Karl Albritton

Karl Albritton is a Bartow native and a Sarasota resident who has devoted his life to the production and sale of Florida citrus. He utilized his mechanical know-how to develop many of the early tools and equipment to aid in the production of citrus. He designed the packinghouse systems, layout and some of the equipment for the Albritton Fruit Company.

He developed one of the earliest citrus hedgers that still is stored in one of the Albritton barns. He also was instrumental in fostering the Gift Fruit Shippers Association, and he is recognized for the development of the citrus Concentrate Plant in DeSoto County in 1969. He has been active in the Albritton company since its infant stages in the early 1900s. He has been the backbone and heart of the company, serving as its president for many years. He also has been the driving force behind the company as it has blossomed into seven stores and more than 1,600 acres of grove land.

Albritton is not one to rest on his laurels. He presently serves as chairman for the company's board of directors and plans to build a new packing house in the near future. From 1921-23, he attended the University of Florida and focused on course work that related to citrus. During the 1930s, he worked closely with researchers in Lake Alfred to monitor and study the state Mediterranean fruit fly program.

Throughout the years he also has worked closely with the local Sarasota Extension Service Office to enhance citrus programs, 4-H and Future Farmers of America.

He has been a key member in the citrus Growers Inc., which was the forerunner to the Florida Farm Bureau, and worked diligently in chartering the present-day organization.

Albritton has been recognized by many of the civic organizations in Sarasota County and has received numerous for his community service.