Manatee County lines up to buy well-known farm — but it might take awhile

Time could be a factor in Manatee County's potential purchase of the majority of Mixon Fruit Farms  — an acquisition recommended by its Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee.

Charlie Hunsicker, the county's director of natural resources, told the Bradenton City Council May 24 that due diligence in researching the purchase could take up to 18 months before the ELMAC purchase is brought to Manatee County commissioners for approval.