R.I.P. Sunrise Cinemas

Sunrise Cinemas in Old Hyde Park, Tampa, has been one of my favorite movie venues. They often played off-beat, art-house type movies in addition to major releases. It was a nice place, nice atmosphere, and always kept clean. They even had a beer and wine bar, something you don’t see at most movie houses. In today’s email I got a notice that they are closing August 31. I’m really sorry to hear this. I haven’t been able to go there as often as I’d like, but always enjoyed it. I’ve seen some very memorable movies there.

Here’s what the email said:

Final Day Specials at Sunrise Cinemas at Old Hyde Park

Sunrise Cinemas is throwing a “Thank You Party” next Thursday, August 31, 2006, the last day of its operation in Hyde Park Village. Celebrating a successful run at the historic and well-loved Tampa Bay movie theatre, Sunrise Cinemas will be offering all concession items for only $1.00 each all day long while supplies last.

Guests will be able to buy any size popcorn and soft drink, hot dogs, nachos, candy, coffee, pretzels, bottle waters, iced tea, and, yes, even beer and wine for only $1.00 each.

In addition, Sunrise Cinemas Loyalty Card holders will be able to purchase a ticket to any movie showing that day for only $5.50 each. Normal ticket prices will apply for all other guests.

Sunrise Cinemas General Manager, Sonal, and staff will be on hand to say goodbye to those wishing to visit their “favorite movie theatre” one last time.

For more information, please contact the Sunrise Cinemas management office at 813-258-5640.

mike@apsey.org

What that e-mail didn’t say was the new owners of Hyde Park plan to replace the theater with condos.

Forgive me, but . . .

Oh, never mind. Thanks for the head’s-up.

That is always sad. Here in Sarasota our old Dairy Queen shut down. I went for the “goodbye party” Aug. 30. The ABC channel 7 news people were there and I was even on the news. Now on the news they did say what was happening as people were trying to get it stoped. NO LUCK, it’s gone. :(