Victor Story

Victor Story, Florida Citrus Grower

Victor B. Story, Jr. was born on September 19, 1945 to Frieda and Victor B. Story, Sr.

He grew up in Frostproof, Florida before moving to Lake Wales where he graduated from Lake Wales High School in 1963. Vic attended Polk Community College, Florida Southern College and the University of Florida.

Vic served for over six years in the Army Reserves. After that time, he served as a civilian Post Mobilization Post Commander in the Florida National Guard during Operation Desert Storm; where he received the Award of the Distinguished Service Medal.

On August 9, 1971 Vic married Ann Hendrickson of Lake Wales. Together they raised five children Michelle Ann, Jeffery Victor, Jennifer Jean, Matthew Spencer and Kyle Robert. Vic has twelve grandchildren who all reside in Polk County.

Vic is a life long citrus grower. He grew up in the orange groves of Polk County with his grandfather Lyles, father Vic Sr. and brother Lyles “Terry”. After college Vic rejoined his father in the citrus industry where after 40 plus years he still remains active daily. Vic is the President and Chairman of the Board for his family’s corporations. These companies are comprised of citrus holdings, management, marketing, harvesting for over 6,500 acres in Central Florida. The Story’s also own and manage two peach orchids and a cattle operation in Florida. Along with Vic’s family business positions he served on the board of directors of American Bank and Trust for over 25 years. In 2003, American Bank and Trust was purchased by Citizens Bank, where Vic served on the Bank Advisory committee for the following three years. Also, Vic currently  serves as Vice President and on the board of directors for Orange Growers Marketing Association, Inc.; a member of Citrus World, Inc.

Victor envisions Florida citrus for generations to come.

Vic’s civic involvements have spanned his entire adult life. He has served as a former member and chairman of the Polk County Farm Service Agency; former board member and President of the Lake Wales Family YMCA; former board member and Vice President of the Lake Wales Little League; former board member and President of the Hillcrest Elementary PTO; former City Commissioner and Mayor of Lake Wales; former Co-Chairman of the Concerned Property Owners of Polk County; former member of Polk County Board of County Commissioner’s Task Force on Farm Labor Housing; former member of the Polk County Charter Review Committee; board member of Citrus Research and Education Center Foundation for the University of Florida; member of the American Legion Post 71; board member and past President of Florida Citrus Mutual; board member and past President of Polk County Farm Bureau; member of the Citrus Disease Research and Development Advisory Board for the United States Department of Agriculture; former member and Vice Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission; former Chairman of the Polk Citizens for Good Government; and current Co-chairman of Florida Poly Vision. He is now serving on Lake Wales Care Center Board of Directors. Vic has also been appointed to the Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board.

Vic is a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Wales; where he has served on the board of Deacons as well as Chairman.