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LaBelle Today
By the People, for the People
DAV Flea Market Closed Due to Financial Violations
LaBelle chapter ordered to shut down weekend market over financial irregularities.
Apr. 19, 2026 at 11:05pm
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The closure of the DAV flea market in LaBelle exposes the need for greater financial transparency and accountability within nonprofit organizations.LaBelle TodayThe popular DAV weekend flea market in LaBelle, Florida has been ordered to close due to irregularities in its financial reporting. According to a letter from the national DAV commander, the LaBelle Chapter #144 unit only gave $400 for free services in the last reporting year, while it was required to give 10% of its gross revenue, which would have been around $8,000.
Why it matters
The closure of the DAV flea market in LaBelle is a significant loss for the local community, which has relied on the market as a source of income and community gathering. The financial violations also raise questions about the management and oversight of the LaBelle DAV chapter.
The details
The national DAV commander, Coleman Nee, stated that the LaBelle Chapter #144 violated the organization's financial requirements by only giving $400 for free services, when it should have contributed 10% of its gross revenue, which was estimated to be around $8,000. As a result, the chapter is no longer allowed to operate any flea market or similar venture, and the decision is not appealable.
- The letter from the national DAV commander was sent on April 19, 2026.
The players
Randant, David W
Title Commander of the LaBelle DAV Chapter #144.
Johnson, David R
Title Senior Vice Commander of the LaBelle DAV Chapter #144.
Wilson, Michael
Title Junior Vice Commander of the LaBelle DAV Chapter #144.
Abney, David
Title Treasurer of the LaBelle DAV Chapter #144.
Schall, Robert
Title Judge Advocate of the LaBelle DAV Chapter #144.
What they’re saying
“The LaBelle Chapter can not operate any flea market or similar venture anywhere now or in the future due to the flagrant violation, and said the decision in not appealable.”
— Coleman Nee, National Commander of DAV
The takeaway
This closure highlights the importance of financial transparency and accountability for nonprofit organizations, especially those that rely on community support and fundraising efforts. The LaBelle DAV chapter's failure to meet its financial obligations has resulted in the loss of a popular community event, underscoring the need for stronger oversight and governance within the organization.
