More Dania Beach bridge repairs delay reopening

Workers, business owners say bridge closure is hurting business

DANIA BEACH, Fla. – The Dania Beach Boulevard Bridge was expected to reopen this month after it was closed in January for repairs, but officials say more work still needs to be done.

The noise of the progress of the $5.75 million Dania Beach bridge renovation is the sound of pain for others.

"It kills busines because they are making so much noise. All the customers don't want to sit here," Jimbo's Sandbar server Anthony Nicholasi said.

Jimbo's Sandbar sits right next to the bridge and this is the waterfront eatery's peak season.

"We would be slammed. We would have almost every single table full, but right now I have zero tables," another server, Eric Fish, said.

"For us, it has really shut down all kinds of potential buyers," Seaside Village owner John Passalacqua said.

Passalacqua owns the 3.3-acre boutique condo and single-family home development along the intracoastal and he is also president of the areas homeowners association.

He said the bridge closure has been nothing but traffic trouble.

"What was normally a quick commute here is now a battle," Passalacqua said. "(On) the weekends you don't want to come here."

The reopening was delayed after Quinn Construction discovered several mechanical and electrical components that require replacement or greater repairs than originally determined, and that will take more time.

The contractor said it has recruited additional workers and they are working around the clock.