Polk Theatre
Lakeland, FL
Photo and info courtesy Steve/Back on Tack

The Polk Theater is located on the main drag of downtown, Lakeland, FL. It is a four story building that was built in1927. It is still in operation and used for movies and live performances. It seats 1400. What is interesting to note about the structure is that it was the first theater in the country in the 1920s to have air conditioning. A pump was attached to an artesian well and the water would chill the building.

Strand Theatre (Closed)
Key West, FL
Photo and info courtesy Paul Bauke

The Strand Theatre in Key West, FL is now a Walgreen's, but at least the sign is still lit as though the Strand were still open.

The Strand opened in the mid-1920's only to close in the 1980's. After a stint as a nightclub and then a Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, the old theatre became a Walgreens drug store. The interior with the exception of the balcony is history. More information about this theatre can be found here. 01-09

Tropic Cinema
Key West, FL
Photo courtesy Paul Bauke

The Tropic Cinema is a relative new theatre located in the Key West area of Florida. The Tropic opened in 1999 as a home for independent films. The theatre is now a triplex and home to community cultural events, jazz concerts, and literary lectures. More information can be found at the Key West Film site. 01-09