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Vendors, residents press Punta Gorda council on farmers market licensing and alleged free‑speech incidents
Summary
Two residents urged changes to how the city permits and manages farmers markets — one seeking fee changes and expanded locations, another alleging multiple civil‑rights lawsuits tied to market enforcement.
At a Punta Gorda City Council meeting, local vendor Dave Kaelin and resident Daniel Sheets used the public-comment period to press the council on farmers-market rules, permitting fees and alleged enforcement that Sheets said has led to federal litigation.
Kaelin, who said he leased property next to the Celtic market and runs a Saturday farmers market, asked the council to change a city ordinance so that individual vendors would not be assessed business-license fees through the market operator. He said the current rule could require him to write “a $7,000 check” if the site were filled during the season. Kaelin also asked the city to consider putting the central market out to bid and to allow markets in Gilchrist Park to give local vendors exposure when cruise ships visit. “Why are we not taking our small mom and pop locals, getting them that exposure along Gilchrist Park?” Kaelin said.
Daniel Sheets raised free‑speech concerns and alleged the city faces multiple lawsuits tied to market enforcement and trespass incidents. “I don’t you know, some people don’t know you already have 9 civil rights lawsuits for violating rights. And one of them was at the Farmer’s Market,” Sheets said, adding that he expects further federal litigation. He urged the city to put the market on an open bid process and to provide training on free‑speech rules.
Council staff responses: Council members and staff said market licensing and fee structures are handled through the city clerk’s office and may require ordinance changes. City staff (Rachel) said she would verify whether individual vendors are required to hold separate business licenses and confirmed the market manager typically pays a fee and vendors hold their own licenses. She told the meeting the market arrangement “is something that city council can talk about in the future.”
What’s next: Staff said the clerk’s office can follow up and that city council could consider ordinance changes or a bid process if it decides to change how the market is managed. The meeting did not include any formal motion or vote on market licensing.
