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Manatee County approves $13.5 million purchase of Mixon Fruit Farms for community agriculture hub
Summary
After months of public outreach, the Manatee County Commission voted 7–0 July 29 to buy the historic Mixon Fruit Farms property for $13.5 million. Commissioners and residents described plans for markets, microgardens, events, and a compact library presence while staff outlined phased renovation costs and staffing needs.
Manatee County commissioners voted unanimously July 29 to buy Mixon Fruit Farms for $13,500,000, a negotiated price below the county appraisal, with the aim of creating a community-focused agriculture and events hub.
The county’s deputy administrator, Brian Parnell, told commissioners the 39.06-acre property at 27th Street East and 26th Avenue East was appraised at $15,765,000 and staff negotiated a $13.5 million purchase price. Sports and Leisure Director Molly White said the site can be used quickly for events and community programming while longer-term work — including agricultural education, microgardens and a commercial teaching kitchen — is planned.
Commissioners and the property’s owners described an unusually large showing of local support during public comment. Commissioner Ballard said the purchase was “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve the legacy of citrus growing in Manatee County,” and several…
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