JACKSONVILLE, FL (September 17, 2026) – The Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc. Board of Directors, by unanimous vote, is pleased to announce Kevin Stone as President of the Florida Theatre and PC Bryant as Board Chair, ushering in a new chapter of leadership for one of Jacksonville’s most treasured cultural institutions.
Stone will serve as President of the Florida Theatre, leading the organization’s operations and strategic initiatives while working with the Board, staff, artists, and community to advance the Theatre’s mission and continued growth. Stone has been with the Florida Theatre for 13 years and has served as the Interim President/VP Programming, the Vice President of Programming, and the Director of Programming. Stone brings a long resume of experience in the live entertainment industry, including serving as the Director of Entertainment at Ruth Eckerd Hall for nine years.
“I’m honored to be named President of the Florida Theatre and grateful for the Board’s confidence,” said Stone. “This is an extraordinary institution with a remarkable history and an important place in the heart of Jacksonville. I look forward to working alongside PC, the Board, and our talented team to create memorable experiences for audiences and ensure the Florida Theatre remains a vibrant part of our community for generations to come.”
The mission of the Florida Theatre, as a nonprofit organization, is to enhance the North Florida community's quality of life by providing diverse and memorable arts and entertainment experiences, and by preserving a unique historic Jacksonville landmark.
Bryant will serve as Chair of the Florida Theatre’s Board of Directors, providing leadership and guidance as the organization continues to build on its legacy and important role in Jacksonville’s arts and entertainment community. Bryant has been a valued member of the Florida Theatre Board since 2017. Bryant currently serves as the Vice President of Human Resources at Norfolk Southern. Prior to Norfolk Southern, he held leadership roles in Human Resources at CSX, The Home Depot, Intercontinental Hotels Group, and more.
“I’m honored to serve as the incoming Board Chair of the Florida Theatre,” said Bryant. “As we head into the 100th anniversary year of the Theatre, I look forward to working with Kevin and my fellow Board members to build on the Theatre’s tremendous legacy and help shape its future.”
The leadership announcement comes as the Florida Theatre continues its longstanding commitment to presenting exceptional live entertainment and providing a gathering place for audiences throughout Northeast Florida. Since opening its doors in 1927, the historic venue has welcomed countless performers and audiences and remains a defining part of downtown Jacksonville’s cultural landscape.
Under Stone’s leadership as President and Bryant’s leadership as Board Chair, the Florida Theatre will continue to focus on presenting outstanding live performances, engaging audiences, strengthening community relationships, and preserving the historic theatre for future generations.
The historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville, FL seats 1,865 people and hosts over 200 events a year. In 2025, Pollstar Magazine ranked the Florida Theatre as the #5 most-attended theatre worldwide for theatres up to 2,000 seats, and LHAT (League of Historic American Theatres) named the Florida Theatre the 2025 Outstanding Historic Theatre. The Florida Theatre will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.
To see the current list of the Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc. Board of Directors, please click here.
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About the Florida Theatre
Originally opened in 1927 to accommodate live performances and motion pictures, the Florida Theatre has undergone numerous transformations over the years (including the 1983 reopening, 2022 new member lounge, and 2023 $8 million renovation, just to name a few). The Florida Theatre has seen history unfold from the Great Depression two years after opening, to Elvis performing here in 1956, to segregation/integration in the late 1960s, to surviving the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Today, the only historic theatre left on Forsyth Street (where Jay the resident ghost lives), the Florida Theatre stands as a premier performing arts center, hosting a diverse array of events including concerts, shows, comedy acts, and community events. The Florida Theatre’s rich history and stunning Mediterranean Revival architecture make it a beloved landmark and a focal point of Jacksonville's cultural scene.
There is something for everyone at the Florida Theatre. From pop, jazz, rock, comedy, country, and blues to ballet, the historic Florida Theatre annually offers cultural and entertainment events for every taste and age. For tickets or to learn more about educational performances for schools, rentals, membership, or the nonprofit corporation that manages the majestic Theatre, please visit www.floridatheatre.com.