Caroline Schapansky Crowned as Miss Florida Citrus 2026
by REBEKAH PIERCE
When Caroline Schapansky introduces herself, it’s not just with an ordinary “hello” and a handshake. Instead, it’s often accompanied by a few lines of a familiar tune: “Sweet Caroline,” by Neil Diamond.
This year, the 1969 melody takes on a brand new meaning for Schapansky. As the newly crowned Miss Florida Citrus 2026, she’s launching a “Sweet Citrus” campaign (yes, you’re supposed to say it to the tune of the aforementioned Neil Diamond song), which is an initiative designed to celebrate Florida’s iconic citrus industry.
Originally from Georgia, Schapansky moved to the small Florida town of Chiefland when she was 15 years old. Eager to serve and get involved in her new community, her introduction to the pageant world and the state’s agriculture sector happened simultaneously, when she competed for the local Watermelon Queen title.
“It’s really a full circle moment,” she says. “That was my introduction as a new Florida resident. It allowed me the opportunity to represent a brand new community I was recently becoming a part of, and I learned so much about an industry that meant so much to the community I was immersing myself in.”
No Stranger to Agriculture
When Schapansky, 21, stepped into the interview room for the Miss Florida Citrus competition, she brought with her years of genuine appreciation for the producers who form the backbone of the state.
Miss Florida Citrus Executive Director Kristi Joyner immediately noticed Caroline’s authentic connection to the people around her.
“Within the confines of the competition,” Joyner says, “she was well prepared, performed well, was respectful to all she came in contact with, and all over had such a positive personality. She won the overall interview, which lets me know that the judges saw in her an ability to communicate well and engage well with those around her.”
Joyner emphasizes that those key traits are crucial for Miss Florida Citrus as she will be meeting growers, legislators, researchers, and others throughout her year.
And while the prestigious title alone is nice, for Schapansky, it’s more than just a crown. Her goal is to build real relationships and make a measurable difference, looking past the surface level of her duties to connect with the hardworking individuals who keep the citrus industry alive.
“I always say that I like to strive for not just impact in a way that is impressive on a resume or to judges. I strive for depth, whether that’s through my platform, my nonprofit, or representing the industry,” she explains. “If that looks like me taking the extra five minutes to talk to the people that are behind the industry … I want to be remembered for never missing the people right in front of me, always taking those small opportunities that can lead to big impacts.”
This profound empathy translates perfectly to the interactions she’s already had across the state, with Joyner noting the rare interpersonal skills Schapansky brings to her advocacy work.
“She’s engaging, sincere, diligent, and an amazing engager of people,” Joyner says. “Whoever she is speaking with truly feels like the most important person in the room. In my interaction with her since her win, I have realized that she truly wants to learn from those involved in the citrus industry. She wants to understand the challenges facing those involved in the industry, and she wants to understand the business of adapting. I truly think she’s a gem and will be a great representative as Miss Florida Citrus.”
Advocacy in Ag and Beyond
Beyond the work she’s doing for the citrus industry, Schapansky is a powerful advocate in other areas as well. Her nonprofit, “Through the Looking Glass: Encouraging Inclusion Beyond the Surface,” is an organization dedicated to improving opportunities and dignity for individuals with disabilities.
A nursing student at the University of Florida, she works diligently to integrate her healthcare training with community well-being initiatives. Though early in her training, she’s already noticed a strong link between healthcare workers, farmers, and community health, which has brought a fresh perspective to her role as Miss Florida Citrus.
The citrus industry certainly faces its share of severe challenges, particularly with the ongoing battle against citrus greening. However, Schapansky chooses to focus her energy on uplifting the community and highlighting the resilience of Florida’s farmers.
“There is a lot of heaviness to do with what’s negatively impacting the citrus industry with greening, but as a representative, I get to focus more on the positives, bringing the beauty back to the industry … not just the commodity, but the community behind it.”
Much like the chorus of “Sweet Caroline” itself, Schapansky’s story continues to resonate with hope, connection, and the promise of brighter days ahead for Florida’s citrus community.