Packed council meeting in Pantego as families push back against dance studio shutdown

An overflow crowd showed support for the United Performing Arts Company after city leaders revoked its certificate of occupancy following a shooting.

PANTEGO, Texas — A standing-room-only crowd filled Pantego Town Hall on Tuesday night, with an overflow crowd standing outside as families wearing purple showed support for United Performing Arts Company, a dance studio that has operated in the community for more than two decades.

The city revoked the studio’s certificate of occupancy days after a shooting occurred outside the business following a private late-night event Feb. 13. Neighbors say the shooting happened after that private event at the studio.

Pantego police have not said whether anyone was injured and have released few details about the incident.

Several residents questioned the city’s decision, arguing it creates uncertainty for small businesses.

“This creates major uncertainty and fear for any small business in our city,” one speaker told council members.

Others called for transparency and due process.

“Our community deserves transparency, fairness and consistency,” another resident said. “Due process is a right and this community deserves leaders who remember that.”

Dance instructor Quentin Winston told council members the incident was tied to a private rental at the studio.

“Incident involves a private event at that studio, UPAC, United Performing Arts Company,” Winston said.

Owner Angie Meister has hired an attorney to challenge the city’s action. Her attorney, William King, sent a letter to city leaders asking them to “reverse that wrongful decision,” citing concerns about a lack of evidence and lack of due process.

Meister made an emotional plea to city leaders during the meeting.

“Help us get back to work. Help us heal through the arts,” she said.

Some residents also raised concerns about the precedent the decision could set.

“What concerns me is the precedence this sets. If a shooting occurs near a business, are we gonna revoke their certificate of occupancy because of one incident?” one speaker asked.

Pantego Mayor Russ Brewster declined to elaborate on the city’s position at the close of public comment during the meeting. City leaders did not have the issue listed on the meeting agenda and did not address it.

“That’s about all I can say on that. Thanks for coming,” the mayor said.

The certificate of occupancy remains revoked.