Back before U.S. Highway 27 was flooded with traffic lights and vehicles, it provided a leisurely, picturesque drive through the heart of Florida’s citrus industry. The stretch of road from Interstate 4 to Clermont was lined with orange groves as far as the eye could see. One of the state’s most well-known structures stood tall, in the middle of it all, offering magnificent views of the surrounding area.
Back of post card says: Orange groves are seen for miles in every direction from the highest point in the state – the top of the Florida Citrus Tower.
Post card dated March 3, 1963. Handwritten note: “Greetings from Clermont, Florida.”
The Citrus Tower, which opened in Clermont in 1956, was built to provide visitors a 360 degree view of the acres and acres of orange trees, the rolling hills and the lakes that dotted the landscape. Made of five million pounds of concrete and another 149,000 pounds of steel, the Tower was built to withstand winds of more than 190 miles per hour.
As a college student, I would drive Highway 27 from my home in Hardee County to school in Tallahassee, and pass by the groves and the Tower each time. Not once did I stop to take a trip to the top of the Tower and see the area from a different perspective. But now, the Citrus Tower beckoned – and I obliged.
On this bright Florida day, the Tower stands in stark contrast against the bright blue sky. The ground floor houses the history of the Citrus Tower. Photos and newspapers tell the story of this “Castle in the Air,” along with some of the original mechanics. Lilly’s Citrus Tower Gift Shop is housed inside the main doors as well, and is filled with all things Florida. After stopping at the counter and paying the $6.00 admission fee, we step into the elevator and take the ride to the enclosed observation deck.
Strategically placed signs indicate which direction you are looking and the distance from the Tower to surrounding locations. Framed photos provide a glimpse into Florida’s citrus heyday – while allowing you to look out at the new landscape, dotted with housing developments, shopping centers and other businesses.
Lake Apopka is one of the many lakes that can be seen from this vantage point. Its size is stunning enough. Orlando’s skyline is also visible and with the help of binoculars, you can see the Orlando Eye attraction. To the west there are views of more lakes and more development. You can see portions of Lake, Orange, Polk and Sumter counties, and on a clear day, even parts of Pasco, Osceola, Seminole and Hernando counties are in view. Even though the landscape has changed and the groves have given way to development, the views from the Tower are still magnificent. The few stray orange trees that can be seen serve as reminders to what was once a thriving industry.
Lake Apopka in the background.
The Citrus Tower is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and is closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Interesting fact: According to a display at the Citrus Tower, on February 19, 1953 a traffic count by the State of Florida Highway Department showed 3,500 cars passed by this part of Highway 27. That was an average of one car every 24 seconds!