Santa Rosa County Public Works crews inspected the boardwalk in February after fielding complaints about the railings not being sturdy. The county discovered at least 20 pilings that were rotten, which led them to believe others might also be in bad shape. About a month later the department determined the structure had continued to deteriorate and needed to be closed.
The boardwalk, which begins behind the Panhandle Butterfly House, passes beneath the Navarre Beach Bridge but no longer connects to land east of the bridge. Hurricane Ivan in 2004 destroyed the east-end of the boardwalk and the businesses that were served by it. The boardwalk now ends over water.
Santa Rosa County Commissioner Jim Melvin is seeking public input on whether the boardwalk should be replaced or just demolished. He asks that comments be sent to commmelvin@santarosa.gov.fl.
County Public Information Officer Joy Tsubooka expects the items will be discussed by the board of commissioners in April.