North Tampa Farmers Market Being Fined To Death
North Tampa farmers market being fined to death. The market has been open since 1993, and the current owner has been running it since 2008. Now, fines are piling up, though the owners say the county is wrong.
If you’ve never visited Bearss Groves Farmer’s Market on Bearss Ave. next to Lake Magdalene Blvd., you’ve likely traveled past it. The market has been serving the north Tampa/Carrollwood area for nearly three decades. They offer a wide variety of fresh food, plus seasonal products.
Since 2018, the county has been fining the market $200 per day. That has become an enormous problem if the county won’t waver from their claim that this roadside stand doesn’t have the proper permits or site development plan. Is this north Tampa farmers market being fined to death?
Bearss Groves claims they aren’t required to have these permits. As a part of an agricultural operation, owners say they are protected by the “Greenbelt Law” in Florida.
On social media, Bearss Groves is pleading for the public to contact Hillsborough County to end their fines.
Hillsborough County Commissioners will be addressing the issue at an upcoming board meeting.
The grove even has, on its property, a live oak tree that is estimated to be 400 years old!
Source: Creative Loafing
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