Alachua County Farmers Market surpasses 100,000 visitors at San Felasco Tech City in 2026
Press release from San Felasco Tech City
ALACHUA, Fla. – The Alachua County Farmers Market has welcomed more than 100,000 visitors since relocating to San Felasco Tech City in January, marking a major milestone for one of North Central Florida’s longest-running farmers markets.
The market, founded in 1972, is held every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon at 13900 Tech City Circle in Alachua. Its first market at San Felasco Tech City was held Jan. 3.
The milestone comes less than a year after a move that initially generated concern among some longtime vendors and customers who questioned whether the market could maintain its identity and customer base after leaving its longtime location along U.S. 441.
The results have exceeded expectations.
“More than 100,000 visits in less than a year isn’t simply an attendance number,” said Mitch Glaeser, co-developer of San Felasco Tech City. “It represents families, farmers, small businesses, and neighbors coming together every Saturday. Farm-to-table and sustainability are fundamental parts of the vision for San Felasco Tech City, and the Farmers Market has become one of the most visible expressions of that vision.”
The market had operated at its former location since 1991 before relocating to San Felasco Tech City. While the location changed, its longstanding mission did not: connecting Florida farmers and agricultural producers directly with consumers.
Weekly offerings include locally grown fruits and vegetables, beef and other meats, eggs, dairy products, honey, plants, baked goods, and other locally produced products.
Amanda Payton, manager of the Alachua County Farmers Market, said the success reflects the commitment of both vendors and customers who embraced the move.
“Reaching more than 100,000 visitors is an incredible milestone for our market and, most importantly, for our vendors,” Payton said. “We wanted to protect what has made this market special for more than 50 years while creating new opportunities for our farmers. Seeing thousands of people come together week after week has exceeded our expectations.”
The new location has also expanded the market’s role as a community gathering place. The market is family-friendly, pet-friendly, and ADA-accessible, with ample parking available near the market area.
Abel Garcia, Board Member of the Alachua County Farmers Market and a vendor of locally produced beef products, said the transition demonstrates the strength of the relationship between local farmers and their customers.
“Farmers understand better than most people that you can’t control every change that comes your way, but you can decide what you do with it,” Garcia said. “Surpassing 100,000 visitors tells us that the community believes in what we’re doing. More importantly, those visitors are supporting local farms and local families every Saturday.”
For longtime vendor Paul Miller, the move has brought new energy and new customers to the market.
“I’ve been part of this market for a long time, and I absolutely love what has happened at San Felasco Tech City,” Miller said. “We’re seeing longtime customers, but we’re also seeing young families and people discovering the market for the first time. We’re preserving a 50-year tradition while introducing it to the next generation.”
The Farmers Market complements San Felasco Tech City’s broader emphasis on sustainability, healthy living, and its Live-Work-Play philosophy. The 82-acre mixed-use community includes extensive solar energy infrastructure and is located adjacent to the approximately 7,200-acre San Felasco Hammock Preserve.
Glaeser said the market’s success demonstrates that innovation and community development extend beyond technology.
“Innovation isn’t only about technology,” Glaeser said. “It’s about finding better ways for people to live, work, and connect. Supporting local agriculture, knowing where your food comes from, creating opportunities for small businesses, and bringing people together in a sustainable environment are all part of building a stronger community.”
The Alachua County Farmers Market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at San Felasco Tech City, 13900 Tech City Circle, Alachua, FL 32615.