Crist extends order aiding Fla. growers

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Charlie Crist has extended an executive order raising weight and size limits for trucks that Florida growers use to transport citrus and other crops affected by freezing weather.

Crist’s initially declared a two-week state of emergency on Jan. 5. He agreed Tuesday to keep it in effect for a third week through Jan. 25.

The new order notes that Florida experienced freezing temperatures as far south as Miami-Dade and Collier counties for nearly two weeks through Jan. 14.

Growers are trying to salvage freeze-affected crops by getting them to processing facilities as quickly as possible.