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Watching a movie at an open-air theatre is a must have experience, especially in the tropical climate of Florida. Or else, turn on a heat lamp and check out these ozoners here at Roadside Peek's Florida Drive-ins.

28th Street Drive-in (Demolished)
St. Petersburg, FL
Photo courtesy Georg Balandran

In the St. Petersburg area of Florida is a grand colorful drive-in theatre called the 28th Street. One of the few remaining open theatres, stop by when you're in the area and watch a flick or two. You won't be able to miss the colorful screen tower. Back in 1970, the 28th St. had two projectors, each running 2,000 foot reels with RCA supplying all the booth equipment. The theatre is still doing well.

(Many thanks to two-time former projectionist Budd Ballard for above info)

The 28th Street's marquee sports a colors harking back to the deco era.

UPDATE 02/04 : The 28th Street Drive-in shut down for good on June 30, 2000. In operation since 1950, the 28th Street was purchased by the Pinellas County School Board. Many thanks to Maria R. for update. 02-04

UPDATE 06/06 : As of 2005, the site of the old 28th Street Drive-in is now a new Middle School. The Fun-Lan in Tampa, Ruskin Drive in, Silver Moon in Lakeland, and Joy-Lan in Dade City are still open serving the Tampa Bay Metro area. Many thanks to Bryan Otto for update. 06-06

Photo courtesy Andy Callahan

To the left is a Microsoft Terraserver image of the 28th Street Drive-in, possibly behind the old public housing buildings.

The Ruskin marquee and screen tower
Ruskin, FL
Photo courtesy Andy Callahan

Welcome to the Ruskin Theatre of Florida. This theatre was built in 1952 with the screen location approximately where the box office is now. When U.S. 41 was built, the screen was moved to its present location.

The Exit
Photo courtesy Andy Callahan

The Snack bar
Photo courtesy Andy Callahan

The snack bar is right in the corner of the lot. The Ruskin has a capacity of 200.

Fun-Lan Drive-in
Tampa, FL
Photo courtesy Georg Balandran

Tampa, Florida is home to the Fun-Lan Drive-in Theatre. Still open in the Summer of 1999, the Fun-Lan features three screens.

UPDATE : The Fun-Lan, which opened January 10, 1950 is celebrating it's 50th year! Many thanks to Andy Callahan for information.

Terraserver Image of Fun-Lan Courtesy Andy Callahan	Screen 2 Photo courtesy Andy Callahan	The entrance and ticket booth Photo courtesy Georg Balandran

UPDATE 08/07 : The Fun-Lan Drive-in added a fourth screen in 2006. 08-07

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Page Last Updated August 1, 2007