Long before Clermont became known for rapid growth and attracting elite athletes from around the world, a towering landmark stood watch over miles of orange groves.

For 70 years, the Florida Citrus Tower has overlooked a changing landscape, serving as both a symbol of Lake County’s citrus heritage and one of Central Florida’s most recognizable attractions.

 

Now, the landmark is preparing to celebrate that milestone with Orange Crush, a free community event scheduled for Sunday, June 14 from 10am to 4pm.

“We have our Orange Crush every year, but being that this year marks 70 years, we’re making it even bigger,” says Courtney Harrison, the Tower’s marketing manager. “We just want people to come out here and help us celebrate, have fun.”

The anniversary celebration will feature complimentary rides to the top of the tower, live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, raffle drawings, waterslides, rock-climbing walls and other family activities and fun attractions throughout the day. Organizers also expect several special guests, including Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, Tuskegee Airman Daniel Keel and Will Hatcher, whose father built the Citrus Tower in the 1950s. Hatcher was 10 years old when construction began and is expected to share memories of the landmark’s early days.

Built in 1956 during the height of Florida’s citrus boom, the 226-foot structure was designed as an observation tower, giving visitors sweeping views of the orange groves that once blanketed the region. Before the arrival of Walt Disney World and the tourism industry that followed, the Citrus Tower was one of Florida’s most popular attractions, drawing visitors from around the world, including famous faces.

“We want people to be able to go up there and see the lakes, the beautiful rolling hills of Lake County and everything there is to see from up there,” says Hope Medina, one of the tower’s operators. “It’s a wonderful way to preserve the history of the orange industry.”

 

While the groves that once surrounded the tower have largely disappeared, the landmark remains a familiar fixture on the South Lake skyline and to this day, visitors can see miles and miles in each direction, including Orlando’s skyline, Disney and its fireworks and more.

Rabbi Ralph Messer and his wife, Maureen, purchased the property in 2022 through Simchat Torah Beit Midrash, a neighboring Hebrew Bible college. The Messers acquired it from the Homan family, which had owned the tower since 1995. Following extensive renovations, the property was rededicated as a community “Beacon of Light.”

Today, the campus includes the historic observation deck, a coffee bar, gift shop, banquet facilities and event space. Under the Messers’ ownership, longtime traditions such as Clermont’s Christmas Tower Light Show have continued alongside new community events and activities.

This year’s celebration also shines a spotlight on an ongoing effort to preserve the landmark for future generations.

 

According to tower operators, the original roofs on both the Citrus Tower and the adjoining building date back to the property’s construction in 1956 and are in need of replacement. The project is expected to cost approximately $850,000.

Funds raised through raffle baskets, donations and ongoing fundraising efforts will help support the project.

Many of the raffle prizes and event activities have been donated by local businesses and community partners, reflecting the support the tower continues to receive from the community.

Organizers also hope the celebration will introduce newcomers to the history behind one of Clermont’s most recognizable landmarks.

“A lot of people are new to Clermont, so they don’t even know the history of the Citrus Tower,” Medina says. “I’m excited to show them and show it off and just for the community to love it again and be proud of it.”

 

For Courtney Harrison, the tower’s marketing manager, the Citrus Tower remains a symbol of the community’s roots.

“I love that people remember it as the Gem of the Hills,” she says. “We’re here to remind people what Clermont used to be and why this area was built on the success of the citrus industry. The tower represents that history, and I want people to look at it and be proud of it again.”

Seventy years after opening its doors the Citrus Tower continues to stand above it all, offering visitors a glimpse of Lake County’s past while helping preserve one of Clermont’s most enduring symbols for the future.

For Olivia Rongyos, the tower’s manager, preserving the landmark is also about preserving memories.

“I moved to Clermont when I was 10, and this building has so many memories,” Olivia says. “My grandparents used to bring me here. I’m so grateful that the next generation is going to be able to make memories with their grandparents and their parents and their family, and we’re just bringing it back to life so they can make memories for future generations.”

 

If You Go

What: Orange Crush 70th Anniversary Celebration

When: June 14, 10am to 4pm

Where: Florida Citrus Tower, 141 N. U.S. Highway 27, Clermont

Cost: Free admission

Highlights: Free rides to the top of the Citrus Tower, live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, raffle prizes, waterslides, rock-climbing walls and family activities.

Special Guests: Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, Tuskegee Airman Daniel Keel and Will Hatcher, whose father built the Citrus Tower.

Information: CitrusTower.com