Burns SquareFlorida State Blog

The popularity of local markets has exploded in the past decade with the renewed interest in supporting local entrepreneurs, artisans and farmers.

Florida has many different kinds of local markets. Some have a long history serving their communities; others began more recently to satisfy demand. Some operate seasonally; others are open year round.

It is difficult to pick the four best local markets in Florida. Each serves its community’s needs in its own way. However, the following markets, each open year round, certainly deserve to be in the running.

On the east coast of northern Florida, the Jacksonville Farmers’ Market has been serving that community since 1938. It is the area’s oldest and largest farmers’ market and is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year. To support those hours, the emphasis here is on volume as well as value. Wholesale and retail vendors, catering to restaurants and institutions as well as the general public, keep prices low. While organic and local produce is available, products from all over are sold. The Jacksonville Farmers’ Market sells produce almost exclusively, though fresh seafood is available. This full time market has the character of an old fashioned farmers’ market.

There is a different atmosphere at the Fort Pierce Farmers’ Market, open Saturdays from 8:00 A. M. to noon. Locally, organically and hydroponically grown produce is offered by Florida farmers. However, much more than produce is available. Garden centers sell tropical flowers and plants, including orchids and palms, and gardening tips are available. Florida’s first pastured poultry producer sells chicken, and fish mongers sell seafood. There are purveyors of syrups, dips and condiments. Bath and beauty products are available. Given this market’s location along the Indian River Lagoon, it has become a Saturday tradition for market goers to buy their breakfast or lunch from one of the many booths offering baked goods or prepared foods and sit on the seawall to consume their treats. This part time market is a weekly neighborhood gathering.

In the same spirit, the Third Street Farmers’ Market in Naples is open every Saturday from 7:30 to 11:30 A.M. Several farms sell locally grown organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables, including specialty Japanese and Chinese vegetables, often picked just the day before market. There are booths selling silk and real flowers, including orchids. Experts are available to help customers with their own gardening questions and how to grow gardens friendly to butterflies. Baked goods include a wide range of ethnic specialties from German, Italian, Dutch, French and American bakers There are homemade dog treats. Foodstuffs for sale also include seafoods, meats, guacamole, herbs, teas, honey, fudge, jams, jellies, soups, coffees, cheeses, salts, pastas, sauces, salad dressings and popcorn. Other merchants sell soap, baskets, jewelry, candles and crafts. The west coast of southern Florida is well served by this market.

Another contender for one of the best markets is the Sarasota Farmers’ Market, further north along the west coast. In operation since 1979, this market boasts more than 70 vendors. Organic and non-organic produce is available. Merchants sell an array of flowers and plants, including bromeliads, orchids and bonsai trees. Products for home organic gardening are sold. Foods available include seafood, pasta, cheese, teas, candy, crepes, nuts, fruit ices, and all kinds of baked goods. One vendor specializes in foods rich in omega-3 oil. This market hosts a variety of artisans who sell handmade gifts, carpentry pieces, pottery, candles, cosmetics, body products, soap and pet products. One booth performs knife sharpening services.

These are four of the best, but local markets in Florida abound. They exist in many communities. They offer value and freshness and are worth supporting.