From Celery Fields to Community Cornerstone: The Enduring Legacy of the Duda Family in Oviedo, FL
Step back in time just a century ago, and the landscape of Oviedo, Florida, would be almost unrecognizable. Forget the suburban sprawl and bustling commercial centers; this was a town defined by its rich, fertile soil and the vibrant green of celery and citrus groves. At the heart of this transformation, from an agricultural hub to a modern, thriving community, is one name that stands above all others: Duda.
The story of the Duda family and their impact on Oviedo is a classic tale of the American dream, beginning in 1909. Andrew Duda, along with his companions, left their homeland of Slovakia with a singular purpose: to build a new life for their families, own their own land, and practice their faith without persecution. With the support of their community in Cleveland, Ohio, they eventually made the momentous journey to the quiet, unassuming town of Oviedo, Florida.
It was here, in the fertile lands of Central Florida, that their journey truly began. Despite early setbacks, Andrew Duda, guided by a shrewd business sense and the steadfast support of his three sons—John, Andrew Jr., and Ferdinand—made a pivotal decision in 1926. He planted his first 40 acres of celery. This singular act of faith and determination gave birth to A. Duda & Sons, a company that would not only grow to become an agricultural powerhouse but would also shape the very fabric of Oviedo.
Celery quickly became the symbol of Oviedo’s success, a resilient crop that helped the local economy thrive even through the darkest days of the Great Depression and both World Wars. The introduction of the railway system and, crucially, refrigeration technology, were game-changers. This innovation allowed Duda and other local farmers to efficiently harvest and ship fresh produce across the country, transforming Oviedo and its neighbor, Sanford, into the “Celery Capital of the USA” and even the world.
However, the 1980s brought a series of devastating winter freezes that signaled the end of Oviedo’s reign as a farming giant. But for the Duda family, it was not the end of their story—it was a new chapter. As commercial development took over as the city’s primary industry, the Duda’s vast land holdings provided the foundation for a new kind of growth.
Today, DUDA is far more than just a farm. With revenues in the hundreds of millions and thousands of employees, the company is a diversified enterprise with operations in agriculture, real estate, and more. Yet, its roots remain firmly planted in Oviedo. From its strong tradition of community involvement to its significant contributions to local schools, hospitals, and charitable causes, the Duda family’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of the city.
As you walk through the streets of Oviedo today, the echoes of its past are still visible everywhere. From street names to local lore, the history of this remarkable town is inextricably linked to the vision and hard work of the Duda family. Their journey from a 40-acre celery farm to a multi-million-dollar corporation is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the timeless pursuit of a dream—a legacy that continues to define Oviedo, Florida, to this day.
