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…