Tampa family trades in city life for farming

The Smith family has traded their urban lifestyle in Tampa for a new venture in agriculture, purchasing Blackstone Farm in Citrus County. With a commitment to specializing in organic foods, they are reconnecting with their agricultural heritage. Walter L. Smith II highlights the significant link between food quality and health, particularly in their former community, recognized as a food desert. The farm aims to be a model of sustainability while providing educational opportunities for students from nearby Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU).

The Smiths are determined to uphold the legacy of their patriarch, Dr. Walter L. Smith, a civil rights leader and former FAMU president. This legacy is further honored through a library and museum dedicated to Black history, which is currently under repair after hurricane damage. The family's initiative also includes a GoFundMe page to support the library's restoration efforts.

Despite the challenges facing Black farmers, the Smith family is committed to setting a standard for solutions and fostering community health through agricultural practices.