City of Venice names new Farmers Market manager
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
City of Venice
The City of Venice has awarded Independent Jones with a one-year license agreement, renewable annually, as the new market manager for the Venice Farmers Market, effective July 2.
The Venice Farmers Market operates year-round, Saturday mornings, April – September, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and October – March, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave.
Vendors at the market offer an array of fresh baked goods, wild-caught seafood, Florida-grown produce, boutique cheeses, locally roasted coffee, handcrafted soaps, and fresh-cut flowers.
While supporting local vendors, guests can enjoy music and art from the community, coordinated by Independent Jones. Venice Farmers Market current manager Lee Perron, shared, “After five years managing the Venice Farmers Market on behalf of the Friends of Sarasota County Parks, I plan to retire and spend time traveling. Finding a replacement that best met the needs of the City was no easy task, but the voting committee felt confident that Independent Jones was the right team for the job. I know I will be leaving the Venice Farmers Market in good and safe hands.”
City of Venice Special Events & Marketing Coordinator Carly Roderick stated, “I can’t wait to see what our partnership and collaborative efforts will become with Independent Jones, the City of Venice, and the Farmers Market! We are excited to be able to include more community partners and grow our market during the upcoming season.”
Independent Jones has collaborated with local farms like Honeyside Farm, Frog Song Farm, and Geraldson Community Farm, numerous nonprofits including Realize Bradenton, the Manatee Performing Arts Center, merchant associations, master-planned communities like Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, and local bands. Within the region Independent Jones has coordinated various markets in Manatee and Sarasota counties, including the Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton Public Market, Rosemary Night Market, Sarasota Farmers Market (interim market manager), and now the Venice Farmers Market.
Independent Jones Chief Executive Officer and owner Morgan Bettes stated, “Independent Jones will officially take over operations of the Venice Farmers Market on Saturday, July 2, 2022, and we can’t wait to be able to build upon the success and support that the local community has shown so far. We have plans to further the development and community collaboration by giving back and partnering with more local nonprofits in the region.”
Independent Jones Chief Events Officer and partner Antonio Hernandez added, “As a North Port native and residing in Venice for the past two years, the Venice Farmers Market has been a community staple! I am excited to be able to support the growth and future of the market for vendors and patrons. As a partner in Independent Jones, we value giving back to our community and providing the support they need to be as successful as possible, from our local farmers, artists, musicians and nonprofits.”
