Exh 8JAGENDA ITEM #3J
JUNE 13, 2005
May 19, 2005
The Honorable John Meserve, Mayor
City of Atlantic Beach
and City Commissioners
Atlantic Beach City Hall
800 Seminole Road
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233
Dear Mr. Mayor and City Commissioners,
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~y M :Hager
City Attoraey
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Exciting things are happening at Players by the Sea. We are wrapping up our 39~' season and
are busy gearing up for our 40~' season of producing theatre at the beach! Our commitment to
producing the highest quality theatre has never been stronger. We have presented hundreds of top
quality, award winning plays and provided artistic and theatrical performance opportunities for
thousands of children and adults in our community. Players by the Sea is always striving to produce
a season of plays that might be found in the most sophisticated metropolitan areas. With the rapid
expansion of the Beaches, we feel there is an even greater need for the artistic performances that we
offer.
Players by the Sea Community Theatre is a 501(c)(3) not for profit Beach's cultural
institution. We are a volunteer-based organization. Directors, actors and behind the stage crews
donate their time to bring to our community and our visitors entertaining and sometimes challenging
works. Last year, over 7000 people attended events at our theatre, many of who live in Atlantic
Beach. Twenty percent of our membership fives in Atlantic Beach as well.
We have a children's program that has after school and summer camp programs through out
the year, with as many as 75 children involved in a single performance. We have a scholarship
program in place to make it possible for children, who otherwise may not be able, to participate.
Many of the parents and relatives become involved in the productions, creating an opportunity for
families to spend time together.
Players by the Sea has invested in the future of the beaches community with the purchase of a
permanent facility at 106 North 6`~ Street. Yet, we have challenges with our building. The Fire
Marshall has mandated that we upgrade our fire alarm system and install smoke ventilators over out
main stage in order to comply with the State Fire Code. These upgrades are necessary to ensure the
AGENDA ITEM #8J
JUNE 13, 2005
safety of our patrons. While we are committed to providing the safest possible environment, the cost
of these unexpected upgrades, $25,000, is beyond our reach.
I am requesting that the City of Atlantic Beach consider assisting us in securing a matching
grant from the City of Jacksonville Capital Crrant Program. I ask that the City of Atlantic Beach
pledge/commit $3,125.00 that, if we are successful, the City of Jacksonville will match. The funds
that the City of Atlantic Beach committed to the Beaches Area Historical Society for their new
museum, was matched by the same program. The City of Jacksonville Beach has given us $6,250.00
towards this effort and we are also approaching the City of Neptune Beach with a request of
$3,125.00. We have done our due diligence with our architect and have received estimates for
having the work done professionally and to city code.
We have along-standing presence at the Beaches and plan to continue long into the future.
As our community grows, so do we.
I thank you for your consideration and I look forward to seeing all of you at the theatre.
R spectfully,
oseph A. Schwarz
xecutive Director
Players by the Sea