Michael Tucci isn’t one to sit still.

A USPTA tennis pro, touring drummer, EMT and medical company CFO, Tucci has made a career of bouncing between passions. His latest venture takes that phrase literally—he's bringing Urban Air Adventure Park, an indoor trampoline and entertainment complex, to Sarasota.

Tucci will open Urban Air Adventure Park in Lakewood Ranch, at 6450 Professional Parkway, in what's being dubbed the area’s new “entertainment district.” The venue, set for a grand opening on July 25, is Tucci’s third Urban Air franchise, following successful locations in Tampa and Brandon. The business, which combines trampolines, rock walls, bumper cars and obstacle courses, is an adrenaline-fueled playground for kids and kids-at-heart.

Tucci, 45, grew up in Sarasota and remembers a time when entertainment options for local kids were limited. “We didn’t have this kind of thing when I was growing up,” he says. “Now families will have something fun to do without having to drive too far.” 

The journey to Urban Air wasn’t exactly a straight shot. A lifelong multitasker, Tucci toured with the Allman Brothers Band’s Dan Toler from 2009 to 2013 and has also gigged with AC/DC’s Brian Johnson. “It’s fun to keep that part of my life going,” he says. “But late nights don’t mix well with having three kids.” Tennis filled the gap—Tucci has been a certified instructor for 15 years—but he was looking for something bigger.

In 2018, while working in pharmaceutical sales, Tucci’s sister-in-law introduced him to the Texas-based Urban Air franchise. He was intrigued by the business model, which blends a walk-in attraction with memberships, birthday parties and café sales. “Urban Air has a successful formula that works,” he says. In a town often focused on amenities for older folks retiring in the sunshine, and lauded for being one of the best spots in the country to do it, it's a welcome endeavor.

After signing on as a franchisee, Tucci opened his first location in Tampa—a $3 million investment. His second, in Brandon, cost $5 million. Sarasota, however, will be his biggest leap yet, with projected costs between $5 million and $7 million—not including land purchase. Sarasota County records show that land for where Urban Air Adventures will be located was purchased in 2023 for $2,781,800.

That land acquisition was a challenge. “Finding a big enough space at a fair rent in Sarasota wasn’t easy,” he says. “So we decided to build from the ground up.” His persistence paid off. The Lakewood Ranch site is part of a growing hub of entertainment businesses, including the upcoming Backyard Social, a bar-meets-food-truck-park with live music and cornhole and a forthcoming bowling alley/arcade concept. (Backyard Social is still going through meetings with Sarasota County Commissioners to seek certain exceptions.)

Despite his packed schedule, Tucci isn’t slowing down. “I like to stay busy,” he says. “It’s just how I’m wired.” And while his career has taken many twists—some by design, others not (he beat Hodgkin’s lymphoma in his 20s)—he’s found joy in creating spaces where families can make memories.

“Every day’s a gift,” he says. “And any day I can help people have fun? That’s a successful day.”

Looking for things to do with teens in the meantime? Click here. Follow Urban Air Adventure Park in Sarasota here.