Florida Citrus Tower facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Florida Citrus Tower
Florida Citrus Tower
General information
Type	Observation tower Radio broadcasting tower
Location	Clermont, Florida
Coordinates	28°33′50″N 81°44′35″W
Elevation	228 feet (69.5 m) above sea level at its base
Completed	1956
Owner	Greg Homan
Height
Antenna spire	500 feet (152.4 m) above sea level
Roof	226 feet (68.9 m) above ground
Design and construction
Developer	A.W.Thacker and F.J.Toole

The Florida Citrus Tower is a 226-foot-tall (69 m) structure in Clermont, Florida. Built in 1956 to allow visitors to observe the miles of surrounding orange groves, it was once among the most famous landmarks of the Orlando area.

History

The tower opened in 1956 after 13 months of construction. During the first several years of operation, the tower drew up to 500,000 visitors a year, thanks to its location on Highway 27 between Cypress Gardens and Silver Springs. However, in 1964 the Florida Turnpike was extended north, providing a faster route south through Central Florida. Since then the tower has been sold several times. In 1988, a tram was built to offer visitors tours of various citrus crops. The tower was purchased in 1995 by Greg Homan.

Attraction

The Citrus Tower includes a wishing well where visitors can hear their coin drop to the bottom; proceeds are donated to the Green Isle Children Ranch. At the lobby is ROOM: Valencia: a banquet facility, gift shop, and museum of the tower's history. During Christmas season, lights on the tower dance to Christmas music. Near the tower is the Presidents Hall of Fame, with wax tributes to 43 Presidents of the United States of America and a full-scale replica of the interior of the White House.

Gallery

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  The Citrus Tower before the orange stripe was added

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  The elevator of the Citrus Tower

Images for kids

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  The Citrus Tower as it appeared from 1995 to 2015.

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  The mostly unmodernized Otis elevator of the Citrus Tower (now modernized)