The midweek Jacksonville Beach Farmers Market has permanently closed just five months after launching at the SeaWalk Pavilion.
Organizers announced Monday they are ending the Tuesday afternoon market after it failed to attract enough foot traffic to sustain vendors. The market was part of the city of Jacksonville Beach's effort to activate the SeaWalk Pavilion plaza between festivals and other special events.
"Every market teaches us something. After a lot of thought, I've made the difficult decision to close the Tuesday Jacksonville Beach Farmers Market," organizers said in a Facebook post.
"We gave it our all, but I've come to believe Tuesday afternoons simply weren't the right day and time to consistently bring enough shoppers out to support our incredible vendors."
The market debuted Feb. 10 and operated from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Organizers designed it as a community gathering place where residents could shop after work while supporting local farmers, food vendors and artisans.
Vendors offered fresh produce, locally raised beef, pork and chicken, artisan breads and pastries, coffee, local honey, microgreens, mushrooms, prepared foods, fresh flowers and handcrafted goods, including artwork, pottery, jewelry, soaps and candles.
Organizers said they will now focus on the Neptune Beach Farmers Market, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays at Neptune Beach Elementary School.
"While one chapter is closing, another is growing," organizers said.
Residents seeking similar markets still have several options across the Beaches.
The Dig Local Network hosts the Jacksonville Beach Green Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at Penman Park, 321 Penman Road. On July 5, Dig Local also assumed management of the Atlantic Beach Green Market, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays at Jack Russell Park, 850 Seminole Road.
Both markets feature seasonal produce, locally raised meats, free-range eggs, fresh flowers, locally roasted coffee, edible plants, orchids, handcrafted teas, gluten-free and vegan foods, artisan cheeses, baked goods, local honey and other specialty items.
The Mayport Waterfront Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every third Saturday at 4542 Ocean St. The market features local farmers, artisans, food trucks, fresh seafood, nonprofit organizations and vendors celebrating the heritage of the Mayport Fishing Village.
