by David Chapman
Staff Writer
The stage of the Florida Theatre was set Thursday night, but it wasn’t for a movie, a show or an act and there was no audience to be found.
Instead of a performance, it was a dinner celebration of the theatre’s past and present leadership who helped re-raise the curtains and transform the venue 25 years ago and help continue to do so today.
“It’s (Thursday’s dinner) a way to honor and celebrate some of our past and present leaders who had the foresight to save the theatre and reintroduce them to all the good people and things happening here now,” said Irene Lazzara, Florida Theatre 2008-09 board of directors chair.
During her address to the group of more than 70 attendees, Lazarra thanked those community leaders who helped save the theatre 25 years ago – without their hard work and perseverance then, the current board of directors wouldn’t be as effective now, she said.
“The theatre has come a long way in its mission,” said Lazarra.
One of the biggest proponents of saving the theatre after it closed in 1980 was then-current Mayor Jake Godbold, who was unable to attend the function.
Though absent, his efforts weren’t forgotten.
“I remember all the work that went in to it,” said Martha Barrett, current Duval County Public Schools chair and Godbold’s former press aide. “The night it reopened, he (Godbold) was all smiles and was so proud to be a part of something like this.”
Some who witnessed the many concerts and shows long before and after the Theatre’s three-year hiatus in the early 80s said not having the venue restored would have been tragic given its history.
“This place is a jewel and I don’t know what we would do if it wasn’t here anymore,” said Betsy Lovett, a lifelong Jacksonville resident and community philanthropist. “This place is Jacksonville.”
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