Remember Big Top Flea Market? The market was established in the early 1960s by a group of local businessmen who saw the need for a place where people could come together to sell their wares. It was originally located on Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, but was eventually moved to a new larger location on Fowler Avenue in Thonotosassa. Over the years, the market grew in size and popularity and became one of the largest flea markets in the southeastern United States. In 2020, after 26 years of operation, it closed, and the owners sold the property. It is now the sprawling Livano Uptown apartment community. I still can’t find mini donuts as good as you could get at the Big Top!

© Chip Weiner. oldtampaphotos.com