Meet Your County Pesticide Resource: Agent Michelle Atkinson
For growers, landscape professionals, and homeowners in Manatee County, safe and effective pesticide use starts with UF/IFAS Extension Agent Michelle Atkinson.
“My favorite part of being a pesticide agent is those ‘aha’ moments,” Atkinson says. “It’s incredibly rewarding when a professional connects the dots they hadn’t before—like understanding how buffering agents improve spray effectiveness or realizing how salts can build up in landscapes with reclaimed water.”
In her role, Atkinson works closely with professionals and community members to prevent costly mistakes, protect landscapes, and ensure compliance with state and county regulations. She leads certification and licensing classes, provides one-on-one guidance, and addresses emerging challenges.Through both education and practical advice.
“One important thing I’ve learned is that education really does change outcomes,” Atkinson explains. “Most problems in this field aren’t caused by bad intentions. They happen when people don’t fully understand how products, practices, or site conditions interact. When people understand why something works or doesn’t, they’re far more likely to adopt practices that protect water resources, landscapes, and their investments.”
Every day brings something new. Atkinson spends time in the field and responding to emails, diagnosing pest or environmental issues, helping homeowners and HOAs understand landscape challenges, and conducting certification and licensing classes. “The most important skills for success in this role are strong communication and problem-solving skills,” she says. “Being able to translate scientific and technical information into clear, practical guidance is critical.”
“What motivates me is seeing knowledge turn into action,” Atkinson adds. “Helping professionals avoid costly mistakes, protect their landscapes, and make informed decisions is incredibly rewarding. Knowing the work we do helps protect local waterways makes this work deeply personal and meaningful.”
Looking ahead, Atkinson hopes to continue growing as a trusted resource and leader in Extension, mentoring new agents, shaping programs, and strengthening environmental stewardship across the region. She advises those entering the field to “focus on understanding the why behind what they’re doing, not just following a script. Your work has real impacts on people, landscapes, and water resources, so approach it with care and integrity.”
