Golden Ridge Groves will open Nov. 20 in Alturas, Florida. The new business includes u-pick in a citrus under protective screen (CUPS) structure and a farm market. The operation will be open for the season Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Husband and wife owners Shane and Katie Bevilacqua answered questions about the new business.
Q: When will your grand opening occur?
A: The grand opening will occur Nov. 22 and will be the Great Grapefruit Extravaganza, which will be a celebration of the opening of Florida’s citrus season. There will be grapefruit u-pick under CUPS, grapefruit inspired sweets, a food truck, live music and more. We will also have sunflower u-pick, fresh squeezed juice, homemade ice cream and the farm market.
Q: What is your history, especially in citrus, and what inspired you to open Golden Ridge Groves?
A: Katie and Shane represent part of the third generation of agriculture for their family. The Mixon legacy began with Gerald Mixon and his sons — who started in citrus before expanding into berry production, where they found success through the creation and growth of SunnyRidge Farms. After retiring from SunnyRidge, Katie’s father Jerry and her uncle Keith became deeply involved in Florida’s emerging CUPS citrus program (read more here), partnering with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences to test, refine and advance the first CUPS structures. Nearly a decade later, the family now farms close to 750 acres of CUPS-grown citrus.
Building on that legacy, Katie and Shane created Golden Ridge Groves to bring this innovative growing method directly to the consumer — inviting guests to experience a modern citrus revival, enjoy locally grown produce and explore an immersive, family-centered farm destination designed to inspire and delight.
Q: Who owns the u-pick CUPS facility?
A: While Golden Ridge Groves builds its 20-acre CUPS structure in the spring of 2026, we will be u-picking at Katie’s father’s structure. The new 20-acre structure will feature multiple varieties of grapefruit, oranges and tangerines.
Q: How will you keep the CUPS free of HLB-spreading Asian citrus psyllids and other pests and diseases?
A: We’ve designed our guest experience and CUPS structure with safeguards in place to help prevent pests — like the Asian citrus psyllid — from entering. Guests who choose to u-pick will start their visit inside the CUPS, and we share simple best practices to follow before entry. Combined with the built-in protective features of the structure, these measures allow us to welcome visitors while still maintaining a healthy, secure growing environment.
Q: Will oranges also be available for picking?
A: We will u-pick the Valencia and Vernia oranges that are grown in our outdoor grove, on-site.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add about Golden Ridge Groves?
A: Shane and Katie hope Golden Ridge Groves becomes a place where visitors can enjoy nostalgic Florida groves, shop local goods and enjoy fresh- squeezed juice and homemade soft-serve. They’re grateful for the legacy behind them and aim to share the farm while educating guests about Florida’s agricultural innovation and inspiring future generations.
Learn more about Golden Ridge Groves here.
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