Sarasota Farmers Market continues to create community

By Ian Swaby
| 7:20 a.m. March 24, 2026

Glenn and Linda Courtney and their daughter Chelsea Courtney look at seashells.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Christine Nordstrom started Five-O Donut Co. as a vendor at the Sarasota Farmers Market, before the business expanded to multiple brick and mortar locations.

She says the market is an important tool for businesses, including those that are up-and-coming.

"I see it as a vital incubator for small businesses in Sarasota, as well as a fantastic way for vendors to get started, but it also creates an amazing opportunity for community every single Saturday," she said.

Just a day after the start of spring, members of the community filled the streets of the market on March 21.

Nordstrom said the year has brought the largest turnout since prior to COVID-19. She said the goals of the market are the chance for the public to meet farmers and vendors, to bring commerce downtown, and also to highlight local nonprofits.

"We just love that the community comes out every single Saturday and supports the Farmers Market," she said. "It's really important because we wouldn't be here without the community, and everything that the vendors do to produce the Farmers Market is for the community."

Alivia Redding, 10, her brother Hudson Redding, 6, and their dog Lulu enjoy the market.

Shai Bluvol, 2, presses the button for the crosswalk as he prepares to cross with a parent.

James and Sienna Gallagher look over the plants.

Ruby of Suncoast Basset Rescue meets Sofia Godinez.

Jacob Alalof and Jordyn Cheesler talk with Alma Johnson of Sarasota Honey Company.

Cathy Borroughs and Ruby of Suncoast Basset Rescue wore matching outfits.

Thierry Rouillard of American Eagle Knife Sharpening demonstrates his services.

Marionettes from Bouncies from Bohemia hang on display.

Yuki strikes a pose at the High Quality Backyard Produce tent.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.