Sunshine Skyway Bridge History

Discover the Sunshine Skyway Bridge: History, Scenic Views, and Why You Should Visit

My son and I decided to take the pups and go for a road trip a few months ago to Key West. We made one previous attempt to road trip to Key West but we didn’t make it because of Hurricane Dorian. This was a last minute trip for us as he was about to leave for a few weeks to Ohio and I wanted to spend some quality time with him before he left.

Typically, we drive for a few hours and then stop to take a quick break before driving for a few more hours. This trip was different because we had a puppy with us and it was her first road trip. She was quit fussy at first and we weren’t sure if she needed to go potty or just wanted to get out of the truck.

After driving for about an hour and a half, we decided to go ahead and stop for a potty break, just in case. This stop wasn’t on our Roadtrippers itinerary, but I needed to potty anyway, and I noticed that there was a place to stop just before the bridge. I had never realized that the bridge had a memorial until we stopped.

As it turns out, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is one of Florida’s most iconic landmarks. It offers breathtaking views of Tampa Bay and a fascinating story of tragedy, innovation, and renewal that I just hadn’t realized before. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a must-visit if you’re driving through the area. If you are a fan of history, photography, or scenic drives, this stop has it all.

So, let’s dive into the Sunshine Skyway Bridge’s rich history, explore the location, and learn all about the memorial that honors those affected by the 1980 disaster.

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Sunshine Skyway Bridge History: A Journey Through Time

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge history is a tale of resilience and progress. In 1954, the original bridge began linking St. Petersburg with Terra Ceia, creating a vital connection across Tampa Bay. However, a tragic event in 1980 forever changed the course of its story. A portion of the bridge collapsed into Tampa Bay because of a freighter colliding with one of it’s piers during a storm. The accident took 35 lives, marking one of Florida’s most devastating transportation tragedies.

The current Sunshine Skyway Bridge was designed, constructed, and built in 1987, featuring cable-stayed design and remaining a marvel of engineering with enhanced safety. At that time, it was the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world with its bright yellow cables creating a distinctive silhouette against the Florida sky. This bridge truly is a testament to modern engineering and safety, serving as a crucial improvement after the tragedy that reshaped its history.

As I stood there an extra few minutes at the memorial facing out at the water of Tampa Bay, I took an extra moment to say thanks, and I’m sorry to the 35 who lost their lives that day, leading to a safer space to cross for those of us that followed. Being very afraid of heights and getting quite nervous on bridges, it was a surreal moment looking at the bridge from below and picturing its collapse. We left this stop much more appreciative of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge history.

Where Is the Sunshine Skyway Bridge?

You can find the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at 11101 34th South Street in St. Petersburg, Florida. The total length of the bridge is 21,877 feet or 4.1 miles (~6.67km), stretching across the water of Tampa Bay from St. Petersburg to Terra Ceia. The bridge is a vital link for the area being part of the major transportation routes I275 and US Route 19.

After our potty break and snapping a few pictures, we drove across the bridge, admiring the panoramic views of Tampa Bay with the open water stretching out on both sides. This was my second time crossing the bridge, and I was still very much in awe of the natural beauty around us.

The Memorial: Remembering the 1980 Disaster

As a vital piece of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge history, the memorial honors the 35 individuals who lost their lives in 1980 when the bridge collapsed. The quiet stone tribute displays a plaque and markers serving as a somber reminder of the tragic event, as well as the improvements made to prevent such an occurrence from happening again. The memorial is a poignant stop for visitors, offering a moment of reflection amidst the beauty of the bridge and surrounding area.

The new bridge, constructed of steel cables clad in 84 9-inch steel tubes (42 per pylon) along the center line of the bridge supporting the main span and with a hefty price tag of $244 million to build, opened to traffic on April 20, 1987. It was designed by the Figg & Muller Engineering Group, which also designed the Seven Mile Bridge we crossed in the Florida Keys during this trip. The American Bridge Company built the new Sunshine Skyway Bridge, beginning construction in 1982, and it was dedicated on February 7, 1987.

Why You Should Visit the Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Being on the West coast of Florida, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is more than just a scenic drive over a scary bridge – it’s an experience that combines a piece of Florida’s history with its natural beauty and is sure to create an unforgettable memory for you and your family.

Offering unbeatable vistas of Tampa Bay, the bridge is a perfect spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. If you’re one that appreciates modern infrastructure, you’ll love the engineering marvel of this bridge’s innovative design. If you’re a history buff, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge’s history makes it an unforgettable site of reflection and admiration with the historical significance of the bridge.

Let’s not forget about the outdoor activities the bridge offers. There are fishing piers on either side of the bridge, which cost only $4 to fish from, $1 and some change if you tell them you’ll be quick. The Southside Pier is currently the longest fishing pier in the world and is considered one of the best spots to capture the sunset.

I will definitely be revisiting the bridge in the future because I only recently learned that the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is close by, which is a great spot for visiting the old bridge, fishing, birdwatching, and enjoying Florida’s coastline.

I really wish we had more time that day to explore the area a little more. But we were at the very beginning of a long day of driving, so I didn’t want to take up too much time exploring an area that was so close to home. While it wasn’t one of our planned stops, it was certainly one of my favorite.

So, if you find yourself driving down Florida’s West coast or through the St. Petersburg area, be sure to plan a stop to reflect on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge history and experience one of Florida’s most beautiful drives, striking views, deep historical roots, and outdoor attractions. Maybe consider just planning a day to visit the bridge and nearby State Park. Be sure not to miss out on this iconic piece of Florida’s landscape!