of just because the county was in charge.

Laurel Hill Councilman Mike Blizzard recently echoed Hofstad’s and Mixon’s thoughts, and added that there would be no great benefit to dissolving the city.

“We might see some growing pains at first,” Moneypenny said. “But a city is a business, and if you’re just keeping your head above water … the city cannot move further forward with the amount of money we bring in. We are really a very rural agricultural area. Our city limits are small and our tax base is small. We only receive about $59,000 in ad valorem tax revenue” annually.

Laurel Hill's property tax rate is 3.5 mills per $1,000 of taxable property value, which is equal to $350 per $100,000 of property value.

The total county-wide millage is 3.83 per $1,000, which is equal to $383 per $100,000 of taxable property value.

If Laurel Hill dissolves, its residents no longer would be charged city property taxes.

On the other hand, “The water bill might go up if we’re not on city water,” Moneypenny noted.

More:COVID-19 vaccine tracker: See how many people in Florida have been vaccinated, by county, state

Overall, he said he looks forward to discussing at the town hall meeting the pros and cons of Laurel Hill remaining incorporated or becoming unincorporated.

“We’re listening to the voices of our citizens,” he said of the upcoming referendum. “I support whatever my constituents vote for. If they go the other direction and vote to remain a city, I’ll work on making the city better.”

In 2016 the council canceled a resolution to dissolve the city and turn it over to the county.

The inability to do needed road paving, which was one factor that led to that dissolution discussion, was negated with the paving of several miles of city streets in the fall of 2015.

Voters: Laurel Hill will remain a city; park property in Destin will be tougher to lose

Laurel Hill will remain a city and, for at least the next four years, Robby Adams will continue to serve as its mayor, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s municipal election.Also according to unofficial results, voters in Destin approved a prohibition on the conveyance, sale, lease or other transfer of interest of a city park without the City Council’s supermajority approval.In Laurel Hill, more than 65% of the 202 voters who cast ballots voted “no” in answer to the ballot quest...

Laurel Hill will remain a city and, for at least the next four years, Robby Adams will continue to serve as its mayor, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s municipal election.

Also according to unofficial results, voters in Destin approved a prohibition on the conveyance, sale, lease or other transfer of interest of a city park without the City Council’s supermajority approval.

In Laurel Hill, more than 65% of the 202 voters who cast ballots voted “no” in answer to the ballot question, “Shall the City of Laurel Hill, Florida, be dissolved, and its charter revoked?”

More:Official says Laurel Hill is staying just above water as vote nears to dissolve city

More than 50 of Laurel Hill’s 600 or so residents earlier had signed petitions seeking a referendum on whether the city should be dissolved. Proponents had cited poor road conditions and a small city budget as top reasons why Okaloosa County’s oldest city might be better off as an unincorporated, county-managed community.

The city’s history and retaining the ability to make their own decisions were top factors in voters choosing in favor of Laurel Hill remaining incorporated, the victorious Adams said Tuesday night.

More:Okaloosa Municipal Elections 2021: Live results from Fort Walton Beach, Laurel Hill races

Potentially dissolving the city “is something that’s been discussed for the past 15 years or so, and now it’s finally being laid to rest,” he said.

He has served as Laurel Hill’s mayor since April 2013. In Tuesday’s election, Adams received about 61% of the vote to defeat his lone challenger, Travis Dewrell, and retain the mayor’s seat.

Dewrell did not support dissolving the city. Adams previously said he had not personally taken a stance on the possible dissolution and that, as mayor, it was his job to represent everyone in Laurel Hill.

“I’m looking forward to serving the city for the next four years,” Adams said Tuesday night. “The people have spoken, and they want to keep the city going.”

In Destin’s special election, almost 89% of the 1,283 who cast ballots voted in favor of the referendum regarding city parks.

More:Opposition spikes against possible fire substation at Destin park

It calls for a supermajority council approval — which is the consent of at least five of the seven voting council members — in order to convey, sell, lease or make another transfer of interest of a city park.

The term “city park” refers to a park, reservation, playground, beach, boat ramp, recreation center or any other area in Destin that is owned or used by the city and devoted to active or passive recreation, according to city information.

Voters overwhelmingly approving the referendum was a great move for Destin, Mayor Gary Jarvis said Tuesday night.

"Sometimes things of that magnitude should have a community buy-in," Jarvis said. "No better way than a referendum vote."

More:Destin Fire Control District plans to buy Bay House site for new substation

The county Supervisor of Elections will not be able to certify Tuesday’s elections until canvassing boards meet to tally the results of each city’s elections. The Laurel Hill canvassing board meets at 10 a.m. Friday and the Destin canvassing board convenes at 10:30 a.m. Friday.

Dr. Kevin Korus: Laurel wilt poses a threat to Florida-grown avocados

Given its many ports of entry, Florida is often faced with a host of invasive species that threaten our native and agricultural ecosystems. One such invasive species from Asia, the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus), was actually introduced to the United States through a port in Georgia. Since its entry into the U.S., however, this beetle has spread to several states in the Southeast.The ambrosia beetle is a wood-boring insect that creates tunnels and galleries found in both the sapwood and heartwood of trees. These gallerie...

Given its many ports of entry, Florida is often faced with a host of invasive species that threaten our native and agricultural ecosystems. One such invasive species from Asia, the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus), was actually introduced to the United States through a port in Georgia. Since its entry into the U.S., however, this beetle has spread to several states in the Southeast.

The ambrosia beetle is a wood-boring insect that creates tunnels and galleries found in both the sapwood and heartwood of trees. These galleries in the heartwood can be diagnostic (although many other wood-boring beetles will create similar tunnels). Other symptoms of infestation include sawdust at the base of the tree and “frass straws” protruding from the perfectly round entry holes. The beetle infestation itself is typically not enough to cause severe damage or death to a tree; however, beetles can have a symbiotic relationship with a plant pathogenic fungus called Raffaelea lauricola. This fungus is released from the beetle and can move inside the tree via the vascular system and water-conducting tissue. The tree senses this infection and sends tylose and gums to block off the pathogen. Unfortunately, this ends up blocking the xylem tissue as well, and causes rapid desiccation (drying out) of the upper canopy.

The disease caused by this fungus is called Laurel wilt, as trees belonging to the family Lauraceae are particularly susceptible. Trees in this family include redbay (Persea borbonia), swamp bay (P. palustris), camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) and avocado (P. americana).

Initial symptoms of Laurel wilt include dieback in the upper crown. Leaves at the top of the tree wilt and eventually turn brown. Some leaves will fall off the tree and others may remain. Exposing the vascular system of the tree will reveal long brown or black streaks. If you suspect a tree on your property has Laurel wilt, consider submitting a sample to a Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic for confirmation.

Systemic fungicides have been used in commercial avocado groves to provide prophylactic control of this disease; however, treatment is too costly for most homeowners and is not a feasible option. Several contact insecticides are effective in controlling the ambrosia beetle, but in order to be efficacious, they must be applied with perfect timing before the beetle enters the tree. Studies have shown that infections are reduced in higher lighting conditions. Therefore, pruning canopies to increase sunlight penetration may help reduce the amount of infection.

Promoting tree health also can reduce the likelihood of infection. Ensure that trees are adequately watered and pruned, and have sufficient fertilizer. Any stress (drought, freeze, flooding, etc.) will cause trees to become more attractive to the ambrosia beetle. Early detection is key to keeping Laurel wilt from becoming prevalent in the environment. Scout trees often for symptoms, and remove and destroy (burn, bury or chip) trees that have been confirmed to have the disease. It is important to remove the entire tree, root system and all, as the fungus can move from tree to tree via root graphs.

This disease would be devastating if it reaches the avocado-producing regions of California, Mexico or Central America. As Florida residents, we have an obligation to be good stewards of the land and do our best to ensure this disease does not move west. If you suspect a tree on your property has Laurel wilt, contact your local Extension agent for further analysis.

For more information about Laurel wilt, visit UF/IFAS EDIS Publication #HS1360: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1360.

— Dr. Kevin Korus is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County. Contact him at [email protected] or 955-2402.

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