Local Farmers Markets kickoff in October

Local Roots commits to no plastic straws
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2018) – As Fall approaches it means that local farmers markets will once again begin operation and for the 11^th year Local Roots will be operating five local markets come October.
In addition to their all-year market at the River District Farmers Market, open every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Local Roots will kickoff the season with their Lakes Park Farmers Market on October 3 that will be open each Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until April 24. The market is located at 7300 Gladiolus Drive in Fort Myers. Parking is free for those attending the market.
The River District Farmers Market is located just under the U.S. 41 bridge on the corner of Heitman and West 1st Street next to Caloosahatchee River in Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers. Parking is available under the bridge, street parking and in the nearby City of Palms Parking Garage.
Other markets beginning in October include Coconut Point, Bonita Springs and Sanibel.
On Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Coconut Point will host a weekly market until April 25 in the Panera Bread parking lot of Coconut Point Mall at 23106 Fashion Drive in Estero. The market will be closed on Thanksgiving but will open on Nov. 21 for attendees to stock up for the big day.
The Bonita Springs market will begin on Oct. 6 and run until April 27 from 8 a.m. to Noon at the Promenade at Bonita Bay at 26795 South Bay Drive in Bonita Springs.
Beginning on Oct. 7 until May 26, the Sanibel Island Sunday Farmers Market will take place from 8 a.m. til 1 p.m. at Sanibel City Hall located at 800 Dunlop Rd. The market will be closed on Veteran’s Day but will operate instead on Monday, Nov. 12.
Offerings at each market include:  Fresh produce, flowers, cheese, breads, BBQ, coffee, tea, pickles, pizza, farm fresh eggs, guacamole, soap, pasta, acai bowls, and lots of ready made foods to eat at the market or take home.
For the first time, all Roots Farmers Markets will implement a no plastic straws policy.
“Like our local islands and many other retail venues across the state, we have gone to no plastic straws,” said Betsy Ventura, who, along with Jean Baer, owns Local Roots, LLC and will run the market each week. “Plastic straws are a huge use of plastic waste and have a damaging impact on our environment. Plastic straws kill thousands of marine animals and seas birds and many rescued animals have ingested plastic.”
Baer and Ventura said that the goal of each of their markets is to strengthen the surrounding community by showcasing vendors who are selling produce and artisan products that are grown or produced locally. Products are packaged by owners in an environmentally friendly way, and the locations of markets are clean, safe and reflect a community atmosphere.
Local Roots manages eight seasonal markets in Lee County. The River District Farmers Market is their only market that runs all year.
For further information, contact the website at www.BuyLocalLee.com.