Residents in Ybor City, Florida, are pushing back against a proposed Live Nation concert venue, citing concerns over the impact on local art and noise levels. The proposed 4,300-seat venue would be located between 2nd and 3rd Avenues and 14th and 15th Streets, just three blocks north of the Selmon Expressway.

Concerns Over Local Art and Noise

Angel D’Angelo, the man behind the opposition, organized a petition against the project, which has garnered over 12,000 signatures. D’Angelo argues that the venue would harm local artists and the community, stating, ‘There’s plenty of places for big ticket performers to go. There’s hardly any places for our local artists, rappers and poets to do their performing arts. And part of what makes a city special is its local art.’

Live Nation Florida Market President Brittany Flores responded, ‘Live Nation has been part of Tampa’s live entertainment scene since the 1990s, and our new Ybor City venue reflects our continued investment in this market and its future.’ However, D’Angelo remains unconvinced, citing the need to protect the city’s unique character.

Grand Oak Tree at Center of Controversy

A Grand Oak tree on the project site has become a point of contention. The Barrio Latino Commission will decide whether to grant special permission to cut down the tree, which is protected by Tampa law. D’Angelo plans to speak at the commission meeting and encourage others to do the same.

The decision will be made at the July 28th commission meeting, and the project’s fate remains uncertain. While the venue can technically move forward even if the tree stays, it would reduce the scale of the venue.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.