NEW CAPTIVA ISLAND FARMERS MARKET

The Captiva Island Farmers Market will become Local Roots’ ninth market in Lee County when it opens for its first season on Dec. 19 at the entrance to South Seas Island Resort. The resort approached the Local Roots coowners with the idea of providing the market as an amenity during the busy tourist season. The Local Roots co-owners both live on Sanibel Island and have had a long involvement in business and the community. Jean Baer served as the South Seas recreation director for 14 years. Betsy Ventura and her husband, Marcel, own island-based YOLO Watersports, and her mother is a year-round Captiva resident. The Captiva Island Farmers Market will be held each Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through April 3. “Having the market on Tuesdays gives residents and visitors another market shopping day other than Sundays on Sanibel,” says Ventura. Local Roots laid down its own roots at the popUlar Sanibel Island Farmers Market a decade ago. Ventura notes that, with 20 vendors, Captiva is their smallest market, “but our lineup of vendors is packed with quality. We have a great balance that will be sure to please everyone.” She predicts golf carts and bikes will be the main modes of transportation to and from the market. “Each market seems to develop its own unique personality, so we’re excited to watch Captiva grow into its own,” Ventura says. South Seas Island Resort is located at 5400 South Seas Plantation Road on Captiva Island. The market will be situated outside the resort's gate in a parking lot near Doc Ford’s restaurant. It is open to the public.

FIND OUT MORE buylocallee.com