Gift Baskets of Florida Oranges Rebound After Sour Year

“This is our busiest time of year, by far,” said Martin, executive vice president of Florida Gift Fruit Shippers Association, which sends out the neatly assembled boxes of fruits for its 36 grower-packer members from its facility near Kirkman Road and Colonial Drive. “There’s long been an appeal — and a tradition — with giving fruit for Christmas,” she said. “You’re sitting in the snow, and what’s better than getting a taste of Florida?”