News Summary
After the tornado devastation on May 10, the Florida State University Flying High Circus is set to make a triumphant return with a brand-new tent from Italy. Community members and students have rallied together to restore the beloved circus, which has been a cherished institution since 1947. As repairs progress, the circus expects to resume performances this fall, rekindling the spirit of joy for families in Tallahassee. This effort symbolizes resilience and unity in the face of adversity, promising an exciting future ahead.
Tallahassee Flying High Circus Soars Again with New Tent After Tornado Wreckage
Well folks, Tallahassee is buzzing with excitement! After the devastating tornadoes that wreaked havoc on May 10, the beloved Florida State University Flying High Circus is finally ready to bounce back into action. Those tornadoes were no ordinary storm – they were part of an outbreak that left a significant trail of damage in their wake, including obliterating the circus’s iconic big top.
A Tornado’s Fury
Tornadoes are never easy to deal with, and on that fateful day in May, Tallahassee experienced not one, but two tornadoes converging right at the Capital City Country Club. Adding to the chaos was a third tornado that struck nearby, transforming quiet neighborhoods into scenes of destruction. Homes, cars, and yes, even that beloved circus tent that hosted thousands of performances were caught in the crossfire. The storm was described as a rare occurrence, leaving behind far more than just windswept debris.
New Beginnings with Italian Flair
But wait, it’s not all doom and gloom! In a moment that showcases the spirit of resilience, members of the Flying High Circus teamed up with construction workers to replace the old tent with a brand-new structure that arrived fresh from Italy. Talk about an international endeavor! This new tent is expected to provide a fantastic venue for future performances, bringing back the magic that the community has missed since the fateful night of storm chaos.
Community at Work
Students from Florida State University rolled up their sleeves to participate in the installation process, sporting hard hats and safety vests as they eagerly helped to make the new tent a reality. The confirmed repair costs so far have climbed to a staggering $850,000, with more expenses still being calculated. This truly reflects the dedication of everyone involved in the circus as they work toward not just repairs but a revival of joy for Tallahassee’s families.
Resilience Amidst Aftermath
While recovery is underway for the circus, Tallahassee has seen more trouble recently with severe weather causing straight-line winds of up to 100 mph and additional tornado concerns. Community-wide damage assessments are now in full swing as residents deal with downed trees, blocked roadways, and frustration over power outages impacting over 66,000 customers. The electric grid has taken quite a hit, affecting 11 substations and requiring urgent attention.
Campus Closures and Cleanup
As part of the fallout from the storms, both Florida A&M University and Florida State University have been actively engaged in cleanup efforts. Florida A&M even had to temporarily close down, implementing a remote schedule for classes. Florida State has experienced damage across its campus, including its baseball stadium, but is expected to resume normal operations soon.
Hope on the Horizon
Despite the hiccups caused by nature, the Flying High Circus is looking forward to resuming full shows this fall. Last year, they had to cancel the annual summer camp for the second consecutive time due to the tornado wreckage. However, the circus community has rallied together, raising approximately $80,000 to aid in recovery, demonstrating just how strong that bond truly is.
A Bright Future Ahead
With more than a million pounds of concrete poured in preparation for the tent’s installation, and seating along with aerial equipment set to be placed once everything is solidified, Tallahassee can look forward to an exciting return to the spotlight. The Flying High Circus has been a cherished institution since 1947, and fans can hardly wait to see the legacy continue.
As Tallahassee weathers through these storms, the community’s love for the circus acts as a beacon of hope. With the new tent and collaborative spirit, the Flying High Circus is not just recovering — it’s ready to soar higher than ever!
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: FSU Flying High Circus Gets New Big Top Tent
- USA Today: Mother’s Day Weekend Forecast
- Miami Herald: Florida Politics and Government News
- Florida Phoenix: Tornado Hits Downtown Tallahassee
- Wikipedia: Tornado
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
