News Summary
Tallahassee is set to unveil SCREWS, a nonprofit community space aimed at fostering creativity through shared tools and workshops. With a nominal membership fee, residents can access a variety of tools, participate in workshops, and enjoy local performances. The initiative supports sustainability and community engagement, making DIY projects accessible to all.
Tallahassee Set to Welcome SCREWS Tool Library and Community Space
On August 30, the city of Tallahassee will celebrate the grand opening of SCREWS, a nonprofit community space dedicated to merging art, repair, and community engagement. Founded by Gordy Cox in 2024, SCREWS aims to redefine access to tools and workshops by providing a shared environment for creativity and craftsmanship.
SCREWS, located on Woodville Highway, incorporates a tool lending library, a discount hardware store, workshop spaces, and even a music venue. With a monthly membership fee of just $4, members will have access to an array of tools, including specialized equipment like a 20-foot extension ladder and electric chainsaw. Some tools will be available for check-out at a nominal fee of $1 per week, making it an economically viable option for residents looking to engage in DIY projects without the financial burden of ownership.
The space is designed to foster collective creation while promoting sustainability through upcycled products. SCREWS will manufacture items such as reusable bags, cat toys, and copper jewelry, directly involving the community in the creative process. Instructors at the workshops will retain half of their profits, with the remainder being used to support library operations and maintenance.
As part of the opening festivities, SCREWS will coincide with the reopening of the Southside Flea Market, which aims to support local vendors displaced by the recent closure of Flea Market Tallahassee. Vendors can set up shop for $5, while local produce vendors are allowed to participate for free. The event will include performances by popular local bands, enhancing the community atmosphere.
Performances and Workshops
Among the musical acts, the SCREWS band, led by Gordy Cox and featuring Caleb Gove on guitar and David Baucom on bass, will perform their original song “The Feedback.” This track embodies the group’s frustration with capitalism and underscores the mission of SCREWS—creating a communal space for artistic expression without the constraints of traditional ownership.
The workshop area will offer live demonstrations of repair processes, encouraging community members to bring items for mending. Through these workshops, SCREWS aspires to enhance community skills and promote self-sufficiency while also emphasizing the significance of tools in various art forms.
Community-Centric Initiatives
SCREWS is set to play a crucial role in connecting individuals through creation, allowing artists and craftsmen to work without the overwhelming costs associated with starting a personal workshop. Past successful ventures, including Cox’s experience in the music industry and his previous management of an ACE Hardware store, contributed to the innovative setup of this invaluable resource. Cox envisioned a communal hardware outlet that would serve the needs of the community in a more accessible way than conventional private stores.
Furthermore, SCREWS benefits from generous donations, including WWII-era tools and building materials from Florida State University, creating a rich inventory that will be cataloged using an inventive system based on old carnival raffle tickets.
With its myriad of offerings and collaborative ethos, SCREWS seeks not just to provide tools, but to cultivate a vibrant community where creativity thrives through collaboration and shared resources. The grand opening on August 30 is poised to draw significant local interest, setting the stage for ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and accessibility within Tallahassee.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Gordy Cox Unites Art and Hardware
- WTXL: New Tool Library Builds Community
- WTXL: Two Brand New Flea Markets Opening
- Wikipedia: Community Tool Library
- Google Search: Tallahassee Community Events
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.
