Atlantic Theatres
751 Atlantic Boulevard,
Atlantic Beach,
FL
32233
1 person favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Eastern Federal Corporation, H.B. Meiselman Theaters, StarNet Theaters
Functions: Church
Previous Names: Royal Palm Theatre, Atlantic 8
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The Royal Palm Theatre was opened as a 600-seat single screen on December 23, 1964 with Jerry Lewis in “The Disorderly Orderly”. It was operated by H.B. Meiselman Theatres. In the 1970’s they added a second 400-seat screen. In the late-1970’s the original screen was twinned. By then it was an Eastern Federal theatre. It was later expanded to eight screens and renamed the Atlantic 8, operated by StarNet Theatres. It became a nightclub/comedy club called the Atlantic Theatres. By 2018 it was in use as a church.
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Recent comments (view all 13 comments)
In regards to Jack’s comment on how this theater should be listed, my personal opinion is that the Royal Palm is appropriate.
During most of its lifetime, it was known as the Royal Palm to the point I think anybody coming here looking for this particular theater would input that before the Atlantic. In a bid to keep up with the times, the Royal Palm was remodled and renamed and lasted nowhere near as long as the Royal Palm.
It now primarily hosts things such as THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES and comedy shows with the occasional showing of surf films, however, I don’t think it’s even open anymore. The website is dead and the myspace page gives no updated information.
At one time, the Freebird Cafe, a concert hall in Jax Beach owned by Ronnie Van Zant’s widow Judy, wanted to move their business in to the Atlantic (about 2005, I think). This never happened.
Jack, I’ll try to find some info on the origins of the Royal Palm. I wish Troy Powell and that other cat, Vaughn, would post more. Apparently they were very involved with local theaters, particularly Eastern Federal Theaters, in Jacksonville back in the day.
To clarify my quickly worded comments, I don’t think it’s considered a live venue (comedy/plays/hip destination) anymore, like it was trying to be.
Thanks. I haven’t been able to locate a directory of the Eastern Federal theatres and was hoping that one would have come available at the time Regal took them over. Maybe someone could check with the main library in the Jackson Beach area.
It definitely was a twin at one time.
EASTERN FEDERAL Newspaper Listings circa 1976
I remember when it was a twin in 1974. “The Mechanic” was playing in one side, and “The Groove Tube” was playing in the other.
Saw “Double Jeopardy” here back when it was still a cinema. Wasn’t a very appealing place. Haven’t been back since it was turned into a nightclub.
Harvey, The Royal Palm was opened as a Single 600 seat house in the early 60’s by H B Meiselman Theatres. The Meiselman Family later incorporated their Theatre and Commercial Property operations under the name Eastern Federal Corporation. In the early 1970’s, EFC added a second 400 seat auditorium alongside the original single, expanding their footprint, since there was a vacant lot on the west side of the original building. In the late 1970’s EFC split the original 600 seat single into two 250 seat theatres, making the complex a 3 screen Operation.
Last operated by StarNet Cinemas.
Hello, this venue is now known as “Beaches Vineyard"aka "Atlantic Theatres” as the Atlantic Theatres marquee is still up. Beaches Vineyard is The Church group that runs the theater. They have a Sunday morning service and several “open to the public” events weekly, such as dance, meditation, and exercise groups. There is a coffee lounge that is open during events and early afternoons. There is art in the lobby from local artists such as myself.
I host film festivals in the screening room that is there now. I have hosted two festival events in this venue so far with more to come. Photos from the first two events can be found at these links: https://allshortfilms.com/comedy/ https://avaloniafestival.com/8-2/
So while film is no longer the primary business at this venue, there is still a “film scene” in the Atlantic Theaters.
MIKE MESSIER
Opened on December 23rd, 1964, along with the Neptune Theatre on the beach. Grand opening ads posted.