Citrus u-pick and market to open in Bartow

BARTOW, Fla. — One farm in Bartow is working to keep the citrus industry alive, and they want to involve their community in that process too.

Golden Ridge Groves is opening a first-of-its-kind citrus U-pick, but it’s all being done under protective screening, a method that’s helping combat greening.

When people hear the word U-pick, some may think of strawberries and blueberries, but that’s not the case for this farm. Here, it’s all about the Ray Ruby Grapefruit.

“It’s known for its beautiful red flesh, sweet taste, and low acidity,” Shane Bevilacqua said.

He and Katie Bevilacqua are the owners of Golden Ridge Groves.

They’re using a unique method to protect the fruit — protective screening structures. It was first implemented by Katie’s dad and uncle.

“The entire reason we do that is so that we can keep out a bug that carry’s a disease that has really impacted the citrus industry here in Florida,” Shane said.

While citrus production has fallen 28% in the state according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Polk County still leads the state in citrus production.

Katie said she believes that new innovations like the screening structures are helping. She’s hoping to bring that education to consumers in the form of a u-pick.

“We get to talk about the innovative stuff we’re trying,” she said. “We’ll get to talk about what works, what didn’t work.”

The farm will have five acres dedicated to the U-pick.

Katie said it’s a way to preserve a fruit that’s in danger and bring more people to the farm.

“Inspire people to get excited about what’s happening in the industry, get excited about Florida citrus and learn a little bit along the way,” she said.

And that’s not all — Golden Ridge Groves market will open its doors for all things citrus, from juice to jams to citrus lotion.

“We wanted to bring local produce to the consumer here in Polk County and make it more accessible,” she said.

They’re creating a space for people to immerse themselves in the process of not only preserving but growing the citrus industry.

The market will also offer a sunflower U-pick and a strawberry U-pick.

This Saturday, they’re hosting a great grapefruit extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to celebrate the Golden Ridge Groves U-Pick and Market grand opening.