The fastest way to get around Sarasota on Tuesday might be by a tightrope as detours are being planned for traffic to accommodate Nik Wallenda's skywalk.

U.S. 41 between Ringling Boulevard and the John Ringling Causeway in downtown Sarasota will be temporarily closed Tuesday, January 29 while Sarasota native and world renowned aerialist Nik Wallenda walks over the highway from the bayfront to Marina Tower on a high wire without a safety harness.  The closure is expected to occur from 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., with the event scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.  Traffic will remain open to and from St. Armands Circle and the barrier islands.

Traffic congestion is expected from 9 a.m. – noon.  Road closure signs will be posted and motorists should follow the detour signs.   Click here to see a map of road closures and detours.

Due to a public safety perimeter which will be established, public parking near the bayfront will be limited.  Spectators are encouraged to walk to the event or park their vehicles in the Palm Ave. Garage.  A free trolley also will shuttle spectators roundtrip from the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, to the event, with a drop-off at the intersection of Cocoanut Avenue and Gulfstream Avenue.  The trolley will run from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The City Commission unanimously approved Mr. Wallenda’s skywalk without a tether during its last regular meeting this past Tuesday, providing Mr. Wallenda receives approval from the Florida Department of Transportation which oversees U.S. 41., and offers a satisfactory statement indemnifying the City of Sarasota.  The Commission also waived the special event permits for the skywalk totaling approximately $6,000-$8,000.  

Circus Sarasota is a proud sponsor of Mr. Wallenda’s Sarasota Skywalk.  It is investing $15,000 in production costs for the event as a way to contribute to the world famous circus legacy in the Sarasota community.  Preservation of the circus arts is part of Circus Sarasota’s year round community outreach program.