Anger grows over Gleason Theater plan

Plans to demolish the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason
Theater continue to inflame Miami Beach residents. While the project
has drawn the support of local businesses and the city’s mayor and
chief administrator, there has been growing opposition from locals to
any changes to the 60-year-old site. The idea originated when
Miami-based architecture firm Arquitectonica noted the convenient
location of a potential hotel at the site, close to the convention
center and the New World Symphony building. Gleason’s widow said she
would shed a tear if the site were demolished, but that sentiment alone
should not impede the plan. Gleason filmed The “Jackie Gleason Show” from
1964 to 1970 at the theater, which has undergone significant
renovations that preclude it from receiving historic protection. [Miami Herald]