Florida Theatre

2018 Hollywood Boulevard,
Hollywood, FL 33020

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50sSNIPES
50sSNIPES on October 16, 2021 at 7:15 pm

Yes, It Was Burned On January 14, 1964 With 2 Injuries To 2 Firefighters From The HFD. A Twin Theater Would Later Be Built In The City And Would Open A Year Later As The Same Name To This Theater.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on December 21, 2009 at 5:19 am

The architect of the Florida Theatre was Roy A. Benjamin. The announcement that construction had begun appeared in Boxoffice, August 21, 1937. The house was being built for Sparks Theatres, already operating the 600-seat Ritz and the Hollywood Beach Theatre in Hollywood.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez on November 10, 2009 at 10:43 am

The Florida was already open by 1941 according to the Film daily Yearbook.

guyinfl99
guyinfl99 on December 20, 2007 at 11:53 pm

A correction to an old post I just read regarding the Hollywood Mall above (2004). The Hollywood Mall did in fact close years ago and reopened as a Target / Publix / shopping center. The Hollywood Fashion Center, another mall further west on Hollywood Blvd., also closed and subsequently reopened (partially) as a flea market type center.

steven
steven on July 27, 2006 at 9:57 am

The Florida Theatre address was 2018 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, Florida.

Patsy
Patsy on July 26, 2006 at 1:24 pm

I wonder who takes the credit for being the architect for this specially designed art deco theatre?

Patsy
Patsy on July 26, 2006 at 1:22 pm

Nice to read that a parking lot is now where the Florida Theatre once stood and was enjoyed by so many theatre goers. Such a shame!

steven
steven on July 26, 2006 at 9:25 am

Okay, as promised here is the link to a December 30, 1957 picture of downtown Hollywood with the Florida Theatre marquee showing “April Love.” The title isn’t visible, but Pat Boone and Shirley Jones' names are. Enjoy!

View link

steven
steven on June 19, 2006 at 4:46 pm

Though the link is temporarily down, the hollywoodfl.org website has some photographs of downtown Hollywood and two photos include pictures of The Florida Theatre’s marquee with “April Love” on one photo and “Some Came Running” on the other. I’ll try and post the direct link as soon as the site is working again.

Patsy
Patsy on March 7, 2005 at 3:47 pm

Steven: When I read your “sister” post I thought I was about to read that the theatre at 30 East Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale was still open, but sadly you wrote……“It too was demolished….” :–(

steven
steven on March 7, 2005 at 3:37 pm

By the way, I recall seeing this theatre’s “sister”, located on 30 East Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. I saw the picture on a linen-era postcard from the 1940s. It too was demolished, though I’m not sure of the date. The two theatres were identical to one another.

Patsy
Patsy on March 3, 2005 at 8:42 pm

Steven: I just looked at the 60’s demolition photos and just couldn’t believe my eyes…and all for another parking lot! :–(

Patsy
Patsy on March 3, 2005 at 8:30 pm

The word ‘stylish’ is used in describing the Florida Theatre yet it was allowed to be demolished…go figure!

Patsy
Patsy on March 3, 2005 at 8:29 pm

I see that it was destroyed in a fire…wonder if anyone knows that sad story?

Patsy
Patsy on March 3, 2005 at 8:27 pm

Steven: Good for you…keep telling everybody who will listen that a wonderfl movie house was once there! That’s what we all need is another parking lot….. sure is much more cultural than a nice restored theatre! NOT! What politicans/city council member’s idea was that to ‘put in another parking lot’! The art deco facade of this former theatre was so beautiful and I’d love to see other vintage photos if anyone has them.

steven
steven on March 3, 2005 at 1:45 pm

Patsy: Thanks for the kind words. It really is a shame that the building wasn’t saved, and I agree, it would be the jewel of downtown Hollywood if it were there today, especially with the improvements made to the area over the last decade.

I also wanted to mention that the spot where the Florida Theatre once stood is currently a metered parking lot wedged in between two buildings. It’s not a huge parking lot, as it can accommodate about fifteen vehicles. I make a habit of telling anyone I’m with that the parking lot used to be a wonderful movie house.

Patsy
Patsy on December 22, 2004 at 2:52 pm

Steven W: Thanks for the Florida Theatre/Hollywood FL photos, but so sad that an art deco theatre such as that one in ‘art deco-land’ would be gone today…i.e. the art deco section on Collins Avenue in nearby Miami Beach. It would blend right in if it were around today!

steven
steven on November 20, 2004 at 8:31 am

The Florida Theatre in Hollywood, Florida was destroyed in a fire in late January 1964. Go here to see photos of it being torn down.

RobertR
RobertR on October 5, 2004 at 4:59 pm

Is the mall theatre listed in here, I dont see it?

Mikeoaklandpark
Mikeoaklandpark on October 5, 2004 at 4:54 pm

The theater does not exist. Hollywood mall closed many years agoa nd was just reopened as a flea market type mall.

rogers
rogers on October 5, 2004 at 4:21 pm

The original Florida Theatre on Hollywood Blvd in downtown Hollywood, Florida burned to the ground in 1963 or 1964. A theatre of the same name was subsequently built in the Hollywood Mall. I have no information on whether or not that theatre exists today.

William
William on November 25, 2003 at 4:53 pm

The Florida Theatre seated 805 people.