WORDS & PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
For over 80 years, Janet and Dean Mixon operated Mixon Fruit Farms off 27th Street East in Bradenton. But after the citrus greening disease and rising insurance costs, the Mixons made the difficult decision to put the property up for sale. That decision began with conversations with the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, and in 2025, they voted to purchase 39 acres of the Mixon Fruit Farms property to preserve a piece of history and to create a legacy of continued agricultural initiatives.
Leading the charge for Manatee County to purchase the property was County Commissioner Amanda Ballard. “It‘s such a special place that has meant so much to the residents of Manatee County for generations,“ Amanda said. “Preserving local agriculture is essential to maintaining the character, economy, and heritage of Manatee County.“
Now under county ownership, the property is entering a new chapter as a community space. The county plans to continue private events at the farm, add public programming such as movie and music series, and eventually create a library with a commercial teaching kitchen. The property is also now home to the Mixon Farms Market.
“The Mixon Farms Market not only supports our local farmers and small businesses, but it also creates meaningful opportunities for residents to connect directly with the people who grow their food and sustain our agricultural traditions,“ Amanda continued. “We want this to be the opportunity for our neighbors, local groups, and volunteers to literally help this space bloom.“
On March 16, 2026, the inaugural Mixon Farms Market kicked off on a beautiful Sunday morning. The cars were lined up to get into the parking lot to be the first to explore and shop the variety of local vendors offering fresh foods, as well as handmade goods and specialty items. Both kids and adults enjoyed “Ag Adventure Day“ with a touch of a tractor area showcasing real tractors, farming tools, and agriculture up close. Everyone loved petting the adorable baby cows from Dakin while learning about the family-owned, 4th-generation dairy farm.
While enjoying live music from the Jesse Daniels Band, families also enjoyed a barn-themed, wheelchair-accessible playground and a putt-putt course. Guests were able to tour the Gazebo and Grand Pavilion, where a styled mini-wedding was showcased, highlighting the venue‘s charm and event possibilities.
Rachel Desrosier, Manatee County Government event supervisor, said the inaugural Mixon Farms Market welcomed more than 2,500 visitors and featured over 40 vendors. She also thanked The Veranda View for curating the agriculture adventure area and creating an engaging experience for guests of all ages.
“It was amazing to see the community come together, supporting local vendors, enjoying fresh treats, and making memories with family and friends,“ she said. “Looking ahead, we‘re excited to continue activating the Grand Pavilion and Gazebo at future markets, giving visitors a chance to experience these beautiful event spaces in action.“
Students from the Parrish Community FFA kicked off their spring break by selling some of their greenhouse plants at the market. “It was great hanging out, getting to know the community, and promoting agriculture!“ one of them said. “Thank you to Manatee County for hosting this event and allowing us to have a booth.“
Crust N‘ Crumb vendors Adam and Yahaira Shimer said, “Being at markets is the heart of Crust N‘ Crumb. It‘s where flour turns into friendships, where the smell of fresh bread meets morning laughter, and where every loaf we bake finds its way into the hands of our community. The markets aren‘t just where we sell—they‘re where we belong.“
Beyond the excitement of opening day, the market also reflected something deeper about what Mixon Farms has meant to the community over the years. John Taylor, owner of Veranda View, tells how Mixon Farms holds a special place for his family.
“Mixon has been a staple of the Samoset and Elwood Park community for decades,“ he said, “From school tours to watching the Wallendas perform.“ Preserving a community site like this, he said, is about more than nostalgia or keeping a safe place to gather. “It brings the community closer together and creates space for neighbors to build trust and camaraderie.“
John said the future of Mixon will bring value not only to the surrounding neighborhood, but to all of Manatee County. He sees the property as a place where people can reconnect with agriculture, learn where their food comes from, and better understand their role as stewards of the land. He also spoke about the importance of conservation and being mindful of ecological impact, water use, waste, and other everyday choices that affect Florida‘s way of life. “That‘s why my wife and I continue to invest many hours in projects like The Mixon Farms Market in Manatee County.“
Casey Zempel, Communications Manager for the Government Relations Department, said the turnout at the first Mixon Farms Market showed how much the property still means to the community. “Thanks to the vision and leadership of the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, this land has been preserved to ensure future generations have a place to play, to learn where their food comes from, and to experience the beauty of agriculture firsthand. It also means that life‘s most meaningful moments, like weddings, will continue to be celebrated in a setting that‘s truly special.“
As expected, the farm‘s next chapter means a great deal to the Mixon family. “This is what Dean and I prayed for,“ said Janet. “We were approached by several developers, and we knew we couldn‘t let that happen.“
After closing the farm in 2023, Janet and Dean found another way to stay connected to the community through the Mixon Swirl food truck. Janet said it allowed them to keep in touch with longtime customers and meet people who had never visited the farm. “That‘s one of the reasons I wanted to do the food truck, so people could still find us,“ she said. Although Janet and Dean are passing the Mixon Swirl along to a nonprofit, she said she is glad it will continue on in a meaningful way.
As Mixon Farms moves forward, that sense of connection remains at the heart of the property‘s new life. Mark your calendars for the next Mixon Farms Market on May 24. The market will then pause for the summer and return in September, continuing through next May on the third Sunday of each month.
A new, beloved community tradition is taking root once more.
