Florida Oranges: A Colorful History

The narrative begins with the first orange groves planted by Ponce de Leon in St. Augustine during the 1500s, laying the foundation for an integral part of Florida's identity. As orange groves expanded across the state, they sparked horticultural and manufacturing innovation. Uncover intriguing tales, including the eccentric "citrus wizard" Lue Gim Gong in Deland, the adventures of smuggler Jesse Fish, and the fortunes made by the silver-tongued politician William J. Howey selling groveland plots in the 1920s. Dive into the heyday of orange tourism and the resilient farmers who faced challenges like freezes, floods, and citrus greening.

Join author Erin Thursby on an exploration of the Sunshine State's citrus history. ISBN 9781467141192, copyright 2019.