Judge elected new Ritz 100 president

By BRIAN McBRIDE
News Chief

WINTER HAVEN -- Here comes the judge.

Judge Bob Doyel of the 10th Judicial Circuit was elected as president of the Ritz Theatre 100 for 1999, replacing Steve Gold. Doyel, the former house committee chairman for the organization, is wasting no time. He said a project is in the works to repair the facade of the building.

"The front will not look as disreputable as it looks now," Doyel said. "The public will see that we have accomplished something."

The project blueprints call for restoration of the front windows to their original appearance. The work is expected to begin by the end of January.

The roof was replaced several weeks ago with the aid of a state grant. Doyel hopes planned future projects will spark interest from the public.

"We are presently developing a plan to try to get the public re-involved with the theater so we go to the next phase, which is obtaining architectural drawings for the restoration of the theater," Doyel said.

Other officers elected included former candidate for the Polk County School Board Peter Proferes as vice-president, and Pat Ezell and Sarah Linton as secretary and treasurer, respectively.

The Ritz Theatre 100, Inc. is a non-profit group of volunteers working to restore the Ritz Theatre in downtown Winter Haven. Volunteers are invited to join the efforts to restore the Ritz, and should contact Lara Plocha at 291-4438.