Bradenton-based Tropicana Products Inc. is closing its Fort Pierce plant and laying off workers because of shortage of oranges. In a letter to the state of Florida announcing it was cutting 27 jobs, the orange juice giant blamed “unforeseen business circumstances” for the closure, which in all likelihood will be permanent.
The letter was sent to meet federally mandated Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act requirements. The 27 affected employees were let go July 15, and the plant is scheduled to close on or about Sept. 13.
