Farmer's market set to open in Estero

Residents of The Reserve at Estero won't have to go far to "pick" fresh Florida produce when the new Farmers Market opens Saturday, Dec. 13, within the community.

"The Famers Market will operate on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.," said Gary Hains, assistant vice president for Toll Brothers Florida West Division. "This will provide an added amenity for our residents and our neighbors, giving them the chance to obtain fresh local produce at reasonable prices, and, at the same time, support area farmers."

Mr. Hains said two well-known vendors will offer locally grown produce plus out-of-season items, citrus fruit, gladioli, orchids, cut flowers and vegetables.

Sunrise Citrus, which has operated in Fort Myers for 30 years, will offer oranges and grapefruit as well as more exotic varieties such as star fruit, blood oranges and tangerines. Owners Robert and Anna Waite also sell in the downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market.

The produce from Brittain Farms, owned by Horace Brittain, includes items such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, bok choy, beets, carrots, eggplant and orchids. Like the Waites, Mr. Brittain is a regular vendor at the downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market.

The Farmers Market will be located in the open field adjacent to the Sales and Information Center. Visitors to the market will also be able to tour the four designer-furnished models: the awardwinning San Rio, a spacious threebedroom, 2½ bath home; the Tosara, a four-bedroom, 2½ bath design with a dramatic two-story living room; the Carmona, also a two-story home with three bedrooms, two full baths and one half-bath; and the Gianna, a flexible two-story design, offering the option of three bedrooms plus a study, four bedrooms, or three bedrooms with an upstairs bonus room.

Amenities at The Reserve at Estero are open and available for residents' use, including an 8,000-square-foot clubhouse with a community room, catering kitchen, fitness center, aerobics room, game room and billiards room. Outdoors there is a resort-style swimming pool and spa, tennis courts and a sports court. There is also a special tot lot with a wading pool.

Located about one-half mile east of U.S. 41, The Reserve at Estero will consist of 494 single-family homes when completed. Four new designer-furnished models — the San Rio, the Tosara, the Gianna and the Carmona — are available for viewing. Pricing at The Reserve at Estero begins in the upper $200,000s.