Polk Theatre
121 S. Florida Avenue,
Lakeland,
FL
33801
121 S. Florida Avenue,
Lakeland,
FL
33801
9 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 43 comments
Functions Update: Classics films are also presented.
The Polk Theatre also previously operated under the ABC Florida State Theatres chain before Plitt took over from the chain in November/December 1978.
During its later years, the Polk Theatre was operated by the Plitt Theatres chain. The Polk ended its first-run movie-house run on September 23, 1984 with “Muppets Take Manhattan” following a short closure after its run. The Polk Theatre reopened on October 15, 1984 as a performing arts house. The Polk later screened back movies years later under the independent and foreign category.
David, A great link. Had to cut and paste then view the extensive info and fabulous photos. Thank you.
Scotty Moore’s website with many images of the Polk Theater. Studio & touring guitarist for Elvis. Coincidentally August 6, 1956 at the Polk.
http://scottymoore.net/lakeland.html?fbclid=IwAR1tLZFhiccqYbj32xEdxe7xFONVQTQEi-f8Dx4Dqo-dMp_rn4hQwJzr7jA
It looks like the Polk Theatre had to be partly rebuilt twice before its opening in December, 1928, which may account in part for the original builder, John Melton, running out of funds. An article in the October 6, 1928, issue of Exhibitors Herald reported on the damage done to the region’s theaters by a recent hurricane. Several movie houses were severely damaged or completely destroyed, but the line about the Polk says “…the Polk at Lakeland lost its roof — for the second time.”
Just added photo dated April 30th 1927. J.E. Casale, Architect, Tampa G.A. Miller, Builder, Tampa Photo courtesy of The Polk Theatre Facebook page.
The Polk Theatre is doing a documentary about the Elvis performance in 1956. They are searching for people who attended the concert.
http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-polk/lakeland/historic-polk-theatre-looking-for-people-who-attended-elvis-presleys-1956-performance-in-lakeland
I’ve visited this theatre and it is a must-see when in Lakeland FL.
Here is the theater in July 2010.
Nice write-up with pictures:
View link
In fact, the entire building was transformed with the lovely addition of awnings, etc. I wish more downtowns made use of storefront awnings rather than see them turned into a rusty place for bird’s nests.
The new marquees etc. are just fantastic compared to how this theatre’s exterior looked in 1988. Complete transformation!
spectrum: Music to my ears when reading “complete restoration was completed”. Congratulations!!!
Complete restoration was completed in 1999.
After viewing an 1988 exterior photo this theatre has come a long way! Congratulations.
WUSF’s Florida Matters broadcast on Historic Preservation includes a feature on the Polk Theatre. Here’s the link:
View link
My March trip to FL will not only include the Marion in Ocala, but the Garden in Winter Garden and the Polk in Lakeland.
Yes, I noticed the wonderful interior photos and the following quote:
“The beautiful Polk Theatre in downtown Lakeland, Florida is one of only two original atmospheric theatres left in the state.”
Lost: Well, you continue to amaze me with your finds on my behalf so many times.
Lost: On the polktheatre.org site there was an Elvis/history of the theatre link with more photos, but none of the organ nor information about it.
Lost: If by chance you run across a photo showing the stage area from the back of the auditorium, let me know. I’d like to see an original photo perhaps showing the original organ….Robert Morton 3/12 organ. I wonder if this was the original or a replacement organ?
Lost: That “shot from the stage” is unbelievable! I may have to now include this theatre while in Florida!
Lost: That link worked! Thanks….again!!! It is an atmospheric!
Lost: The ones you posted on Oct. 11, 2006 are still available, but none of the photos show the atmospheric aspect.