A century-old citrus packing house in Umatilla that was transformed into a popular antique collective and flea market is set to close permanently next month, after city commissioners approved an ordinance clearing the way for a 7-Eleven gas station and convenience store on the site — though the project still must clear a separate site plan approval process before construction can begin.

The Ol’ Packing House, located at 690 S. Central Ave., will shut its doors on Sept. 13, owners confirmed. The rustic two-story building, which once served as a hub for receiving, packing and distributing citrus during Florida’s agricultural boom roughly 100 years ago, has for years housed about 60 local vendors selling vintage goods, collectibles, furniture, crafts and products such as Florida orange blossom honey.

Instead of being demolished many years ago, the industrial packing barn was preserved and repurposed into what supporters called a “picker’s paradise.” It has also hosted second-Saturday outdoor yard events featuring food trucks and additional vendors.

Owners of the Ol’ Packing House announced the closure in statements shared with the public.

“Tick Tok goes the clock,” it reads. “Be sure to come shopping before our door closes September 13th. Still a good selection and sales throughout the mall. We are open Wednesday through Sunday 9am-5pm. We look forward to seeing you.”

Another statement reads, “Yes they sold the land and it’s going to become a 7/11 so unfortunately we have to close. Please stop by and say hi before we go.”

Umatilla Mayor Chris Creech confirmed the rezoning ordinance allowing the 7-Eleven has passed, but said the company still needs to go through site plan approval before the project can move forward. Site plans for the property remain preliminary and an application indicates a 7-Eleven facility with 12 fuel pumps facing State Road 19, an estimated 4,900-square-foot building farther back on the lot, about 40 parking spaces, and access from both SR 19 and Golden Gem Drive.

The council’s vote came July 7 after lengthy public input, with members approving the measure 4-1. Most public speakers opposed the plan, raising concerns about competition with existing gas station and convenience store owners, the lack of need for another such business in town, the loss of a historic structure, and the potential impact of a large chain operator on Umatilla’s small-town character.

Not everyone agreed. Former council member Scott Purvis spoke in favor, arguing the southbound side of SR 19 needs another gas option and that 7-Eleven’s offerings could be an upgrade over some existing local stores, noting that the chain does not carry many of the drug-paraphernalia items sometimes found in other convenience stores.

Mayor Creech and council member Kaye Adams, who both voted in favor, said the packing house’s age and condition make its eventual demolition likely regardless of this proposal, with Creech saying the building would probably come down “at some point.”

Council member Bear Crockett cast the lone dissenting vote. While saying he supports property owners’ rights, Crockett said he’d like to see the site developed in a way “more suitable to town,” adding that council members should weigh what their constituents want and that the majority in the room clearly opposed the plan.

The project would add to a growing number of 7-Eleven locations in north Lake County. In recent years the chain has opened stores in Pine Lakes, Eustis and Grand Island, with multiple outlets also operating in Leesburg, Lady Lake and surrounding areas.

The news has drawn criticism from some residents who value the building’s history and the unique shopping experience it offered.

“We don’t need another 7-11!” says Carol Krossman. “We need another place for y’all. Love exploring Ol’ Packing House in that great old building. I’ll be out this weekend.”

Julie Waskow added, “This is just wrong in my opinion, the landscape of downtown Umatilla will have no charm or history left. I have enjoyed your store very much and will miss it. We need more businesses like this and less neon and huge gas stations.”