About this Event
Opulent and nostalgic, Tampa Theatre is one of the most magnificent movie palaces of the early twentieth century. On the 100th anniversary of this iconic building, Tampa Theatre: A Century of Stories chronicles its complete history for the first time. This book traces the story of the theater from its opening in 1926 as a home for silent films through decades of historic preservation efforts to the present day, where, grander than ever before, it serves as a nonprofit film and cultural center for the Tampa community.
Featuring over 200 illustrations, the book celebrates the civic vitality fostered by the Tampa Theatre and reminds us that the redevelopment of cities begins with the preservation of our most valued community spaces.
Andrew T. Huse (1973–2025) was curator of Florida studies at University of South Florida Libraries. His books include The Columbia Restaurant: Celebrating a Century of History, Culture, and Cuisine; From Saloons to Steak Houses: A History of Tampa; and The Cuban Sandwich: A History in Layers.
Jill Witecki is the Vice President, Director of Marketing and Community Relations for Tampa Theatre, a 1,200-seat historic movie palace and 43-seat modern screening room in downtown Tampa. Jill is primarily responsible for generating awareness for the nonprofit Theatre’s 1,000+ show times a year and cultivating civic partnerships and relationships that fulfill the historic movie palace’s mission to build community through extraordinary entertainment in an iconic landmark.
A graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Jill earned bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and Theater. She began her career as a staff writer for the Tampa Tribune, covering community events and feature stories, and writing a weekly humor/lifestyle column called The Quarterlifer. Prior to joining the Tampa Theatre executive team in October 2012, Jill spent nine years in Public Relations for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where she managed media relations and crisis communications for the theme park.
She and her husband, Mark, live in Riverview, where they tag team to raise two young daughters, an elderly cat, a pit bull, and a corn snake.
Joey Hager is an Operations Manager at the historic Tampa Theatre, where he handles ticketing and guest relations for all film, live, and private events held at the Theatre. With more than a decade of experience working in cinemas, his interests in film and history collide by preserving Tampa Theatre’s archival materials while simultaneously ushering the Theatre into its second century of service. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of South Florida and lives in St. Petersburg with his partner, Nick, and their dog and cat.
Event venue & nearby stays
Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Avenue South, St. Petersburg, United States
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