Before a crowd of about 200 supporters the new “Sidewalk of Fame” under the marquee at the Florida Theatre debuted last night about an hour before Smokey Robinson went on stage. The first phase of a $5 million capital campaign, the first installation of 43 engraved stars recognizing donors raised $1.6 million. The money will be used for the ongoing restoration of the theater which opened on April 8, 1927.
Former City Council President Kevin Hyde asked the VIP guests to think about what the Florida Theatre means to Jacksonville and said the venue represents a perfect public-private partnership.
“We need more projects like this,” he added.
Florida Theatre Board Chair Irene Lazzarra said the historic entertainment facility offers the most diverse programming in the community and described the building as “a living, breathing platform for the performing arts.”