BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA) — Manatee County officially owns the former Mixon Fruit Farms after an approved $13.5 million purchase to the property.

A "Mixon in Bloom" event Friday showcased plans to turn the lush, nearly 40-acre beloved landscape in the heart of Manatee County into something sustainable for everyone to enjoy.

“This is a historic property in Manatee County," said David Shurmur, Manatee County Park maintenance supervisor. "Everyone knows. Makes sense. Fruit farm. So, we wanted to keep it around, keep it a public use space for the county."

We're told future plans for the space include movies on the lawn, a library, kids playground, farmers market and yes, the return of their popular wedding site. A nod to the original Mixon’s is also in the works.

“Here will be some kind of fr

See Full Page