A Message from the Florida Theatre about Ticket Brokers: www.floridatheatre.com is the Only Authorized Website and Ticket Seller for the Florida Theatre!

Press Release & Photo

Orlando Resident Wins Coveted Florida Theatre Annual Ticket Drawing in Jacksonville

Press Release & Photo

Jamie Kent, Programming Manager of Theatreworks at the Florida Theatre, wins the 2023 Excellence in Arts Education Award from the Florida Alliance for Arts Education

Press Release & Photo

Auld & White Constructors Receives An Associated Builders & Contractors Excellence In Construction Award For The Second-Floor Members’ Lounge At The Florida Theatre

Press Release & Photos

Florida Theatre Wins CREW Jax Impact Award

Press Release

The Red Velvet Curtain From The Historic Florida Theatre Lives On Through Pine Castle And At Hardwicks

Press Release

The Florida Theatre Announces Distinguished Committee Chairs & Members For The Florida Theatre Ball In 2024

Press Release

The Florida Theatre Announces Changes To Their 2023 Board Of Directors

Press Release

Florida Theatre's Attendance Ranks #4 In The Nation for 2023

Press Release

Florida Theatre Issues Annual Report For Fiscal 2023:

A Monumental Year Of Shows And Ren"ovation"

Press Release

The Florida Theatre Ball: Vegas-Style

Saturday, May 18^th at the Florida Theatre

Press Release

Florida Theatre and Duval County Public Schools to host three, free, private sensory-friendly Theatreworks shows for students on the ASD spectrum in April of 2024

Press Release

Get Married by Elvis or Renew Your Vows at the Florida Theatre Ball – Vegas Style!

Press Release

Florida Theatre Announces The 2024-2025 Theatreworks Season

Press Release

The Florida Theatre Ball: Vegas-Style, Presented By DEX Imaging Raises Over $200,000 For The Historic Venue

Press Release

WJCT Public Media Shares New Season of Hit Podcast:

Untold Stories Returns This Summer for Another Season of Audio Storytelling

Press Release

Corporate Partner Press Releases

Florida Theatre announces a new corporate partner: First Horizon

Press Release & Photos

Florida Theatre Announces A New Corporate Partner: The Haskell Company

Press Release

Florida Blue Continues 17-year Partnership with Historic Florida Theatre

Press Release

Liberty Landscape Supply Renews Their Corporate Partnership With The Florida Theatre

Press Release

Florida Theatre Announces A New Corporate Partner: Remedy Staffing

Press Release

Florida Theatre Announces A New Corporate Partner: Wingard

Press Release

Florida Theatre Announces A New Corporate Partner: Jon Smith Subs

Press Release

Citi Continues 27-Year Partnership With Florida Theatre And Theatreworks

Press Release

Florida Theatre Announces A New Corporate Partner: JEA

Press Release

Bono’s Pit BAR-B-Q Continues Partnership With Historic Florida Theatre

Press Release

Florida Blue Continues 18-Year Partnership With Historic Florida Theatre

Press Release

Remedy Lounge Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT: Beth Carper, Press & Media Relations Manager

beth@floridatheatre.com / (904) 562-5988

FLORIDA THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW VIP MEMBER LOUNGE,

FIRST EXPANSION OF THE THEATRE’S PUBLIC SPACE IN 95 YEARS,

CONTINUATION OF $10 MILLION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN,

REMEDY STAFFING IS THE NAMING RIGHTS PARTNER

The historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville, FL will officially unveil its newest amenity, a brand new 3,000 square foot lounge for its donors and supporters, on Monday, February 13, 2023. Mayor Lenny Curry and other dignitaries will participate in a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. It is the first expansion of the venue’s public space in its 95-year history (click here for images). The Florida Theatre also announced Remedy Staffing as the naming rights partner for the new member lounge. The member lounge will formally be known as the “Remedy Lounge.”

The Remedy Lounge was constructed by repurposing the formerly vacant second floor of the Florida Theatre Office Building. Connecting the Theatre to the office building and repurposing the space as a revenue generating amenity for supporters was the brainchild of Florida Theatre President Numa Saisselin. “We all know the Florida Theatre as a great place to see great performances, but we also know it’s aging. We want our artists and audiences to walk out saying, ‘Wow, everything about that experience was first class.’ The Remedy Lounge goes a long way to achieving that goal in the front-of-house area.”

The Remedy Lounge will serve the Florida Theatre’s more than 1,300 individual members and Corporate Partners, who make an annual contribution in support of the nonprofit historic theatre and its programming. Individual membership starts at $250 a year, and anyone can become a Florida Theatre member at any time on the Theatre’s website: www.floridatheatre.com.

Access to the Remedy Lounge will be from the second-floor lobby of the Theatre, adjacent to the existing men’s room. The men’s room entrance has been relocated, creating a clear path to the Remedy Lounge entrance through the existing vestibule. Within the Remedy Lounge, donors and supporters will find an array of amenities including:

A 25-foot-long bar, with a backlit Onyx façade and three bartending positions.
Two new single-fixture women’s rooms.
A new three-fixture men’s room.
Flat screen TVs with closed circuit coverage of the stage.
A display of autographed headshots of performers who have appeared at the Theatre.
A display of Florida Theatre memorabilia.
A custom donor wall acknowledging donations to the Theatre’s capital campaign.
A full bar, with premium wines and liquors unavailable at the lobby bars.
A bar menu that showcases the Northeast Florida brewing and distilling industries, with an emphasis on locally brewed beverages, such as Manifest distillery and breweries like Intuition, Aardwolf, Ruby Beach and Veterans United.

The Remedy Lounge accommodates over 300 people standing, and can also be reconfigured to accommodate 150 people seated at tables, enabling the Theatre to utilize the lounge as an alternate performance space on nights that the Theatre itself is dark. The Remedy Lounge will also be rentable for business, civic and private events.

With the opening of the Remedy Lounge, the third-floor space that has been serving as the theatre’s Donor Lounge for the last 10 years will be returned to public use, providing Florida Theatre customers access to a balcony level bar and balcony level bathrooms. Simultaneous to construction of the Remedy Lounge, a storage room on the second floor has been repurposed as a brand-new men’s room. Says Numa Saisselin, “In addition to introducing the Remedy Lounge, putting a bar and two restrooms back in service for the public will shorten the lines throughout the building, which is a win for everyone.”

The Remedy Lounge was designed by KBJ Architects, and constructed by Auld & White Constructors, with oversight on behalf of the Florida Theatre by Clark Advisory Services. Construction of the Remedy Lounge is the third step in a multi-year capital improvement plan expected to cost $20 million. Some of that work is already complete. In 202o, the Theatre replaced all of its fixed seating with new historically-appropriate seats, doubled its accessible seating, replaced its assistive listening system, and purchased and installed a new concert sound system. In 2021, the Theatre purchased and installed a new stage lighting system. The Remedy Lounge is Phase 3, and the fourth phase comes in the summer of 2023, when the Theatre will close for four months to repair the decorative plaster and paint the lobbies and auditorium; replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; refurbish all of the existing public bathrooms; and move the electrical vault for the building to a higher floor. Further improvements include connecting the street level lobby spaces, restoring the marquee, and the improving the backstage dressing rooms and green room.

“The Florida Theatre was not designed for enjoying live shows and musical acts. It was designed 95 years ago for movies. We want to make the building functionally better for the way we use it today by improving the lobbies, lounge and bar areas and restrooms with 50-year solutions so we can be financially solvent for the next 100 years,” said Ed White of Auld & White Constructors, who is also a Florida Theatre Board Member.

Improving the historic Florida Theatre has been a goal of the nonprofit organization’s Board of Directors. Says Board Chairperson Leslie Gordon, “The Theatre’s 100th anniversary is coming in 2027. Our capital improvement plan is about making the Florida Theatre experience better, and making the Theatre’s finances sustainable for another 100 years. In addition to improving the customer experience, the financial impact of introducing a new lounge and returning the third-floor bar to the public strengthens the Florida Theatre’s fiscal sustainability.”

Brian Rose, the owner of Remedy says, “Live theatre is important because there is nothing like it. Joining people together, often shoulder to shoulder, from so many different walks of life enjoying live theatre encourages freedom of thinking, empathy for different points of view, and above all, a place to gather and often let your mind wonder. As Remedy celebrates 30 years in Jacksonville, we believe it is vital as a major employer in the community to support the renovation project currently underway at the Florida Theatre. The Theatre touches so many of us in the community and serves an essential purpose in our vibrant and energetic downtown. We are excited to welcome you to the Remedy Lounge and encourage you to enjoy what the Florida Theatre has to offer our great city.”

The Florida Theatre’s capital improvement plan has been funded by private donations, a restoration fee assessed on all ticket sales, and a matching grant from the City of Jacksonville’s capital improvement budget. Says Saisselin, “We are fortunate to have a Mayor and a City Council that know that partnering with arts and cultural organizations is good for our quality of life, and good for our economy.” In a typical year the Florida Theatre generates a $14 million impact for the City, including $10 million of household income supporting the full-time equivalent of over 400 jobs.

“For almost 100 years, the Florida Theatre has been at the heart of our modern arts scene in Downtown Jacksonville,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “I am excited to see this expansion come to life and look forward to sharing this new experience with our residents and visitors.”

About the Florida Theatre

There is something for everyone at the Florida Theatre. From pop, jazz, rock, comedy, country and blues to ballet and opera, the historic Florida Theatre offers over 150 cultural and entertainment events annually for every taste and age. For tickets, or to learn more about our educational performances for schools, rentals, membership or the nonprofit corporation that manages this majestic place, please visit us at www.floridatheatre.com.

About Remedy Staffing

Remedy Intelligent Staffing is a nationwide professional staffing organization with over 50 years of recruiting and selection expertise to match job candidates with positions where they will succeed. As the franchise division of Employbridge, the nation's largest industrial staffing company with over 400 locations, we are a national leader in workforce management solutions. The recruiters in our locally owned and managed Remedy offices are experts in matching what you do best with what our client company’s value most. A great job for you, a productive employee for our clients. We're dedicated to getting good people good jobs. We have short-term and long-term temporary staffing assignments available along with opportunities for permanent hire. If you're seeking light industrial, clerical, skilled or professional jobs or staff, we have the expertise to assist you. Please check out your local Remedy office for further details. For more info, visit https://www.remedystaffing.com/.

About Community First Credit Union

Since 1935, the story of Community First has unfolded from launching in a high school basement as the Duval County Teachers Credit Union to a 19-branch, 153,000 plus - member financial institution open to anyone who lives, works, or attends school in one of the following counties: Baker, Brevard, Broward, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Lake, Martin, Nassau, Orange, Palm Beach, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, or Volusia. Membership is also open to any relative of an existing or eligible Community First Credit Union of Florida member. In addition, Community First offers membership to Select Employer Groups, including all employees of Brooks Rehabilitation, Miller Electric Company, and Web.com. See more info at www.communityfirstfl.org.

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The Florida Theatre Was Nominated For Theater Of The Year By The Academy Of Country Music

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Beth Carper, Press & Media Relations Manager

Florida Theatre (904) 562-5988 / beth@floridatheatre.com

THE FLORIDA THEATRE WAS NOMINATED FOR THEATER OF THE YEAR

BY THE ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC

JACKSONVILLE, FL, April 14, 2023 – The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards nominations have been announced, and the Florida Theatre has been nominated for Theater of the Year. Hosted by Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, the ACM Awards will stream live on Prime Video on Thursday, May 11^th at 8 p.m. from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

Theater of the Year nominees includes Crystal Grand Music Theatre - Wisconsin Dells, WI, Florida Theatre - Jacksonville, FL, Grand Ole Opry - Nashville, TN, Orpheum Theater - Omaha, NE and Stiefel Theatre - Salina, KS.

Northeast Florida garnered two venue nominations. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre was nominated in the Outdoor Venue of the Year category. Outdoor Venue of the Year nominees includes Bank of NH Pavilion - Gilford, NH, FirstBank Amphitheater - Franklin, TN, Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA, Santa Barbara Bowl - Santa Barbara, CA, St. Augustine Amphitheatre - St. Augustine, FL and The Wharf Amphitheater - Orange Beach, AL.

Awards are voted on by Academy of Country Music members, which boasts a record-high membership this year of nearly 5,000 members and serves as a powerhouse advocate for Country fans, artists, and all facets of the business.

Established in 1966, the Academy of Country Music Awards is the longest-running country music awards show and made history in 2022 as the first major awards ceremony to exclusively live stream in partnership with Prime Video. This year’s show marks its return to Texas since the landmark 50th ACM Awards, which broke a Guinness World Record in 2015 for being the most-attended awards show with more than 70,000 attendees at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by Dick Clark Productions, with Raj Kapoor, Barry Adelman, and Fonda Anita serving as executive producers and Damon Whiteside serving as executive producer for the Academy of Country Music. Patrick Menton is the co-executive producer.

Follow the Academy of Country Music on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, join the conversation with #ACMawards, and sign up for the FREE ACM A-List for the latest news + updates in your email inbox.

About the Florida Theatre

There is something for everyone at the Florida Theatre. From pop, jazz, rock, comedy, country, and blues to ballet, the historic Florida Theatre annually offers over 150 cultural and entertainment events for every taste and age. For tickets or to learn more about our educational performances for schools, rentals, membership, or the nonprofit corporation that manages this majestic place, please visit us at www.floridatheatre.com.

About the Academy of Country Music

Founded in Southern California in 1964 as a regional trade organization, the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM) has grown in almost 60 years since into a leading association for the country music industry. Now headquartered in Nashville, TN, and boasting record-high membership of nearly 5,000 nationwide, the Academy serves as a powerhouse advocate for country fans, artists, and all facets of the business, as well as a supporter of philanthropic work through charitable partner ACM LIFTING LIVES, dedicated to improving lives through the power of music and providing aid in times of need, with a focus on health initiatives. 2023 looks to be another monumental year for the Academy, with the ACM Awards returning to Texas on May 11 and streaming live for a global audience on Prime Video. Still, the only major awards show to live stream. The Academy also remains relentlessly committed to creating a more inclusive environment for underrepresented groups in country music, from the boardroom to the stage, and over the last year, has launched both ACM LEVel Up, a two-year professional development and enrichment curriculum for rising leaders, and OnRamp, a guaranteed income program for Black members of the Nashville music community, in partnership with the Black Music Action Coalition. For more information, log onto ACMcountry.com or ACMLiftingLives.org.

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A Collaboration Between Community Organizations Provides New Access to Arts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Beth Carper, Press & Media Relations Manager

Florida Theatre (904) 562-5988 / beth@floridatheatre.com

Thousands of Elementary School Students Participate in Pilot Field Trip Initiative

A Collaboration Between Community Organizations Provides New Access to Arts

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – June 12, 2023 – The Cathedral Arts Project (CAP), in partnership with Kids Hope Alliance (KHA), the Florida Theatre, Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, announced today the launch of a pilot collaborative field trip program for elementary school students.

On June 20, 2023, approximately 3,400 elementary school students from both public and charter schools are invited to attend a live performance at the historic Florida Theatre. The effort is meant to increase student interest and access to the arts.

“The very first step in improving access to arts education is piquing students’ interest in the arts,” said Kimberly L. Hyatt, CAP president & CEO. “We are excited to implement this research-backed initiative with a group of community partners who share CAP’s vision for Northeast Florida to lead the nation in providing essential and accessible arts education.”

CAP's Landscape of Education in the Arts in Duval (LEAD) survey data shows the main priority in service of improving access to arts education for Jacksonville's children is implementing a field trip initiative for all elementary school students. Through CAP’s work with the University of North Florida’s Data Science for Social Good program, data showed that even one field trip experience to a cultural destination like a museum or theatre drastically improves student grades in literacy, math, and science.

The students will attend the show Doug Berky’s Gems: The World’s Wisdom Stories. The performance will introduce attendees to fables from cultures across the globe and will include a literacy component. DCPS summer learning packets will be distributed to students attending the event, including reading materials to enhance the field trip experience.

“School field trips are not just play-time out of the classroom; they’re an opportunity to take what was learned in the classroom and see it brought to life in the real world,” said Numa Saisselin, president of the Florida Theatre. “That is especially true in a theatre setting. Whether it’s watching an acrobat apply the laws of science or a theatrical adaptation of a story told in a book, the impact on a student’s academic success is profound.”

Funding for this initiative is provided by PNC Foundation and Rice Family Foundation. In addition, KHA and DCPS will provide bus transportation for all participants.

“Exposing youth to the arts encourages creativity, opens pathways to expression and introduces a world beyond limitations," said Kenneth Darity, chief programs officer with the Kids Hope Alliance.

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About the Cathedral Arts Project:

The Cathedral Arts Project (CAP) is a nationally recognized nonprofit provider of quality visual and performing arts instruction for school-aged children in Northeast Florida. CAP’s mission is to empower every child’s creative spirit, elevate arts educators in their field and advocate for access and equity in arts education. Learn more at capkids.org.

About the Florida Theatre:

About Kids Hope Alliance:

With the vision that every child and youth will reach their academic, career, and civic potential, Kids Hope Alliance: The Jacksonville Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families (KHA), a fiscal agency of the City of Jacksonville, is responsible for overseeing the implementation and management of children and youth programs, services, and activities, accomplished through third-party service providers. For more information, please visit www.kidshopealliance.org.

About PNC Foundation:

The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group (www.pnc.com), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through PNC Grow Up Great®, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life.

The Historic, Nonprofit Florida Theatre Will Undergo A Historic Renovation This Summer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Beth Carper, Press & Media Relations Manager

Florida Theatre (904) 562-5988 / beth@floridaTheatre.com

THE HISTORIC, NONPROFIT FLORIDA THEATRE WILL UNDERGO A HISTORIC RENOVATION THIS SUMMER

JACKSONVILLE, FL, June 30, 2023 - The Florida Theatre will be closed from July to October of this year for the next round of renovations in its Centennial Campaign, which started in 2019. The Centennial Campaign was launched to prepare the historic theatre for its 100^th anniversary in 2027.

During the closure, the Florida Theatre will repair all the flaking and peeling decorative plaster in the auditorium, paint the lobbies and the auditorium with fidelity to the 1927 color palette, replace the entire heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, move the building’s electrical vault from the first to the third floor and update all the public restrooms.

These projects build upon projects that have already been accomplished at the Florida Theatre, which include replacing the Theatre’s 1,865 fixed seats, doubling the wheelchair seating capacity, installing a new assistive listening system for the hard of hearing, improving aisle lighting and handrails, especially in the balcony, installing a new concert sound system and lighting system and repurposing the second floor of the office building into the new Remedy Lounge; which was the first expansion of the venue’s public space in 95 years.

Auld and White is the general contractor for the project, and Sauer is doing the HVAC work. Clark Advisory Services is the Theatre’s representative, and the plaster/paint work is being done by EverGreene Studios, who drilled core samples to match the original color(s) of the Theatre.

Saul Lucio, who has been the Technical Director of the Florida Theatre for 40 years, said this is the most extensive work he has seen done at the Theatre (except the Remedy Lounge) since it reopened almost 40 years ago in 1983. “We have replaced the A/C and have painted the place before – but we have never done it all at once. This will be a huge undertaking,” said Lucio.

The City of Jacksonville has been an important partner in financing this endeavor, matching private donations dollar for dollar. The Florida Theatre’s Capital Campaign has been funded by 138 donors and a restoration fee is assessed on all ticket sales.

“We want to make the building functionally better for how we use it today by improving it with 50-year solutions so we can be financially solvent for the next 100 years,” said Ed White of Auld & White Constructors, who is also a member of the Florida Theatre’s Capital Campaign Committee.

“By the end of this calendar year, over the last four years, we will have raised and spent $15 million on building improvements to the historic Florida Theatre,” said Numa Saisselin, President of the Florida Theatre. “After this, there’s about $8 million left of work to do to get the rest of the building where it needs to be, including expanding the entry lobby; a new artist hospitality space; dressing room improvements; marquee restorations; and administrative office improvements,” said Saisselin.

“I have been going to the Florida Theatre for years,” said Don Cameron, Florida Theatre First Vice Chair and Chair-Elect of the Board of Directors. “It has always been great, but this renovation will improve the intimate experience. Not only will the Theatre be restored to its original splendor, but it will also include the modern tech/sound system, social spaces (lobby, VIP lounge), and conveniences (new restrooms) that you would expect at a new venue. It will offer the best of both worlds – as it will be vintage and new. While still offering great entertainment at a great price.”

While the Florida Theatre is closed for renovations, it will continue to book and put great new shows on sale for the fall and have off-site events, member events, and more.

To learn more about the Florida Theatre, visit floridatheatre.com.

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About the Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre is a 1,900-seat historic theatre located in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, that first opened its doors on April 8, 1927, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1987 to manage, program, and preserve the historic Florida Theatre in a public/private partnership with the City of Jacksonville, which owns the building. Learn more at floridatheatre.com.

Florida Theatre Ranked 39th Most Attended Theatre In The World

JACKSONVILLE, FL, July 5, 2023 – Concert industry trade magazine Pollstar released its attendance charts for the first half of 2023 (December 12, 2022, through June 26, 2023); and the Florida Theatre has been ranked the 39^th most-attended theatre in the world in the auditorium and theatre category and is ranked 50^th in ticket sales, based on gross receipts.

Notable venues in this attendance chart include Radio City Music Hall in New York City (ranked #1 in tickets), the Fox Theatre in Atlanta (ranked #8 in tickets), and the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles (ranked #17 in tickets). Notable venues the Florida Theatre out-ranked include the Theater at Madison Square Garden (ranked #47 in tickets), the Grand Ole Opry House (ranked #82 in gross receipts), and Royal Albert Hall (ranked #88 in gross receipts).

The Florida Theatre earned its status on this chart the hard way, one night at a time… which, according to Numa Saisselin, President of the Florida Theatre, speaks to the support of Jacksonville and the success of the Theatre’s programming at the 1,865-seat venue.

In 75% of the time, the Florida Theatre has done 90% of the number of shows they did last year (117 in 2023 versus 126 in 2022) and 85% of the number of tickets they did last year. To date, the Florida Theatre has sold 102,057 tickets with $5,138,361 in gross receipts during the 2023 season.

This ranking is especially significant because the Florida Theatre will be closed from July to October for $8 million in renovations (re-plastering and repainting the interior, replacing the HVAC, updating the bathrooms, and moving the electrical vault from the 1^st to the 3^rd floor) and will lose 10 to 20 shows during the shutdown as well as the last quarter of its fiscal year.

Pollstar tracks attendance across the top 200 theatres worldwide each year based on gross sales and the number of tickets sold.

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About the Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre is a 1,865-seat historic theatre located in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, that first opened its doors on April 8, 1927, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1987 to manage, program, and preserve the historic Florida Theatre in a public/private partnership with the City of Jacksonville, which owns the building. The Florida Theatre is Season Sponsored by Community First Credit Union.

10th Annual Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ Raises Over $55,000 For The Historic Florida Theatre

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Beth Carper, Press & Media Relations Manager

(904) 562-5988 / beth@floridatheatre.com

10^th ANNUAL BLUES, BREWS, BOURBON & BBQ

RAISES OVER $55,000

FOR THE HISTORIC FLORIDA THEATRE

JACKSONVILLE, FL, September 14, 2023 – The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre raised over $55,000 during its 10^th annual Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ event last week at Bowing Oaks. Many thanks to all the vendors, sponsors, members, and Theatre supporters who donated their services and purchased tickets to this amazing fundraiser!

Publix Charities was the Presenting Sponsor of the September 7^th event benefitting the historic Florida Theatre. “Publix Charities is proud to support the Florida Theatre as they provide diverse and memorable arts and entertainment experiences. We are happy to help in their important work,” said Kelly Williams-Puccio, Executive Director of Publix Charities.

Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ, was held at Bowing Oaks this year, as the Florida Theatre is still under renovation with plans to reopen in October. Bowing Oaks has been a Corporate Partner of the Florida Theatre since 2019. "Bowing Oaks is proud to be a Corporate Partner with the Florida Theatre and was honored to host this year's Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ event,” said Jim Efstathion, Owner of Bowing Oaks. “We look forward to our continued partnership with the Theatre and hosting many more events for the Jacksonville community."

“Blues, Brews & BBQ has been a regular part of the Florida Theatre schedule since 2013. Adding a fourth ‘B’ to the equation, Bourbon, gave the event another dimension of Southern food and beverage culture to explore, and having the event at Bowing Oaks also added another dimension,” said Numa Saisselin, President of the Florida Theatre. “The Florida Theatre is closed for renovations this summer, and we’re so grateful to owner Jim Efstathion and his staff at Bowing Oaks for taking us in. We’re also grateful to the sponsors, including Publix, Bold City, Manifest, Bono’s, and the ticket buyers for supporting the nonprofit Florida Theatre. We’re open again on October 28th with a full slate of shows now on sale at floridatheatre.com.”

Attendees of this annual event enjoyed an electrifying evening of live Blues music from the Snacks Blues Band and Henry Jones, unlimited local BBQ, the best craft beer, and a curated bourbon selection.

“We always love supporting the local gem that we call the Florida Theatre, but when you include Bourbon, Local Brews, Blues Music, and tasty BBQ, the decision is a no-brainer! It's one of our favorite events of the year,” said Brian Miller, Owner of Bold City Brewery.

“Thanks so much for the great partnership,” said Jim Webb – VP Development/Partner with Manifest. “It was a great event, and we enjoyed meeting new people and seeing tried and true supporters of the Florida Theatre. Can’t wait to be there on (re)opening night in October.”

“Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ is one of our favorite events of the year. It truly allows us to showcase our food and catering capabilities at Bono’s Pit BBQ with one of our favorite partners, the Florida Theatre,” said Josh Martino, President of the Home Team Restaurant Group. “We are excited for the many upcoming shows and performances at one of our favorite venues in town and can’t wait to see the amazing renovation.”

The Florida Theatre wishes to thank all the generous vendors and sponsors below who made this wonderful event possible:

VENDORS -

Blues

Snacks Blues Band

Henry Jones

Brews

AIBC (Amelia Island Brewing Co.)

Ancient City Brewing

Bold City Brewery

Legacy Ale Works

Ruby Beach Brewing Co.

Seven Bridges Grille

Southern Swells Brewing Co.

Veterans United Craft Brewery

Wicked Barley Brewery

Bourbon/Spirits

Blue Note Bourbon

Manifest

Post Meridiem Canned Cocktails

BBQ

Bono’s Pit BBQ Since 1949

G’s Slow-Smoked BBQ

Legacy Ale Works

Mojo BBQ

Seven Bridges Grille

The Bearded Pig

The Grub Brothers Competition BBQ

Underbelly

Wicked Barley Brewery

Desserts

Cinotti’s Bakery

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Small Cakes

Venue

Bowing Oaks

Miscellaneous

Axe Champ

Jacksonville Jaguars

SPONSORS -

AVL – In-Kind Sponsor
CK Direct – Brew Sponsor
Community First Credit Union – VIP Sponsor
Eisman & Russo – Blues Sponsor
Millennium Physician Group – Brew Sponsor
Publix – Presenting Sponsor

Click here to see photos of the event. All proceeds from the annual Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ fundraiser will go to the historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre, which will reopen after the next phase of renovations is complete on October 28^th for The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Since its inception in 2013, Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ, formerly Blues, Brews & BBQ, has raised $351,697.98 for the historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre.

To see all the exciting events that are coming up and for tickets to all future shows, please visit www.floridatheatre.com.

About the Florida Theatre

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The Newly Renovated Historic Florida Theatre Is Set To Reopen October 28, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Beth Carper, Press & Media Relations Manager

Florida Theatre (904) 562-5988 / beth@floridaTheatre.com

THE NEWLY RENOVATED HISTORIC FLORIDA THEATRE IS SET TO REOPEN OCTOBER 28, 2023

JACKSONVILLE, FL, October 9, 2023 – The wait is over. The paint and plaster are dry. The newly renovated historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville is set to reopen on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 8 p.m. for The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Mayor Donna Deegan and other dignitaries will participate in a ribbon cutting on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. inside the lobby/auditorium for the big reveal.

The Florida Theatre has been closed since mid-July (2023) to renovate the 96-year-old facility. All the flaking and peeling decorative plaster in the auditorium has been repaired, the lobbies and the auditorium have been painted with fidelity to the 1927 color palette, the entire heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system has been replaced, and the building’s electrical vault has been moved from the first to the third floor. But probably the thing people will notice the most is that all the public restrooms have been updated. Ironically, the Florida Theatre will reopen around the 40^th anniversary of the last major renovation that took place in 1983. See photos of the summer 2023 restoration here.

These projects build upon projects that have already been accomplished at the Florida Theatre, which include replacing the Theatre’s 1,865 seats, doubling the wheelchair seating capacity, installing a new assistive listening system for people who are hard of hearing, improving the aisle lighting and handrails, especially in the balcony, installing a new concert sound system and lighting system, and repurposing the second floor of the office building into the new Remedy Lounge, which was the first expansion of the venue’s public space in 95 years.

This project has been a labor of love…from The City of Jacksonville (who has matched private donations) to the Centennial Campaign donors to Florida Theatre Members to the Principal Artisans below who have been feverishly restoring the building to its original grandeur over the summer…and everyone in Northeast Florida who has ever bought a ticket to a show at the Florida Theatre and paid the $4.50 restoration fee…to maintain and preserve this Jacksonville jewel.

“The Florida Theatre is one of downtown Jacksonville's gems. With its 100th birthday approaching, this is an exciting time to restore the Theatre to its full splendor,” said Mayor Donna Deegan. “I look forward to seeing the Theatre’s facelift and supporting our City’s vibrant performing arts scene by attending a show when it reopens – and I encourage everyone to do the same.”

Auld and White Constructors was the general contractor for this project. Sauer Mechanical did the HVAC work. EverGreene Architectural Arts did all the plaster/paint work and restored the tapestries. And Beacon Electric moved the electrical vault from the first to the third floor so it would no longer be a flood risk.

“Auld & White Constructors is honored to have been Florida Theatre's Construction Partner for its renovations and next-generation mechanical system upgrades. AWC recognizes that the timely completion of the recent work at Jacksonville's iconic cultural hub was critical in enhancing the patron experience for the Theatre's upcoming shows and Centennial Celebration. I'm proud of our team's hard work and unwavering dedication to preserving the legacy and building the future of this historic Northeast Florida landmark for years to come,” said Nate Marty, CEO of Auld & White Constructors.

“Sauer Mechanical is proud to participate in the historic Florida Theatre renovation. During the shut-down period, we have replaced the aging rooftop chillers with new Daikin air-cooled chillers and the sixth-floor custom-built air handler and outdoor air unit with all associated chilled water piping air distribution. HVAC upgrades during this phase also included demolition of the boiler system no longer in use, replacing restroom exhaust fans, and upgrading the controls system,” said Heather Staggs-Miller, Project Manager with Sauer Mechanical.

“There were several things that were unique about the Florida Theatre project,” said Jeff Greene AIC-PA, Executive Chairman & Founder of EverGreene Architectural Arts. “Like the mysterious connection to John Eberson, one of America’s most prominent architects known for movie palace designs in the atmospheric theatre style (the outdoor feel inside). The original four faux tapestries that hang in the Florida Theatre were painted. Since they are the same size and have the same imagery as the ones in the Tampa Theatre (which Eberson did), we were able to replicate them. When we did our forensic research and put all the Theatre finishes under the microscope, we realized they were painted with the same paint and style that Eberson used. His signature, per se. It was fascinating to see what his influence did.”

Greene said, “A big part of what we do at EverGreene is connect back to history. We wanted to return the Florida Theatre to its original, authentic self. When the building was renovated in the 1970s, they moved away from that a bit. We wanted to return as accurately as possible to what it looked like in 1927. The challenge was the short time frame we had. The surprise or mystery was the Eberson connection. But we did our research, added some interpretation, and found the harmony and balance we were striving for.”

“As a lifelong resident of Jacksonville with many wonderful memories surrounding the Florida Theatre, this project has been a challenging opportunity for Beacon as well as an honor to be part of,” said Shawn Heath, Owner of Beacon Electrical Contractors. Beacon moved the building’s electrical vault from the first to the third floor and replaced most of the electrical panels and the conduit systems that supply power to the electrical panels.

“Over the last four years, by the end of this calendar year, we will have raised and spent $15 million on building improvements to the historic Florida Theatre,” said Numa Saisselin, President of the Florida Theatre. “After this, there’s about $8 million left of work to do to get the rest of the building where it needs to be, including expanding the entry lobby, a new artist hospitality space, dressing room improvements, marquee restorations, and administrative office improvements,” said Saisselin. According to Saisselin, the cherry on top would be bringing the original vertical blade sign back (pictured here) that used to adorn the Theatre.

All of these projects, under the banner of the Centennial Capital Improvement Plan, which started in 2019, aim to prepare the historic Florida Theatre for its 100^th birthday in 2027 and the next 100 years.

“Our $15 million renovation has intensified the already unique Florida Theatre experience - it’s truly at a new level. And we can’t wait for our customers to see! As the Theatre approaches its 100th birthday in 2027, we must remember – this is one of the last remaining theatres of its kind in our country! And we have to take care of it, nurture it, and support it so we can continue to laugh, cry, dance, sing, and do all that we do in our beloved Florida Theatre,” said Dr. Leslie Gordon, Ed.D., Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Florida Theatre.

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About the Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre is a 1,865-seat historic theatre located in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, that first opened its doors on April 8, 1927, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1987 to manage, program, and preserve the historic Florida Theatre in a public/private partnership with the City of Jacksonville, which owns the building. Learn more at www.floridatheatre.com.

The Florida Theatre Tapestry News Coverage