BRADENTON — Manatee County Commissioners’ unanimous approval for the purchase of the former Mixon Fruit Farms received loud applause during Tuesday's meeting. The proposed future of the iconic Manatee County property as a multi-faceted public asset has been under exploration for months, with many residents wildly in favor of the local government purchasing the land.
The $13.5 million purchase contract for the historic 39-acre farm and event venue includes the public acquisition of the 38,026-square-foot former Mixon Fruit Farms store, event pavilion, equipped commercial kitchen and a 2,538-square-foot house.
An appraisal by the county found the property’s value to be roughly $2 million greater than the negotiated purchase price. However, Janet and Dean Mixon—the sellers of the former citrus farm—felt it was more important to see the property put to community use than to achieve the highest sale price.
Under the plan presented by county staff, the agritourism tradition of Mixon will continue under county management, with it remaining a rental venue for weddings and other private events.
Commissioners also approved the addition of four new full-time staff positions, designated for site management, including a park maintenance technician, a grounds custodian, an events coordinator, and a natural resources program manager.
The Natural Resources Program Manager will develop and manage educational programs focused on water quality and conservation practices, while also implementing other desired educational initiatives, such as community opportunities to learn about and practice microgardening, composting, nutrition, and cooperative farming models.
Project plans also include the potential for expanded additional library services, with more immediate plans to include the stationing of county mobile library vehicles at the site.
Dozens of county residents submitted written public comments in support of the purchase ahead of Tuesday’s vote, with several more appearing in person to advocate in favor.
Dean Jorgensen told commissioners that he lives near the property and that he, along with other residents, had signed a petition in support of the proposed acquisition.
John and Janyel Taylor, residents of Manatee County’s small rural agricultural community named Elwood Park, also addressed commissioners during public comment.
“I appreciate you all investing in the people,” said Mrs.Taylor. “Building skills, supporting local food systems, and creating educational spaces that uplift entire families. We need community infrastructure that supports careers, wellness, and opportunities.”
Another resident of Elwood Park, Vivian, told commissioners that the proposed project for the former farmer is a true “community first project,” citing the potential for all ages and demographics (students, retirees, at-risk youth, veterans, etc.) to find use, resources, and experience through the site.
Speaking on behalf of the senior residents of the Braden Castle Park community, Barbara Person-Tersigni also encouraged commissioners to approve the purchase, adding that residents of her community are excited to participate in its future development.
Madeline Tympanick, a representative of New College of Florida, spoke on behalf of the college’s administration and career center.
“We see a lot of opportunity in terms of collaboration,” Tympanick said. “We see it as providing additional opportunities for our students, both short and long-term, perpetual internships, work-based learning, and research opportunities, as well, that would in turn support and engage the local community.”
Tympanick added that the project aligns with various student interests at the university, including library science, education, environmental science, agriculture, event management, history, entrepreneurship, and other professions that may help retain some of the young professionals who graduate from New College and work locally.
Janet and Dean Mixon also gave public comment before the vote on Tuesday.
“I just want to say thank you to all the staff we have worked with at the county,” said Dean before thanking commissioners for asking detailed questions during deliberation of the item.
“We built our reputation around good people and doing things right, and we want to see that (legacy) continue,” he added.
Janet also thanked county staff and commissioners, but then, turning to residents seated in the chamber audience, took a moment to direct her gratitude to them as well.
“We look forward to working with you on making this happen,” Janet told the board. “He is a farmer and I am an educator, and we’d love to be a part of the future of Mixon.”
Commissioners' deliberations were lengthy and detailed ahead of the vote, an exercise that some said was necessary to publicly air out as many of the nuances and financial considerations at play. The added conscientiousness inspired by a letter sent to the county by Florida DOGE officials last week requesting a long list of documents and records, including those related to the proposed Mixon Farms purchase.
By the end of the item’s discussion, commissioners agreed that they were confident county staff had conducted the appropriate due diligence and that the project was fiscally justifiable, with significant community benefits.
While providing her public comment, Vivian of Elwood Park added, “When DOGE comes here, it will be fine, because the principle of DOGE, the essence of DOGE, is community first… There is nothing about this that is not community first… this is the real thing.”
Vivian concluded her comments by adding that she would happily argue the case to DOGE officials should they disagree with the purchase, a comment that elicited chuckles and applause from the citizens seated in the chambers, who hoped to see the purchase approved.
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GLEN GADFLY GIBELLINA
What a great purchase and the diversity of programs will enhance our community. This purchase, unlike other purchases, the County has full community support
Well done commissioners, and for a great turnout in support of this fantastic opportunity
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Report this
serenowens
It would have been nice if such enthusiasm had been shown for keeping the Gulf Coast Research Center in Manatee County instead of kow-towing to the developers greed!
Thursday, July 31, 2025 Report this