Our story began in 1962, when Rudy Beddingfield purchased the groves. In 1991 he started selling fresh Florida oranges and grapefruit from a small roadside stand on Highway 19 between Homosassa and Crystal River. Customers quickly fell in love with the fruit, and in 1992 Rudy expanded by opening a storefront packing house to ship and sell fresh-picked citrus and juice.

By 1993, Archie and Jill joined full time, and together they grew Ridge Island Groves into a trusted source for Florida fruit across the country.

The groves became more than just a business, it was where the family raised their children and passed down the values of farming, hard work, and tradition. Even today, the grandkids love helping out when they can.

After Rudy’s passing in 2022, Archie and Jill made the decision in 2024 to close the storefront and transition to an online-only citrus shipping business.

This change allows them to continue serving customers while spending more time with their growing family and investing in ministry opportunities. Archie now serves full-time in disaster relief with the American Baptist Association, bringing hope and help to communities in need.

Today, Ridge Island Groves is operated by Jill and her daughter, Christi.

Together, they continue the family tradition of offering gift fruit shipping, Florida orange delivery, and fresh citrus straight from the grove to your door.