Bradenton to buy Tropicana land after price drop

The City of Bradenton is buying more than 32 acres from Tropicana for $4.85 million, after a yearlong process of negotiations and due diligence that resulted in a $400,000 price drop.

Last May, the Bradenton City Council authorized a $5.25 million purchase of the land, which consists of two parcels off US 301 and Ninth Street East. The city plans to consolidate its public works department and solid waste operations, which are currently in two different areas, into one space there. It may also use some of the property for affordable housing.

To allow more time for due diligence, the council amended the purchase agreement in October 2024 and again in February. After hiring environmental site assessment company TerraCon to review the property, City Administrator Rob Perry said there were some findings of note.