Farmers Prep For Crop Damaging Cold Temps

DAVIE (CBS4) - As cold air from an arctic front that made its way down the state moves into Florida, freezing and sub-freezing temperatures are forecast from the early morning hours of Tuesday and Wednesday.

This has prompted Governor Charlie Crist to declare a state of emergency to relax restrictions on getting harvested crops moved to processing centers before the cold kills them.

Miami-Dade, Broward and mainland Monroe Counties are under Freeze and Wind Chill Warnings because the combination of temperature and northwesterly wind will make it feel like our temps are in the 20s.

It will be a couple of long nights for South Florida farmers and their crews as they do what they can to protect their crops.

"We are gonna fight it tooth and nail, and if need be, we'll replant," said farmer John Alger of Alger Farms.

At Bob Roth's New River Groves in Davie, Roth said he could lose his current citrus crop if the temperature dips too low.

"We're watching the thermometer. If it gets down in the 20s or 30s we'll cover up all the nursery trees," said Roth.

And it is not just the weather in South Florida that has him concerned. Roth gets a lot of his citrus from the Indian River part of the state; a freeze there could be devastating.

Roth said depending on how low and for how long it goes, our latest cold snap could frost over your produce choices at the grocery store.

"The price could go up tremendously or it could mean there's no more honey bells, no more navels," said Roth.

The cold snap couldn't have come at a worse time for Roth, it's his busiest time of the year. They have thousands of gift baskets to send out by Christmas and the quality and freshness of the citrus is critical.

"If it gets too cold it could be a disaster," said Roth who added that on the other hand, "Two or three nights of 40 degree weather, 40 or 50 degree weather brings the ripeness and the sugar and the flavor into the citrus."

But CBS4's Natalia Zea found a number of people who are happy about the cold weather.

At Santa's Enchanted Forest in Southwest Miami-Dade Monday night, many families took in the lights, rides and games happily bundled up.

"I'm cold, but I love it," said Stephanie Ponce, who was rocking a wool hat, scarf, and layers.

The cold weather is the reason Thomas Tuck brought his young son to Santa's.

"That's the whole point of coming tonight. It's cold and the lights and everything. It's nice...it gets you into the holiday spirit."

To keep yourself and your family safe during this latest cold snap, it's important to remember the 'Four Ps'.

Protect yourself and your family with warm clothes.
Protect your pets – bring them inside.
Protect your plants – bring them inside or cover them up.
Protect your property – use proper precautions with space or indoor heaters.