Cocoa Beach Pier reopens after storm damages repaired

Historic landmark damaged in sudden, powerful storm Thursday

COCOA BEACH, Fla. – After strong winds damaged the Cocoa Beach Pier city officials said parts of it would remain closed until all repairs were complete.

The historic pier was damaged in a sudden microburst storm Thursday, afternoon, with winds recorded at 50-60 mph, according to the National Weather Service. A microburst is a sudden, powerful air current.

Treva Marshall, a spokeswoman for the pier, told News 6 Friday that engineers had already completed their first review of the pier and determined it to be structurally sound.

Marshall said Boardwalk Bar and Pelican's Bar and Grill would remain closed while repairs were made and the roof was replaced. Part of the roof and canopy at Pelican's Bar and Grill was blown off, officials with the Cocoa Beach Fire Department said. Some wiring was exposed because of the damage. 

Keith's Oyster Bar, Sea Dogs, the beach and its concessions, Trader Rick's and the parking area will remain open, Marshall said.

Marshall said Friday that officials hoped to reopen the Rikki Tikki Tavern and Pelican's Bar and Grill Saturday.

Cocoa Beach Director of Development Services Randy Stevenson told News 6 that the repairs would be completed no earlier than the middle of next week. City officials did not have an estimated cost of the repairs.

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Wind damaged the Cocoa Beach Pier on Aug. 3, 2017.

Three people with minor injuries were treated at the scene. Officials did not say what type of injuries were sustained.

Marshall said Saturday afternoon that other than Boardwalk Bar, all restaurants, bars, retail shops and the beach had reopened. She said Boardwalk Bar is set to reopen Sunday.

Pier officials said Sunday afternoon that all businesses had reopened.

The pier is owned and operated by Westgate Resorts.


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