OPA-LOCKA, Fla. – After more than 40 years, the Opa Locka Hialeah Flea Market will close its doors permanently.
“I’m actually sad because my mom brought me here. It was the first flea market I’ve ever been to. To see it close it close is a sad thing. I wanted to come and support one last time,” said Antoinette Brazzele, a customer.
According to a letter realeased by the management of the flea market to the community, the lease with the owners of 12691 and 12705 NW 42 Avenue in Opa Locka, Florida expires on June 30, 2022.
“We are extremely proud of the job we have done running the flea market these past five years, including working with you to survive and even thrive after Hurricane Irma, as well as contending with the ongoing global pandemic. We have always appreciated your hard work and partnership.”
In July 2017, the New York-based group Gramercy Property Trust bought the flea market and planned on giving it a makeover.
Merchants currently under license agreement at the flea market will have their occupancy lease expire on June 20. The business owners will need to move out and remove all of their goods and inventory before the property officially closes.
“They only gave us 30 days to move out. We asked for more time, so I don’t know how that’s going to work,” said Mario Chirino, owner Latino Cellular.
The flea market spans about 43.8 acres and is the largest facility in Opa-locka that provides jobs.
For a walk down memory lane, click on this link to watch/ listen to the Opa-Locka Hialeah commercial from the 1980s and 1990s.