Best Little Farmer’s Market in Florida

The Farmer's Market in Fernandina Beach is so popular, it just may become the Best Little Farmer's Market in Florida!

The new farmer’s market in downtown may turn out to be the Best Little Farmer’s Market in Florida!

After a workshop with the City of Fernandina Beach Commissioners, Chiropractic Doctors Joe and Elizabeth Lee are now negotiating a Franchise Agreement with City officials to keep the Amelia Island (Fernandina Beach) Market Place operating as a farmer’s market on N. 7th Street in the historic district.

Dr. Lee presented her plan which includes keeping the market in its current location on N. 7th Street, adding occasional special events and inviting a local brick and mortar, Business of the Week to be featured. “This will be 51 different businesses each year,” Lee said reminding the audience that there is no market during the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.

The unanimous vote to work with the Lees’ included comments from some commissioners to keep the market in its current location for now and show a favorable preference to admitting local vendors into the Market Place when possible.

Commissioner Pelican asked if there would be room for non-profit organizations, an invitation that has been accepted every week since the Market opened on September 7, 2012.

Moving out of the paperwork and into the Market Place, here are some crumbs to hold you over until the next Amelia Island Market Place opens, from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM, on October 13, 2012.

Twinn Bridges uses innovative and traditional, sustainable farming techniques to grow a variety of seasonal vegetables and culinary herbs. While their farm is open to the public for tours of their field and greenhouses, Farmers Denise and Scott Francis bring their tasty treats fresh from their farm to the Market Place each Saturday morning.

Another popular delight found in the Market Place is the Great Harvest Bread Company. This local baker brings tempting sweet breads, muffins and coffee that is so fresh, it is actually roasted in Yulee, Florida.

In Search of Me Cafe is this week’s non-profit corporation, a 501(c)(3) established to reach teenagers with programs and conversations delivered by their peers on topics such as bullying, underage drinking, peer pressure, substance abuse, self esteem, dating/sex, violence, the environment, careers, health care, nutrition and more.

Come visit the Best Little Farmer’s Market in Florida each Saturday from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM on 7th Street, north of Centre, in historic, downtown Fernandina Beach. For more information, please visit AmeliaIslandMarketPlace.com or call Judie (yep, that’s me) at (904) 583-0659.