Bradenton’s Mixon Fruit Farms is looking to sell the business and land after 84 years
Mixon Fruit Farms, a Bradenton tradition and tourist attraction for 84 years, looks to be headed to new owners.
Although the deal is not done yet with a signed contract, owners Dean and Janet Mixon wanted to get out ahead of persistent rumors swirling on social media that the business is being sold.
“We get several offers every year from people that would like to buy the property, and we never really gave it a second thought,” Janet Mixon said in a press release.
Added Dean Mixon: “We have dealt with so much, from NAFTA bringing in all the disease that has killed our citrus trees, COVID closing us down, staffing issues, the hurricane knocking off half the fruit, just to name a few. Because of all the issues, we are having to take a serious look at offers. We don’t have a signed contract, at this time, however we are in the process of seeing what can be done on our land.”
Although Mixon has a prospective buyer, nothing will change at Mixon’s until possibly 2024, Janet Mixon said. It was unclear who proposed new owner is or what they would do with the property.
A long history in Bradenton
Bill Mixon and his parents started Mixon Fruit Farm in 1939 when he bought his first grove at age 16.
“We started with a No. 3 washtub on the back porch, washing oranges by hand,” Mr. Mixon said in 2002 of the birth of the business.
Over the years the family adapted to the challenges of a changing economy, hurricanes, winter freezes and citrus diseases by expanding the gift shop and the tourism-related offerings at 2712 26th Ave. E.
In 2006, Dean and Janet Mixon, and Don Mixon, bought the business from Bill Mixon.
Mixon Fruit Farms celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2014. Among those gathered at the Mixon pavilion were representatives from nearly 20 Manatee County businesses, each at least 40 years old, and Gov. Rick Scott.
Bill Mixon was planting trees in 2016 when he suffered a heart attack and died at Manatee Memorial Hospital, surrounded by family. He was 87.
“We love Mixon Fruit Farms and the memories that we have been a part of for brides, birthday parties, and our regular customers,” she said. “Dean and I want to continue making Mixon memories as long as possible so we hope everyone comes out for a fun time.”
Those memories include weddings scheduled at Mixon’s through 2023.
Mixon’s is moving ahead with a number of special events:
▪ The Taste of Mixons on Nov. 5 with Southeast High Schools culinary arts student and their chili cook off
▪ Nov. 11 - A celebration for veterans and first responders
▪ Nov.12 - Harvest Festival with over 50 crafters and entertainment, plus Jack Hartmans concert in the pavilion for children
▪ Dec. 10 - Christmas Craft Fair with a visit with Santa.
