Sunshine Skyway

On this episode of Florida Matters, we talk with two people involved in the Sunshine Skyway Bridge documentary, including one of the divers who helped recover the victims.

On this episode of Florida Matters, we talk with two people involved in the Sunshine Skyway Bridge documentary, including one of the divers who helped recover the victims.

The colors of the pride flag will be replaced by red, white and blue on the Sunshine Skyway for the Freedom Summer Tax Holiday.

This week on The Florida Roundup, we discuss warm waters in the Atlantic and what it means for coral reefs, a legal settlement between Disney and DeSantis’ allies, why the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in Baltimore is a reminder for Tampa Bay residents, ‘mangrove rangers’ try to preserve disappearing mangroves, and a conversation with photojournalist Octavio Jones about his reporting trip in Haiti.

Mark Luther, director of the USF Center for Maritime and Port Studies, said the Sunshine Skyway collapse in 1980 led to innovations for bridge protection that were not present at the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

The collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge spurred recollections of the 1980 Sunshine Skyway disaster. Over 40 years later, search and rescue officials say the two incidents are "eerily similar."

The moves are intended to protect pelicans, which nest nearby at rookeries along the mouth of Tampa Bay.

State wildlife officials moved to increase protections for pelicans who become entangled in fishing lines at the Sunshine Skyway pier. But many bird advocates say it's not enough.

Thousands of pelicans had to be rescued from possible death by becoming entangled in fishing lines and hooks in the past several years. A compromise between bird advocates and fishermen is in the works.

Tolls on the Sunshine Skyway, Pinellas Bayway, and Alligator Alley remained suspended during cleanup for Hurricane Ian.

The tolls were suspended on Sept. 26 ahead of Hurricane Ian making landfall.

It includes the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Suncoast Parkway, and Veterans Expressway.