Storms spare Florida's citrus crop

TAMPA, Fla. — Flurries fell across the Sunshine State on Thursday, but it appeared that growers were spared the deep freeze they feared would devastate the nation's citrus supply.

Meanwhile, California was preparing for a trio of storms expected to unleash heavy rain and snow through the weekend.

A serious freeze in Florida would have meant more damage to the nation's biggest citrus industry, already struggling from years of diseases and hurricanes. Most orange and grapefruit groves are in central and south Florida, where temperatures hovered in high 20s and low 30s. Trees can be ruined when temperatures fall to 28 degrees for four hours.

"Mother Nature cut us a break this time, and now we can continue to produce the quality citrus crop Florida is known for," said Michael W. Sparks, executive vice president and CEO of grower advocacy group Florida Citrus Mutual.

Temperatures were not below freezing for long enough to cause widespread damage to Florida's citrus trees, the group said. In fact, the cold could benefit some growers because it slows down growth and hardens up citrus trees.

Growers had tried to harvest as many mature fruits and vegetables as possible, and tried to protect plants by spraying them with water that freezes, insulating the temperature at 32.

Orange-juice futures for immediate delivery fell 6.2 cents Thursday to settle at $1.4110 a pound on the New York Board of Trade.

Citrus crops were not the only ones at risk in Florida. Around the state, farmers were checking on other crops that Florida produces in the winter for much of the country, including strawberries and vegetables. While citrus was spared, strawberry crops may not have been as fortunate — and farmers likely would not know the extent of damage for a few days.

"I feel confident we're going to have some damage," said Carl Grooms, a Plant City strawberry farmer. Temperatures in his fields hovered around 27 degrees for several hours overnight.

The cold temperatures did not appear to damage cabbage, broccoli and other crops growing in north Florida. Those are more resistant to freezes, said Terry McElroy, a spokesman for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.