Florida 85 Year Era Comes To End In Bradenton
Florida 85 year era comes to end in Bradenton. Mixon Fruit Farms, one of the last remaining orange grove stands and stores in Florida, will soon be closing its doors. Owners Janet and Dean Mixon, who are both in their 70s, have decided to sell the farm after being in business since 1939. Janet says that it was a hard decision to make, but it’s difficult to find people to work. Imagine that? On Tuesday, the farm had its last “running of the fruit,” and customers were able to see citrus being washed and juiced.
The property is currently up for sale for nearly $16 million, and Janet Mixon hopes to see it transformed into a park. She believes that there’s a lot of history on the property that people could learn from. At this point, there are plans to open a food truck that will sell popular items like orange swirl ice cream, BLTs, and Cuban sandwiches.
If you’re interested in visiting Mixon Fruit Farms, the store and deli are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tram tours are available on Thursday through Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. The farm will close for good on July 29, 2023.
The Mixons’ decision to sell their farm highlights the changing times and the difficulties faced by small businesses. The closure of Mixon Fruit Farms will mark the end of an era in Florida’s history, but the Mixons’ desire to see their property transformed into a park will ensure that their legacy lives on. If you have the chance, make sure to visit Mixon Fruit Farms before it’s too late. TBT