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Pensacola Beach Boardwalk to reopen with new lineup
The Pensacola Beach Boardwalk will be completely open for business soon, and it will be ready for more than just the crowds of local and visiting enthusiasts who are ready for their hangout to reopen - they will be ready for another storm.
"We have made the boardwalk better than ever," says Boardwalk Managing Partner Gary Powell. "It will be more welcoming, more beautiful and more hurricane proofed."
While rebuilding the boardwalk will have taken nearly two years, the time has gone into making the boardwalk a stronger facility, which will also afford a ready recovery from any potential future storm damage. "We've added extra steel to withstand winds up to 160
m.p.h.," says Powell. "and we are also using special stained cement for the flooring which offers both beauty and durability. We'll be up and running after only months if another storm hits instead of years. "
Hemingway's, Bamboo Willies and Hooters are already open on the Boardwalk, and Papa's Pizza will also soon open along with Willie Wear and International Boutique with a new owner, Margaret Araugo.
In late May or early June, Go Fish clothing and Ts will reopen and the Boardwalk Cafe, offering its famed selection of burgers and shakes. Other returning clients will be the Bead Shop and Resort Realty.
New tenants will also make their debut in May according to Powell, and they include the gift shop from
Destin, The Fancy Flamingo, a successful, established business which will complement the boardwalk. Lee Tracy, a high-end men's and women's clothiers from Biloxi will also open in May.
"These new stores really reflect our continued commitment to excellence," says Powell.
Boardwalk parking lots and deck areas have been full for weeks, and many customers have dropped by expecting a fully restored area.
"We are enjoying record crowds," says Stephen Hughes, Bamboo Willies manager. "Things are getting rebuilt, the weather has been beautiful and the crowds are definitely coming out to the boardwalk."
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