For 18 years, the Original Punta Gorda Farmers Market has been the heartbeat of our downtown, supporting over 60 local small businesses and serving as a vital destination for residents and tourists alike.

Now, the City of Punta Gorda is moving to dismantle this success by:

*Replacing Annual Stability with Quarterly Uncertainty: Forcing the market to operate on 3-month "Special Event" permits, making it impossible for farmers and vendors to plan for the future, secure insurance, or guarantee their livelihoods.

*Opening a "Bidding War" for our Identity: By putting the market’s management and location out for bid, the City risks losing the high-quality, local-first standards that the current management has maintained for nearly two decades.

*Ignoring Public Will: Despite the market’s massive success and economic benefit to downtown businesses, the City is prioritizing administrative changes over community stability.

We are demanding that the City Council immediately restore the annual permitting process and commit to leaving the market management as it has successfully operated for nearly 18 years.

We, the undersigned residents and supporters of the Punta Gorda Farmers Market, ask the City Council to reinstate the annual permits. The Original Downtown Punta Gorda Farmer's Market is an essential community hub and tourist destination that supports local farmers, local small business owners and artisans. The Punta Gorda Farmer's has generated foot traffic and revenue for downtown Punta Gorda for nearly 18 years while also providing a family friendly activity for the local community as well as tourists. We value the original Punta Gorda Farmer's Market’s commitment to our community for the past 17 years and oppose any changes that would weaken its mission. 

The Reason:

Proven Success: For 18 years, the current market management has transformed Taylor Street into a premier destination, supporting over 60 local vendors and attracting thousands of visitors weekly.

Stability for Local Business: Shifting to quarterly permits creates extreme uncertainty, preventing vendors from securing insurance, planning inventory, and guaranteeing their livelihoods.

Community & Tourism Asset: The market is a critical stop for American Cruise Lines, is promoted by Allegiant Air and SunSeeker, serving as a vital engine for our local tourism economy.

Food Accessibility: The current market provides an essential SNAP/EBT program that ensures low-income residents have access to fresh, local produce.

Conclusion:

We urge the City Council to listen to the voices of the community and protect the "Original" Punta Gorda Farmers Market. Do not dismantle a successful 17-year institution in favor of untested management or restrictive new permitting rules.