Bartow native and Sarasota resident, Karl Albritton, 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 that aid in the production of citrus. He designed the packinghouse systems, layout and equipment for the Albritton Fruit Company and developed one of the earliest citrus hedges. He has been active in the Albritton Company since the early 1900s, serving as its president for many years. He has been the driving force behind the company as it blossomed into seven stores and more than 1,600 acres of grove land. Albritton was instrumental in fostering the Gift Fruit Shippers Association, and is recognized for the development of the Citrus Concentrate Plant in DeSoto County in 1969.
William Travis Loften attended the University of Florida where he obtained a bachelor’s of science degree and a master’s degree in agricultural education. That coursework laid the foundation for him to take a leadership role in Florida’s educational system. He exerted leadership for 43 years as a teacher, state supervisor and teacher/educator in agriculture. His trademark was providing college students with encouragement and support to complete their degrees. Loften also is recognized as a key leader in merging agricultural education and extension education into a combined program and relocating it into a college of agriculture. He had a major influence in developing and shaping the instructional curriculum taught in vocational agriculture throughout Florida. Loften was president of the Florida Vocational Association, the secretary-treasurer of the Pinellas County Teacher Association, and vice president of the American Association of Teacher Educators in Agriculture.
Dr. John Mortensen moved to Florida in 1960 to join the University of Florida’s Central Florida Research and Education Center. During a 30-year career at the center, he left an indelible mark on Florida agriculture through his grape-related research. As a geneticist, Mortensen’s research resulted in the development of grape varieties in Florida’s climate. His research not only paved the way for homeowners to grow grapes, but made it possible for the viticulture industry to become a reality in the Sunshine State. In 1989, he was named the assistant center director and in 1991 retied from the center and now holds the title of professor emeritus.
Dr. Julia Morton and her husband Kendal Morton worked for years creating a living encyclopedia of edible plants. They collected and tested tropical fruits in the Bahamas and in Florida. They later wrote “Fifty Tropical Fruits of Nassau,” which served as a springboard to establish the Morton Collectanea as a research center at the University of Miami. One of her most important contributions to Florida agriculture was the discovery of creeping indigo as the cause of a crippling and usually fatal neurological syndrome in Florida horses. When her husband died, she perpetuated their research and fieldwork for the National Cancer Institute. Morton also conducted surveys of cashew plantations in Venezuela, Colombia and Peru. In 1973, she received a Florida State University honorary doctoral degree for her research and writings to the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense.
Dr. Marshall O. Watkins’ contributions to agriculture span seven decades. As the dean and director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Watkins utilized the latest in scientific information and supported advanced graduate work for county agents. He was committed to a strong program of continuing professional improvement that kept the extension system up-to-date with rapidly changing research information. Watkins’ progressive thinking was recognized as a key reason why the Florida Cooperative Extension Service is known as a responsive agency for rural and agricultural families. He also helped families by reaching out to youngsters through his commitments and involvement in 4-H and FFA.
