NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Kaitlyn Perez, news@kpcstrategies.com, 941.229.0879

Lakewood Ranch’s Waterfront Farmers’ Market Selected as #1 Farmers Market in America

Lakewood Ranch, FL – October 3, 2025 – Lakewood Ranch’s year-round farmers’ market has been named the #1 Farmers Market in America by American Farmland Trust, topping nearly 1,300 markets nationwide in the organization’s 17th annual celebration. The Market also earned the top spot in Florida.

Every Sunday brings fresh food, arts, culture, live music, activities, and more, all of which are delivered by local vendors. Much like Lakewood Ranch itself, the Market has something for all ages. With more than 100 vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal goods, prepared foods, and crafts, the Market reflects the region’s energy and diversity. However, the experience goes beyond browsing local stands. Families sip locally roasted coffee while seated in Adirondack chairs overlooking the water, neighbors dance to vibrant live music, and children and families share memorable moments at the Ranch’s lakefront town center, Waterside Place. 

What sets this market apart is its atmosphere, unique local vendors, and endless activities. Children enjoy their own “Kids’ Zone,” featuring monthly STEM programs, face painting, and storytelling, keeping the younger visitors engaged. The thoughtfully designed master-planned community has always emphasized education, so it’s only fitting that even on weekends, the Ranch provides a place to merge learning and fun. 

Some popular features of the Market include a subscription-based Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box that helps shoppers experiment with seasonal vegetables and learn more about Florida’s growing cycles. The Market also partners with Harvest SRQ, a food gleaning initiative where volunteers work with farmers to collect surplus produce and deliver it to local shelters and nonprofits, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

“This recognition is a true reflection of our hardworking team, the 100+ talented vendors, and the thousands of attendees who relentlessly support local businesses,” commented Lakewood Ranch’s Events and Resident Experience Manager, Nicole Hackel. “From location to atmosphere, our Market has become more than just a place to shop; it’s a gathering place, a weekly tradition, and a true community hub.”

For vendors, the Market is both a launching pad for small businesses and a source of community connection, where passion for craft meets purpose. Michael Top, owner of Camelot Breads, retired from banking at 55, earned a culinary degree, and began baking small batches of bread from the comfort of his home. Today, he mills his own flour, sources organic ingredients from Florida farms, and produces hundreds of loaves each week. Known for his farm-to-table breads and community spirit, he offers free loaves to customers over 90 and invites local kids to work at his booth, making him a beloved fixture of the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch.

“This market is really the grassroots of the American dream,” adds Top. “It supports the idea that some businesses may have started in their garage, but here they are now—a success. They are selling their products to people who appreciate quality and want to support small businesses.”

The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch takes place weekly on Sundays at the community’s popular Waterside Place. For more information, visit lakewoodranch.com/life-on-the-ranch/themarket/.

ABOUT LAKEWOOD RANCH 

Developed by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Lakewood Ranch is the 55-square-mile, award-winning master-planned community located in Sarasota and Manatee counties on Florida’s west coast. Just a few miles from the region’s white-sand beaches and offering a robust mix of cultural assets, Lakewood Ranch is home to more than 74,000 residents. It has ranked as the nation’s top-selling multigenerational master-planned community for seven consecutive years and serves as a major economic engine for the region, with more than 22,000 people employed across a growing mix of businesses, healthcare facilities, and commercial centers. The community also features top-rated schools, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, Sarasota Polo Club, and three vibrant town centers with shopping, dining, and entertainment. Lakewood Ranch is a place where individuals and families can put down roots, build careers, and find community. For more information, visit lakewoodranch.com.