Florida's Citrus Festival

02/19/2026

🍊Congratulations to Caroline Schapansky, 21, a student at The University of Florida for being crowned Miss Florida Citrus 2026 on Saturday, February 14th, at the Polk State College Fine Arts Theatre in Winter Haven! 👑

Schapansky is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in Disabilities in Society. Nine women from across the state of Florida competed for the title in five phases of competition-private interview, on-stage question, health and fitness, talent, and evening gown. Schapansky earned the Preliminary Interview Award before being names the overall winner.

In addition to the title, she was awarded $2000 in scholarship along with additional prizes.

Dating back to 1924, the Florida Citrus Queen and Miss Florida Citrus programs have been devoted to promoting the Florida citrus industry for more than a century. Though the title has changed over time, Miss Florida Citrus stays true to its roots of advocacy, education and industry representation. As Miss Florida Citrus, Schapansky will serve as an ambassador for the Florida Citrus industry while also promoting her personal community service initiative, "Through the Loo king Glass: Encouraging Inclusion Beyond the Surface," promoting
awareness, understanding and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

Congratulations! Miss Florida Citrus Organization

Photos by Monarch Media

02/12/2026

If you had a blast at Florida's Citrus Festival, you won't want to miss our next event on April 11th in downtown Auburndale - the Polk County Blueberry Festival!

Meet local blueberry growers, eat delicious blueberry-inspired foods, try some blueberry w**e, explore the family zone, vendor market and more! Applications are now open for vendors and the community art show (open to all ages, no experience required!) at www.polkcountyblueberryfestival.com.

Follow the event page so you don't miss a thing!

02/02/2026

We wrapped up Florida’s Citrus Festival this past weekend, and all we can say is WOW. Despite the weather, thousands gathered together in downtown Winter Haven to celebrate the importance of citrus in our communities. Your early turnout and support for local groves, small businesses, and the ever-growing citrus industry are what made this event a true success. 🍊

Destroyer Media could not have made this celebration possible without the incredible support of our friends and sponsors. A huge thank you to:
Visit Central Florida
Winter Haven Hospital BayCare Health System
Orlando Health Watson Clinic
Florida Rubies
Mathnasium
RMS Air Condition
KEMP Injury Law
Golden Ridge Groves
Staybridge
Zest
Integrity Refrigeration and A/C
Florida Farm Bureau
Carlton Arms of Winter Haven
No Covers
Brown International
Six Ten
MD Construction
KW Smart 1
Dynamic Equipment Group
And thank you to Richards Coffee for the free coffee during the event, you truly kept us running!

01/31/2026

45 minutes until Florida’s Citrus Festival begins!

01/31/2026

Today is the day!!! Bundle up and head to Downtown Winter Haven starting at 11 am, and get ready for a FULL day of citrus. Checkout the schedule!

11 am -1 pm Coastal Barefoot Acoustic
1:15 pm Fruit Juicing Competition
2-4 pm “Ace” Jackson and the Jump Kings
4:15 pm Pie Eating Contest
5-8 pm Phoenix 5

01/29/2026

This Saturday, Florida’s Citrus Festival will be happening in Central Park starting at 11 am!

Join us for a chilly yet fun day of citrus themed activities, 50+ vendors, live entertainment, inflatables, drinks… The list could go on! Make sure you don’t miss out on the fun by heading to downtown Winter Haven on January 31st.

We can’t wait to celebrate all that the citrus industry has to offer!

01/29/2026

Ms. Florida Citrus will be joining us this Saturday, January 31st, at Florida’s Citrus Festival! Be sure to stop by, say hello, and learn more about the importance of citrus in our community.

01/29/2026

01/29/2026

After nearly two decades, the historic Florida Citrus Festival is being revived in Polk County.