Manatee County opens Mixon Farms as community market

Mixon Farms held its first public market on Sunday after Manatee County purchased the property in 2025, giving local vendors space to sell goods while families enjoyed music, food and a new playground.

Mixon Farms in Bradenton held its first public market event on Sunday after Manatee County purchased the property in 2025. The farm originally opened as a citrus attraction in 1939 and closed in 2023. The county bought the land to preserve it from planned residential development and to convert it into a community space. The market featured local farmers and small businesses, music, food and a new playground that drew families. Key details: - Manatee County purchased Mixon Farms in 2025 after the farm closed in 2023. - The property first opened as a citrus attraction in 1939. - The inaugural public market included local farmers and small businesses, music, food and activities. - A new playground on the site drew families with children. - Janet Mixon, a family member, said the county sale was the outcome the family had hoped for and noted developers had previously proposed building townhouses on the land. - Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard said community turnout exceeded her expectations and described the space as a place for people to gather. Summary: The market repurposes a historic local property into a public gathering place and provided space for vendors and families. Undetermined at this time.