Tues - Fri 11AM - 6PM | Sat 11AM - 4PM
40541 Roger Giles Road, Umatilla, FL 32784
Tues - Fri 11AM - 6PM | Sat 11AM - 4PM
40541 Roger Giles Road, Umatilla, FL 32784
Perched outside Sunsational Farms in Umatilla is the iconic Big Orange, a 14‑foot‑wide symbol of Florida’s citrus heritage with a rich past. Discovered overgrown with weeds in a field in 1971 near Lakeland, it has moved several times—to Mount Dora, serving as everything from a fruit stand to a florist’s shop—before being purchased, restored, and relocated to its current home in Umatilla in 2012. The Big Orange is a landmark celebrating the citrus industry’s legacy and serves as the perfect photo-op, capturing the heart and heritage of Central Florida.
Tommy Sanders, a local citrus grower and retailer came across this iconic piece of Florida history in 1971. It was located on U.S. Hwy 27 near Lakeland, Florida in an open field. Even though it was completely covered with weeds and vines, curiosity still got the best of him.
When he inquired about the Big Orange with an adjacent business, he was told three of them had been made. One was destroyed in a fire. The whereabouts of the second one was and is still unknown. Seeing the importance of preserving a part of Florida’s citrus heritage, Tommy was able to purchase it for $1,500. The Big Orange was then moved to his family’s property in Mount Dora where it stayed for many years.
During it’s time on the side of US HWY 441, the Big Orange attracted various tenants. It was once a showcase for arts and crafts. Another time is was used as a florist’s shop. But its main purpose was to serve as a citrus fruit stand.
After the devastating freezes of the 1980’s, much of the region’s citrus industry had been diminished. The Big Orange was eventually moved away from the highway and placed back amongst the tree line. For many years it sat unused and again became covered with weeds and vines. Still, the Big Orange remained a landmark for the area and was recognized by both locals and motorist traveling through Lake County.
Knowing the passion and ambition Nick had to continue citrus in Lake County, Tommy promised that when the time came to sell the Big Orange, he would let him know. In 2012, Nick and Sharon Faryna purchased the Big Orange and once again, it was relocated. The Big Orange has undergone a complete restoration in preparation for its new home.
