TERRA CEIA, FLORIDA

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Terra Ceia is an unincorporated community in Manatee County, Florida, that includes the 1,932 acre Terra Ceia Preserve State Park just to the north.

It is located on Terra Ceia Island on the Southern shore of Tampa Bay near the intersection of US-19 and I-275, at the southern end of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge that crosses the bay from St. Petersburg.

Settlers began homesteading on Terra Ceia Island in the 1840s, but commercial agriculture, including citrus, expanded rapidly after the 1880s.

By 1897, most of the approximately 127 households grew citrus alongside celery, other vegetables, and flowers.

Pioneers such as Frank C. Armstrong homesteaded land around 1880 and shipped citrus via steamships, while others developed packing houses and custom labels for their fruit.

The arrival of railroads in the early 1900s boosted production further, with packing houses and depots supporting large-scale vegetable and citrus output.

Manatee County, including Terra Ceia, played a notable role in Florida's citrus boom, and local fruit gained praise for its high sugar content and thin skins compared to inland varieties.

The industry peaked in the early to mid-20th century, with family operations like the Tilletts managing hundreds of acres and establishing businesses such as The Citrus Place.

Terra Ceia's citrus contributed to the region's reputation during Florida's "Golden Era" of citrus (1909–1939).

However, challenges hit in the 1920s–1930s: a 1926 tidal wave flooded the island with saltwater, damaging groves; the Great Depression closed the local bank in 1931; and railroad service ended.

Later threats included freezes (though Terra Ceia often escaped the worst), diseases like citrus canker and greening (since the 2000s), urban development, and hurricanes. 

Historically, though, Terra Ceia produced high-quality citrus on a commercially viable scale for decades, making it a great citrus area in its heyday.

Most of the former agricultural land has become residential or is now part of the Terra Ceia Preserve State Park.

It is a pleasant place for a leisurely drive with lots of scenery, pleasant parks, and a historic church.

There are also plenty of homes to enjoy looking at - both pioneer residences and modern mansions.

Small scale citrus industry still survives, notably at The Citrus Place.  

This family owned business opened in 1972 as a U-pick grapefruit grove and later expanded to retail and shipping. 

Today you can still enjoy visiting it and browse their offerings that include  fresh juice, fruit, and unique ice cream. 

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