Cirque Italia gets first green light to build in Palmetto after Oneco neighbors objected
This time, there were no issues for Cirque Italia when it appeared before the Manatee County Planning Commission.
They came away with a 6-0 vote from commissioners Thursday, recommending approval for development of a site north of Palmetto.
Cirque Italia, which presents water and paranormal circus shows, plans to develop 12 acres at 3216 U.S. 41 N.
The plan would allow up to 40,000 square feet of temporary recreation event area and 65,000 square feet of mixed-use space which could include agricultural, retail and residential uses.
The site, previously home to Fun City Go Cart, is on the east side of U.S. 41.
The request now goes to the county commission for a deciding vote.
Cirque Italia could eventually present shows there, but would require a temporary-use permit, said attorney Scott Rudacille, who represented the applicant.
Manatee County Planning staff recommended approval of the general development plan. That recommendation and the lack of objection from the public helped with the 6-0 vote.
In May, Cirque Italia requested approval of similar plans for a site in Oneco. Neighbors rallied against it, citing the R-rated content of the paranormal show. In spite of the objections, planning commissioners voted 4-3 to recommend approval of the request.
But in June, the Manatee County Commission unanimously rejected Cirque Italia’s plans in Oneco, citing neighbors’ concerns about noise and the content of performances.
“We have two family shows and our paranormal show for diversity in the circus arts. It’s like going to the movies where you can choose to see an R-rated movie or a PG movie,” Louisa Nealon, Cirque Italia’s marketing manager, has previously told the Bradenton Herald.
