WEST PALM BEACH –West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio is scheduled to meet with vendors who work in the flea market, the spot that has become the focus of a city initiative to reduce crime and violence on the property.
The meeting is at 3 p.m., Monday, Jan. 27 in the West Palm Beach Police Community Room, 600 Banyan Blvd., West Palm Beach.
Back in December, the West Palm Beach Police and federal agents raided the flea market but made no arrests. The flea market has been the site of several shootings, most recently in September of last year. About 100 vendors operate spaces in the flea market.
During her weekly media briefing, the mayor announced plans to meet with flea market merchants. She said the group wanted her to hear directly from them, and Muoio said she is happy to meet with them but they need to understand that whatever happens on the property, it must be safe.
“If you want to continue being a merchant in the flea market, then you need to help us to make sure it is a safe place to be,” said Muoio.
The place has to be brought up to code, she said. She said her office has been trying to get in touch with the owner but no contact has been made.
“He has a big part of the responsibility … to the extent to which it’s not safe he is not living up to his end of the bargain,” Muoio said.
The property itself is actually located in two different cities. A portion of it is in West Palm Beach, while another portion of the property is in Mangonia Park.
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