Tampa Bay lost the Big Top Flea Market in January, and it’s losing another flea market icon in Pinellas Park.
On Wednesday, the Huntley Family announced that it was shutting Wagon Wheel Flea Market and Mustang Drive-In Market down after nearly 55 years of continuous business. The announcement does not explicitly say that Covid-19 is the reason for the closure.
“To our beloved vendors and patrons, It is with a heavy-heart that we share with you the news that the Wagon Wheel and Mustang Flea Markets will not be reopening,” the note said. “This has been the most difficult decision we have ever made as a family. We wish you all the best. It is with tears and fond memories that we say goodbye and thank you.”
The Huntley’s said vendors who still have items on market grounds can remove it in the coming days, but that no one will be allowed on the premises after June 30.
Located at 7801 Park Blvd., Wagon Wheel and the Mustang Drive-In Flea were some of the busiest markets in the state. It closed in March in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak and was home to more than 2,000 vendors.
Brian Mahoney, a tinkerer and musician who works and creates electronics tutorials under the Uhlectronic moniker, used to source cheap electronics to recycle into his homemade musical instruments. The Wagon Wheel was the center of his business since inception.
“I have relied on the natural barter environment of a large open air flea market for access to the majority of my stock. This closure is devastating for me and will also hurt many vendors that often have very limited resources,” Mahoney wrote in a statement, adding that he’s going to miss the vendor friends he used to see weekly for a decade. “Now I won’t even have the chance to stay in touch.”
He plans to continue with Uhlectronic, but is asking for any donations to his Bandcamp to help him navigate the next phase of his business.
“I promise to never add a paywall to any Uhlectronic tutorials or transition to subscription format,” Mahoney added.
A voicemail box for the market was full. If anyone knows whether or not the property’s been sold, then let us know.
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