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Mixon Farms preserved for public use; county and Mixon family celebrate Passing of the Key
Summary
Manatee County celebrated the acquisition and initial programming of the 39-acre Mixon Farms property and marked the ribbon-cutting for the expanded Bradenton Area Convention Center; commissioners highlighted farmers market, library and education partnerships planned on the preserved farm site.
Manatee County commissioners, county and city officials, the Mixon family and community partners gathered Dec. 16 for a Passing-of-the-Key ceremony marking the county's purchase and preservation of Mixon Farms. Commissioner Amanda Ballard led the presentation and outlined near-term uses including a farmers market, community events, and plans to rehabilitate an existing store into a library and community center.
The ceremony also coincided with the ribbon-cutting for the renovated Bradenton Area Convention Center, a $54 million public-private project that expands meeting space and connects to a new hotel via a climate-controlled corridor. Officials said the convention center expansion is expected to spur economic development and bring tourist and meeting business to the region.
The Mixon family addressed the crowd, recounting the farm's multi-generational history and expressing support for preserving the property as a community agricultural demonstration and event site. County leaders noted the board unanimously adopted a resolution retaining the Mixon name and committed to preserving the property's agricultural heritage.
Ending: Commissioners said staff will follow through on early programming (farmers market, planting and youth engagement) and coordinate partnerships with the School District of Manatee County and New College of Florida for education and internship opportunities at the site.
