Florida Citrus Center — Local services in Wildwood

I have a delivery scheduled in Ocala for early tomorrow morning, so I decided to stop for the night in Wildwood. I chose a location with truck parking behind a Sunoco, also known as the Florida Citrus Center. Upon entering, I noticed a sign indicating live baby alligators inside, which piqued my interest. After taking a few photos, I explored the area and found some earrings that I thought my daughter might like. I also noticed the smell of boiled peanuts and decided to purchase a large cup for $5.99. The attendant, Danielle, filled a 32-ounce cup, and I paid for my items before returning to my truck. Unfortunately, the boiled peanuts were inedible, lacking flavor and tasting like they had been boiled in water that was repeatedly replenished without seasoning. I returned to the store, explained the situation to Danielle, and requested a refund. She apologized, stating that she was unable to process refunds without managerial approval. Danielle contacted her manager, who initially agreed to provide a refund. However, when a different manager called, they instructed Danielle to inform me that no refund could be issued. I was disappointed, having stopped at this location many times in the past. Unfortunately, the Florida Citrus Center has deteriorated significantly, with overpriced souvenirs, dirty conditions, and a generally rundown appearance. The alligators in the aquarium, once a novelty, can now be seen in various locations throughout Florida. I would advise travelers to bypass the Florida Citrus Center, located at Exit 329 in Wildwood, and seek alternative establishments that prioritize customer...

If you want an entertaining Florida experience stop at a Florida Citrus Center if you’re able. Not only do they have souvenirs galore (and I mean GALORE), but usually they have a gator hanging out inside too- yes, a live one.

When they say “citrus” center they ain’t kidding. Upon pulling up there are several booths full of fruit and small citrus trees you can take home to plant. Inside, there are bags and bags of oranges, dozens of different jams, jellies and chutneys, and every citrus themed souvenir you could think of.

They also have these hilarious carved coconut guys that also function as piggy banks that were so neat and odd I couldn’t pass up claiming one.

We saw the baby gator inside the store, and he seemed really angry and unhappy to be cooped up in a tank. As soon as we walked up he was acting aggressive and I kind of felt bad for the little guy.

But overall it’s a clean shop, there’s a bathroom and you can gas up the car if needed. Jennifer that was working at the counter was really nice and helped me discover the piggy bank feature of the coconut man. It’s definitely an adventure stopping at one of these, but...

Okay I'm letting everybody know this place sells baby sharks in formaldehyde they take these babies from the Ocean, our Sharks are VERY important so taking baby sharks that are the size of your hand from their home is beyond wrong!!! Please DO NOT BUY FROM THIS PLACE!!!!!! My heart is broken 💔 I really wish this...