Breezy morning credited with saving citrus crops from record-low temperatures

ORLANDO, Fla. — Citrus grower John Arnold said his crop survived because of his irrigation system that was able to insulate his crop, protecting it from the cold weather.

Arnold owns Showcase of Citrus. He said he was happy when the sun rose as well as the temperature, but not before the mercury plummeted into the low 30s overnight.

"Florida sunshine is the best thing going," said Arnold.

Arnold credited two things for his crops making it through the night: a slight breeze early Friday morning that didn't allow for frost to settle and his irrigation system, which provided a slight coating of ice around his crop and blossoms, protecting them from the weather.

"We had a breeze last night," said Arnold. "That kept the frost from settling on the trees."

The freezing weather had growers like Arnold concerned frost would ruin their crop.

"When that moisture settles onto the ground and makes a blanket of frost, it can damage any crop," said Arnold. "We have good news for everyone.  We had a breeze last night that kept the frost from settling on the trees."

Friday morning was a record-setting start in central Florida and the coldest start in a year as 20- and 30-degree temperatures were widespread and the wind chills were making it feel even colder, said WFTV meteorologist Brian Shields.

"Temperature will stay cool today. Highs will be in the 50s, about 20 degrees below average. However, this weekend, temperatures will rebound quickly, even some 80s by Sunday," said Shields.

While this year's crop was saved, Arnold said next year's crop was defenseless as well, because of the blossoms that bloomed earlier than normal.

"It is really early this year because of the unseasonably warm weather and all the rain," he said.

While a damaged crop would have been detrimental to Arnold's business, the consumer would've also felt the effects.

"Florida citrus is definitely a major player in the state's economy," he said.

WFTV