Manatee County blocks Cirque Italia’s performance venue plans in Oneco neighborhood
Outcry from Oneco residents prompted the Manatee County Commission to turn down a plan that would have allowed a temporary circus act to operate in the neighborhood.
Cirque Italia, which has held shows near the Riviera Dunes neighborhood in Palmetto, asked commissioners to consider rezoning a 5.7-acre site just north of State Road 70 and east of 15th Street East. Neighbors were adamantly opposed, citing potential noise issues and problems with the content of the performance.
While the circus does not include live animal performances, one of Cirque Italia’s shows is “Paranormal Cirque,” which features “illusionists, freaks and mysterious creatures,” according to the company’s website.
“We don’t want an R-rated horror themed circus in old Oneco,” said Margi Nanney, an Oneco resident. “If you pass this today, you will forever change the face of our community.”
“It just doesn’t create harmony,” added Jose Piliado, who owns property next door to the proposed site. “The nature of the business does not create the right harmony for the community. I would say it’s a bad idea.”
During Thursday’s public meeting, board members voted unanimously to deny the application, noting that they did not believe the use of the property would be compatible with the surrounding area. Commissioner Carol Whitmore was not present.
Residents were concerned about the content of the show, but board members said that didn’t factor into their decision. The county’s legal counsel said basing their ruling on the subject matter would be a violation of the First Amendment.
“I’m not going to start restricting what kind of movies AMC can show because people live nearby,” Commissioner George Kruse said.
Cirque Italia’s full plans for the site included a 52,000-square-foot performance area, 20,000 square feet of office space and eight multifamily residential units.
Speaking on behalf of the circus, land use attorney Scott Rudacille described the project as the kind of infill and redevelopment opportunity that county officials want to see.
“The (circus) use is what grabs the headlines here for everyone, but it’s important to remember that the primary component of this request is the redevelopment of a dilapidated commercial building with a new mixed-use structure, including office and residential structures, which is exactly what the envisions,” Rudacille said.
Rudacille also noted Cirque Italia had agreed to ban alcohol sales on the property and limit local performances to 40 days per year, including set-up and tear-down time. But commissioners argued that Cirque Italia had picked the wrong location for a new performance area.
“I don’t think this is appropriate and I don’t think it fits with the community,” Commissioner James Satcher said.
“Rezoning this property ... is intrusive to the neighborhood. Forty days of incompatibility is 40 days too many,” added Commissioner Misty Servia.
This story was originally published June 2, 2022 at 3:02 PM.
