News Summary
The Florida Theatre in Jacksonville has been honored with the ‘Outstanding Historic Theatre Award’ by the League of Historic American Theatres. This prestigious recognition acknowledges the theatre’s significant community impact and efforts in preserving its historic architecture. The award was presented at a banquet attended by key representatives from the theatre, who celebrated the collaborative work of over 400 dedicated individuals committed to the venue’s legacy. As a landmark of Jacksonville’s cultural scene since 1927, the theatre continues to thrive and engage the community with its diverse programming.
Jacksonville, Florida—Florida Theatre Honored with Historic Theatre Award
The Florida Theatre in Jacksonville has been awarded the “Outstanding Historic Theatre Award” by the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT). The award recognizes the theatre’s excellence in community impact, the quality of its programs and services, and the restoration efforts of its historic structure. The accolade was formally presented during an awards banquet held on July 20.
Accepting the award on behalf of the theatre were Numa Saisselin, President, and Don Cameron, Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Their acceptance highlighted the collaborative efforts of more than 400 board members, staff, and volunteers dedicated to maintaining the theatre’s rich history and vibrant presence in the community.
A Historic Landmark
The Florida Theatre originally opened its doors in 1927 and has since become a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s cultural landscape. Notably, it has hosted a variety of renowned performances over the decades, including a concert by Elvis Presley in 1956. The theatre’s stunning Mediterranean Revival architecture features intricate designs that reinforce its status as a beloved local landmark.
Throughout its history, the theatre has navigated challenges such as the Great Depression and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite these hurdles, the venue has continued to thrive, offering a diverse array of entertainment options, including concerts, shows, comedy acts, and various community events.
Recent Renovations
The Florida Theatre underwent a significant $8 million renovation in 2023, which has enhanced its facilities and restored its historical elements, ensuring that the theatre meets the needs of modern audiences while preserving its storied past. This refurbishment and ongoing maintenance have played a critical role in the theatre’s recognition by LHAT.
Community Engagement
Cameron, in his remarks during the award acknowledgment, shared his personal connection to the theatre, reminiscing about childhood memories associated with attending performances and expressing his continued support for the nonprofit organization. This sentiment reflects a broader connection felt by many members of the community, who regard the Florida Theatre as an essential part of Jacksonville’s cultural identity.
The theatre is the only historic theatre located on Forsyth Street, further solidifying its position as a major cultural hub in the city. Its programming not only entertains but also enriches the community, fostering a sense of togetherness and celebrating the arts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the receipt of the “Outstanding Historic Theatre Award” from LHAT affirms the Florida Theatre’s importance to Jacksonville and its commitment to preserving its legacy. The dedication of its team, combined with community support, ensures that the theatre will continue to be a vibrant space for performances and cultural events for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Playbill: Last Chance Schedule of Upcoming Broadway and Off-Broadway Show Closings
- Wikipedia: Broadway
- New York Theatre Guide: Rolling Thunder Off-Broadway Review
- Google Search: Off Broadway Shows NYC
- Broadway World: Review Roundup New Musical ROLLING THUNDER
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theater
- ABC7NY: Play Goes Wrong Celebrates 2000 Performances Off-Broadway
- Google News: Theater Awards
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
