City of Fort Myers is looking to join Punta Gorda, Sarasota and other communities that host Saturday morning farmers markets. During a Dec. 8 workshop, City Council directed Economic Development Director Steve Weathers to move forward with plans for a downtown market.
The market would begin Jan. 17, operating from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April. If successful, it could run year-round, Weathers said.
“We see this as kind of an impetus to bring more people to downtown, to the culinary district,” Weathers said.
The city is negotiating with Local Roots LLC, a Lee County-based company, to operate the market. Co-owner Jean Baer said Local Roots began the Sanibel market 18 years ago. The company now runs nine markets in Southwest Florida: Babcock Ranch, Lakes Park, Sanibel, Artisan Market, Boca Grande, Captiva Island, Coconut Point, Gateway and Bonita Springs. Bonita Springs is the only Saturday market; Babcock Ranch is the only one open year-round.
The proposed Fort Myers market site has not been finalized, but the consensus location would stretch along First Street between Monroe Street and Broadway, then north up Broadway to Main Street, Weathers said.
Council members questioned Local Roots’ request for a five-year contract with three optional extension years. They asked about a shorter term and possible performance requirements, such as maintaining a minimum number of vendors.
Tomatoes, squash and fresh greens were among the produce offered at the Lakes Park Farmers Market, which reopened Oct. 1.
Evan Williams
Baer said she has no issue adding such clauses and downplayed the concern.
“We’ve never had anyone want out on us,” she said.
A contract would need to be signed soon, so Local Roots can begin securing vendors, she said.
The goal is to host 40 vendors offering prepared foods, produce, honey, local crafts, flowers, seafood, smoothies and cheeses.
Downtown chefs could incorporate food demonstrations as cross-promotion for the newly designated Culinary District, Baer said.
Baer said farmers markets can boost surrounding businesses, noting studies showing that for every 1,000 visitors, 27% also shop elsewhere downtown.
Coconut Point and Sanibel have reported their busiest shopping and dining days coincide with farmers markets, Weathers said.
Council member Teresa Watkins Brown raised concerns about Local Roots’ past difficulty retaining vendors during its Thursday farmers market at Centennial Park. Baer, who was not at the meeting, said in a phone interview that the pandemic and remote work contributed to that issue. Saturdays draw a broader mix of residents and visitors, she added.
“We have a good reputation,” she said. Local Roots has 225 vendors, and the Wednesday Lakes Park market draws 5,800 cars, she said.