On January 13, 2016, the Mayor's Ocean Drive Task Force Report recommended activation of Lummus Park with public art and culture as a means to elevate the Ocean Drive/Lummus Park experience, maintain and improve its commercial vitality, and enhance the City's reputation as a destination for culture and the Mayor's Ocean Drive Task Force recommended identifying a concessionaire to implement regular Lummus Park arts and crafts show.
On December 13, 2017, the City Commission instructed the Administration to prepare a competitive bidding process for multiple street markets at various locations throughout the City and, on May 22, 2018, the City issued Request for Letters of Interest (RFLI) No. 2018-265 for Management and Operation of the Street Markets (the "RFLI").
Pursuant to the RFLI, the City Manager authorized the Administration to enter into negotiations with Concessionaire, and the Concessionaire desires to be engaged by the City, for the Term of this Agreement, to supply, install, operate, maintain, and manage the Lummus Park Artisanal Market.
In addition, a similar RFLI was issued for the installation, operation, maintenance, and management of a South of Fifth Farmers Market..
In November 2018, the markets were launched.
In March 2020, the market were suspended due to the going COVID-19 pandemic and are expected to reopen, with City managing, in winter 2020 if such reopening can occur in a safe and social distancing manner.