Jolley Bridge will stay glum for a while

Local fishing enthusiasts who miss those pedestrian walkways under the Judge S.S. Jolley Bridge that were closed after Hurricane Wilma will have to hurry up and wait on the Federal Emergency Management Agency for repairs.

The popular walkways were frequented by local fishing fans who enjoyed casting lines into the Marco River’s currents passing under the bridge.

But Hurricane Wilma damaged or destroyed the walkways, forcing the Florida Department of Transportation to remove the worst and close access to the rest, FDOT spokeswoman Debbie Tower said.

“We understand there is great interest by local folks who want to continue fish,” Tower said. “I’ve had some phone calls from people inquiring as to when these walkways would be fixed. We had to close that area for safety reasons.”

The state transportation agency has no money to pay for the repairs or reconstruction of the walkways, so FDOT officials are scouring other potential sources, Tower said.

“We tried the Federal Highway Administration, but they couldn’t help. We’re now waiting on word from FEMA to see if they will pay for the repairs,” she said.

The walkways already were in some disrepair before Hurricane Wilma arrived Oct. 24. The Category 3 hurricane mangled some of the walkways to the point that the FDOT had to remove the structures, Tower said.

“And now we’re into another hurricane season already,” Tower said. “I can understand people’s frustrations.”

Part of the frustration might arise when the locals try to figure out who to call to inquire about their former favorite fishing spots.

A portion of the area is in Marco Island city limits, and a portion isn’t, said Lt. Dave Baer, marine patrol officer for the Marco Island Police Department.

“I’ve had about three calls asking about the walkways ... not a lot,” Baer said. “The repair of the damaged portions are neither a city, Coast Guard, or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responsibility. These all fall under the state DOT’s watch.

“I’d love to be more specific or give you a timetable for repair, but I do not have any further information on the topic,” Baer said. “Please refer all questions on this subject to the DOT.”