Outdoor Farmers Market

Tropical Storm Emily Causes Possible Tornado and Extensive Damage

The National Weather Service is investigating a possible tornado that materialized as a result of Tropical Storm Emily near Bradenton, Florida. Local businesses and city property was damaged and/or destroyed as a result of the hurricane and possible tornado. A team is currently attempting to determine whether or not the tornado touched down or perhaps began to form and dissipated before it could do so. The Tropical Storm was intense, and recorded peak winds were found to be near 80 mph. The Farmer’s Market was severely damaged, and the total damage costs amount to near 100,000 dollars. Below is a video from a local resident of the winds and water crashing against the walls of his sunroom.


 

The storm hit in the late morning just before 11:00 a.m.. The tornado warning happened almost immediately, and the winds were already tearing down trees and resident property. The storm hit Manattee County at it’s peak, and fortunately no residents were hurt in the process. The farmer’s market was the most unfortunate loss from the storm, and many of the locals are sad to see it damaged. The owner began the market as just a a small produce stand in their backyard, and it slowly transformed into a gathering place for produce and those looking to for a fresher selection of “okra, black eyed-peas, fruit, vegetables, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and kale.

The owner’s granddaughter was quoted in the local paper as saying, “I definitely didn’t see that one coming. I coach at Manatee High School and we were doing conditioning. I saw all the rain, and I saw everything happening. We made the call to close the farm, but I had even posted on our Facebook, ‘stay tuned we might re-open if it dries out.’ It was very odd when I was at home; I live right down the street, and got the tornado warning.” Luckily the market is and it’s owners are so beloved that customers rushed to send their support. “We just had one of our customers and family friends bring us dinner. That’s how they wanted to help out. We have the best customers, put it that way for sure, and the best neighbors.”

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