NOTE: This story has been updated with information about Regal Cinemas and Luxe 8 Flix.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has given most Florida movie theaters the go-ahead to re-open. But when will that happen in Southwest Florida?
So far, the answer remains unclear.
Only three Lee and Collier county movie theaters have confirmed they’re re-opening: Prado Stadium 12 in Bonita Springs plans to re-open Friday, followed by Luxe 8 Flix in Fort Myers on Tuesday. Silverspot Cinema in Naples tentatively expects to re-open in early July.
Other movie theaters haven’t announced anything on their websites or social media pages.
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The News-Press attempted to reach managers and corporate spokespeople for AMC, Beach Theater and Paragon Theaters. They didn't respond to multiple emails and voicemails seeking comment Wednesday and Thursday.
A visit to Marquee Cinemas in Cape Coral and Regal Bell Tower 20 in Fort Myers found both theaters to be locked, dark and empty Thursday.
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Regal Cinemas spokesman Richard Grover says there are no confirmed opening dates for its theaters in Southwest Florida, including Regal Naples, Regal Bell Tower 20 in Fort Myers, Regal Gulf Coast in San Carlos Park and Regal Coconut Point in Estero.
"At this time, we have not made a decision when to reopen Regal theatres," the theater chain said in a statement Thursday. "We are constantly following the information provided by authorities.
"In order to open our theatres, at first we will need to ensure the safety of our guests and employees. At the same time, we are working closely with our studio partners on when they will make their movies available.
"We will continue to work with both authorities and studios in order to host our audiences and show them the big blockbusters in a safe environment."
At the moment, Prado Stadium 12 appears to be the only movie theater that will be operating in Lee and Collier counties this Friday, when DeSantis said theaters can re-open. In a news release Wednesday, the theater said it will be taking the recommended safety and cleaning precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Each theatre has been sanitized with a hydrogen peroxide disinfectant fog that has been recognized by the CDC as an effective way to kill the coronavirus and is safe for moviegoers,’ the news release said. “Seven of the 12 theatres will be open, and each theatre will be sanitized after every show.”
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Other safety measures happening at Prado Stadium 12:
- Tickets will be sold online only.
- Employees must wear masks and gloves.
- Plexiglass barriers have been installed in the concession stand.
- And stickers have been put on the floor, six feet apart, telling visitors to “Please Stand Here” to maintain social distancing.
Meanwhile, Silverspot expects to reopen sometime in “the early weeks of July,” just in time for highly anticipated summer movies such as Disney’s "Mulan” and Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet,” says marketing director Soledad Gonzalo. “Once the release dates are confirmed and will not change, we will start to announce our opening dates.”
Silverspot also plans new safety measures to help protect people from the coronavirus at the Naples theater and other theaters in the Silverspot chain.
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“We will employ social distancing measures in our lobby, lounges and theaters,” Gonzalo says. “Guests will be able to sit with their group, but distanced from other movie-going guests. We are also creating the most contact-less experience possible, including the use of our app and ordering from a website.
“We are anxious to get back. But when we do open, we will be providing the safest possible experience for our employees and our guests.”
Managers at Luxe 8 Flix in Fort Myers couldn't be reached for comment about their opening plans. However, the theater responded to a Facebook message seeking comment, saying "Next Tuesday is the planned reopening date." No other details were provided.
DeSantis announced Wednesday that 64 Florida counties, including Lee and Collier, could re-open their bars and movie theaters at half capacity. In addition, retail stores can go to full capacity.
“We have an opportunity to move forward in a safe, smart, step-by-step approach,” DeSantis said Wednesday. He added that bars, movie theaters and other places must follow “appropriate social distancing and sanitation protocols.”
It’s all part of the second phase of Florida’s economic reopening.
Connect with this reporter: Charles Runnells (Facebook), @charlesrunnells (Twitter), @crunnells1 (Instagram)
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