The Beach Theatre

An Old Favorite is New Again!

The Beach Theatre reopens after 13 years … and a total makeover To see the bright white and sea blue marquee welcoming guests to The Beach Theatre today, you’d never guess this lively spot in downtown St. Pete Beach had spent the last 13 years shuttered. But the story of its comeback has enough twists and turns to rival one of the Hollywood films you may once again catch on its big screen today.

Historic Landmark

Dating back to 1940, this iconic landmark on Corey Avenue was beloved by the local beach community for decades as a place to catch a classic Hollywood film or the latest release, before mega cineplexes took the spotlight away from this nostalgic slice of Americana. Still, The Beach Theatre held its own until 2012, when it suddenly closed after its former owner passed away, remaining vacant for more than a decade as time, weather and neglect took their toll. That’s when self-proclaimed “theater kid” Hannah Hockman stepped in to purchase the dilapidated building in late 2023 in hopes of restoring it to its former cinematic glory. She was only 25 years old at the time.

“I’ve loved this place for years,” she said in a news story covering the building’s rebirth. “My parents used to come here on dates.” Hockman said she had always envisioned helping someone else renovate the place if they would step up and lead the charge. When no one did, those memories of her youth came rushing back and she decided to bite the bullet and do it herself.

That first year diving in, though, was a doozy. Hurricane Debby wreaked havoc by hitting during their first day of scheduled renovations in August 2024, then Hurricane Helene followed suit by dumping 6 feet of water into the building the very next month. Not to be outdone, Hurricane Milton crashed the party another month after that, blowing out the building’s back wall.

Despite those obstacles, Hockman hosted a community-wide celebration just three months later in January 2025 to celebrate the theater’s 85th birthday, while giving folks a glimpse into its restoration. And remarkably – almost 6 months to the day after that event – The Beach Theatre reopened its doors on July 18, raising the curtain on a full makeover that includes a new roof, new flooring and everything in between – the screen, audio-visual system, seats, air-conditioning, you name it. And yes, you can munch on fresh popcorn and candy, or even sip an adult beverage, if you wish!

They’ve also added more entertainment options beyond what you’ll see projected on the big screen. You can still enjoy a mix of classic, indie and current films, along with musical performances, plays, book readings and more. Recent offerings have featured films like Superman, The Green Flash, Footloose and The Sound of Music’s special 60th anniversary release, along with concerts featuring a Fleetwood Mac tribute band and The Undercovers, a trio of master vocalists reimagining classic tunes. The diversity of offerings is intentional, as Hockman sees the theatre’s future as one that goes far beyond its movie-house past.

“The reopening of The Beach Theatre isn’t just about watching movies,” she said. “It’s about celebrating tradition, fostering community, and preserving the magic of nostalgia for generations to come.”

Location, Contact Information & Planning Details

The Beach Theatre is located at 315 Corey Ave. in St. Pete Beach, Florida. For more information, call (727) 340-2866, visit www.thebeachtheatre.org or check out their Facebook page. You can also purchase tickets online or by calling (800) 514-3849.