When the Florida Theatre first opened its doors nearly a century ago, Sam Katz, President of Publix Theaters, offered a noble vision for the venue:
“A properly conducted theatre is of the same importance to a community as a school or a church. Such a theatre contributes to the community’s welfare because wholesome recreation is essential to its well-being.”
Those words, published in the Times-Union, reflected the dream of a cultural landmark—one dedicated to inspiration, refinement, and enrichment for Jacksonville.
The Florida Theatre Today
Nearly 100 years later, the Florida Theatre has articulated a modern mission:
“To enhance the quality of life in North Florida by providing diverse and memorable arts and entertainment experiences and by maintaining a unique historic Jacksonville landmark.”
Less officially, it strives to be “a thing of beauty, and a palace of dreams” and a symbol of hope and progress in its city.
Enter Kathy Griffin
And yet, on this historic stage, Jacksonville will soon see Kathy Griffin on Sunday, February 15th, who proudly declares what her audience should expect:
“It’s an evening with Kathy Griffin, and I’ve been touring so long that I really think if you buy a ticket to my show, you can’t act like you don’t know I’m going to curse like crazy, I’m going to say inappropriate things. I’m going to go off on celebrities and talk about whatever is in the pop culture zeitgeist.”
This is the same Kathy Griffin who lost her career credibility after posing with a bloody Trump head—a grotesque image that symbolized not humor, not art, but anger and vitriol.
A Mission Betrayed
We have certainly come a long way from the inspiring words of Sam Katz, but one thing is clear: today’s mission is failing if Kathy Griffin is the standard-bearer of “enhancing the quality of life” in our city.
Griffin doesn’t bring hope or progress. She brings crass vulgarity. She thrives on anger and hatred. And she certainly doesn’t add anything of beauty, dreams, or uplift to Jacksonville.
The Florida Theatre deserves better. Jacksonville deserves better. A stage built to be a palace of dreams should not be reduced to a platform for vulgarity masquerading as art.
What say you, Jacksonville? Is this who we want to represent our cultural landmark—or should we demand a higher standard for the stage entrusted to inspire our city?
What You Can Do
The Florida Theatre belongs to Jacksonville. It is our landmark, our cultural treasure, and our stage. If you believe this mission matters, then make your voice heard:
📞 Call the Florida Theatre box office and tell them you expect entertainment that lifts our city up, not drags it down. (904) 355-5661
💬 Share this post and start the conversation—should Jacksonville’s palace of dreams host Kathy Griffin or should we demand acts that truly enhance the quality of life in North Florida?
Because if we don’t speak up now, the words of Sam Katz—and the mission of today—will become nothing more than a plaque on the wall, ignored while the stage is used for cheap laughs and crass headlines.
