Protect Eatonville’s Legacy: Support the 1887 Night Market Ordinance

To the People of Eatonville and Beyond,

Eatonville’s story is one of resilience and self-sufficiency. As the first incorporated Black town in America, our history is built on the determination of those who fought for our right to self-govern. Yet, recent boundary changes and decisions made by past town officials have eroded trust, allowing outside forces to reshape our town and threaten our culture.

The pattern is familiar. Just look at Winter Park, where Black neighborhoods were targeted, reshaped, and displaced under the guise of “community support.” Now, Eatonville faces similar pressures—a push for profit that could strip away our heritage.

The 1887 Night Market stands as a counter to this narrative, providing a space for us to celebrate our culture, empower our residents, and build economic strength. It’s more than an event—it’s a commitment to our community’s future.

We need your support for this ordinance to protect the market and make it a permanent fixture in Eatonville:

• Official Location: Make the Town Hall Parking Lot and Park the permanent home of the 1887 Night Market.
• Support for Relocation: If relocation is ever needed, the town must cover all resources and logistical costs.
• Essential Services: Ensure town support for electricity, water, restrooms, trash services, and maintenance.

By signing this petition, you’re standing up for a space that belongs to us, a space that ensures Eatonville’s story remains ours to tell. Let’s keep our legacy alive.

Stand with us. See proposed Ordinance Below, Sign in support of making a change.

Ordinance No. 2024-XX

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF EATONVILLE, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING SUPPORT FOR THE 1887 NIGHT MARKET; PROVIDING FOR NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES; DESIGNATING RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TOWN; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the Town of Eatonville recognizes the historical significance & impact of the 1887 Night Market in fostering community engagement, historical character, economic growth, tourism; and

WHEREAS, the Night Market operates on the first Saturday of each month from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with market activities occurring from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM; and

WHEREAS, the 1887 Night Market has attracted numerous visitors, thereby enhancing the local economy and promoting the cultural significance of Eatonville; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Eatonville acknowledges its responsibility to support the 1887 Night Market by providing necessary location, infrastructure and services for its continued success;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF EATONVILLE, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:

The 1887 Night Market shall be held on the first Saturday of each month at 307 E. Kennedy Blvd. Eatonville, FL. 32751. The Market shall operate from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM this includes set-up and breakdown time, with scheduled market activities occurring from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The Town of Eatonville shall provide and maintain the following infrastructure and services to support the 1887 Night Market:

1. Market Location: Town Hall Parking Lot and Town Hall Park shall be the official Night Market location & if any alternative location is needed the Town of Eatonville shall assist in finding the appropriate location and facilitate all logistical needs and amenities to accommodate the change.
2. Electricity: The Town shall supply and ensure the availability of electrical connections for vendors and event lighting.
3. Water: The Town shall ensure the availability of towns water usage during Market operations.
4. Restrooms: The Town shall provide and maintain accessible public restrooms during the operating hours of the Market.
5. Trash and Sanitation: The Town shall ensure the market has the necessary amount of trash cans, and garbage usage fees will be responsible by the Town.
6. Maintenance: The Town shall oversee the maintenance of the Market area, ensuring that all infrastructure, including electrical, parking lot grounds, Town Hall Park, lighting and water systems, remains operational and up to code.
7. Security and Safety: The Town shall collaborate with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of attendees and vendors.

The Town shall work in collaboration with 1887 First, the organization overseeing the Night Market, to coordinate the ongoing infrastructural needs of the Market and ensure that all operational aspects are effectively managed.

This ordinance establishes the Town’s responsibility for the ongoing provision of these services for the duration of the Night Market’s operation or until such time as the Town Council amends or repeals this ordinance.

If any section, subsection, clause, or provision of this ordinance is held to be unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this ordinance shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.

All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed.

This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption.