A federal decision that took effect Thursday opened markets in five states and five U.S. territories to fresh Florida citrus, which was barred three years ago because of fears that shipments would spread canker. ...more

October 23, 2009

When it comes to attracting butterflies and beneficial insects, old-fashioned flowers stand taller than the dwarf hybrids devoid of nectar. ...more

April 1, 2009

Florida's 2007-2008 orange crop finished at 169.7 million boxes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) which Friday released its final citrus report of the season. ...more

July 13, 2008

LAKELAND – Florida's 2007-2008 orange crop estimate remained the same at 168.5 million boxes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which released a revised citrus forecast. The 168.5 million boxes are made up of 80.5 million boxes of Early-Mids, 3 million boxes of Navels and 85 million boxes of Valencias. ...more

June 14, 2008

FORT LAUDERDALE (AP) – More than 58,000 Broward County residents whose trees were cut down by the state to fight citrus canker want a new trial on damages. Homeowner attorney Robert Gilbert said in a motion filed Monday that the May 6 jury award of $11.5 million did not equal full compensation. The motion said state lawyers were allowed to present improper evidence and make arguments that unfairly influenced jurors to award less money. Gilbert said that amounted to a miscarriage of justice. ...more

May 19, 2008

Shipping restrictions that irked local kumquat growers last year remain in place leading up to this week's festival celebrating the tart orange fruit. ...more

January 23, 2008

Shipping restrictions that irked local kumquat growers last year remain in place leading up to this week's festival celebrating the tart orange fruit. ...more

January 19, 2008

Citrus growers in the Tampa Bay area spent the New Year on high alert last week as freezing temperatures threatened crops. ...more

January 9, 2008

SEBRING — The U.S. House of Representatives was expected to approve on Wednesday $406,767 to build a new Highlands County Veterans Service Office, said Congressman Tim Mahoney. The funding was included in the Omnibus Appropriations bill, which passed the Senate Tuesday night. "It's great," said Harry Marsh, president of the Highlands County Veterans Council, a committee which reports to the Highlands County commissioners. "We've been expecting this. It's been an ongoing process." When he was elected a year ago, Mahoney committed to help get the money, and he delivered on the promise, Marsh said. Marsh believes the building will cost about $100,000 more than Congress appropriated, but the county commissioners are expected to provide the rest. ...more

December 20, 2007

Florida has soured on California-grown citrus. A legal dispute has emerged between the two states over the importing of fresh citrus, and concerns of fungus-laden fruit making its way into Florida groves and markets and, eventually, into Korea. ...more

December 15, 2007