Big Wheel Marketplace rolling down the street

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September 13, 2012

Big Wheel Marketplace rolling down the street

Store closed due to sinkhole will reopen just a few doors down

Bryant Thigpen Suwannee Democrat The Suwannee Democrat Thu Sep 13, 2012, 02:41 PM EDT

Live Oak — Debby. That’s a name that residents of Live Oak and many cities across the state of Florida know very well. It was the name of the tropical storm that left its mark on the city in late June, leaving many people with damaged homes and businesses. Big Wheel Marketplace, a popular used furniture and appliance store in the downtown area, was one place in particular that was gripped by the storm.

“I lost 50 percent of the merchandise,” stated Barney Everett, owner of the Big Wheel Marketplace. Part of the building that served as home to the store now sits in the depression that is believed to be caused by the formation of a sink hole. Live Oak Building Inspector Roy Rogers posted signs around the facility notifying the business owner and public shoppers that the building is unsafe and use of the building is prohibited.

While the building still lies in ruins, local citizens are glad to know that the Big Wheel Marketplace will soon be reopening again, but in a different location. From used furniture to antiques and collectibles, the store had over 5,000 items to choose from. Moving west on Howard Street (US 90), just a matter of feet from its current place, the store will continue to provide the same great products it has for the past three years.

The re-opening of the Big Wheel was originally scheduled for the first of September, but due to the current building still being remodeled, the first official day at the new location has been delayed. However, Big Wheel shoppers can find them set up in the park participating in Flea Across Florida that will take place Friday-Sunday, Sept. 14-16, from 7 a.m. until dark.

Flea Across Florida is a weekend event that was founded nearly three years ago by Everett. Deemed as “Florida’s longest yard sale,” Flea Across Florida is hosted along the roadside of US 90 and is 272 miles long stretching to Pensacola with over 200 yard sales.

On the windows of the old home of Big Wheel Marketplace in white spray paint it says, “Thank you Live Oak for three great years! We love you,” and on the adjacent window, “We are blessed! Thanks Jesus!” But on the windows at 217 West US Highway 90, just a few doors down it says, “Big Wheel Market Place Coming Soon.”  Soon, Live Oak shoppers will be able to roll their wheels down to the marketplace.