It just makes sense. There's a massive program that has come to an end, and the state is doing the logical reduction in manpower.

This program is the perfect vehicle for the restaurant industry to contribute in a meaningful way to the massive relief efforts undertaken by the American Red Cross. We urge everyone to make eating at a participating restaurant for lunch or dinner on Oct. 5 part of their schedule.

It's very pragmatic and I think this would give the older program more balance. Basically, if they pay taxes and show that they are good citizens, they can work their way into the system the old fashioned way.

No doubt, this is a critical period for us, because we've always been the number one supplier of fresh fruit. We're all just waiting for the next step.

They're calling for 28, 29 degrees for an hour or two. We're going to be in good shape.

There is a grave concern as far as the fresh fruit industry's future. We are going to work closely with Commissioner Bronson and the USDA to ensure that the new management plan safeguards our crops and our markets.