ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The historic Beach Theatre on St. Pete Beach is finally reopening this weekend.
The Theatre was once the most popular place in town, built in 1940. Today, 85 years later, it hopes to be that popular place once again.
ABC Action News has covered the resurgence of the Theatre for many years, and its different owners.
WATCH: St. Pete Beach historic theatre reopens to the public on Saturday
Hannah Hockman is a determined woman, looking to make the Beach Theatre a bright spot on Corey Avenue.
The Hockman family purchased the Theatre just about a year and a half ago.
"I'm so excited. It's been quite the journey," said Hockman.
That journey included, three hurricanes causing delays, as well as countless hours of hard work.
"When we got to it, it had a leaky roof, a foundation that was not ADA compliant, so it needed a lot of love," says Hockman
The Beach Theatre opens on July 18. Hockman said it will be a cinema and host live performances.
"The adrenaline is pumping. If you come see the documentary this weekend, you can see how this past year and a half has aged me a little bit, but it's been so much fun," said Hockman.
"It's been a blast to see the neighborhood come together around the anchor or what will be the anchor of Corey Avenue, " said Travis Hawkes with Lunar Speedboat Productions.
And the anchor of Corey Avenue, will also hopefully drive more business for the theaters neighbors
"It's gonna be a real plus for the area we're looking for a lot more foot traffic we think people are gonna discover Corey Avenue and this part of Saint Pete Beach," says John McCaskill, owner of Studio Jomac
Sail Market Boutique and Gifts just opened as well, and have already received a warm welcome, but cannot wait for the theater to be in business.
"The response from the customers, from the locals, has been absolutely astounding," says Pippa Mpunzwana Hill, "They're excited that businesses are opening up and we're just happy."
Click here to find out how you can visit.
