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.
28th Street Marquee Photo courtesy Georg Balandran
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.
Auto-Park Drive-in Photo courtesy Andy Callahan
Here is the Auto Park Drive-in. Shown below are the sides of the
lot near to where the screen tower once stood.
These views are typical of what's left of many ozoners from decades past.
28th Street Drive-in (Demolished)
(Many thanks to two-time former projectionist Budd Ballard for above
info)
The Ruskin marquee and screen tower
The Exit
The Snack bar
Auto-Park Drive-in
