Its the end of an era for a Tallahassee stapleafter 41 years, the Flea Market Tallahassee has shut down permanently, leaving hundreds of vendors and countless shoppers searching for whats next.
Flea Market Tallahassee closed after 41 years due to structural damage from a winter storm. Over 300 of 438 vendor booths were damaged. Watch the video below to hear why owners say fixing the damage wasnt an option. Flea Market Tallahassee bids farewell after 41 years of community service
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
A final farewell to a landmark: The Flea Market Tallahassee
It is kind of sad for, I believe, for the community, flea market shopper Lisha Keys said.
Im Lentheus Chaney, your neighborhood reporter in southwest Tallahassee, speaking with a vendor and shopper about Sundays final goodbye.
After 41 years, the market gates closed for good.
Since 1983, Flea Market Tallahassee has been a weekend destination for thousandsa place to shop, connect, and support small businesses.
But that legacy ended Sunday after structural damage from Januarys unusual winter storm left more than 300 of the markets 438 vendor booths damaged.
Market management says rebuilding under current county codes is too expensive.
Vendors were officially notified last month that July 27 would be their final day.
Fish market vendor Omar Faruk began vending a year and a half ago. He says he’s poured his savings into the business. And now, like many others, hes left without a place to sell.
Im not sure yet where we gonna go. You know, we have a couple locations weve been looking. But like I said, when youre looking for a business place, you know, its not that you just want an empty place you want to see whats surrounding you. Itd going to be tough. But we will move forward. Its just gonna take a little time,” Faruk said.
But its not just the vendors feeling the loss.
Shoppers like Lisha Keys have built years of routine around this place.
“I enjoy coming here. Its away from home. Ive met a lot of people. I get good bargains and I like coming. Its just closer to where I live. Im gonna miss it, Keys said.
Keys says shes not sure where shell go nextand worries that for some neighbors, there may not be another option.
I reached out to market management for comment, but they declined my interview request.
Some vendors tell me theyre looking for new locations, while others say they may have to walk away from selling altogether.
In southwest Tallahassee, Im Lentheus Chaney, ABC27.
Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.
Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.