Chairman Johnson: A New Partnership Between Florida Orange Juice and the Tampa Bay Lightning

The health benefits and bright taste of Florida Orange Juice will be front-and-center for fans, viewers and visitors to Benchmark International Arena.

In my last column, I talked about how all facets of the industry are working collaboratively to recover, replant and rebuild Florida Citrus. Today I am thrilled to kick off our newest collaboration in marketing Florida Orange Juice. With hockey pre-season starting our partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Benchmark International Arena is officially underway.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, NHL fans, viewers and visitors to the arena for other scheduled entertainment and events will enjoy the bright taste of Florida Orange Juice in fresh and exciting promotions, including in-arena mocktails, pregame giveaways and interactive product sampling stations at Ford Thunder Alley and Publix Plaza at select home games of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Fans will also see and experience Florida Orange Juice through strategic community moments featuring the Lightning's mascot Thunderbug, as well as during behind-the-scenes access at morning skate sessions.

Benchmark International Arena is home to many popular music concerts and branded entertainment events like the Monster Truck Jam. Our marketing activities will enjoy exposure to millions of consumers around the country with this vital partnership.

Florida Orange Juice is The Original Wellness Drink™. An 8-ounce glass of what we grow - the world's best 100% orange juice - is an excellent source of vitamin C, has electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, and other nutrients to support hydration, workout recovery and overall immune system wellness. We provide a functional beverage that's perfect for athletes, fans and families looking for valuable health benefits that's easy to serve and tastes delicious.

Our marketing team at the FDOC is constantly working to keep Florida Orange Juice front-and-center for the modern juice consumer, and this is one of the many ways in action.

As of this writing, the date of our October forecast is unsure. As we work our groves and trade production stories in coffee shops, what I see is optimism. What the number is and when it is released almost seems secondary to what we see ahead. Congratulations to CRAFT for an overwhelming application round and thank you to all of you who are ready to do the work of getting trees in the ground.

As I see it today, we are, indeed, a bright future for The Sunshine State.

Steve Johnson is Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission, which oversees the Florida Department of Citrus. He is the owner and general manager of Johnson Harvesting, Inc., based in Wauchula, FL.