Mixon Farms: A Proposed Agricultural Future for Manatee County

The proposed Mixon’s Farm Plan is a collaborative, multi-department initiative designed to transform county-owned land into a highly visible, countywide model for food access, education, and environmental stewardship. This effort brings together UF/IFAS Extension, Manatee County’s Natural Resources Department, and community partners to create a space that serves both practical and educational purposes.

At its core, Mixon’s Farm is envisioned as a functional and educational landscape that demonstrates food production, sustainable land management, and community food access. The site will offer hands-on learning opportunities for residents of all ages while increasing access to fresh, locally grown food and preserving the natural character of the land.

Learning Gardens & Food Forest

The western portion of the property is proposed as a Learning Gardens and Food Forest area, accessible directly from the parking lot. Visitors will be welcomed through a fruit trellis and archway or by entering through the food forest itself. The trellis will feature vine-friendly plants such as muscadine grapes, passion fruit, dragon fruit, and flowering hedges.

As visitors move through the food forest, they will encounter existing fruit trees already growing on the property, including sugar apple, starfruit, white sapote, sapodilla, guava, and mango. These trees will be incorporated into a multi-canopy food forest designed to demonstrate long-term, low-input food production systems that thrive in Florida’s climate.

Food forests benefit the public by providing educational signage about edible plants, pollination, and ecosystem balance, while also offering access to naturally grown fruit. This area will also function as a living library of genetic plant material and sustainable growing practices.

Along the walkable food forest path, visitors can reach the apiary, or bee yard, which will support pollinator education and highlight the importance of bees in food systems. On the far side of the Learning Gardens, plans include edible hedges, often called “fedges,” and natural windbreaks to provide shelter for pollinators and wildlife. Proposed plantings may include slash pine windbreaks, saw palmetto, native grasses such as fakahatchee, muhly, and lovegrass, along with Simpson stopper and perennial flowering shrubs.

Community Farm & Micro Gardens

Moving east across the property, approximately 4.2 acres are proposed for development as a Community Farm and Micro Garden area focused on food access and public benefit.

The Community Farm will operate differently from traditional community gardens. Rather than individual plots, participants will work collectively in shared growing areas and participate in communal harvests. The primary goal of this space is community impact, with a significant portion of harvested produce designated for weekly donation to local food banks and organizations that address food insecurity in Manatee County.

Growing areas will be organized by theme to support teaching opportunities, clear signage, and accessible harvesting methods. The front portion of the Community Farm will be intentionally maintained in an orderly and welcoming manner, reinforcing its role as a public-facing educational space.

Behind the main farm area and toward the northern portion of the property, residents who choose to participate in micro gardening will have access to ⅛-acre plots. These micro gardens allow for individual participation while still supporting the larger mission of local food production.

At the entrance to the Community Farm, a stone greenhouse is proposed as a central hub for the site. This greenhouse will support plant propagation, seed starting, workforce development opportunities, and public education programming. Nearby shade houses will further assist with propagation, tool storage, and lessons focused on micro gardening techniques.

Adjacent to the greenhouse, a compost demonstration area will showcase achievable at-home composting methods within a clearly defined and accessible space. Educational signage will explain different composting systems, and a large vermicomposting bin will highlight the role of worms in reducing waste and improving soil health.

Bamboo Trail & Wetlands Education Area

The easternmost portion of the site is proposed as a peaceful bamboo walking trail that transitions into a functional wetland ecosystem and outdoor education area. This space is designed to preserve existing natural resources while offering environmental education opportunities.

The wetlands education walk will include a clearly defined, walkable path with interpretive signage highlighting native plants, animals, and ecosystems. This area will function as a bird sanctuary and pollinator habitat while helping filter runoff and support water quality. A boardwalk path will guide visitors through the wetlands, creating an immersive learning experience.

The bamboo trail will provide a tranquil, shaded walking experience with seating areas along the path. Plans also include a zen garden atmosphere and a small teaching space with picnic tables or benches located between the bamboo and wetlands, offering a quiet setting for outdoor classes, workshops, or reflection.

North Side Proposed Development

The northern portion of the property, totaling approximately 16 acres, is proposed for agricultural infrastructure and operational uses. This area would include a nine-acre section dedicated to a large livestock barn, multiple grazing and pasture areas, established access roads with turnaround spaces, and secured gates to support livestock safety and operations.

Additionally, the plan includes a two-acre composting operation located on the far eastern side of the north property and a weight-bearing bridge to support equipment and operational needs.