Hello Frank Martinez,

Whether or not the soffit needs that vertical support can only be determined with some exploratory investigation. If the soffit was built with that support tied into it then yes it will have to stay. But my guess is it can come out.

The soffit structure should be tied solely to the ceiling and should not require any vertical support.

Were there glass panels in those openings? If so, then that will account for the framing.

It appears you can remove it entirely.

Karen