News Summary
In response to the closure of Flea Market Tallahassee, two new flea markets are set to open, offering local vendors a chance to resume sales. The first market will be at the S.C.R.E.W.S. Tool Library, while the Urban League will host another market on Old Bainbridge Road, both aiming to support the displaced vendors. Local leaders are working to secure more permanent locations for these initiatives, demonstrating the community’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit following the shutdown.
TALLAHASSEE – Two new flea markets are set to open in Tallahassee in response to the closure of the long-standing Flea Market Tallahassee, which permanently shut its doors in July due to damage from a winter storm. This closure left hundreds of vendors without a place to sell their goods, creating a significant gap in opportunities for local entrepreneurs and artisans.
The first of the new flea markets will be set up in the parking lot of the S.C.R.E.W.S. Tool Library on Woodville Highway, generously offered by operator Gordon Cox. Cox, having reached out personally to vendors with flyers, anticipates participation from over ten vendors at the inaugural market, which is scheduled to operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
Simultaneously, the Urban League is organizing another flea market at their facility on Old Bainbridge Road, featuring approximately 25 vendors. This market aims to provide a supportive environment for those affected by the closure of the Flea Market Tallahassee, which served the community for over 40 years before its abrupt end. The Urban League’s market will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Following the closure of the original market, there has been a significant push for these new operations to find more permanent locations. Potential sites being considered include the North Florida Fairgrounds and Carter-Howell-Strong Park on Georgia Street. Local leaders, including Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor, are advocating for government support to secure a dependable venue for displaced vendors.
As the new flea markets launch, many vendors remain hopeful. One vendor with four decades of experience expressed optimism regarding the prospects of these initiatives, emphasizing the resilience and resourcefulness of the local community. Eugene Larry, another former vendor, is also engaged in negotiations for additional locations, including talks with the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, though no final decisions have been made regarding that venue.
The closure of the Flea Market Tallahassee stemmed from critical structural damage incurred during a rare winter storm in January. The combination of poor conditions and the inability to operate safely led to its permanent shutdown, affecting not only the vendors but also the community that frequented the market for years. The new markets thus represent not only a chance for vendors to resume operations but also a communal effort to rebuild the local economy.
As the new markets gather momentum, there is optimism surrounding the resilience of the vendor community in Tallahassee. These markets will serve as a temporary solution while discussions continue regarding a more permanent location for the displaced vendors, offering them a chance to relaunch their businesses and engage with the local community once again.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Flea Market Tallahassee to Close Permanently After 41 Years
New Industrial and Housing Developments in South Florida
Additional Resources
- WTXL: Two New Flea Markets Open in Tallahassee
- Wikipedia: Flea Market
- Tallahassee.com: Community Finds New Home at Mahan Drive Flea Market
- Google Search: Flea Markets in Tallahassee
- WTXL: Vendors and Customers React to Flea Market Closing
- Google Scholar: Flea Market Impact on Local Economy
- Tallahassee.com: South Side Reeling After Food Giant Flea Market Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flea Market
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
