The Beach Theatre, closed for over a decade, has sold and will reopen
The new ownership hopes to continue the St. Pete Beach movie theater’s legacy.

By Gabrielle Calise
Tampa Bay Times
Published: Mar 1, 2024

Movie fans in St. Pete Beach awoke to good news on Friday.

“Exciting announcement! The Beach Theatre is officially under new ownership!” reads a Facebook post shared on the Beach Theatre page Friday morning. “We plan to reopen as a movie theatre/live theatre space!”

A woman named Hannah Hockman purchased the theater with her family, according to an Instagram post. The sales price and other details of the purchase were not immediately available.

The art deco movie theater, located at 315 Corey Ave., opened in January 1940. It became dormant after owner Michael France Jr., a Hollywood screenplay writer, died in 2013. Legal entanglements kept the building shuttered for nearly a decade.

When the Beach Theatre finally went on the market, Christopher Scott purchased it in August 2021 as-is for $652,000 — $173,000 over list price. It was only on the market for one day and had 10 other competing offers. Scott hosted community meetings to figure out the future of the building, as well as a few fundraisers, but did not reopen the theater before he sold it. According to the Tampa Bay Times archive, the 4,800-square-foot property had fallen into disrepair, with a roof leak causing damage to the main auditorium area.

“After working and trying to get the theater up and running and working through with different contractors ... I made the decision to sell it,” Scott said. “I found someone who has more experience in the industry and who’s got more time to devote to it.”

The Beach Theatre already has a revamped website with a new mission statement.

“The reopening of The Beach Theatre isn’t just about watching movies — it’s about celebrating tradition, fostering community, and preserving the magic of nostalgia for generations to come. We are ecstatic to bring new life and energy to The Beach Theatre,” a blog post reads. “Whether you’re a movie buff looking for the nostalgia of classic films or a theatre enthusiast seeking the thrill of live performances, The Beach Theatre will be your ultimate destination for unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. We’re dedicated to fostering a sense of community and collaboration, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talents, and inviting audiences to experience the magic of storytelling in all its forms.”