Submitted by Gerry Clare
Roving Reporter
Photos courtesy of Tom Clare
February 12, 2015 5:59 p.m.
“Over 700 VIP guests responded to the Amelia Island- Fernandina Beach- Yulee Chamber of Commerce invitation to the pre-opening reception of the Coastal Cinema 10 movie theater in Lofton Square in Yulee last night,” according to Regina Duncan, Chamber President.
It certainly seemed like there were at least that many attending, as the lobby filled with local city and county officials, business owners and employees and members of the Chamber.
The red carpet and Carmike greeters met us at the door. Complimentary beverages, food and popcorn, including champagne, were part of the party and high-top tables were quickly filled with guests. Tours were offered by well-informed employees like Sara and Kyle (pictured) in the Big D theater who explained the new technology as Dimensional Site, Deluxe Seating and Dynamic Sound. They and the new manager, Keith Allen, explained that the sound system in this room was Dolby 7.0 versus 5.0, in most auditoriums. They also mentioned that the 28 x 60 foot screen in the 3D theater is the largest in Florida and the room holds 329 moviegoers with comfortable reclining seats and lot of aisle space.
The different rooms were running other movies (see www.carmike.com for the features and times), but my photographer husband and I decided to watch the big screen feature, Interstellar, and it was a fantastic production.
Duncan mentioned that she expects the new theater to be a “good steward in the community. Besides employing 45 new employees (many from the Fernandina Beach theater), they are already hosting a benefit for the Nassau Humane Society tonight (February 12th) with movies, drinks and popcorn for $2 each”. Tickets are available at the theater at 6 p.m. Friday, February 13th begins their official season and much good entertainment for Nassau County.
Editor’s Note: Gerry began free lance writing for fun and is the author of a published book (available on Amazon and at Books Plus) about funny real estate experiences. Gerry is a longtime member of our local American Business Women’s Chapter, a volunteer cancer driver and church deacon who loves to read, travel and meet interesting people.
Glad that there’s a theatre at least closer than River City, but with 10 screens and only 6 movies, I’ll still have to go to River City to see any of the Oscar nominations besides American Sniper.