Griffin To Be Inducted By Florida Citrus Hall Of Fame

LAKELAND Ben Hill Griffin III of Frostproof is among four Florida leaders to be chosen this year by Florida Citrus Hall of Fame.

George Austin of Alva, Jerry Chicone of Orlando, and the late D. Victor Knight of Vero Beach also will be honored during the March 6, 11:30 a.m. Citrus Celebration Luncheon at Florida Southern College in Lakeland.

Griffin is the only individual officially designated on the Florida Citrus Commission as a grower, packer and processor representative. He has been involved in every aspect of the citrus industry, from growing, caretaking, fresh fruit packing, processing, regulatory, marketing and working with IFAS in promoting new research.

A press release from Florida Citrus Mutual called him "a true giant of the industry. He has expanded upon his father's legacy and built Ben Hill Griffin Inc. into the successful organization it is today."

Austin, president of George H. Austin Inc., helped pioneer the formation of the Gulf Citrus Growers Association in southwest Florida and served as its president for three terms. He was a proponent of protecting the citrus tariff on imported orange juice and has been the voice of agriculture.

Chicone, aka "Mr. Florida Citrus," is president of Chicone Groves. His pioneering efforts with the Conserv II project in using reclaimed water to irrigate his groves has won national acclaim.

Knight was co-founder and president of Riverfront Groves for 47 years and was the first person to introduce the Star Ruby grapefruit to Florida.

In addition to the induction ceremonies, the event will also unveil the new Florida Citrus Hall of Fame web site and Citrus Archive Center at Florida Southern College, which will be located within the McKay Archive Building.

Tickets or more info: Brenda Eubanks Burnette at 561-351-4314 or John Jackson at 352-267-3227.

- GARY PINNELL