Following the lead of established Tampa Bay area farmers markets like St. Pete's Saturday Morning Market and the Tampa Downtown Market, Clearwater will soon be able to have a farmers market to call its own thanks to a recent federal grant awarded to the city.
City officials are looking to open this brand-new farmers market in the East Gateway area just outside of Downtown Clearwater. The area, not exactly known for its pristine conditions, will play host to the farmers market as part of the city's long-term plan to rehabilitate East Gateway.
The Saturday market will be tentatively located on Cleveland St. just east of Missouri Ave. with a proposed time of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and hopeful opening date on November 3. The market will have the standard lineup of local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to baked goods, cheese, plants, flowers, hand-crafted goods, and more.
The new Saturday market in Clearwater will join the already-existing Downtown Clearwater Farmer's Market which takes place every Wednesday from October through May.
The Clearwater City Council will most likely vote on Thursday night to accept a $20,000 federal grant that would cover the startup costs of the market - tents, tables, chairs and marketing materials - according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Once the startup goods are purchased, a local nonprofit called the Intercultural Advocacy Institute will run the market from week to week.
We'll keep you posted as more news arises regarding this new farmers market in Clearwater.
