Bradenton’s iconic Mixon Fruit Farm makes one last juice run before closing. Take a look
Mixon Fruit Farms invited the public to participate in their last juice run Tuesday as they prepare to shutter the iconic business forever at the end of July.
The Bradenton attraction that hosts tram tours, runs a wildlife refuge and operates a venue for occasions like weddings and meetings has previously announced that the 39.5 acre site was on the market.
While owners Dean and Janet Mixon had entertained offers from developers, they now hope new discussions by Manatee County to purchase the land will come to (juicy) fruition.
“It’s an option that it could be a park,” said Janet Mixon. “We would love that, but it has some processes to go through.”
A group of visitors watched from a catwalk as Dean Mixon deftly maneuvered a forklift in preparation for the historic final juice run.
Machinery loudly fired up as a wooden bin dumped what Janet calls ‘ugly oranges’ into the juice processor. She explained that these oranges are the sweetest.
At the end of the month the shop that sells oranges, juice, fudge, sandwiches and an array of Florida-related merchandise-will close forever, ending an attraction for visitors which has been in Bradenton since 1939.
This story was originally published April 4, 2023 at 2:41 PM.
CORRECTION: Mixon Fruit Farm’s store is closing July 29. An earlier version of this story contained an incorrect time frame.
