Once The Citrus State, The Sunshine State Continues Its Agricultural Decline At A Rapid Pace. From Citrus State to Sunshine State to Strip-Mall State
Fla. News Network — Florida, once renowned as the Citrus State, has relinquished its throne to California as the state’s iconic industry continues to wither away. The relentless onslaught of hurricanes, floods, droughts, and diseases has left many large growers with no choice but to abandon their citrus groves, opting instead to sell their land for development. This alarming trend has far-reaching consequences for the state’s economy, environment, and identity.…