Planning commission backs American Legion flea market permit despite traffic concerns

The Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 7 recommended approval of a special use permit that would allow the Dunnellon American Legion Post No. 58 to operate a weekend flea market on a 1.69‑acre parcel along U.S. 41.

Chuck Verdin, director of Growth Services, told the commission the flea market has operated for years without the county’s special event clearance and staff wrote conditions to bring the use into compliance. "The flea market operations are limited to 1 weekend per month, that's a Saturday and a Sunday, 12 times per year," Verdin said, summarizing staff's recommended conditions.

The permit would allow vendors on weekends only, require the operation to follow a submitted conceptual site plan, keep vendor activity set back from U.S. 41, and require five‑year administrative renewals provided inspections show no violations. Verdin said other remembrance and internal American Legion activities occur primarily inside the building and are not affected by the permit.

David Porter, who identified himself as representing JH Libass Junior Family LLC (property owners across U.S. 41), opposed the request and urged denial on traffic grounds. "The Highway 41 is overly congested. This was determined by the DOT," Porter said, citing a 2015 study and arguing that an already‑congested corridor and planned widening work would make flea‑market traffic problematic for the Chatmier subdivision across the road.

Commission discussion focused on whether traffic and safety were within the commission's scope. Commissioner Danny Gaikwad moved to approve the special use permit "with the conditions, special conditions, please." Andy Bonner seconded; the commission voted unanimously to send a recommendation of approval to the Board of County Commissioners. The county commission will hold the final hearing on Oct. 20 at 1:30 p.m.

The special use permit does not itself grant rights for additional special events; Verdin said separate permits would be required for events beyond the monthly flea market. If ownership or the use of the property changes, the special use permit will be terminated under the proposed conditions.

The commission's action is advisory; the county commission will make the final decision at its scheduled public hearing where opponents and proponents may present fuller testimony and evidence.