Reported by Greg Pallone

INDIAN HARBOUR BEACH -- The record-setting cold snap that started the year has those who buy and sell tomatoes feeling the pinch.

Even though tomatoes are more expensive because of the recent harsh freeze, Satellite Beach's Paula Dawson needs some for her pasta sauce.

"We were expecting that, but when you like tomatoes, you just buy them," Dawson said.

"We have to mark it up and it makes our sales slower," said Warren Watkins from South Patrick Produce.

Watkins has operated South Patrick Produce on the same lot for 25 years.

"It's amazing we even have any after all that freeze," Watkins said.

Watson has seen two really bad freezes in that time, which has caused him to hike his prices.

However, this one is the worst of the two.

Some estimates say up to 70 percent of the state’s tomato crop was damaged because of the long duration of cold temperatures.

According to agriculture officials, this could mean millions in losses for farmers.

For sellers, it means less supply and quality to offer, along with the likelihood of raising prices to make up for the difference.

For consumers, it means fewer choices and rising prices if they want their tomatoes for salads and sandwiches.

Produce stand owners are hanging in there until more supplies can be delivered.

Watkins is paying four to five times as much as before the freeze.

“I talked to the farmers and they tell me within two weeks it should be back to normal. The prices will gradually come down, so the quality will be back up in two weeks,” Watkins said.