Citrus farmers in Dade City and other parts of the Tampa Bay region are racing against the clock as forecasts for freezing temperatures threaten their crops. In Dade City, the colder weather could arrive just ahead of the annual Kumquat Festival on Jan. 25. Even a slight dip below 28°F for a few hours could severely damage the fruit, prompting growers to prepare for emergency harvesting. “We’re really concerned,” said citrus farmer Greg Gude, explaining that while kumquats can endure mild freezes, prolonged exposure to extreme cold could ruin both the fruit and young trees. Farmers plan to harvest and refrigerate enough kumquats to ensure availability for the festival. Fans of the fruit, like Mark Novak, are stocking up early, while others, such as Annette Sell, highlight the fruit’s importance for baked goods and other products. “We use it for a lot of product. The bakers use it for, and we sell lots of pies and cookies and stuff out of the product,” Sell said. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pascocounty/florida-freeze-cold-weather-citrus-farmer/67-866aeb3f-461c-46b0-95cc-c4de6fce537c