Local Roots adjusts farmers markets after hurricane
Local Roots, which owns and operates the Sanibel Island Farmers Market and Captiva Island Farmers Market, is adjusting and relocating some of its markets across Lee County following Hurricane Ian.
The following markets will be operational weekly beginning on Nov. 2:
– Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harbour Plaza, at 17660 South Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers (previously the Lakes Park Farmers Market)
– Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Coconut Point, at 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero (Coconut Point Farmers Market)
– Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at The Promenade at Bonita Bay, at 26795 South Bay Drive, Bonita Springs (Bonita Springs Farmers Market)
– Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Founder’s Square at Babcock Ranch, at 42850 Crescent Loop, Babcock Ranch (Babcock Ranch Farmers Market)
The Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market is on hold due to Ian’s impact to the area.
“We continue to work on trying to find new locations for markets that have been temporarily closed,” co-owner and Sanibel resident Jean Baer said. “Rest assured, as soon as Lee County re-opens Lakes Park and allows the market to return, we will be back. This is true for all our locations that have been closed due to the Hurricane Ian.”
“We opened the Sanibel Island Farmers Market with 15 vendors,” co-owner Betsy Ventura added. “Before Ian, we had nine farmers markets six days per week across Southwest Florida with over 150 vendors and small businesses. We are excited to be able to reopen four markets after the devastating storm. Our motto is eat, shop … BuyLocalLee.com.”
Ventura and Baer said they are thankful for the support they have received from the community. In 2009, Lee County approached them to organize a market at Lakes Park and soon others followed.
For more information or to become a vendor, visit https://www.buylocallee.com/.