Sunshine Skyway Bridge

"It is a gorgeous place. If you are visiting Sarasota or Tampa, you have to go see this bridge. It is an amazing experience. I totally recommend it."

"The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is an iconic cable-stayed bridge located in the state of Florida, USA. Here are key features of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge: Location: Spanning Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge connects St. Petersburg in Pinellas County with Terra Ceia in Manatee County, providing a vital transportation link in the region. Design and Architecture: The bridge is a cable-stayed design, characterized by its towering support towers and cables that fan out to support the roadway. The aesthetic design has made it a distinctive landmark. Original and Current Bridges: The current Sunshine Skyway Bridge is the second iteration, as the original bridge partially collapsed in 1980 due to a collision with a cargo ship during a storm. The new bridge was completed in 1987. Length and Height: The bridge spans approximately 4.1 miles (6.6 kilometers) and reaches a height of 430 feet (131 meters) above the water, allowing for the passage of large vessels beneath. Travel Route: Serving as a crucial part of Interstate 275, the bridge facilitates travel between the cities of St. Petersburg and Sarasota, as well as providing a scenic route for motorists. Scenic Views: The Sunshine Skyway Bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas, making it a popular route for both locals and tourists. Fishing Piers: The bridge is flanked by fishing piers on both sides, providing opportunities for recreational fishing and enjoying the natural beauty of the bay. Suicide Prevention Measures: Recognizing its height and location, the bridge incorporates suicide prevention measures, including crisis hotline phones and fencing to deter such incidents. Hurricane Evacuation Route: The bridge serves as a designated hurricane evacuation route, allowing residents to quickly move inland during severe weather events. Recognition and Awards: The Sunshine Skyway Bridge has received recognition for its engineering and design excellence, contributing to its status as a notable landmark in Florida. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge stands as both an engineering marvel and a scenic attraction, playing a vital role in regional transportation and offering a visually striking connection across Tampa Bay."

"Beautiful bridge! Tolls are only a few dollars and people are frequently paying it forward! Traffic is busy at rush hour but the view is always amazing. Boating underneath is easy to navigate and views are equally impressive! Dont miss this one;)"

"The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Florida, and for good reason. This stunning bridge offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area. Paying the toll to cross the bridge is well worth it, as the views are simply spectacular. The best time to drive across is at sunset, when the sky turns shades of pink, orange, and purple, creating a truly magical experience. You'll feel as if you're driving into a painting! In addition to the incredible views, there are fishing piers on both the north and south ends of the bridge, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. For those who just want to relax and take in the scenery, there are rest areas at both ends of the bridge with nice facilities. One of the coolest things about the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is the lighting at night. The bridge is illuminated with colorful lights that change throughout the night, creating a beautiful and mesmerizing display. If you're lucky, you may even spot some pelicans using the draft from the cars driving by to glide up alongside the bridge and then dive down into the water to catch a fish. It's a truly amazing sight to see!"