Punta Gorda farmers market permit extended through Dec. 31

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK) — The Punta Gorda City Council extended the Downtown Farmers Market permit through the end of the year on Wednesday, after months of uncertainty left vendors waiting to learn if they would have booths in August.

The council extended the permit from Aug. 31 through Dec. 31. The city had changed the annual permit to a quarterly permit earlier this year until the council could discuss the farmers' market.

Vendors expressed relief at the decision during a lively public comment session. One vendor explained the market's importance to their livelihood.

"I support my family," a vendor said. "It's what put a roof over my son's head, food on the table, clothes, everything."

Another vendor emphasized the market's role for small businesses. "Many of the vendors are small businesses, and that's all they have is that market," the vendor said. "They don't have a local business or a brick and mortar."

Vendors asked the city to extend the farmers market permit long-term. "Give us a year permit," a vendor said. "Let us be able to buy our supplies. We're already planning for October."

The farmers' market and its vendors rely on long-term booths and clientele. Many vendors order in bulk, making it difficult to front costs without knowing their booth will be available in three months.

Jerry Presseller, founder of the Downtown Punta Gorda Farmers Market, stressed the importance of long-term planning. "When we run the market and schedule the market, that's necessary," Presseller said. "I don't believe that staff understands that, so I wanna make sure that they do."

Presseller started the market nearly two decades ago. More than 100 people showed up to Wednesday's meeting in support of Presseller and the market.

"I can see how thriving downtown is, and I believe a big part of that has to do with Jerry and what he's done on those Saturdays to get people there," an attendee said.

The city came to a consensus that city staff will work with any event on city property to make sure each permit is renewed, not extended, and insurance properly covers the city. Other markets in the area asked for transparency from the city moving forward.

"Every business owner, nonprofit organization, or resident should have the same opportunities and be subject to the same rules," a representative said.

The farmers' market will have to renew its permit at the end of the year. Presseller said he would like to see it approved by October.