Atlantic Theatres

EFCMike on September 11, 2018 at 7:56 pm

Harvey, The Royal Palm was opened as a Single 600 seat house in the early 60’s by H B Meiselman Theatres. The Meiselman Family later incorporated their Theatre and Commercial Property operations under the name Eastern Federal Corporation. In the early 1970’s, EFC added a second 400 seat auditorium alongside the original single, expanding their footprint, since there was a vacant lot on the west side of the original building. In the late 1970’s EFC split the original 600 seat single into two 250 seat theatres, making the complex a 3 screen Operation.

rdanlord on October 3, 2009 at 9:16 pm

I remember when it was a twin in 1974. “The Mechanic” was playing in one side, and “The Groove Tube” was playing in the other.

JackCoursey on June 29, 2008 at 7:51 pm

Thanks. I haven’t been able to locate a directory of the Eastern Federal theatres and was hoping that one would have come available at the time Regal took them over. Maybe someone could check with the main library in the Jackson Beach area.

Harvey on June 29, 2008 at 6:37 pm

In regards to Jack’s comment on how this theater should be listed, my personal opinion is that the Royal Palm is appropriate.

During most of its lifetime, it was known as the Royal Palm to the point I think anybody coming here looking for this particular theater would input that before the Atlantic. In a bid to keep up with the times, the Royal Palm was remodled and renamed and lasted nowhere near as long as the Royal Palm.

It now primarily hosts things such as THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES and comedy shows with the occasional showing of surf films, however, I don’t think it’s even open anymore. The website is dead and the myspace page gives no updated information.

At one time, the Freebird Cafe, a concert hall in Jax Beach owned by Ronnie Van Zant’s widow Judy, wanted to move their business in to the Atlantic (about 2005, I think). This never happened.

Jack, I’ll try to find some info on the origins of the Royal Palm. I wish Troy Powell and that other cat, Vaughn, would post more. Apparently they were very involved with local theaters, particularly Eastern Federal Theaters, in Jacksonville back in the day.

JackCoursey on November 7, 2007 at 7:19 am

Here is a recent photo of the Atlantic Theatre. I think this should be listed as the Atlantic since that is the current name of the theatre rather than the Royal Palm. Was this initially as single screen? What year did it open?