INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Countryside Family Farms, which has been closed for the summer, will not reopen its farm store for the popular fall season, according to a Sept. 18 Facebook announcement by the company.
The farm store — which operated at 6325 81st St. since 2003 — was a produce market where shoppers bought fresh citrus fruits, orange juice, hot pepper jam, T-shirts and more.
Many patrons were hoping it would reopen in this fall, and even its website announced, “We’re busy getting ready for the new citrus season.”
“We are deeply grateful to have shared this special place with you and your families,” the announcement said. “Your laughter, visits and support have meant the world to us. We thank you for being part of our story.”
The closing will be permanent, owner Cheryl Roseland told TCPalm.
“Our lease was up and the property owners have other plans for the property,” Roseland said.
“Every agricultural company that closes is sad and it affects the economy of the region,” Doug Bournique, vice president of the Indian River Citrus League, said in a statement in response to the store’s closing. “The Treasure Coast needs to keep its western areas” agricultural.
Countryside Family Farm hosted Fall Festival on its property, which featured a 7-acre corn maze and hayrides. These were among Roseland’s favorite memories at the location, she said.
“We loved seeing families out together, running around, away from ‘screens’ and enjoying the outdoors,” she said.
The company will continue operating its beachside location, at 3300 South Ocean Drive, and its fruit shipping business, it said.
Jack Randall is TCPalm’s economy and real estate reporter. You can reach him at jack.randall@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Countryside Family Farms announces its popular farm store will be closed permanently
Reporting by Jack Randall, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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