Florida Citrus Tower
| Florida Citrus Tower | |
|---|---|
Florida Citrus Tower in 2015
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| General information | |
| Type | Observation tower Radio broadcasting tower |
| Location | Clermont, Florida |
| Coordinates | 28°33′50″N 81°44′35″W / 28.56389°N 81.74306°WCoordinates: 28°33′50″N 81°44′35″W / 28.56389°N 81.74306°W |
| Completed | 1956 |
| Owner | Greg Homan |
| Height | |
| Antenna spire | 500 feet (152 m) above sea level |
| Roof | 226 feet (69 m) |
| Design and construction | |
| Developer | A.W.Thacker and F.J.Toole |
The Florida Citrus Tower is a 226-foot-tall (69 m) structure built in 1956 in Clermont, Florida. Once the most famous landmarks of the Orlando area, it was built to allow visitors to observe the miles of orange groves surrounding it; developments in the citrus industry since its construction have left it providing a view of suburban neighborhoods today. With the antenna reaching over 500 feet (152 m) above sea level, it is the highest observation point in Florida. In early 2015, the Citrus Tower received a new paint job, giving it a new but retro look, with an orange line going down the middle of each side.
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.
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.
The Citrus Tower before the orange stripe was added
The elevator of the Citrus Tower
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Wikipedia