Demolition and salvage operations continued on Tuesday in the 300 block of  S. 3rd Street in downtown St Joe.  But the owners of the Home Style Furniture and America’s Mattress are still waiting for word on whether they can remain in the building.

As we reported, Bob and Deana Hand sold all of the inventory already in the store to a salvage company.  The firm was busy hauling it away Tuesday.  Outside the building, the Hands huddled with engineers, adjusters and lawyers as an inspection continued.  The south wall of their store may have sustained structural damage during the fire at the Mitchell Seed building next door just over a month ago.

The couple expects to find out soon just how bad the damage to their facility is, and whether they can continue to occupy the building.  Meanwhile, they are searching for a new location, just in case.

“We’re looking,” said Deanna Hand.  “But, it will be hard to replace this building.”