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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBARTOW, Fla. (May 4, 2023) <\/strong>\u2013 The Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC), in partnership with Visit Florida\u00ae, is excited to announce the new installation of a hand-painted mural by artist, Lauren Hom. Beginning May 4, 2023 (National Orange Juice Day) visitors can view the new Florida Citrus themed mural at the Florida Welcome Center, located on I-95 south between US Hwy 17 and SR 200\/A1A in Yulee, Florida, north of Jacksonville.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visitors who stop at the Florida Welcome Center will be able to take in the new mural while sampling delicious and nutritious Florida Orange Juice and Florida Grapefruit Juice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe know visitors who stop at the Florida State Welcome Centers love to sample Florida Orange Juice and Florida Grapefruit Juice. We wanted to enhance their experience with a beautiful and fun piece of art,\u201d says Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus. \u201cOur goal is for visitors to step into a space that makes them feel as if they’re in the heart of a Florida Citrus grove. The mural incorporates vibrant colors found in Florida Orange and Grapefruit groves as inspiration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lauren Hom is the designer and artist behind the mural installation. She has a knack for whimsical art and helps brands tell stories through her unique designs. Specializing in lettering, murals, and food art, FDOC has worked with Hom over the past two years on various projects. This hand-painted mural will depict a beautiful grove scene and is the largest project FDOC has partnered with Hom on, spanning an entire wall at nearly 23 feet long by 12 feet high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019re excited to partner with FDOC and Lauren Hom to showcase the beauty and nutritional benefits of Florida Citrus through this stunning mural installation,\u201d said David Dodd, vice president of Visit Florida. \u201cThe mural will serve as a vibrant and lasting tribute to the important role that citrus plays in our state.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Florida Orange Juice is known as The Original Wellness Drink, as each 8-ounce glass delivers a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants like vitamin C, potassium and folate, making it an excellent choice for overall health. The great taste of Florida Orange Juice comes from Florida\u2019s sandy soil, subtropical climate and dedicated growers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visitors to Florida Welcome Centers can always expect to enjoy free, delicious samples of Florida Orange Juice and Florida Grapefruit Juice. Visitors are also encouraged to share their selfies from the Florida Welcome Centers on social media, using the hashtag #ojselfie and tagging @floridaorangejuice<\/a> on Instagram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n About the Florida Department of Citrus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Florida Department of Citrus is an executive agency of the Florida government charged with the marketing, research, and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. Its activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels. The industry employs more than 33,000 people, provides an annual economic impact of $6.9 billion to the state, and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues that help support Florida\u2019s schools, roads, and health care services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The FDOC is governed by the Florida Citrus Commission, an eleven-member board appointed by the Governor of Florida to represent citrus growers, processors, and packers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n