Tito Gaona to Build Trapeze Resort in Florida

VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) – A new 57-foot-tall permanent circus tent will eventually dot the landscape in Venice after a variance passed to approve its construction.

Thursday, the Venice Historic and Architectural Preservation board voted 4-1 in favor of the move for the circus tent as part of the new Trapeze Park to be built across from the Venice Airport on Venice Island.

The tent will host a trapeze academy to train new, as well as seasoned artists, as well as host future public entertainment performances and special events.

Developers add long-term goals include construction of a hotel, restaurants, and a parking garage

“The circus will never die,” said Tito Gaona, owner and co-developer of the Trapeze Park.

Gaona, a veteran legendary trapeze artist, has been using the tent site for training purposes for years, but said the new, development will be a huge draw for visitors as well as long time Venice residents.

“I’ve been there 27, almost 30 years now, and now, it’s like it waited on me,” Gaona said.

While the board approved the variance, concerns were raised by the board over the aesthetics of the proposed tent, including color, and artistic designs that may adorn the exterior of the structure, which will be replaceable amid other buildings to be constructed in the area.

“This is a campus project, so it will include a hotel, a restaurant and a parking garage, there will be the circus tent, so they did also mention that there could be a fast-food restaurant,” said Venice Planning and Zoning Director Roger Clark.

Developers said the circus tent would come with a price tag of at least $1.5 million.

“The tent is the right choice because that’s what circus tents are built to do, is to have circuses, and it’s a beautiful structure for the perfect reason,” said Misty Servia, AICP, Certified Planner.

While developers are excited about the growth, revenue and historic preservation of the area, others have concerns over increased traffic and congestion.

“I think the circus and the tent itself is a great idea, but we need professionals to come in, not from the city, not from the developer, who assess our traffic flow,” said Venice resident Tommye Whittaker.