Florida Senate - 2019 (NP) SR 632 By Senator Rouson 19-00964-19 2019632__ 1 Senate Resolution 2 A resolution recognizing Tampa Theatre as a treasured 3 Florida landmark for its significant contribution to 4 the arts, its historical significance as a preserved 5 and protected landmark, and the service and enjoyment 6 it provides to residents of and visitors to this 7 state. 8 9 WHEREAS, Tampa Theatre, lovingly referred to as “the 10 Tampa,” enjoys a long and luminous history and distinguished 11 heritage, having been constructed in 1926 as one of America’s 12 most majestic and elaborate motion picture palaces, and 13 WHEREAS, the Tampa opened its doors on October 15, 1926, to 14 a sold-out audience, including then-Governor John W. Martin, and 15 WHEREAS, an extraordinary example of movie palace 16 architecture, the Tampa was designed by acclaimed architect John 17 Eberson as his favorite representation of the “atmospheric” 18 style of theatre for which he was renowned, replete with old 19 world style ornamentation and statuary, wrought iron accents, 20 rich tapestries, gargoyles, and a star-filled night sky, and has 21 elegantly endured through the decades, and 22 WHEREAS, in 1976, when changes in the film industry 23 endangered the future of the Tampa, area residents and champions 24 statewide rescued the building for the enjoyment of future 25 generations, and 26 WHEREAS, the Tampa’s successful resurgence as a nonprofit 27 film and cultural center has been central to the economic 28 revitalization of downtown Tampa and the region, and 29 WHEREAS, the Tampa has received international acclaim as 30 being one of the most beautiful, important, and best historic 31 movie theaters in the world, and 32 WHEREAS, the Tampa is fiercely protected and generously 33 supported by the residents of this state and welcomes more than 34 140,000 visitors a year, NOW, THEREFORE, 35 36 Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida: 37 38 That Tampa Theatre is recognized as a treasured Florida 39 landmark for its significant contribution to the arts, its 40 historical significance as a preserved and protected landmark, 41 and the service and enjoyment it provides to residents of and 42 visitors to this state.