Isle of View Drive-In
Everitt Avenue and E. 5th Ct,
Panama City,
FL
32401
Everitt Avenue and E. 5th Ct,
Panama City,
FL
32401
3 people
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The Isle of View Drive-In opened on May 17, 1951, with the 1950 comedy “Peggy” with Diana Lynn, Charles Coburn, Charlotte Greenwood and Barbara Lawrence. The drive-in was opened by Joe E. Hutchinson, Millford Miller and John Marianna with a car capacity of 300 cars. In November of 1952, the Isle of View Drive-In was sold to Martin Theatres. It screened pictures until September of 1984 then it was closed. It was the last operating drive-in theatre in Panama City to close. It was demolished and now the property is a mobile home park.
Contributed by
Rick Tucker, Randy Studer
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Recent comments (view all 8 comments)
Hi, My mother Ruby Astor-Cox and I, Gail Astor-Layton worked at this drive-in during the 70’s. I worked the Entrance Ticket Booth and the in the Concession Stand at the drink machine and making pizzas. Star Wars came out that this drive-in. The manager’s was James & Irene McGriff which still live at 614 Bay Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401.
Here is a June 1952 ad from the Panama City News-Herald:
http://tinyurl.com/ykdlrmu
See attached map for general area of Isle of View Drive-In
View link
Unlike the Gulf Drive-In, this drive-in would have been a challenge to find for those not from that area because it was quite a distance from a major road.
My name is Steve Ellis and I used to work at drive-in. I knew Ruby well. She was quite a character! She and Irene would have a little spat every now and then! Great times! Jimmy&Irene McGriff were cool to work for. They had two sons, Ricky&Timmy? Projectionist was a cool guy, too. I used to fix drinks&pizzas, climb up/change marquee on HWY98. I was there night third of screen cracked, then fell to ground(I had just walked out from under it!) Made $25.wk. and free pass to all Martin theaters! We even had a rock band play before Monterey Pop Festival movie! I lasted a year, then worked @Miracle Strip Amusement Park on beach for $60.wk. Great memories all!!!
Address above is incorrect. This drive-in was east of that intersection. The entrance is approx. 3100 East 5th Street. The theatre would be north of this where the trailer park stands now.
Hi everyone. I have learned that my great grandfather Zebedee Hightower worked here as a watchmen/janitor. Does anyone remember him?
Here is better address:
Everitt Ave and E 5th CT.,Panama City, FL 32401
The projection booth(and snack bar underneath?) building is still used as an(office?) by the mobile home park.