A Bright Spot on a Rainy Day

Tacy Callies Awards

day
The newest inductees to the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame are Adam Putnam, Steve Sorrells, the late Lew Prosser Jr. (award accepted by his daughter Sally, pictured) and John Jackson Jr.

The ongoing pandemic and a dreary day of relentless rain did not stop the Florida citrus industry from gathering to celebrate four of its most outstanding members. On Nov. 5, approximately 350 people convened at Florida Southern College in Lakeland to honor the 2021 members of the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame. This year, the event was also live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. The 2021 inductees are Adam Putnam, Steve Sorrells, Lew Prosser Jr. and John Jackson Jr. Learn about their accomplishments.

Florida Citrus Hall of Fame membership is awarded to select individuals who have made significant contributions to the Florida citrus industry as pioneers or in the areas of harvesting, packing, processing, marketing, science or education.

The induction ceremony, co-sponsored by the Florida Department of Citrus and Florida Citrus Mutual, was delayed from the traditional March date due to COVID-19. Attendees of the event enjoyed lunch and fellowship while viewing videos of the inductees’ career highlights and accomplishments.

day
Each leaf of the Citrus Hall of Fame tree represents a member.

After the awards were accepted, the newest leaves of the Citrus Hall of Fame tree were unveiled in the McKay Archives Center. Every leaf of the tree is a plate bearing the name and year of each member of the hall of fame. The McKay Archives Center at Florida Southern College houses the hall of fame display as well as the state of Florida Citrus Archives.

Learn more about the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame here.

Share this Post

About the Author

Tacy Callies

Editor of Citrus Industry magazine

Sponsored Content