After five months of extensive repairs, the Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre reopened on Friday night, drawing eager crowds who lined up early to secure their spots. The beloved venue had been severely damaged by Hurricane Milton, marking a challenging chapter for the community.

“It took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears—not to mention a significant financial investment,” Karen Freiwald, the drive-in’s owner, told WTVT. “Tonight is exciting, but I just hope our supporters stick with us in the months ahead.”

The road to recovery was made possible through a collective effort. Friends, family, and local businesses pitched in to clear debris, replace infrastructure, and install a new 64-by-28-foot screen. Freiwald emphasized that the rebuilding process wouldn’t have been possible without their support.

For the theater’s staff, the hurricane’s aftermath brought uncertainty. Karen Friesel, an employee who started working at the drive-in during high school, recalled the emotional toll. “Seeing 11 years of hard work nearly wiped out was devastating. We didn’t even know if we’d have jobs to come back to.”

But on Friday night, the aroma of fresh popcorn and the buzz of excited customers filled the air, signaling a triumphant comeback. “We’re back and ready for business,” Friesel declared with pride.

Among the many fans was Kenneth Stone, who arrived at 3:30 p.m.—hours before the box office opened—to ensure he got a spot. Accompanied by his dog Daisy, a familiar face to the staff, Stone expressed his enthusiasm for the reopening. “It’s been so long without my little furry friends,” Freiwald said, delighted to see Stone and Daisy once again.

The reopening night featured a double feature: Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King at 8 p.m., followed by Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World at 10 p.m. Families and movie enthusiasts alike embraced the nostalgic charm of the drive-in experience.

With space for up to 225 cars, the theater relies on ticket sales and concession purchases to sustain its operations. “About 70 to 80 percent of ticket sales go toward covering movie rights,” Freiwald explained to WTVT. “So grabbing a snack really helps us keep going.”

The community’s overwhelming support has breathed new life into the Ruskin Family Drive-In, and the hope is that this cherished local gem will continue to thrive for years to come.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: WTVT)

PIE-Sun.com: local St. Pete-Clearwater news