By Brenda Eubanks Burnette
Editor’s note: This month’s Pieces of the Past is the author’s acceptance speech after being inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame on March 27. Congratulations, Brenda!
Forty-five years ago, I had no idea that entering the Florida Citrus Queen contest would change the entire course of my life. I simply needed scholarship money for school and hoped to see a bit of the world. I could never have imagined that the roads that decision opened would shape my life so profoundly — bringing me my sons, grandchildren and an extended family I never expected to have, especially since we weren’t even in the citrus business. That family is all of you.
My mother always told me that if I was fortunate enough to find something I loved to do, it would never feel like a job. I have been blessed beyond measure in that regard. Preserving our citrus heritage became a passion — so much so that I sold real estate just to afford doing what I truly loved. I remember Al Cassidy (of Cassidy Realty) once asking, “Think maybe you should have stayed with us?” I laughed and told him, “No. I made the right decision. This is where I’m supposed to be, and God put me here for a reason.”
That reason becomes clearer with every passing year as our industry continues to lose ground. So I will keep asking — urging — you to help us save our citrus heritage before those memories disappear forever. Museums and historical societies across the state would welcome displays or a traveling exhibit on the Florida citrus industry. If you have citrus memorabilia that needs a home, please call me before it ends up in an estate sale, a garage sale or the garbage simply because no one recognized its value. I recognize it and so do many others. We will help find a home for your treasures and preserve the story of how Florida citrus helped shape this great state.
Right now, the only museum in Florida dedicated solely to the citrus industry is the Indian River Citrus Museum in Vero Beach, and thanks to George Hamner, it is expanding. Greg Nelson and his board are building a new museum in Fellsmere that will also include the citrus story. And at the Barberville Pioneer Settlement, John Jackson is developing an outdoor exhibit that will help tell that story as well.
So please, share what you have and be recognized for it while you still can.
On behalf of the industry I love — and the mentors and friends who guided me along the way — thank you, especially to:
- Jerry Chicone, Jr., without whom I could never have written my two books on citrus crate labels
- Jim Ellis, Nancy Gurnette Hardy, Bill and Lindsay Raley, Bob Eastman, Willard and Quentin Roe, Todd Dantzler — whose encouragement led me to apply for the position at the Florida Citrus Showcase that helped shape my journey
- Brantley Schirard, John Jackson, George Hamner, and so many more who have shared their wisdom and support
My heart breaks just thinking of all of the great men and women who were so impactful to the industry, but who are no longer with us today. I was fortunate to have known many of them, write about some of them and be mentored by a few. They encouraged me and my love of this industry, resulting in my desire to both help preserve it and to mentor others in return. They are forever in my heart.
Thank you to my village — my family first and foremost for always pitching in when asked; the Hall of Fame board members past and present; AgNet Media, which has graciously published my monthly column for more than a decade; and all of you who read it and reach out with your stories and encouragement. Thank you to Melanie Burns at Florida Citrus Mutual; LuAnn Mims, archivist extraordinaire and kindred spirit in preserving and sharing the citrus story through exhibits and programs; my sister citrus queens — especially Lori Schirard Grubb and Mandy Hancock Jarrett, whose steadfast support has kept the pageant thriving — and my wonderful Palm Beach County posse! There are so many more who deserve mention, and you know who you are. Finally, thank you to the man who stood by my side from 1989 until his passing in 2012, and who wholeheartedly supported my love for this industry — my late husband, Alan Burnette.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for making this honor possible. It truly does take a village, and you have been mine. Thank you, and God bless!
Brenda Eubanks Burnette is the former executive director of the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame and is currently president of the board of Vero Heritage, Inc., which operates The Heritage Center and Indian River Citrus Museum in Vero Beach, Florida.
Share this Post