TAMPA, Fla. — There's certainly no shortage of supermarkets in South Tampa but trying to find a fresh farmers market is a different story.
That’s why neighbors say they’re thrilled to see a popular farmers market reopening its doors at the corner of MacDill and Bay View.
The MacDill Fresh Farmers Market used to be open on West Shore Boulevard, but it closed after several years when the owner sold the property.
The new location, which just opened its doors last week, is smaller. But they say they have the same selection – including lots of locally sourced fruits, vegetables and more.
Vivian Hart could barely contain her excitement after finding out her favorite farmers market had reopened along MacDill Avenue in South Tampa.
She says the area is long on supermarkets, but just try to find a local fruit and vegetable spot.
“Are you kidding? It's impossible,” Hart said. “We don't have anything in South Tampa. We have apartments.”
“I love their vegetables here. Their tomatoes are the best,” customer Pamela Iannacio said.
“We have cut down all of our display sizes,” owner John Cannon said. “We still pretty much have the same variety, it's just, it's a smaller portion of it.”
Once in a while, South Tampa sees a pop-up green market. The also area has no less than nine Publix supermarkets.
Still, customers say it's just not the same.
“It's just, look at this,” customer Jennifer Buzzett said, holding up a ripe tomato. “Look how fresh this is. It's beautiful.”
“My son goes to the market every day,” said Dem Cannon, John’s mother – who also works at the store. “So, from the market to the customer.”
“You know, we get our strawberries fresh daily, you know?” Cannon said. “They don't sit in a warehouse, and they get shipped out on a semi-truck.”
In addition to local fruits and vegetables, there's local honey, bread, locally supplied meats and more.
“I'm thrilled!” Buzzett said. “And it's even closer to my house!”
Cannon says there is more to come.
He says the space behind the store is being turned into a nursery and greenhouse for local and seasonal plants, which he hopes to complete in the next couple of months.