Who is in charge of the historic Ritz Theater in downtown Winter Haven is in doubt.

  • Financial irregularities, poor leadership alleged at Ritz
  • Friends of the Ritz Theater have been pushing for change
  • Court motion has been filed by AG Pam Bondi

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has filed a court motion about the Ritz. It alleges financial irregularities and poor leadership. It asks a judge to appoint a receiver to take control of the theater.

Ritz executive director Stella Heath said she could not comment on the allegations and referred Spectrum Bay News 9 to the theater's attorney, Danny Pilka. He was not available for comment.

Heath said that the theater had been very busy recently with events.

"Well we are grateful for Pam Bondi's office," said Michael Kingham with Friends of the Ritz Theater.

His group has been pushing for changes at the theater.

Kingham was hoping that a judge would appoint the receiver request by the attorney general.

"Someone that can come in and make sense of the finances and bring in an active and local board. People that live here in Winter Haven or Polk County and sort of resuscitate this organization," he said.