Saturday Clearwater Farmers Market Looks to Rival St. Pete Version

Howard Warshauer found his latest job by accident.

He has worked with some downtown groups in the past and now is primed to be president of a fledgling farmers market.

Warshauer’s vision is big. He wants the Clearwater Gateway Farmers Market to be the largest, most diverse and eclectic in Pinellas County.

He just needs some help.

Vendors, artists, musicians and crafters are wanted as part of the East Gateway neighborhood market planned for the 1200 block of Cleveland Street Saturdays starting Jan. 12.

“We’re not creating a farmer’s market,” Warshauer said. “We’re creating a new public space.”

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Warshauer wants the Clearwater Gateway Farmers Market to rival St. Petersburg’s Saturday Morning Market.

He admits that might take a little time as the Saturday St. Petersburg tradition brings thousands out each week to see wares offered by hundreds of vendors.

“That’s my dream,” Warshauer said.

He toured markets in Dunedin, St. Petersburg, Belleair and Clearwater’s downtown version.

Warshauer would like to see musicians, street theater, food, produce and art for sale each Saturday. He would like the market to offer cooking classes, healthy eating and food trucks if the city would allow it.

Warshauer said he already has talked with some of the businesses in the area to let them know the market is coming.

“We know there is going to be some parking issues,” Warshauer said about the location of the market being adjacent to Nature’s Food Patch at Cleveland Street and Missouri Avenue. A Sav-Alot is also planned for the shopping center.

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The Clearwater Gateway Farmer Market had some help to get started.

It is a partnership with the City of Clearwater, the Pinellas County Health Department’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant, the InterCultural Advocacy Center and Pinellas County Health and Human Services.

A $20,000 Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant was used to buy 15 tents, 64 folding chairs, a cash box and other equipment needed to run a market. 

The market coincides with the city's Community Redevelopment Agency East Gateway Vision plan to develop more outdoor public events including a farmer market.

“People are going to want to come out there, have fun and shop,” Warshauer said.

If you go:

What: Clearwater Gateway Farmers Market

When: From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Saturdays starting Jan. 12

Where: 1200 block of Cleveland Street near Missouri Ave.

Want to be a part?

To download an application, visit www.myclearwatermarket.com and access the vendor tab. Call 727-776-7932 or email myclearwatermarket@gmail.com.

For information about the Pinellas County Health Department’s Communities Putting Prevention grant: visit www.CPPWPinellas.com or www.FindtheFunNow.com.