News Briefs

Jenny Wallenda dies at 87

The matriarch of one of the world’s most famous circus families has died.

Jenny Wallenda, of Sarasota, died Friday. She was 87. She was the oldest daughter of the high-wire walker Karl Wallenda, who formed the Wallendas’ high-wire walking troupe with his brother, Herman, and others in 1922. The group made its American debut with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1928. 

Jenny Wallenda’s husband, Richard Faughnan, fell to death with other troupe members in 1962 while performing the family’s signature trick, a seven-person pyramid.

Jenny Wallenda’s son, Tino Wallenda, carried on the family tradition with his troupe, the Flying Wallendas, which resurrected the seven-man pyramid in 1998. Her grandson, Nik Wallenda, also has carried on the family tradition, walking across the Grand Canyon, among other feats. 

“It is with deep sadness that I say that my Oma/ grandmother passed away last night,” Nik Wallenda wrote on his Facebook page. “She was an amazing woman who lived a truly incredible life. She will be missed everyday. Oma in your honor, I will Never Give Up!”

Jenny Wallenda helped created the Circus Ring of Fame, which she was inducted into in 2008.

County seeks applications

Manatee County seeks applications for its Value Adjustment Board.

The board makes decisions in disagreements between property owners and the property appraiser concerning exemptions and classifications.

Applicants must own homestead property in Manatee County and can’t be members or employees of any organizations that represent property owners, appraisers, tax collectors or other taxing authorities, a press release said. The board meets twice a year.

Applications are due April 20, and are available at mymamantee.org/advisory_boards.

For information, call Vicki Tessmer at 741-4081 or email [email protected].

MEETINGS

Manatee County Commissioners Work Session — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 14, at the County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Manatee County School District Workshop — 2 to 5 p.m. April 14, at the School Support Center, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Manatee County School District Meeting — 5:45 to 9 p.m. April 14, at the School Support Center, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton