Located in Brooksville, Florida, Pickers Rt. 98 Flea Market opened on November 19th and has received positive responses from both vendors and customers. According to owner Derek Moyer, there was a need for a market in the area. “The closest flea market was about 15 miles away,” he notes. “This is a good location, and I had a lot of feedback from people before I opened up, talked to a lot of vendors and they thought it was a good idea.” With room for approximately 50 tables, the market had 26 vendors selling last Saturday, welcoming about 500 customers.
Lots of Room to Grow
The market has additional space to expand, if necessary. “We have five acres of land, and I’d like to have enough vendors where I could clear some more land and maybe have 100 or 150 vendors ultimately,” Moyer says. “We’re also looking at eventually opening Fridays as well, and maybe do something during the week, like a classic car show and part swap meet.”
Moyer notes that he is currently working on a temporary permit, but will go in front of the local planning board next Monday to receive a two-year permit for land use to operate the flea market. However, he believes after conversations with board members that it should be no problem. “All the neighbors are onboard,” he adds. “A couple of them have even set up as vendors.”
Pickers Rt. 98 Flea Market is open year-round from 7 to 4 on Saturdays and Sundays, with most vendors setting up around 6. The cost for 10 x 20 outdoor spaces is $12 for the day or $20 for a weekend, but vendors must bring their own tables or tents. Moyer also operates a small country store on the premises.