The heat is slowly but surely subsiding, and that means farmers’ market season is back. Here’s an updated list of area markets, plus information on when the seasonal markets officially reopen for business.
AZALEA COMMUNITY FRESH MARKET Saturdays: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. year-round. Azalea Recreation Center, 1600 72nd St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-492-4789, azaleafreshmarket.com. One of St. Petersburg’s newest fresh markets, Azalea Community Fresh Market started in July. The Tyrone-based market features local art, crafts, music, homemade Greek pastries and more.
COREY AVENUE FRESH MARKET Sundays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Starts Oct. 7 and runs through May. Located off Gulf Blvd between Blind Pass Road and Boca Ciega Drive, St. Pete Beach, coreyave.com. The open-air market features over 40 local vendors on the historic Corey Avenue corridor. This year’s market will feature self-published kids’ books, handmade wood products, baskets, hula hoops and more. Live music and lots of food. Free admission and free parking.
DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER FARMERS’ MARKET Wednesdays: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. starting Oct. 24 through May 16th. Station Square Park on Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-461-7674, clearwaterfarmersmarket.com. This open-air market has something for everyone — eco-friendly products, produce, art, baked goods — and makes for a great spot to grab a cup of freshly-brewed coffee while enjoying the scenery and perusing the wares.
DUNEDIN GREEN MARKET Fridays: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Starts Nov. 2 and runs through April; Saturdays: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through July. Douglas Ave. and Main St., downtown Dunedin. dunedingov.com.
EDGE DISTRICT FARMERS MARKET Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. year-round. 1000 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-512-0558, edgefarmersmarket.com. Voted Best New Farmers’ Market in this year’s Best of the Bay issue, the Edge market is serious about bringing quality goods to the community. All products come from within a 150-mile radius of St. Petersburg, and the sale of junk food, soda, products containing high-fructose corn syrup, and GMO foods is prohibited. Produce is chemical-free or organically farmed and no plastic bags or Styrofoam allowed. So far, that makes for a smaller market — but one that is growing quickly!
FISHHAWK RANCH FARMERS’ MARKET First Sundays: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., starting Sun., Oct. 7. 16144 Churchview Drive, Lithia, 813-657-6629, fishhawkconnect.com. The monthly market is an outdoor buffet of locally made and locally grown items at Park Square at FishHawk Ranch. From upcycled metal art to handmade clothing, FishHawk has it all.
FRESH MARKET AT WIREGRASS MALL First and third Saturdays: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., year-round. 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, theshopsatwiregrass.com. Taking place in the heart of Wesley Chapel’s Wiregrass Mall, this Main Street-style market offers handmade and organic products from over 50 vendors, including an array of produce, twice a month.
GULFPORT TUESDAY FRESH MARKET Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., year-round. Beach Boulevard below 29th Avenue S, gulfportma.com. The market in Gulfport’s scenic Waterfront District welcomes over 50 vendors each week and will stay open an hour later during the cooler months. That means Florida grass-fed beef, fresh herbs, plants and flowers, cheesecakes, gourmet pasta sauces and much more.
SAFETY HARBOR FARMERS’ MARKET Thursdays: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Starts Oct. 18 and runs through May 10. 401 Main St., Safety Harbor, 727-461-7674, cityofsafetyharbor.com. The gazebo at John Wilson Park plays host to this weekly market, offering prepared foods, fresh seafood and produce in the quaint downtown area of Safety Harbor.
SEMINOLE HEIGHTS SUNDAY MORNING MARKET Second Sundays: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Starts Oct. 14 and runs through May. 5000 N. Central Ave., Tampa, sundaymorningmarket.com. This market in the eclectic neighborhood of Seminole Heights supports 100-130 vendors. New at this year’s market is bike valet service provided by the Seminole Heights Bicycle Club. Great live music from area musicians, food, homemade items and more.
ST. PETERSBURG SATURDAY MORNING MARKET Saturdays: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Starts Oct. 6 and runs through May 26. 100 First St. SE, St. Petersburg, 727-455-4921, saturdaymorningmarket.com. The place to be on Saturday mornings. Downtown St. Pete’s market has local food, goods, music, and more. Get some fresh bread and juice and sit on the waterfront only a block away.
SWEETWATER ORGANIC COMMUNITY FARM’S SUNDAY MARKET Sundays: 12-4 p.m. Starts Nov. 2 and runs through May. 6942 W. Comanche Ave., Tampa, sweetwater-organic.org.
URBAN OASIS HYDROPONIC FARM MARKET Fridays: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through June. 5416 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa, 813-293-FARM, urbanoasisfarm.com. Get fresh, organically grown hydroponic veggies straight from this CSA farm in Carrollwood. Open to the public. Also offering farm tours on the first Saturday of every month at 1 p.m.
YBOR SATURDAY MARKET Saturdays: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. October-April. Eighth Avenue and 19th Street, Ybor City, ybormarket.com. Besides the local produce and foods, this market has an eclectic mix of handmade jewelry, artwork and soaps. Take a free rain barrel workshop on the last Saturday of the month.
This article appears in Oct 4-10, 2012.