The Florida Citrus Mutual, a lobbying organization for the state’s citrus industry, has sold its headquarters to Publix Super Markets Inc. Located at 411 E. Orange St. in downtown Lakeland, the 21,000 square foot, two story office building changed hands for an undisclosed price. Having occupied the building for 68 years, the lobbyists they are currently looking for a new space to buy or lease. There are additional tenants in the building besides Florida Citrus, which must vacate the property by Aug. 31, 2017.
“Florida Citrus Mutual had a long run here and there have been a lot of important decisions made in this building that have shaped the direction of the Florida citrus industry, so this decision was not made lightly,” Michael W. Sparks, CEO of the organization, said in a statement. “Our board of directors believes now is the right time to sell. We couldn’t have a better buyer. Publix is the pinnacle of professionalism and we appreciate their diligence in making this happen.”
