JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – People who consider a decades-old theater a vital piece of the culture of Five Points are fighting to save it after Sun-Ray Cinema’s owner announced it is for sale.
Several people voiced their concerns about possibly losing the theater during Tuesday night’s Jacksonville City Council meeting, even though nothing related to the theater was on the agenda.
They spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, saying they believe the theater is important to the Five Points area and they wanted council members to hear and recognize that.
“It is vital to our city’s culture,” said Amy Metzger. “It is a very niche thing running an independent theater.”
That was the common sentiment about Sun-Ray Cinema.
One by one, people passionately spoke about it during the public comment portion of the meeting.
The building’s owner, Jack Shad, announced he has found a buyer for the property. Shad would not give the specific buyer’s name but says it has experience with managing historic buildings in the southeast.
According to a social media post earlier this month, the theater was not offered a new lease. The post sparked an uproar from the community.
Cate Dobbins, who spoke at Tuesday’s meeting, created a Facebook page called: “Save Sun-Ray Cinema!”
“I see two, three or even four movies a week,” Dobbins said. “I go to all of their special events. There is no other space like it in Jacksonville. There is nothing like Sun-Ray anywhere I have ever been, even in New York City.”
The theater was the first in Florida to show talking pictures and has been open for almost 100 years.
Other people who want the theater to stay open say it is not only successful but there is no other place like it.
“As we embrace newcomers from other states, it is vital to uphold Jacksonville’s distinct character and essence,” said Valerie Taylor. “Sun-Ray Cinema stands out in its uniqueness. The theater serves as a cultural hub, fostering community engagement and artistic expression. By preserving and supporting venues like Sun-Ray Cinema, we not only preserve Jacksonville’s identity, but an environment where diversity, creativity, and innovation thrive.”
“The Sun-Ray is the core of Five Points,” said Travis Orr. “It is what people speak about. Everything else changes around there. It is such a draw for people all around the city.”
“This is a part of our home,” Teresa Wells said. “This is a part of our neighborhood. This is where we gather.”
“I see this institution as critical to the culture of our city,” said Cameron Metzger. “I also think of Sun-Ray as a torchbearer for a more culturally vibrant future Jacksonville.”
It’s unclear what could happen inside the building, but changes to the outside will be more limited because the building was declared a historic landmark in 2004.