The island without a cinema? - An opinion

An opinion submitted by Tony Crawford

I have heard, as I am sure many have, that the Island Cinema may close due the new multiplex which in planned for Yulee.

Think about the economic impact that this would have on the City. The closing of the theater would be a kind of " end of an era" for Fernandina Beach. Think about our tourists. Where would they go on a rainy day, Yulee? Where will they eat before or after a show, Yulee? Where will we go to eat before or after a show, Yulee? Where will our students be driving to should they want to see a show, Yulee? And where would parents be driving their kids to and from to see a show, Yulee?

Eating establishments adjacent to cinema.

Please don't think this is against Yulee, they will in the end have a state of the art complex. My concern is what happens to our restaurants and local establishments and how will our tourist trade feel about visiting the island and spending the day at the beach and at night have to drive off island to see a show?

What can be done to prevent this. Not too much in actuality. I called Carmike Cinema's home office in Columbus, Ga. Mr. Fred Vannoy, the C.O.O. of Carmike was kind enough to take my call and explain the rumors and give me some insight on this issue.

As of our conversation the closing is not official. The decision has yet to be made. Mr. Vannoy is well aware of the negative impact this would have on the City and our community, and is very sympathic with our concerns. In real life the bottom line, as in most business boils down to dollars & cents. Sad, but true.

I spoke to our Commissioners and the City Manager about these issues. They reacted in a quick and positive way. The City has sent a letter to Mr. Vannoy expressing our wishes to have them stay on the island and continue serving our community.

I wish I had an answer to this problem. The best I can hope for is that we write letters to Carmike as private citizens expressing our desire to have the cinema stay on the island. Will it help? I know it won't hurt. I also know that it could help totip the scales in our favor.

The last thing the City needs is another empty store front. This will become another scar plainly visible to all. I My hope it that enough locals write Carmike and show there support. Once it is closed it will be too late. Please should you feel strongly about this, take the time to write them.

Carmike Cinema

PO Box 391

Columbus, GA 31901

Att: Mr. Vannoy

or

Editor's note:   Tony Crawford moved to Fernandina Beach from New York fourteen years ago.   An avid city watcher, Tony finds watching local government at work, interesting, comical, and sad.

February 6, 2014 4:55 p.m.