Smoak To Be Inducted Into Ag Hall Of Fame

Mason Smoak will be posthumously inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame next year along with three other individuals being recognized for their leadership and dedication to the agriculture industry.

A third-generation citrus grower, Smoak accomplished an unbelievable amount in his short 33 years, the Florida Department of Agriculture states. He managed sprawling cattle ranches and citrus groves and lent his leadership skills to a long list of industry trade associations.

Smoak was involved in everything from agriculture education to conservation and he embraced each new project with energy, optimism and contagious enthusiasm.

Smoak, from Lake Placid, and Dave Maehr, professor from the University of Kentucky and visiting scientist at Archbold Biological Station, died in a small plane crash June 20 in Placid Lakes.

The other inductees are: Dr. James Griffiths of Winter Haven (deceased), Richard Kelly of Tallahassee and Kay Richardson of Evinston.

"Florida agriculture owes an immense debt of gratitude to these outstanding leaders," Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson said in a prepared statement. "Their dedicated service in the areas of research, education, business and government helped make Florida agriculture into the remarkable industry that is known and admired around the world."

They will be inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame during the 31st annual awards celebration Feb. 10, during the Florida State Fair in Tampa. These four inductees will bring the total to 128.