VENDORS LEAVING NEW I-4 FLEA MARKET

It used to be Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, then the building along the interstate was called it the I-4 Flea Market. Now, more than half the vendors of the flea market along I-4 in the tourism district told Eyewitness News that they're leaving.

The vendors say the people running the place are having financial problems. Some of the vendors say the security guards are not being paid either and, because of that, they are closing up shop.

"Empty booths. This place was supposed to be over 90 percent occupied," vendor Kenny Hughes said.

"Why are people afraid to be here right now?" WFTV reporter Mark Boyle asked.

"There is no security. There is no security," vendor Frank Catapan replied.

Each one of the small booths costs about $1,500 per month. Some of the booths still open have items for sale like candles, souvenirs and toys from around the world.

On opening day, there were more than 200 customers at the flea market spending money, but now that number is around 30. Angry tenants blame the owner, Ishah Hall, and bad advertising.

"There's no advertisement. They have a false advertisement in the front that says the biggest, largest pizza place in the state. There's the pizza place, a small booth," Catapan said.

The owner of the I-4 Flea Market refused to answer any questions. The people Eyewitness News spoke with say they're upset to see their livelihood go down the drain. The property manager said she is hiring security again and is trying to work things out with the tenants.