Manatee County celebrates the ownership of Mixon Fruit Farms property

BRADENTON, Fla. — A Bradenton landmark is entering a new era in the community.

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What You Need To Know

• Manatee County on Friday celebrated its purchase of the historic Mixon Fruit Farms with a “Mixon in Bloom” event
• As the county officially takes ownership, Commissioner Amanda Ballard said it is moving forward with planned projects for the farm — including a food market, a community library center and other agri-tourism initiatives
• Friday’s event included a Pass of the Key ceremony

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Manatee County on Friday celebrated its purchase of the historic Mixon Fruit Farms with a “Mixon in Bloom” event featuring a symbolic Passing of the Key ceremony.

“The Mixon family knows their farm and its legacy aren’t ending today. It’s being passed to a new generation for the next chapter,” said Liam Fernandez.

This wasn’t Fernandez’s first trip to Mixon Fruit Farms — he has been a frequent visitor.

“Well, pretty much all my life. I’ve lived here since I was born,” he said.

But Friday, the Southeast High School senior was here with a purpose. It was a class field trip to help volunteer at the “Mixon in Bloom” event.

“It’s always nice to get out and get involved,” he said.

As the county officially takes ownership, Commissioner Amanda Ballard said it is moving forward with planned projects for the farm — including a food market, a community library center and other agri-tourism initiatives.

“We also are really dedicated with this space to not only preserving the heritage of agriculture here, but also helping a new generation to see the value of ag,” she said.

It’s a future that the Mixon family is excited for.

“We are so happy that we were able to preserve the legacy,” Mixon said.

It’s a legacy that the community will continue to enjoy — and students like Liam will continue to learn from.

Commissioner Ballard said the county anticipates all renovations and changes on the property to be complete within two years.