How Weather is Leading to the Decline of Florida’s Citrus Industry

How Weather is Leading to the Decline of Florida’s Citrus Industry

How Weather is Leading to the Decline of Florida’s Citrus Industry

Florida's citrus industry, once a dominant force and a core part of the state's identity, is facing a severe crisis. A combination of factors, most notably citrus greening disease and increasingly frequent and intense hurricanes, have decimated production. Leading growers are ceasing citrus operations, and industry stakeholders are urgently seeking legislative action to provide research funding and marketing support to prevent further collapse. Mentioned link: https://citrusrdf.org/

Key Themes and Facts:

  • Dramatic Production Decline: The sources highlight a drastic reduction in citrus production in Florida.
  • One source states, "We’ve dropped nearly 90% in production of oranges and all citrus," (Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual).
  • Alico, a major supplier for Tropicana, reported a "73% decline" in citrus production over the last 10 years.
  • Orange production is forecasted to reach only 12 million boxes for the current season, a significant drop from 244 million boxes in 1998.
  • Citrus Greening Disease: This disease is consistently identified as a major contributing factor to the decline.
  • The article quotes Alico's CEO, John Kiernan, who stated the impact of hurricanes on trees "already weakened from years of citrus greening disease" led to their decision to cease citrus operations.
  • Growers are "hoping for more green and less greening."
  • Impact of Hurricanes: Severe storms, including Hurricanes Irma (2017), Ian (2022), and Milton (2024), have further weakened citrus trees and reduced yields.
  • Alico's statement directly attributes their decision to the impact of these hurricanes.
  • Hurricane Milton caused the 2024-2025 orange production forecast to drop 20% from the October projection.
  • Economic Consequences: The decline has significant financial repercussions for the state.
  • Although the citrus industry still generates $6.8 billion annually and pays nearly half a billion in local and state taxes, the downward trend poses a threat.
  • Alico's decision was made because "growing citrus is no longer economically viable."
  • Call for Legislative Action: Citrus growers and industry officials are actively lobbying state lawmakers for assistance.
  • "We are an industry in need of your help…" (urgent plea from Florida’s citrus growers).
  • They are seeking increased funding for research and advertising.
  • Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus, invoked Henry Ford, stating, “Stopping advertising to save money is like stopping your watch to save time.”
  • Shift in Land Use: As citrus farming becomes less profitable, some growers are exploring alternative uses for their land.
  • Alico is considering developing commercial or residential projects on a portion of its land holdings.
  • The Future is Uncertain: The industry is at a critical juncture.
  • The future depends on the success of research efforts, the availability of funding, and the ability to combat both citrus greening and the effects of severe weather.
  • Tensions between Florida lawmakers and the governor over an immigration bill could have unpredictable effects on the goals of leadership. Gov. Ron DeSantis does wield a line-item veto pen.

Episoder(208)

Hurricane Milton - Storm Surge Height Forecast Scenarios

Hurricane Milton - Storm Surge Height Forecast Scenarios

SummaryHurricane Milton is headed for the state of Florida and we dissect the analysis of the potential storm surge impact, drawing comparisons to Hurricane Michael's landfall in 2018. Counterclockwise rotation of hurricanes, the storm surge is significantly lower on the left side of the eye (north side in Milton's case). Two scenarios are presented, one with Milton making landfall north of the Skyway Bridge and the other with Milton making landfall south. Meteorologist Bryan Bennett, who came up with this analysis gives us surge heights for various locations under both scenarios, highlighting the significant difference in surge flooding depending on Milton's landfall location. Including places like Sanibel Island, Ana Maria Island, downtown Tampa, St. Petersburg, Madeira Beach, Tarpon Springs and New Port Richey.Ultimately, please remember the importance of staying informed by following official forecasts and evacuation orders.

8 Okt 202410min

Hurricane Milton: Tampa Bay & Florida West Coast Flood Scenarios

Hurricane Milton: Tampa Bay & Florida West Coast Flood Scenarios

Hurricane Milton, a rapidly intensified to a Category 5 hurricane yesterday, and is expected to make landfall on Florida's west coast late Wednesday/Early Thursday. The storm is predicted to cause significant storm surge, especially in the Tampa Bay area, with potential for flooding up to 15 feet above normal. The storm's forecast increase in size will also produce widespread strong winds and heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash flooding. The local emergency managers have issued evacuation orders for areas in the path of the storm, and it is imperative that residents heed these warnings and prepare for extended power outages.

8 Okt 20246min

Flooding: How to Prepare, What to Expect, What to Do

Flooding: How to Prepare, What to Expect, What to Do

With Hurricane Milton, approaching Florida here are flood specific tips to help you out. Partial list at the bottom…A survivor of Hurricane Ian's flooding shares valuable advice based on their experience. They emphasize proactive measures to prepare for potential flooding, such as raising valuables off the floor, securing important documents, and preparing essential items like flashlights, medication, and pet supplies. The source also provides post-flood guidance, focusing on prioritizing safety, organizing debris, and meticulously documenting repair expenses. It stresses financial responsibility by recommending against insurance fraud and encourages seeking assistance from various resources like FEMA, the Red Cross, and county programs. The author highlights the importance of remaining calm, acknowledging that while the situation may feel overwhelming, it is possible to rebuild and overcome the adversity.Facebook Post from Brandy Barber:As a Florida Shores Hurricane Ian Flood Victim— here are some things I’d wished I’d thought of/things we did. (Since you cant control it, youll want to have your head in the game. This isn’t to cause fear, it’s to equip people because we’ve been through it and wish we would’ve known. Hindsight is always 20/20). If you think your home could flood with recent happenings/track record, then maybe pay attention. We got through it and if you do flood, I promise you will too. These things may seem extreme but trust me, at the first site of our yard flooding, and this is what we are doing: 🌀 BEFORE YOU FLOOD/PREVENTIVE MEASURES: 🌀•have your volume on/download apps. A flash flood warning woke me up and saved me from losing way more than I could’ve. •Documents, books, things in low drawers, pictures or basically anything on lower ground, move to countertops. Know exactly where your important info is in case you need it. That includes for your car, we lost 3 of those too. •We lost all electric appliances because they were in our low kitchen cabinets. Move them up higher (food processor, crockpot, griddles). •dry food- get out of lower cabinets. You’re going to be hungry while you wait for rescue. We had hot cheese and grapes to eat. Don’t be us. •We kept our bandaids/sanitary stuff/meds/blow dryers in a low bathroom cabinet and lost it all. Anything you think you might need that isn’t in a bottle, move it up the night before. •Turn your breaker off as soon as you start flooding even if your power is already out because you won’t be thinking of it, trust me. Somehow my magical husband did, but I sure didn’t. This can hurt you or a lineman when it back feeds. •watch out for extension cords from your generator into the home with standing water. Seems silly to tell you that, but your brain is going to be in shock already, so let’s not shock the rest of you. •If you have gas cans ready for your generator, don’t set them on the ground!!! Ours floated away and created toxic water all around us and in our house. •have a bucket of some sort to keep anything electronic dry for immediate use. (Phone/flash lights). •Get your pet food off of the ground. Have leashes on the table next to your food to get ready to leave on a moment’s notice •Know where your paddle board/kayak is if you have one and be ready to use it. It saved us •if your dog crates are on the floor, put them on your kitchen table or anywhere off the ground. We did this trudging through two feet of water and it wasn’t fun… Search for this Post on Facebook as text is limited here… I’ve reshared on my personal Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/pontiac51

8 Okt 20248min

Milton Now a Major Hurricane - Storm Surge to 12’ - Evacuations Begin Today

Milton Now a Major Hurricane - Storm Surge to 12’ - Evacuations Begin Today

Florida officials urge residents to take necessary precautions, such as checking their evacuation zones, preparing disaster supply kits, and finding a safe place to stay. They also emphasize the importance of leaving early to avoid traffic congestion and delays, noting that it may also take several days to return home after the storm passes. Milton is now a category three major hurricane with winds of 120 mph and is still expected to continue strengthening. Although unfavorable upper level winds may cause the storm to weaken prior to landfall, 12 foot storm surge is still a deadly concern. Remember to run from the water and hide from the wind… you don’t have to evacuate far if you are in an evacuation zone as it’s best to stay as close to home as possible. Check out the state of Florida’s emergency management website for more information on preparation and linking you up to your counties evacuation zone maps. Of course you can always search for your county evacuation zone map directly. https://www.floridadisaster.org/

7 Okt 202412min

Hurricane Milton - 145 MPH Winds Forecast - Florida Peninsula on Alert

Hurricane Milton - 145 MPH Winds Forecast - Florida Peninsula on Alert

Hurricane Milton, currently over the Gulf of Mexico, is intensifying and projected to become a major hurricane. The hurricane is forecast to make landfall on the west coast of Florida, potentially bringing life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall. Residents in the Florida Peninsula are advised to monitor the storm's progress and follow the guidance of local officials.

7 Okt 202410min

Hurricane Hunters Say Milton is Rapidly Intensifying as We Look at Different Landfall Scenarios

Hurricane Hunters Say Milton is Rapidly Intensifying as We Look at Different Landfall Scenarios

Sunday afternoon update on Hurricane Milton, which is rapidly intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico. Details on the hurricane's current location, movement, and projected path, indicating that it is expected to become a major hurricane and approach the west coast of Florida by midweek. Hazards, including storm surge and heavy rainfall which could lead to flooding, and dangerous surf conditions along the Gulf Coast are a concern especially near and south of the landfall location. Points to the north of the center of circulation could see stronger wins and rain then on the so-called “dirty side“ which would normally be on the southside interaction with a jet streak the storm could be a little bit different. We looked at scenarios with, the potential for one north of Tampa Bay and a scenario for south of Tampa Bay.

6 Okt 202412min

Hurricane Evacuation & Preparedness Tips, Even for Your  EV

Hurricane Evacuation & Preparedness Tips, Even for Your EV

As Milton heads toward Florida, here’s some guidance on preparing for the storm, particularly focusing on the potential dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. Understanding and mitigating the risks of battery fires, especially when vehicles are damaged by floodwaters is important to your safety. Will give you some tips on food storage, water conservation, and securing important documents. We highlight the importance of having a plan for evacuating, staying safe, and ensuring access to essential services in the aftermath of a storm.

6 Okt 202412min

Rapid Intensification - Milton Forecast to be a Category 3 Hurricane

Rapid Intensification - Milton Forecast to be a Category 3 Hurricane

Tropical Storm Milton is strengthening rapidly in the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to become a major hurricane by the middle of the week. The storm is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida, bringing the potential for life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds. Heavy rainfall is also expected to affect portions of Florida, leading to the risk of flooding. The storm's exact track and intensity remain uncertain, but there is growing concern about the potential for significant impacts on the Florida Peninsula.

6 Okt 202410min

Populært innen Vitenskap

fastlegen
tingenes-tilstand
rekommandert
jss
sinnsyn
villmarksliv
rss-rekommandert
tomprat-med-gunnar-tjomlid
rss-nysgjerrige-norge
forskningno
rss-paradigmepodden
fremtid-pa-frys
dekodet-2
fjellsportpodden
abels-tarn
doktor-fives-podcast
diagnose
rss-overskuddsliv
vett-og-vitenskap-med-gaute-einevoll
pod-britannia