Manatee County Set to Acquire Mixon Fruit Farms for $13.5 Million

Key Information

• Location: 2525 27th Street E., Bradenton, FL
• Purchase Price: $13.5 million
• Property Size: 39 acres
• Former Owners: Dean and Janet Mixon (family run for over 84 years)
• Previous Listing Price: $15.8 million
• Future Plans: Focus on agriculture, education, and community events

BRADENTON, FL — In a unanimous decision, Manatee County commissioners agreed to purchase the historic Mixon Fruit Farms property for $13.5 million. This former citrus farm, located at 2525 27th Street E. in Bradenton, represents a significant investment in preserving the region’s agricultural heritage.

Operated by the Mixon family for more than 84 years, the 39-acre property has seen its fair share of challenges in the citrus industry. “We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response from citizens and organizations eager to contribute to this vital preservation,” said Commissioner Amanda Ballard of District 2, referring to the purchase as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to preserve a piece of Old Florida within the urban core.”

Originally listed at $15.8 million by Coldwell Banker, the property was marketed for its potential for diverse development, hinting at endless possibilities from residential housing to commercial projects. Coldwell Banker highlighted the ease of customizing projects due to the land being divided into four distinct parcels.

Featuring a store and warehouse, the Mixon property was noted for its agribusiness potential, operational since 1939. The Mixon store closed at the end of July 2023, with event rentals continuing through early 2024.

Factors influencing the Mixons’ decision to sell included a struggling citrus industry impacted by disease, rising insurance costs, and labor shortages. Janet Mixon expressed the hardship faced by farmers, remarking on the emotional toll of losing orchards that had been cultivated for generations. “Farmers would not sell their land if they were not basically pushed out,” she said, reflecting on the profound sadness of the industry’s decline.

Dean Mixon took over the family business as a third-generation owner, following in the footsteps of his grandparents who began selling citrus from a roadside stand. After ceasing operations at the farm, the Mixons continue to engage with the community through The Mixon Swirl food truck, inspired by their beloved ice cream.

While specific plans for the future of the Mixon property are still in development, county commissioners express an intention to honor its agricultural roots. Proposals include cultivating an environment that supports new generations of farmers and potentially establishing a library branch on-site.

A natural resources program manager will be appointed to spearhead educational events focusing on water quality, conservation practices, community gardens, food security, and agritourism initiatives. The county is keen on ensuring that the venue serves as a resource for fostering local agriculture and providing access to fresh produce.

Additionally, the site is expected to be available for rentals, with a dedicated events supervisor overseeing activities like weddings and community functions.