Strong Surf Damages Jupiter Civic Center at Carlin Park

The Jupiter Civic Center at Carlin Park is closed after strong surf, high tides and gale-force winds washed away much of the beach behind the building and undermined part of its deck, WPTV reported.

The front of the nearly 100-year-old building is blocked off with caution tape. Video shared by beachgoer Kevin Courtney shows sand eroded from beneath the deck and some concrete collapsed. Along the shoreline, broken branches, eroded sand and exposed or damaged steps are visible.

Emergency work underway

Palm Beach County crews brought in an emergency contractor, who is piling sand along the beach to shore up the shoreline and protect the structure.

The county has not said how extensive the damage is or when the Civic Center will reopen.

A local gathering place

For many longtime residents, the building is tied to weddings, baby showers and decades of beach days.

"I have a lot of memories there. Many of my friends have been married there, baby showers," longtime beachgoer Jacqueline Trochinsky told WPTV. Her message to county leaders: "Take care of the locals, including our beach."

A Jupiter resident who gave his name as Bill said the building was a teen hangout when he was in high school in 1973. "We're fighting a never-ending battle of renourishment here, but I don't mind seeing my tax dollars go to that," he said.

Part of a wider week of coastal damage

The same king tides and high surf closed the Juno Beach Pier after waves knocked out deck panels, and the Town of Juno Beach closed four beach access points because of damaged stairs and erosion.

If you head to Carlin Park, stay clear of the taped-off areas and the active work zone on the beach.

Source: WPTV via NewsBreak.