St. Pete Beach’s Iconic Beach Theatre Reopens July 18 After 13-Year Hiatus: A New Era of Entertainment Begins

After sitting dark for over a decade, the historic Beach Theatre in St. Pete Beach is ready to light up Corey Avenue once again. On Friday, July 18, the iconic cinema will reopen its doors, inviting movie lovers and art enthusiasts to experience a new era at the beloved neighborhood landmark.

Located at 315 Corey Avenue, the Beach Theatre originally opened in 1940 as Pinellas County’s first venue built exclusively for “talkies”—films with sound. After closing in 2012 and passing through multiple owners, the building was purchased in March 2024 by local residents Ronald and Sissy Hockman and their daughter, Hannah, for $1 million.

“I’ve dreamed of owning a theater my entire life,” said Hannah Hockman, a theater director with American Stage. Though she never saw a movie at the Beach Theatre herself, her parents cherished the spot as a go-to date night destination. Now, the family is breathing new life into the Art Deco treasure, preserving its charm while giving it a modern makeover.

The renovation journey has not been without challenges. In the early stages of construction, Hurricane Helene sent six feet of storm surge into the theater bowl. Just weeks later, Hurricane Milton tore down the building’s back wall. Fortunately, because equipment hadn’t yet been installed, recovery was swift and determined.

Now, the space is nearly transformed. Original features like the iconic vertical sign and rows of vintage seats are being preserved, while new additions—including a modern bar, expanded lobby, cinema equipment, and box seating—promise a state-of-the-art entertainment experience. Blue curtains now frame the walls, and the newly uncovered barrel roof will remain exposed to showcase the theater’s original architecture.

The grand reopening will kick off with a special documentary screening highlighting the building’s storied past and the family’s passionate restoration efforts. Following the debut, several open house events are planned to reconnect the venue with the community.

The 2025 season is already fully booked with an exciting lineup of films and performances. Tickets go on sale Sunday, June 1, with the schedule available online. In addition to screenings, the Hockmans aim to host local theater, live performances, and community events.

“Our goal is to create a hub for storytelling in every form,” the family shared. “We want this to be a place where memories are made—whether you’re coming for a classic film, a new release, or a local production.”

Stay updated on upcoming shows and events by subscribing to the Beach Theatre newsletter and following them on Facebook and Instagram.

The curtain is rising once again at the Beach Theatre—don’t miss your chance to be part of its next act.

Photos from Facebook