ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — The biggest movie screen in North Florida isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
St. Johns County leaders announced they plan to keep the World Golf IMAX theater open on Wednesday.
The World Golf Hall of Fame closed up in September, which is when the county took over the building and the IMAX Theater with it.
The screen is 80 feet wide and 50 feet tall, making it one of a kind for this area.
Whatever happens next for the property, folks in St. Johns County made it clear they want this theater to be a part of it.
“We’re thrilled the county is moving forward with figuring out a way to keep it alive," said Sun-Ray Cinema Co-owner Tim Massett.
When Sunray Cinema Co-owners Tim Massett and Shana David-Massett in Jacksonville found out the World Golf Hall of Fame was leaving St. Johns County, they immediately threw their hats in the ring to help keep the IMAX up and running.
They never did come to terms with county leaders on an arrangement, but they’re relieved on behalf of movie-goers to find out the IMAX will keep playing blockbuster hits.
“It looks a lot like the attention that we drew to the issue had to have something to do with the reconsideration, so there’s all kinds of ways to save an IMAX I guess," said David-Massett.
St. Johns County held public meetings and a survey to find out what people want to see happen with the old World Golf Hall of Fame area and the IMAX theater, and one thing was clear.
“We’ve heard from the public they don’t want it to go away," said St. Johns County Spokesperson Wayne Larson. "We’re doing everything we can to make sure it’ll be here for the long-term, but also maintain its operation while a long-term path is created.”
The World Golf Hall of Fame Foundation will keep running the IMAX for the time being while the county looks into other partnerships.
Of course, the IMAX is just one piece of it all – there’s also the old Hall of Fame building, the PGA production facility set to relocate at the end of the year and 36 acres of land that make up the South Legacy Trail at World Golf Village.
“Everything is on the table," said Larson. "There’s all sorts of opportunities. We heard a variety of ideas, thoughts and concepts from the public.”
One thing is for certain, whatever happens, the IMAX will be part of it.
St. Johns County staff are working on a comprehensive plan for the whole property to present to the county commission.
There is no date for that yet.