Central Theater

1201 N. Central Avenue,
Tampa, FL 33602

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Bailey Theaters

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Central Theater

The Central Theater was a Negro theater located in "The Scrub," the black neighborhood just north of downtown Tampa. It was in operation from 1923, and was closed between 1949 to 1951. It was reopened by the Bailey Theaters chain and continued until at least 1955.

While this area was the heart of Tampa’s black community, urban renewal and construction of Interstate 4 (later 275) led to this entire area being destroyed, with a part of it becoming housing projects. The Central Theater was demolished sometime around then.

Contributed by Andy

Recent comments (view all 4 comments)

Nunzienick
Nunzienick on April 24, 2010 at 7:59 am

What a fantastic display of posters! Here’s a photo dated 3/5/34 showing front of theatre with posters and two small trucks that made the rounds advertising current and coming attractions. Note banner for “Whispering Shadow” with Bela Lugosi(!!) within the left archway:
View link

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on April 26, 2010 at 3:09 am

Nick,I really didn’t need to see all those onesheets.LOL.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on May 7, 2011 at 6:31 pm

Thanks.I wish Nick had the time to put the hundreds of pictures he has taken on CT.

dallasmovietheaters
dallasmovietheaters on December 13, 2015 at 4:20 am

Opened in 1923 by J.C. Morris.

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