For Hometown News
The Daytona Beach Pier was closing at 9 p.m. this week as workers removed the decrepit Space Needle, which has not been in operation since 2005.
Part of the iconic structure broke off last weekend, making it a hazard. The pier was shut down from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. The cost of the demolition is about $60,000, according to city officials.
"Keeping our residents and visitors safe is our number one priority. We are working as quickly as possible to remove the Space Needle," said Daytona Beach Mayor Glenn Ritchey in a news release.
The city has notified the county's environmental protection staff and Florida's Department of Environmental Protection due to permitting and turtle lighting concerns.
The city is negotiating with Daytona Slingshot LLC, which has proposed to build a slingshot ride that sends riders more than 380 feet above the beach. According to the amusement company, it would be the world's tallest slingshot attraction. It operates a 180-foot tall slingshot thrill ride on the roof of an arcade building just north of the pier.