Manatee County to Celebrate “Mixon In Bloom” Nov. 7

MANATEE COUNTY — Manatee County is inviting residents, local organizations, and community partners to help celebrate a new beginning for one of the area’s most beloved landmarks during “Mixon In Bloom,” a public event marking the County’s official purchase of the former Mixon Fruit Farms property.

The event will be held on Friday, November 7, at 10 a.m., at 2525 27th Street East, Bradenton, featuring a symbolic “Passing of the Key” ceremony to mark the property’s transition from private to public ownership.

Following the ceremony, attendees will participate in a community planting and beautification project until 1 p.m. County staff, local organizations, and volunteers will help landscape, plant new greenery, and clean up the grounds as part of the site’s transformation.

“This will be a community service and team-building kind of event,” said Manatee County District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard. “We want this to be the opportunity for our neighbors, local groups and volunteers to literally help this space bloom.”

The celebration comes after the Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) unanimously approved the $13.5 million purchase of the historic 39-acre property, which includes the former Mixon Fruit Farms store, event pavilion, commercial kitchen, and house.

Under the County’s plan, Mixon’s legacy as a community gathering and agritourism destination will continue. The site will remain available for weddings, farmers' markets, and private events while expanding public uses. Commissioners also approved staffing dedicated to site operations, events coordination, and natural resources programming.

Future project phases could include expanded library services, with mobile library vehicles stationed at the site in the near term.