Movie theater at Sarasota Square Mall closes permanently

One of three main businesses around the Sarasota Square Mall campus is closing. AMC Sarasota 12, the movie theater at the mall, is shuttering for good at the close of business Oct. 31, a spokesperson for AMC confirms in an email to the Business Observer. 

“We thank our Sarasota 12 guests for their patronage and encourage them to continue enjoying the AMC experience at AMC Bradenton 20,” AMC Media Relations Manager Cassie Nichols says in a statement.

The movie theater company has reduced its footprint in recent years. AMC reports that it operated 886 theaters worldwide at the end of June, compared with 906 theaters a year before and 940 at the end of 2022.

“AMC routinely reviews the theatres in our circuit, as well as opportunities outside of our circuit, and makes decisions based on what will best strengthen the company going forward,” Nichols says. "I can confirm that AMC will cease operations at Sarasota 12 after close of business today, 10/31/24."

Once AMC Sarasota 12 closes, only two major businesses will remain around the Sarasota Square Mall campus: Costco and JCPenney.

Developer Torburn Partners of Illinois and Fort Lauderdale bought the mall structure in 2021 for $19 million and intends to demolish most of it to create a mixed-use project. Costco, JCPenney and the movie theater were to stay in place, according to plans that Torburn Partners presented to Sarasota County leaders in April. Once built, the new development will include up to 1,200 apartments; more than 690,000 square feet of commercial/office space; and a central area to be used for events, according to sister paper the Sarasota Observer.