Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Use American Legion topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Marion County approves American Legion monthly flea markets with hours, noise conditions
Summary
The Board approved a special use permit for Wall Reeves American Legion Unit 58 to hold monthly flea markets and a limited set of special events, setting hours at 8 a.m.–6 p.m., allowing ceremonies with amplified sound under conditions, and denying a fee waiver request.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners on Monday approved a special use permit for Wall Reeves American Legion Unit 58 to formalize monthly flea markets and occasional small special events at the post north of Dunnellon.
Growth Services transportation planner Kenneth Odom presented Case 251101SU and told the board the flea market has operated for about a decade and that staff recommended approval with conditions to limit impacts to neighbors. "The operation shall be limited to 1 weekend per month for a total of 12 per year," Odom said as staff explained the intended frequency and the kinds of memorial events the post would observe.
The measure matters locally because the events provide modest revenue that posts use for veterans and community programs and because neighbors raised traffic and noise concerns. Carl Kester Jr., post commander, told commissioners the markets "were a big community gathering" that drew veterans and residents together. Darcy Bachman, district commander for five Marion County posts, said the events generate only modest income—"potentially about 5 to $5,500 a year"—and that proceeds support local veterans services.
Under the conditions approved by the board, the flea market may operate one weekend per month (12 events annually), with hours established at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the gatherings; setup before 8 a.m. was permitted so long as the market did not open earlier. The board added a condition allowing amplified sound for ceremonial uses (for example, veterans memorials) either inside or outside, while prohibiting outside amplified entertainment. Staff had recommended no amplified outdoor entertainment, and the board clarified the narrower allowance for ceremonies.
The SUP was written to allow administrative renewal: the post will receive three consecutive five‑year renewal periods at the board’s discretion, and the permit does not automatically transfer if the property or post sells or relocates. The applicant asked the board to waive application fees because the Legion is a 501(c)(19) veterans organization; the request was put to the county attorney and ultimately declined because legal counsel said fee waivers could create a precedent that would be difficult to administer. The chair noted the post’s next two administrative renewals would each cost $300 under the county schedule.
Commissioner Zalick moved approval with the stated conditions and Commissioner Curry seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
The permit includes standard restrictions on outdoor lighting, screening for parking and loading where applicable, and a prohibition on unpermitted outdoor amplified entertainment. The applicant agreed to ensure events conclude by the approved hour and to coordinate with staff if any future deviations are proposed.
