The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch was just ranked No. 1 in American Farmland Trust’s 2025 American Farmers Market Celebration. The national online event, in which the public voted for their favorite markets, ran from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, with a total of 1,263 markets nationwide participating this year. More than 60,000 people cast votes; in recognition, the market will receive a $2,500 prize.
The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch began in 2017 and operates every Sunday, year-round, in downtown Waterside Place, where it moved in 2021, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees can pick up a bevy of local products including produce, bread, sweet treats, honey, coffee and tea, barbecue, crêpes, candles, soap, jewelry and more.
“It’s been incredible,” says Morgan Bettes, the market’s manager. “[The market] originally started [in 2017] at the Sarasota Polo Club field with about 15 vendors.”…