Thursday, May 04, 2023

FIRST LOOK: THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CITRUS CELEBRATES NATIONAL ORANGE JUICE DAY WITH A NEW MURAL AT THE FLORIDA WELCOME CENTER

 In partnership with Visit Florida® and graphic artist, Lauren Hom, the Florida Department of Citrus invites visitors to experience a new Florida Citrus themed, hand-painted mural



The Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC), in partnership with Visit Florida®, 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 off exit 380 on Interstate 95, just north of Jacksonville, Florida. 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.

"We 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," says Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus. "Our 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."

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.

"We're excited to partner with FDOC and Lauren Hom to showcase the beauty and nutritional benefits of Florida Citrus through this stunning mural installation," said David Dodd, vice president of Visit Florida. "The mural will serve as a vibrant and lasting tribute to the important role that citrus plays in our state."



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's sandy soil, subtropical climate and dedicated growers.

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 on Instagram.