#405 THUR | 38 Years of Resilience

Coming Soon: FSU’s Flying High Circus

Local: Goodies | 38 Years of Service

TLH Weekend Events

On May 10, 2024, three tornadoes hit Tallahassee in 30 minutes, flattening trees, ripping off roofs, and destroying the FSU Flying High Circus' iconic big top. The circus, the only collegiate one with its own tent since the 1960s, was left without this symbol of school spirit and trained in cramped spaces for nearly a year.

“The circus is a key part of FSU history, and the tent is a beloved symbol on campus," said Amy Hecht, VP for Student Affairs. "The recovery wouldn’t have been possible without the circus team, FSU leadership, and the Tallahassee community's support. We’re excited for the first show back under the big top.”

The Recovery Process: The circus spent 10.5 months replacing the tent fabric, steel, seating, and foundation, showcasing their resilience. "Our staff's expertise and passion were vital," said circus director Chad Mathews. 🔨

The New Tent: It’s similar but more durable, with a gold and cream exterior for better heat control, features improved ventilation, seating, and rigging for safety. The swooping motif, designed by a former Oglesby Union graphic designer, remains unique to FSU. The new tent arrived by cargo ship on March 20 and was installed with help from student performers.

Community Support: The rebuild cost over $2.25M, with the new tent from Italy costing nearly $850k. Fundraising efforts, including lemonade stands and t-shirt sales, raised over $83k, with $15k from the FSU Great Give. 💗

The Next Act: The circus is expected to perform in October for the Halloween Show Series. To support the FSU Flying High Circus Expansion Project Fund, visit give.fsu.edu. For more info about the circus and upcoming performances, visit their website. | Division of Student Affairs

Tent: 200 ft. long, 120 ft. wide, 60 ft. tall

New layout fits nearly 100 performers (previously 30)

26k pounds of equipment

106 steel poles around the perimeter

8 steel beams in the center

Seating for 1.25k spectators

After 38 years, Goodies Eatery in downtown Tallahassee is closing due to "unforeseen circumstances," owner John Henningsen announced on May 12, marking the "end of an era." | FB Post

"30 days for 30 years" is what Henningsen told himself after a call from his landlords forced him to close. "I hoped to retire on my own terms, but I know God's timing is perfect," He added that he would miss everyone, with May 30th marking the final day to dine. 🍽️🫂

With help from local restaurateur Coosh Willis of Coosh’s Bayou Rouge, Henningsen crafted a business plan, applied for a loan, and took over operations in May 1995, without any real culinary experience and before earning his degree. They had partnered with homegrown business Lucky Goat Coffee and became a hub for all that Tallahassee craved. 🫶🏻

Henningsen served every Florida governor, several presidents, and celebrities like Adam Sandler, who visited incognito. He was in town for what was then called the "FSU Pow Wow" held at homecoming. However, his regular customer base and his staff are the people to whom he gives the most credit when it comes to making Goodies one of the oldest downtown establishments.

Featured Event: Bots Down Under Bash Casual by TallyRobotics | Sunday, June 1 | 5 PM | American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13, 229 Lake Ella Dr. | $20 Tickets Learn More

Musical Tribute to Whitney Houston by D-Reel Productions | Sunday, June 1 | 7 PM | TNL Performing Arts Center, 1533 South Monroe St. | From $28.52 Tickets Learn More

Adult Only Skate: Prince Night by Skate World Center Inc | Thursday, June 5 | 6 PM | 2563 Capital Circle NE | $13 Tickets (Buy Online for a Free Drink)

3rd Annual Dads & Strollers by Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition and Kenyatta Colvin | Saturday, June 7 | 10 AM | Cascades Park | Register Learn More

Fenced In Festival by Gated Community | Saturday, June 7 | 1 PM | $10.01 to $15.74 Tickets

Summer Bike Night by Tallahassee Harley-Davidson | Saturday, June 7 | 6 PM | Corner Pocket, 2475 Apalachee Pkwy # 201 | Free Learn More

Mayday Parade | Saturday, June 7 | 7 PM | The Moon | $40 Tickets Learn More

Southwood Coffee and Cars by Tallahassee Car Guys | Saturday, June 14 | 8 AM | 3197 Merchants Row Blvd. | Learn More

Donuts with Dad by Skate World Center Inc | Saturday, June 14 | 8 AM | 2563 Capital Circle NE | $5; Day-of: $8 Tickets

Family Fun Day by Amicus Brewing Ventures and Charlie Ward | Saturday, June 14 | 2 PM | 717 S Gadsden St. | Tickets Learn More

A Nashville Night by Flip Flop Republic and Smokey Jones and The 3 Dollar Pistols | Saturday, June 14 | 7 PM | Proof Brewing Company, 1320 S Monroe St. | Free Learn More

2025 Up & Coming Artists Tour by Phi Entertainment LLC | Saturday, June 21 | 7:30 PM | Cascades Park | $19.19 Tickets

Georgia Peach Truck at Tallahassee | Monday, June 23 | 4:30 PM | Cascades Park | Tickets/Pre-order Learn More

Battle Lions Vs. AFC Mobile by Tallahassee Soccer Club and Visit Tallahassee | Sunday, June 1 | 7 PM | $10 Tickets Learn More

Battle Lions Vs. Valdosta FC by Tallahassee Soccer Club and Visit Tallahassee | Saturday, June 7 | 7 PM | $10 Tickets Learn More

850 Cup Final - Battle Lions Vs. Pensacola FC by Tallahassee Soccer Club and Visit Tallahassee | Wednesday, June 11 | 7 PM | $10 Tickets Learn More

Pickle Pad x Stretch Zone by The Pickle Pad - Tallahassee | Monday, June 2 | 8 AM | 1925 N. Monroe St. Suite 109 | Free Learn More

14th Annual Golf Tournament 2025 by Florida High Football Touchdown Club | Thursday, June 12 | 8 AM | Southwood Golf Club, 3750 Grove Park Dr. | Register Learn More