Mixon Fruit Farms may be closing its doors, but one of Manatee County’s most famous attractions could live on for years to come.

As the family transitions away from agriculture after over 80 years in the business, the Mixons are entertaining the idea of selling the park to Manatee County officials as part of a voter-approved effort to preserve environmental land.

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners has signaled its interest in acquiring the 39-acre property at 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton, to create a stormwater park, which is expected to reduce flooding in the surrounding area.

Early design plans call for about half of the property to become stormwater ponds while preserving key features, such as the wedding venue, playgrounds and tram rides. The park could also be used for bird watching and educational field trips, according to county staff.

Owners Janet and Dean Mixon announced in October that they plan to sell their business, citing worker shortages and issues with the crops.

“We’re concerned with the legacy that we pass,” Dean Mixon said. “We would like to see it used for educational purposes and families. That’s been at the top of our list from the beginning.”

“There’s hardly anybody in town that doesn’t have some kind of memory at Mixon Farms. Our dream would be to continue that to make it something that your children and grandchildren can keep coming,” Janet Mixon added.

Mixon Fruit Farm could become public park

After presentations from county staff tasked with suggesting environmental preservation opportunities, local officials say they’re interested in moving forward with the government acquisition. If approved, the property would be purchased as part of the 2020 environmental lands referendum that 71% of Manatee County voters supported.

“This is a really important piece of land for Manatee County. We are very, very low on parks, places for kids in this area. It’s developing quickly and we have an opportunity to save a beautiful swath of land in this area,” said Commissioner Amanda Ballard.

“I know the history of the property well and would love to see it become some kind of a public asset,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge.

On Wednesday, county staff made a similar presentation to the Bradenton City Council, which has been suggested as a potential funding partner. Grant opportunities are also being explored to help cover the projected $15 million cost of the land.

“We know the tradition and history of what they’ve done, generationally, in our community,” Mayor Gene Brown said.

“It looks like it could be a great addition to the community,” added Councilwoman Jayne Kocher.

What is a stormwater park?

A stormwater park is an open area with large ponds that collect runoff from rainfall. The parks usually incorporate recreational amenities, such as walking trails, boardwalks and benches.

The newly opened Connor Park, 505 Fifth St. W., Palmetto, and Celery Fields, 6893 Palmer Blvd., in Sarasota County are based on a similar concept. Stormwater parks also exist in North Miami, Sebastian and Lake Apopka.

Stormwater parks can also improve water quality by reducing the amount of pollutants that enter local waterways.

“We have a very promising opportunity to work with the owner and create some value to our community in terms of water quality and flooding,” said Debra Childs Woithe, the county’s environmental lands program manager.

The Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to continue researching the Mixon property for future purchase consideration. A final decision on whether to buy the land could come later this year, but the farm would not become county-owned until late 2024.