The Sun-Ray Cinema in Jacksonville, Florida, is no longer operating under that name and has been rebranded as FIVE, a music venue, as of May 2025.[3] The original Sun-Ray Cinema, located at 1028 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32204, was a historic two-screen movie theater that had a rich history, initially opening as the Riverside Theater in March 1927.[3] It was notable for being the first theater in Florida equipped to show talking pictures.[3] After various transformations, including being known as the Five Points Theatre, it was reopened as the Sun-Ray Cinema at 5 Points in December 2011, focusing on art-house films, independent movies, and special events.[3] The cinema was also recognized for its vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menu options.[3]
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In 2024, the building that housed the Sun-Ray Cinema was sold for $7 million to Atlanta developer Southbank Partners, and the lease for the cinema operators was not renewed.[3] Following this sale, the venue underwent renovations and reopened in May 2025 as FIVE, a mid-size music hall.[3] Marathon Live, a Nashville-based facility-management company, oversaw the renovation, preserving the historic façade and interior elements while upgrading the sound, lighting, and other amenities.[3] The new venue has a standing capacity of approximately 1,250 and launched with a concert by BoyWithUke on May 13, 2025.[3]
It is important to note that there is also a Sun-Ray Cinema located at 12332 University Mall Ct, Tampa, FL 33612.[1] This location operates independently and can be reached at (813) 896-4786 or via email at keymaster@sunraycinema.com.[1] This Tampa location continues to operate as a cinema, distinct from the former Jacksonville location which is now a music venue.[1] [2]
