On January 27, 2015 the Board of County Commissioners in Collier County shut down the Golden Gate Community Center Farmers Market without just cause or public hearing. In doing so, the livelihoods of participating entrepreneurs have been compromised. Additionally, access to fresh, locally grown produce for the Golden Gate Community has also been compromised.

A County Commissioner unjustly referred to the marketplace entrepreneurs and vendors as "gypsies", implying that they are not a part of the Collier County community. This is indicative of discriminatory practices as there are no fewer than nine (9) farmers markets operating annually within Collier County along with numerous temporary carnivals and art shows. 

We, the citizens of Collier County, call upon the Board of County Commissioners to recognize its grave error and reinstate the Golden Gate Community Center Farmers Market immediately.

Area Markets: http://collier.ifas.ufl.edu/Agriculture/Farmers-Market.shtml

News Articles: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/local-government/collier-closes-golden-gate-farmers-market-after-commissioners-calls-vendors-gypsies_01805349

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/local-news/golden-gate-open-air-market-wants-to-become-a-saturday-mainstay_27246337