Florida Citrus Farmers Not Worried About Upcoming Cold Snap

LAKELAND (CBSMiami/AP) — A cold front which is forecast to sweep the state Monday into Tuesday is not expected to damage any citrus crops.

Temperatures are expected to dip into the 30s in parts of Florida on Tuesday.  But Florida Citrus Mutual spokesman Andrew Meadows said temperatures must be at 28 degrees or lower four hours straight for fruit to freeze badly.

Some pockets of low-lying areas could get that cold, but not any large swaths of land.

Meadows said he is optimistic the citrus crop will stand up well to the colder temps.

A "polar vortex" is expected to bring below-zero temperatures to much of the U.S. starting Sunday. In Florida, the drop won't be as steep, but some counties are opening cold weather shelters for residents who need a warm place to stay.

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