Section of sidewalk caves in

Watch your step at the Mandeville Lakefront. A portion of sidewalk has caved in.

A sizeable piece, roughly a 4-foot section, has broken off the adjoining walk and sunken into a hollow cavity about 3 feet down.

The hole is in the walkway along the sea wall near the western end bridge.

Mayor Eddie Price was not aware of the fissure until earlier this week. He said crews would be out there immediately to cordon the area off for repairs.

The cave-in was likely caused when support material under the sidewalk washed out, probably from hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

Price said this is a reminder of the lasting effects hurricanes have on communities,.

In general, the Mandeville Lakefront fared well in the latest bout of storms. Although nearly 8 feet of water was pushed inland, few properties were damaged by the surge.

Several newly planted trees were uprooted and scattered, as were benches and trash dispensers. An earthen embankment on the east side of the Lakefront also washed onto the road, but overall, the Lakefront and city were mostly unscathed by the storms.