GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Since renovations began, the Walnut Street Redesign project has closed vehicular traffic from Palmetto to Orange Avenue. However, the historic street is still accessible to pedestrians, and the shops are still open for business, although with greater difficulty than before. 

Businesses say Walnut Street can't come back soon enough. 

The renovations broke ground on Feb. 29. The original 19th-century bricks were carefully removed from the road to be re-inserted later to maintain the street's historic significance. The goal of the renovations is to add two 10-foot-wide driving lanes, an eight-foot parallel parking lane along the north side of the street, a 15-foot-wide sidewalk from building to curb on both sides of the street, improved landscaping, lighting and an outlined crosswalk. 

The heavy construction is apparent when walking by Walnut Street. Work has continued despite Florida's chaotic weather patterns, fluctuating between torrential downpours and oppressive heatwaves. The construction site alternates between a muddy mess one day and a dust bowl on another. 

Pedestrians still have a narrow sidewalk on either side of the street, enclosed within orange and white barricades. The sheer scale of the construction site has misled some customers into believing that the entire street and all businesses have been closed for renovations. 

This is not the case. Shops are open for business, and business has not been booming. 

"The renovations have been disruptive for our business," said Beth Baxter, a Cowabunga Comics and Collectibles partner. 

"If we didn't have an online following, we would not have survived this," she said.

Baxter said the street closure negatively impacted her business, especially when the sidewalks were closed without notice. When that happened, "We had no choice but to close our shop down," she said.

"We recognize the significant challenges posed by the ongoing construction and road closures on Walnut Street. These disruptions can be frustrating, but it’s essential to remember that they are temporary. They pave the way for a brighter future — a more vibrant and accessible city for all," said Mike Null, assistant city manager. 

The Pink Peony is a new boba cafe on the northern side of Walnut Street that opened during the renovations. It is owned by Kristina Knowles, who also owns One Swanky Chic Boutique, which is connected next door. 

"The construction has killed business," she said. "After eight years, this is the first time I've gone in the hole to keep my doors open."

She shared a story about two customers driving from Clay Hill to try boba at the Pink Peony. When they came and saw the construction, they assumed the businesses were closed, too. 

"I called them, saying, "Girl, I'm open!" and they turned around and came back. I can't tell you how much that means to me," she said. 

Knowles said her businesses would only have survived the renovations with the loyalty of her customers. She is grateful for them and hopeful they will return when construction is finished to "keep Walnut Street alive." Knowles is planning a proper grand opening for the Pink Peony after construction. 

"We'll have tables out front. We hope the community comes back out and supports us," she said. 

Curt Towne owns The Guitar Station, which sells guitars, records, guitar repairs, and lessons on the southern side of Walnut. He is also the lead guitarist for the Curt Towne Band. 

"I attribute it to growing pains. They’re getting ready for new residents. Hopefully, the construction won’t be for much longer. I’m looking forward to when it's wrapped up. The hard part is almost over," Towne said. 

Towne said most of his customers have been entering through the backdoor. 

Craig Necker said the same while working on a tattoo on Ladarius Jackson. Under Your Skin Tattoos also has a backdoor, which has proven handy, Necker said. 

Many shops on the southern side have utilized their back entrances to detour customers away from construction. However, the businesses on the northern side without a back entrance have been hit hard, especially when the sidewalks were closed. 

Something all the businesses on both sides of the street have in common is that they are looking forward to the end of the growing pains. They hope the light is pretty close down the tunnel.

According to Heather Fincher, the public information officer for Green Cove Springs, construction is projected to wrap up soon. Work is underway at Walnut Street to reinstall the bricks into the street. Light poles will be added, and crews will beautify the landscape. 

"Our goal is to have the 400 block open to traffic by July 12. The alleyway will be completed afterward if it still needs to be done. The construction of the 300 block is scheduled to begin by July 12 and should be completed by August 31," Green Cove Springs posted on its Facebook page on June 27, although with weather, Fincher said that tentative date is subject to delay. 

When renovations are finalized, Walnut Street is hoped to be invigorated as a focal point for Green Cove Springs as the city celebrates its 150th anniversary as a municipality this year. 

"Your resilience and unwavering dedication during this time are truly commendable. Each day brings us closer to the completion of this vital project," Null said. "As we navigate this journey together, your perseverance not only sustains your business but also contributes to the overall growth and revitalization of our entire community. Know that your hard work is deeply appreciated by the city and our fellow residents."