Bradenton Set to Acquire Tropicana Property Following Price Decrease

The City of Bradenton has finalized the purchase of over 32 acres from Tropicana for $4.85 million, marking the culmination of a yearlong negotiation process that resulted in a $400,000 price reduction.

Last May, the Bradenton City Council authorized a $5.25 million purchase of the land, located on two parcels off US 301 and Ninth Street East. The city’s plan is to consolidate its public works department and solid waste operations, currently located in separate areas, into this single space. There are also intentions to consider some parts of the property for affordable housing development.

To allow for extended due diligence, the council amended the purchase agreement in October 2024 and again in February. City Administrator Rob Perry noted that after hiring environmental site assessment firm TerraCon to evaluate the property, several significant findings were reported.

“The environmental testing did indicate some … contaminants,” including arsenic and PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances), Perry informed the city council during its meeting on April 23. He pointed out that such findings are common for properties of this type, particularly since Tropicana acquired the land back in 1942, which had previously been utilized for furniture manufacturing.

Due to the presence of these chemicals, Perry indicated, “There are some things we’re going to have to do to remediate the property.”

He successfully negotiated a price concession with Tropicana, leading to a $400,000 reduction from the initial purchase price of $5.25 million agreed upon in May 2024.

The council unanimously approved the amendment to the purchase and sale agreement.

The anticipated closing date is set for May 15, according to Perry.

Upon completion of the purchase, Bradenton plans to have the site designated as a brownfield and follow remediation protocols outlined by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Additionally, the city intends to secure a 10-year, $10 million environmental liability insurance policy, Perry mentioned.

The brownfield designation will open up eligibility for federal funding to assist with site remediation, as well as allow the city to shape its development plans based on specific areas of the land.

Funding for the land acquisition will come from various sources: $1.05 million from the general fund, $1.05 million from the sanitation fund, and $2.75 million from the water/sewer fund.

“It took a lot” to finalize this deal, Mayor Gene Brown remarked during the April 23 meeting, where the agreement was ratified. “There’s a lot of opportunity there.”