Mixon Fruit Farms to reopen with new activities, a new look and social distancing

After being closed for two months because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mixon Fruit Farms reopens on June 6.

Dean and Janet Mixon, owners of the 82-year-old tourist attraction and fancy fruit shipper at 2525 27th St. E., have not been idle during the stay-at-home order.

They kept their deli open so that they could offer curbside to-go orders. Behind the scenes, they put a lot of energy into sprucing up the place, and also added new attractions.

As Dean Mixon used an electric screwdriver to assemble a honeycomb-shaped display case, Janet Mixon and Leslie Armstrong talked about one of the additions: the bees and butterfly education area.

Armstrong, a Palmetto resident who has been keeping bees for eight years, will have five hives in the Mixon groves, and also have an educational display inside to share the important role bees play in the pollination of crops.

“It fits right into the STEM curriculum,” Mixon said of science, technology, engineering and math.

Also making an appearance for the reopening are Gabby Herrmann — but without her Lipizzan stallions — and Monica Welde, with Bearadise Ranch, to share information about what they are planning for the summer in Manatee County. The Amazing Play Place, with the 20-foot water slide will be open, free to the public. Mixon Fruit Farms will also be offering tram rides to see the animals at the attraction.

In addition, Mixon will have a craft fair with approximately 30 vendors.

“We are spreading them out through the plant to honor social distancing,” Janet Mixon said.

Julie Busa, the Mixons’ daughter, came down from Tampa, while her business was closed, to assist in the interior makeover of the attraction.

The deli has a new menu board and some new food additions, but some thing don’t change, including Mixon’s popular pressed Cuban sandwich, the orange juice, made-on-the premises fudge and the ice cream.

“We have made good use of the time that we were basically closed,” Mixon said. “During this terrible time, we made a few changes that we are very excited about and want to share.

The pandemic has been a particularly stressful time for the long-time business that has survived many challenges, including hurricanes, freezes and citrus diseases.

While Mixons was closed, it temporarily reduced its staff to four, postponed all of the weddings planned for the property, and canceled 37 events.

“We are going all summer without the weddings. It’s really sad,” she said.

But on a happier note, Mixon Fruit Farms is reopening, and the staff has a fun day planned.

“We want everyone to be comfortable. Our staff will be wearing masks and gloves and using UVC wands,” Mixon said. UVC refers to ultraviolet light with wavelengths between 200 – 280 nanometers, which is useful in sterilizing surfaces.

The deli window will be open for to-go orders.

“So, come and enjoy some of the Mixon fresh juice for your vitamin C and explore the new items,” she said.

Mixon Fruit Farms will be open 1 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday though Saturday.

Call for more information at 941-748-5829. www.Mixon.com.

This story was originally published May 30, 2020 at 5:00 AM.