Florida Citrus Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Florida Citrus Tower |
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Florida Citrus Tower
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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°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
