Manatee County Greenlights $13.5 Million Acquisition of Mixon Fruit Farm

Key Information
– The county approved a purchase agreement in a 7-0 vote for the 39-acre former Mixon Fruit Farms property for $13.5 million.
– The property includes a 38,026-square-foot store, pavilion, and a 2,538-square-foot house.
– Mixon Fruit Farms, a long-standing tourist destination since 1939, closed in 2023 due to staffing issues and damages from Hurricane Ian.
– The deal must be finalized by September 12, and the county plans to preserve the land while enhancing community services.

In a significant 7-0 vote, Manatee County commissioners have approved a deal to purchase the former Mixon Fruit Farms property. The agreement encompasses the 39-acre site that includes the 38,026-square-foot former store, pavilion, and a 2,538-square-foot house. This property, which first opened its doors in 1939, has served as a beloved tourist attraction and event venue for generations.

Under the newly ratified plan, the county will take over management of the property. The goal is to maintain its function as a venue for weddings and other significant community events. Additionally, a recently appointed natural resources program manager will spearhead innovative initiatives focused on enhancing water quality education, promoting conservation practices, developing community and micro gardens, composting and soil health, agritourism, cooperative farming models, and improving food security and access to fresh, local produce for diverse local populations.

The plan also includes provisions for expanding the Manatee County Library system by establishing a new facility equipped to offer full library services.

Commission Chair George Kruse expressed his strong support for the acquisition, stating, “I am 100 percent for it.” He pointed out the disproportionate allocation of funds to other districts, referring to the area surrounding the farm as a ‘funding desert.’ He emphasized the need for local residents, who pay taxes, to receive adequate services, mentioning, “I can’t remember the last thing we purchased or built within a five-mile radius of this property.”

The family farm, which ceased operations in 2023, is being sold by Janet and Dean Mixon. They cited ongoing staffing challenges and losses due to Hurricane Ian as major contributors to their decision to sell. In a heartfelt statement, Janet Mixon shared, “Nobody wants to lose their business. Selling a farm is awful when you feel you have done everything possible to make things work.”

The farm faced multiple challenges that influenced its closure, including the citrus industry’s decline under NAFTA, governmental regulations, and ongoing issues with farm subsidies. Moreover, damages from Hurricane Ian compounded the difficulties, alongside a reduction in available workforce.

Initially listed for $15.8 million, the 39-acre property is situated at 2525 27th Street E. and is currently zoned for agricultural use. Although there has been interest from developers, the Mixon family has expressed a strong preference for the county to purchase and conserve the land.

On Tuesday, staff from the property management department will present a comprehensive report outlining the plan to preserve the site. This proposal will help ensure that the property remains a valuable asset for the community.

According to the sales proposal, the acquisition deal is set to be finalized on or before September 12.