THE BALLOON MAN

Last ditch effort to save Venice Circus Arena

 

FROM:  mysuncoast.com
by Josh Taylor
February 13, 2013

VENICE - Those working to save the old Venice circus arena are getting a shock.

The city of Venice's own building director says the more than 50 year old structure is unsafe and changes need to happen within 60 days.

It could mean the end for what was once the winter quarters of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus.

It was certainly a shock to those with the Venice Circus Arts Foundation, who have been working for the past few years to raise money to rehab the site.

The main issue is the roof. Inspectors say it is getting worse, and without repair it is a liability to the city.

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It opened in 1963. It may not make it to 2014. On Tuesday, the city's building director said the historic circus arena is unsafe and a dangerous building. "We were surprised, because we were not even invited."

Tito Gaona performed here for 20 years. More recently, he's been helping the Venice Circus Arts Foundation get its act together to save it. "Supporters helping, volunteers, everyone working very, very hard. The land seems so nice. We cleaned the palm trees. We did a lot of work."

With two years left on a 5-year commitment, city leaders now giving the foundation 60-days to make it safe or it could be demolished.

"If that would have been private enterprise they would have been sited long ago. They would have had to of taken action long ago," says Venice Mayor John Holic.

Holic says it's not easy. "I am a financial supporter of the Circus Arts Foundation. I feel for them. I feel for all of us that contributed."
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