Community Corner

Best of 2012: Retired 'Carnie' Breathes Life Into Broken Radios

John Vick, a former carnival electrician, fixes and sells antique radios from his Lutz home.

As 2012 comes to a close, Lutz Patch is taking a look back at some of the stories we've covered since the site launched in August, as we look forward to a new year in the Lutz community.

Ever wondered about the "radios for sale" sign on Nebraska Avenue? We did. Patch editor John Majeski stopped by to see just what was for sale.

And stepped back in time:

Find out what's happening in Lutzwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

John Vick, 64 opens the lock on one of the trailers in his yard to reveal hundreds of antique radios.

“It’s mostly AM and shortwave,” says Vick. “Back then they didn’t have FM.”

Find out what's happening in Lutzwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Vick fixes up and sells the radios, advertising with a simple sign in the front yard of his home at 16370 N. Nebraska Ave. The 64-year-old Lutz man said his father, Ance Vick, nurtured his interest in electronics, including buying him little radio kits at Christmas.

 For Vick, fixing the devices is like solving a puzzle.

“I like the ones that give me a problem,” he said.

If you want to read the full story, you'll find it here: Retired 'Carnie' Breathes Life Into Broken Radios

Stay tuned for more highlights in the coming days.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here