University Circus Rebuilds with New Big Top Tent After Tornadoes

News Summary

The Florida State University Flying High Circus has received a new Big Top tent following the tornado devastation that struck Tallahassee in May. The iconic tent was crucial for years of performances but was destroyed during the disaster. A new tent from Italy is set to restore the circus’s legacy, backed by community support and significant financial contributions aimed at rebuilding efforts, ensuring that the show can return in the fall.

Tallahassee Circus Bounces Back from Tornado Wreckage with New Big Top Tent

Tallahassee is buzzing with excitement as the Florida State University Flying High Circus has recently received a brand new Big Top tent after the devastation of tornadoes that struck the city on May 10. It’s hard to believe it’s been over ten months since those tornadoes, which were impressive in their destructive nature, hit the area with a vengeance. Two tornadoes converged right at the Capital City Country Club, accompanied by a third, resulting in a rare and dramatically destructive event across the city, including the beloved circus location.

From Ruin to Recovery

The tornadoes left in their wake significant destruction, most notably flattening the Flying High Circus’s iconic tent. For years, this tent served as a focal point for the circus, hosting countless performances for thousands of eager attendees. The emotional aftermath of the tornado had a profound impact, not just on the circus program, but on the entire community. However, hope is on the horizon as a new tent has arrived all the way from Italy, ready to take the circus to new heights once again.

The installation process for the new Big Top tent involved a team effort where students and construction crew members donned hard hats and safety vests, working collaboratively to set up the structure. To prepare for the new arrival, a robust concrete flooring was installed by Southern Standard Construction, involving an impressive use of over a million pounds of concrete to support the circus’s equipment and seating. This added layer of safety and durability is key to the future success of the Flying High Circus.

Financial Impact and Community Support

The financial repercussions of the tornado were staggering, with confirmed repair costs for the circus’s infrastructure ringing in at around $850,000. Luckily, generous community support established an $80,000 recovery fund to help the rebuilding efforts. This fund is part of FSU’s 14th annual Great Give, a day dedicated to encouraging community contributions to the university and its various programs. The cost estimates for the new tent itself and its seating system reach about $650,000 and an additional $200,000, which is quite an investment for a program rooted deep in the university’s tradition.

A Bright Future Ahead

Despite the setbacks, circus members have kept their spirits high, engaging in small community events and practicing steadily in anticipation of their big return. The FSU student community has rallied behind the circus’s rebuilding process, filled with enthusiasm for the upcoming performances that await. As the days go by and the new Big Top tent rises, Tallahassee’s hearts are filled with optimism that the Flying High Circus will soon reclaim its place in the spotlight, serving as a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity.

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Tallahassee Flying High Circus Returns with New Tent

Additional Resources

• Tallahassee.com: FSU Flying High Circus Gets New Big Top Tent
• MSN: FSU Flying High Circus Ready to Soar Again
• Tallahassee.com: FSU Flying High Circus to Return This Fall
• Tallahassee.com: FSU Flying High Circus Destroyed After Tornadoes
• Wikipedia: Tornado