L. Warren McKnight

L. Warren McKnight of Haines City, Florida passed away on March 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 79. Born on February 20, 1947, in Winter Haven, Florida, Warren spent his entire life in Polk County.

A graduate of Haines City High School and the University of Florida, he was a third-generation citrus grower who served as president of Holly Hill Fruit Products Co., Inc. of Davenport, as well as president of Citrus Enterprises, Inc., Circus Inn, Inc., and McKnight’s Real Estate. He held numerous leadership roles in the citrus industry and the University of Florida community, including president of the Polk County Gator Club, board member of Gator Boosters, Inc., president and director of the Florida Citrus Processors Association, and director of the Florida Citrus Showcase, the National Juice Products Association, the Florida Department of Citrus School Lunch Committee, and the Sunshine Foundation Board of Directors. He also served as past president of The Florida Club and as a member of the Foundation Board of AdventHealth.

Warren enjoyed time with his family, membership at Lake Region Country Club in Winter Haven and Gulf Harbour Country Club in Fort Myers, as well as hunting, offshore fishing, and cheering on the Florida Gators.

He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Mathias McKnight; his daughter, Kelly M. Lewis, and her husband, Joseph Matt; his granddaughter, Hadley Kate Lewis; his sister, Ginger Glass; his brother, Denny McKnight; and several nieces and nephews.