The Polk Theatre in Lakeland has delayed its planned reopening as repair work continues following a rupture of an underground pipe.
The theater’s management had set a tentative reopening date of Saturday in an earlier announcement. But the staff posted an update Thursday on its website and Facebook page.
“We had a small setback this week and had to delay the pipe installation in order to do some additional prep work, which also delayed our reopening,” the announcement said. “We aren’t sure when that will be yet, but if we set a date, something would probably come up to change it, and so until we know for sure, we are not going to commit to a date. Please keep checking our website, social media, newsletter, etc., for updates.”
The theater’s management first announced the closure on July 9, saying a pipe had broken below seats in the orchestra’s center section, causing the historic building’s basement to flood.
The Polk Theatre, which opened in 1928, is one of a few historic, atmospheric theaters in Florida still operating as a movie house. It also hosts live performances and rental events.
The building at 121 S. Florida Ave. is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.