Agriculture

By Louis Llovio
February 17, 2025

Fort Myers’ Alico Inc. has $20 million in land sales pending

The company, which is exiting the citrus industry, says about 25% of the land it owns will be set aside for “non-agricultural purposes.”

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

By Louis Llovio
January 17, 2025

Citrus industry withers as Florida's groves flounder

Despite the best efforts and hopes of the citrus industry, hurricanes and a bacteria continue to batter Florida's diminished defining crop. Yet some survival strategies are beginning to sprout.

Florida

By Louis Llovio
January 6, 2025

Fort Myers land company shutters citrus production, cuts 170 jobs

Alico Inc. is closing its citrus division after more than a decade of declines due to storms and greening.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

By Beth Luberecki
December 20, 2024

Entrepreneurs return to their roots for new events venue venture

Lee County couple Rodney and Stacey Poole are taking it slow while utilizing innovative ideas for a somewhat counterintuitive multimillion-dollar business pursuit: They bought a farm.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

By Elizabeth King
May 22, 2024

Mixed-use transformation ahead for 1,175-acre Bradenton flower farm

SeaFlower will open for residents in summer 2025 in a Manatee County community designed to be walkable with shops, a grocer and restaurants.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Liz Ramos
May 21, 2024

Manatee County dairy farm sold to relatives who plan to grow the business

The new owners of Dakin Dairy Farm in east Manatee County plan several changes amid the hunt for new revenue streams. But on aspect — the farm itself — will remain the same.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Liz Ramos
December 11, 2023

Despite owner's intentions, some worry Manatee farm will be developed

Jerry Dakin says he will "do everything in (his) power" to keep Dakin Dairy Farms an agriculture property.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Liz Ramos
November 27, 2023

Longtime Manatee County dairy farmer puts property up for sale

After 22 years, Myakka City's Jerry Dakin is selling his 350-acre farm, Dakin Dairy Farms.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Brian Hartz
August 25, 2023

Farm, winery squeezes new revenue streams with fruitful expansion

Sometimes the best business ideas come from raw experimentation, rather than a specific plan. A fast-growing Plant City winery is Exhibit A.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Liz Ramos
August 1, 2023

Mixon Fruit Farms leaves a legacy of making memories in Bradenton

Mixon Fruit Farms closed July 29 after 84 years in operation.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Louis Llovio
July 19, 2023

130 jobs cut as Plant City tomato producer shuts farm operations

The job cuts hit Plant City, Manatee and Immokalee as Santa Sweets ceases U.S. farming operations because of competition.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Jay Heater
June 12, 2023

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

Manatee County is readying a purchase of Mixon's Fruit Farms through its environmentally significant lands program. It promises to be a lengthy process.