Document: Vacant Jacksonville Beach building ‘falling apart'

A walkway to the Jacksonville Beach boardwalk is closed off after a piece of a building crumbled, sending concrete flying from a second-floor window, according to a city document.

The First Street property has been home to many restaurants throughout the years. It's immediately north of the amphitheater, and behind Sydney.

It now sits vacant on with chunks of concrete missing and debris hanging from the roof.

The fire marshal was called to the building on Nov. 30 after someone reported it was "falling apart."

An inspection report said concrete broke off and fell from a window opening on the second floor.

Barricades are up to block people from walking next to it.

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“It’s unfortunate really, because it’s a prime beachfront property for business,” Ryan Driggs said.

Action News Jax tracked down the listed property owners, Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell Dickinson. They said the building was sold just two weeks ago.

They declined to say who bought it but said the new owners have other oceanfront property and great plans for the space.

Driggs is among other locals who say they hope the new owners will open a business that attracts more visitors.

“You want people from out of town to come here and spend money for the economy,” Driggs said.

“That’s important to have places they can go. And when you have nothing here, it doesn’t really show that we have a great downtown Jax Beach area.”

The Dickinsons said the new owners will be responsible for securing the building.

The city said the barricades are in place to ensure no one gets hurt until it’s fixed.

Cox Media Group