[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 4, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING SUN HARVEST CITRUS

 Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, as chairman of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I honor a 
small business that demonstrates America's unique entrepreneurial 
spirit. I am pleased to recognize a business that has been a notable 
member of their local community for nearly 30 years. Today, it is my 
pleasure to name Sun Harvest Citrus of Fort Myers, FL, as the Senate 
Small Business of the Week.
  Founded in 1990 by Sandy McKenzie Nicely, Sun Harvest Citrus is known 
for their high-quality citrus products, which makes them a premiere 
Fort Myers destination. Their produce is sourced from citrus groves 
originally purchased by Sandy's grandfather Robert Edsall, Sr., in 
1940. The grove, located along the east coast of Florida and consisting 
of approximately 800 acres of land, has passed through her family for 
three generations and is now managed by her brother, David McKenzie. 
Sandy became inspired to open the Sun Harvest Citrus store in 1990 when 
the Florida citrus industry dealt with overproduction. The store became 
a great way to sell the surplus citrus from the groves, while offering 
a location for customers to gather. Since 1990, they have expanded 
their products to offer several different types of citrus produce, 
juices, candies, and sweets, as well as serve as a tourist attraction 
for the Fort Myers area.
  Today, Sun Harvest Citrus employs more than 25 Floridians and 
produces a diverse variety of orange and grapefruit products. The store 
sells seasonal citrus baskets and produces up to 2,500 gallons of juice 
a day. One of their most popular products is the Orange Vanilla mix 
soft-serve ice cream that has become a well-known tourist stop for 
people traveling down the west coast of Florida. Many of their products 
are seasonal, such as Valencia oranges or Honeybell tangelos, with Sun 
Harvest Citrus providing each seasonal fruit and juice during the 
months they are produced.
  In addition to their store and citrus groves, Sun Harvest Citrus has 
become a centerpiece in the Fort Myers community. USA Today listed Sun 
Harvest Citrus as one of the 10 best places to shop in the Fort Myers 
area. Sun Harvest Citrus also distributes their juice to local 
businesses and community events. For example, in an effort to spread 
Christmas cheer, Sun Harvest Citrus provided their fresh orange juice 
to patients and families at a holiday event hosted by the local Fort 
Myers Kiwanis at the John Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care 
center.
  Sun Harvest Citrus is an excellent example of a family run business 
that is making a positive impact in their community. I commend this 
Florida business for its dedication to providing great products to the 
community and creating a gathering place where all local residents and 
visitors are welcomed. I am proud to recognize everyone at Sun Harvest 
Citrus, and I look forward to seeing their continued success.

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