JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Citing low attendance, changes following the COVID pandemic and shifting audience behavior, the San Marco Theatre announced Wednesday that it's closing for good. The 84-year-old cinema made the announcement on its Facebook page.
"Dear Friends & Neighbors, After eighty-four and a half years, the San Marco Theatre will permanently close its doors on New Year's Day," a portion of the post states. "It's with sad and heavy hearts that we share this news with our San Marco community and the city of Jacksonville. We all have a lot of memories of this place. We'll miss it."
The business not being able to recover following the COVID-19 pandemic and an ever changing audience landscape are to blame, the Facebook post states.
"The movie industry has seen dramatic changes since Covid. ... The movie theatre business was not a very profitable endeavor before Covid. Now, when potential patrons are flooded with new releases on a dozen different streaming services it seems like the movie theatre experience is quickly going the way of Blockbuster Video."
Many of those who commented on the theatre's Facebook page shared their disappointment.
"Totally heartbreaking! My first job was San Marco Theater with Mr. Charles & Flo…1976," Jeanne Sutton wrote.
"This is truly heartbreaking. San Marco theater is truly a special and one of a kind place," Brianne Alford Graham said. "It will be missed along with its unique qualities. 15 years ago my hubby and I got engaged there and will forever cherish that memory. Gosh this makes me sad."
