Golden Gate farmer’s market to stay open

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- County commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to keep the farmer’s market open at the Golden Gate Community Center 52 weeks a year.

Twenty-seven people concerned about the fate of the market spoke publicly to commissioners.

“It’s something that’s needed in the community, especially for lower-income families,” said resident, Angela Cisneros.

As Cisneros’ sentiment filled the room, other supporters lined up to have their say. Even some local business owners stepped forward to say the market doesn’t hurt their bottom line.

The farmer’s market came under fire after Commissioner Tom Henning lead the charge for the commission to vote on closing the market temporarily, without putting it on the agenda.

That meant the public could not comment. He also referred to the market as a gypsy business. This upset so many people at the meeting, they wore yellow pins that read “gypsy really?” in silent protest.

Joey Rakow, who co-manages the market with his wife, handed commissioners a manilla envelope. He said inside was a petition with more than 1,900 signatures in support of keeping the market open.

In the end, all 27 people who spoke up, got their wish. Commissioners allowed the market to stay open and even extended it from only the winter months to a year-long event.