HAINES CITY, Fla. — In the farmlands of Haines City, it’s not strange to see cattle roaming about, but at Ridge Island Groves, the main source of income is citrus.

Many different varieties can be found on the farm’s 100-plus acres, but right now, oranges are prime for the picking. 

Archie Ritch started the business in the early 1990s, and more than three decades later, it’s thriving under the ownership of him and wife Jo. They ship fruit from their groves around the United States and welcome guests to check out their orchards and country market. Staples like fresh squeezed juices and ice cream have become somewhat legendary. 

“At this point, we are serving the grandchildren of customers we had from the 90s, so it's really very rewarding, but a lot of hard work." Archie explained. 

They get help from employees like Savannah, who grew up in Florida and has worked at Ridge Island Groves for the past 13 years.

“I've kind of always been around citrus and agriculture in general," Savannah said. 

She and other employees can be found among the orchards, helping customers find the perfect fruit during picking season or taking customers on a tour of the farm on a golf cart.

“I love it here,” Savannah said. “I don't complain about waking up in the morning and coming into work. Archie and Jo are so good to us, and I like working for them."

The spot gives visitors a chance to taste the fruits of their labor and provides a glimpse into the world of citrus in the Sunshine State. 

“It's a pretty big deal,” Archie Ritch said. “People come from all over just to come out and pick an orange right from the tree and to experience what that's like, something that oftentimes you might take for granted." 

Ridge Island Groves is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s closed on Sundays. For more information on the “u-pick season” and country market store, go to the Ridge Island Groves website.