The Sarasota Farmers Market Board of Directors has voted to cease all operations until further notice. Operations includes the office, all social media, and assisting other non-profits. The Board mentioned acquiring additional funds for staff and other expenses will be needed to resume operations. Two employees of the farmers market have been laid off. They are instructed to seek unemployment benefits until more funding is created. “I'm sure the Board is up against some tough decisions, but I wish they had given me a little more time as I have our accountant working on a number of stimulus packages and other funding that will be coming in," said Executive Director, Phil Pagano. “I mostly feel bad about our longtime employee, Heather Empsall, that has worked so hard for seven years for the market. She's put together out social media that by far is one of the most popular in town that helps both the vendors and the community. I hope I can raise some more funding, especially for her.”