News Summary
In response to the closure of the original flea market, the Tallahassee Urban League is launching a new weekly market in Frenchtown. Held at their headquarters, this initiative supports displaced vendors and offers a variety of products. The market will operate August 9-10, aiming to reinvigorate the local economy after the sudden market closure caused by a winter storm. Community support is crucial as discussions continue for a permanent location to aid affected vendors.
Tallahassee – In response to the recent closure of the original flea market that had served the community for over four decades, the Tallahassee Urban League is launching a new weekly flea market in Frenchtown. This initiative aims to support vendors who have been displaced by the sudden closure of the market in January due to substantial damage caused by a winter storm.
The flea market will be held at the Urban League’s headquarters located at 923 Old Bainbridge Road on August 9 and August 10, operating from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local vendors will offer a variety of products, including fresh produce, jewelry, purses, and shoes, providing an avenue for them to continue selling their goods during this challenging transition period.
The closure of the original Flea Market Tallahassee, a beloved institution for over 40 years, has left many vendors searching for alternative selling locations. The Urban League’s flea market is considered a “temporary fix” to help these displaced vendors maintain their businesses until a more permanent solution can be established. Ongoing discussions are focusing on finding a lasting location that can accommodate all affected vendors.
One vendor, Eugene Larry, has initiated discussions for potential new locations but is not currently connected to the Urban League’s flea market initiative. Meanwhile, Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor is actively advocating for local government intervention to support these vendors. He has proposed the county-owned North Florida Fairgrounds as a viable option for establishing a new market space.
In conjunction with Proctor’s efforts, the Urban League is working collaboratively with local officials to develop a suitable and sustainable solution to meet the needs of the displaced vendors. Alongside the Urban League’s flea market, another market is in the works on Woodville Highway. This market, led by local resident Gordon Cox, aims to provide space for more than 10 vendors. Cox has been distributing flyers to encourage participation and is optimistic about the new market’s success.
Community support for local businesses is critical, and the Urban League urges residents to come out and shop at these markets. In addition to the flea market efforts, the Urban League is also engaged in a Rehabilitation Housing Project that aims to enhance home ownership in the area. The project has resulted in the completion of three new homes in the Griffin Heights neighborhood, which have been upgraded from previous structures that were deemed beyond repair.
As the flea market event approaches, weather forecasts indicate increasing rain chances, including potential heavy downpours which could lead to flooding concerns. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-80s during the event, underscoring the importance of appropriate preparations for both vendors and patrons.
The Tallahassee Urban League’s initiative to host these flea markets represents both an immediate response to the needs of displaced vendors and a step towards finding a permanent solution. The collaborative efforts of local residents, government officials, and organizations reflect the community’s commitment to supporting its local businesses and ensuring their revival.
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Additional Resources
- WTXL News – Urban League Steps In After Flea Market Closes
- Wikipedia: Tallahassee
- WTXL News – Urban League Steps In
- Google Search: Tallahassee Urban League
- Tallahassee.com – Urban League Hosts Flea Market
- Google Scholar: Tallahassee Urban League
- WTXL News – Urban League Rehabs Homes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tallahassee
- WTXL News – Urban League Shout Out to Businesses
- Google News: Urban League Tallahassee
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.
