Julia C. Black
Memorial Scholarship Speech Contest
Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Julia C. Black Memorial Speech Contest & Scholarship. This annual competition, open to high school students in grades 9-12, offers an opportunity to explore Florida's citrus industry while developing public speaking skills.
"Discuss the impacts of Florida citrus beyond our state’s borders from cultural, economic and other perspectives."
The contest features two levels: district and state. District competitions will take place in January 2026 and state finals scheduled for March. Winners at the district level receive cash prizes, while state-level winners can earn scholarship awards up to $1,000, along with accommodations for the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference in June. The contest and scholarship are named in honor of the late Julia Christine Black, daughter of long-time FCM members Larry and Jenny Black. Julia died in October 2023 at the age of 16 after a sudden cardiac arrest caused by a pericardial infection. Interested students must submit a complete application by December 30, 2025.
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REGIONAL TOURNAMENT
SCHEDULE
SPEECH CONTEST
Hernando, Lake Marion, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Seminole and Volusia
January 22, 2026 / 4 – 6 p.m.
Lake County Ag Center
1951 Woodlea Rd
Tavares, FL 32778
Brevard, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie
January 15, 2026 / 4 – 6 p.m.
USDA / ARS
2001 South Rock Road
Ft. Pierce FL 34945
Highlands and Okeechobee
January 6, 2026 / 4 – 6 p.m.
Highlands County CGA Office
6419 US Hwy 27 S
Sebring FL 33876
Hillsborough and Polk
January 7, 2026 / 4 – 6 p.m.
UF IFAS Extension Polk County
1702 Hwy 17 S
Bartow FL 33830
Hardee and Manatee
January 20, 2026 / 4 – 6 p.m.
UF IFAS Hardee County Extension
507 Civic Center Drive
Wauchula FL 33873
DeSoto and Sarasota
January 21, 2025 / 4 – 6 p.m.
UF IFAS Extension Sarasota County
6700 Clark Road (Twin Lakes Park, Green Building)
Sarasota FL 34241
Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee
TBD
Hendry County Ext Office
1085 Pratt Blvd
LaBelle FL 339358