State Rep. Jackie Toledo has asked Florida to dub Tampa Theatre a historic landmark. Built in 1926, the fiercely loved movie palace is a local treasure, but the Sunshine State has yet to recognize it as a "historical marker."
Toledo, R-Tampa, sent out a letter last week, urging the state to approve Tampa Theatre's historic landmark designation. According to WUSF Public Media, she says protecting the downtown destination — as soon as possible — is at the top of her to-do list.
"This has been a treasured gem in the city of Tampa for over 90 years and I think it truly deserves the designation of a historic landmark," Toledo said. "[This is] something that the state has not recognized and we hope to change that."
After the Florida Division of Historical Resources receives Toledo's letter, WUSF reports, a lengthy application process for the designation will start. Toledo aims for Tampa Theatre to become a historical marker by the end of the year.
This article appears in Jan 31 – Feb 7, 2019.