Downtown Fort Myers farmers market to launch Jan. 17

A farmers market is set to launch in downtown Fort Myers starting Jan. 17. 

City Council is expected Jan. 5 to approve a management agreement with Local Roots LLC to operate the market. Local Roots has signed 42 vendors so far, with 78% focused on agriculture and food, according to city briefing materials. 

The market will operate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and run at least through April, said Jean Baer, who co-owns Local Roots with Betsy Ventura. 

“We hope it’s year-round, at least with a smaller footprint after April,” Baer said. 

The initial contract runs for two years, with three one-year renewal options. Local Roots would be required to provide six months’ notice to terminate the agreement. 

Under the contract, the market would occupy sections of downtown stretching from the corner of Monroe and First streets to First and Broadway, and from First and Broadway to Broadway and Main Street. 

City Council authorized Economic Development Director Steve Weathers to negotiate the contract during its December workshop. Weathers said the farmers market is expected to help draw more visitors downtown, particularly to the city’s emerging culinary district. 

The agreement requires that at least 40% of vendors sell food or agricultural products, including produce, plants, meats, seafood, baked goods and dairy. No more than 20% of vendors may fall into any single nonagricultural category, such as crafts, retail or specialty items, unless approved by the city. 

Local Roots also must post signage identifying the origin of produce. Baer said that policy is important because not all items are grown locally. 

Current vendors include two produce sellers, a flower vendor, a French bakery and a Vietnamese food tent. 

Local Roots operates nine markets across Southwest Florida, including Babcock Ranch, Lakes Park, Sanibel, Artisan Market, Boca Grande, Captiva Island, Coconut Point, Gateway and Bonita Springs. Bonita Springs is the only Saturday market, while Babcock Ranch operates year-round. Baer said the company works with about 225 vendors overall. 

Baer said downtown farmers markets also benefit surrounding businesses, citing studies that show 27% of every 1,000 visitors will shop elsewhere downtown during their visit. 

If you go 

What: Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market 

Where: From the corner of Monroe and First streets to First and Broadway, and from First and Broadway to Broadway and Main Street 

When: Begins Saturday, Jan. 17; runs at least through April 

Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.