TAMPA, Fla. — As more families move to Manatee County, more businesses are forced to adapt and expand to meet the growth of the community.

One gymnastics center that recently opened is doing just that they’re already planning to open a second location.

Briana Tripoli loves everything about gymnastics, especially the bars. But also climbing things like a 20-foot rope. 

She's only 6 years old but she’s already learning new skills as a level 1 gymnast at Sweet Peas gymnastics in Lakewood Ranch.

Briana loves showing the instructors and her mom, Jessica, what she can do.

In turn instructors say gymnastics helps children develop strength coordination, balance, and confidence. “She has a lot of energy, a lot of energy and she needs to burn it off,”  Jessica said.

The center’s owner, Stephanie Paluchniak, says since opening in August, they’ve doubled their attendance.

Because of the high demand, they’re now expanding to a second location in Sarasota County. “I think there is a huge need for preschool gymnastics through recreational age gymnastic ninja classes and even fitness in our facility here in Lakewood ranch because of the displaced families from Hurricane Ian but there are also a lot of families moving into the area,” she said.

The second location will combine a gym and a preschool.

“They will do gymnastics when they come to class and people ask us to start a VPK program because they can't get into one because of the waitlist,” she said.

For Briana once practice is over and its time to go home the tumbling and climbing continues.  “She does this all day every day,” Jessica said.

Instructors say the life skills children learn early on like discipline and sportsmanship provide a foundation for the future.

As for Briana, she hopes to tumble her way to a competitive gymnastics career in college someday.

The owner is hoping to open the second location in Sarasota County in the fall.