The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge is known to locals as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge or more casually the Skyway. (Daniel Robert Graham is an American lawyer, author, and politician who served as the 38th governor of Florida from 1979 to 1987 and a United States senator from Florida from 1987 to 2005.) The bridge spans Tampa Bay, Florida with a total length of 21,877ft. It is part of Interstate 275 (I-275) and U.S. Route 19 (US 19), connecting St. Petersburg in Pinellas County and Terra Ceia in Manatee County, Florida, passing over the waters of Pinellas County, Hillsborough County and Manatee County, Florida. Construction of the current bridge began in 1982, and the completed bridge was dedicated on February 7, 1987. It is the tallest bridge in Florida. It is 430 feet tall at the highest point to allow tall cruise ships to go under as they enter Tampa Bay.
Photo by Joe Simms of Palmetto Florida
I have driven across the bridge many times. It is a real experience. Fast moving traffic often bumper to bumper, I pay close attention to the cars around me. Let me tell you when the wind blows your car shakes. It’s scary. They will often close the bridge due to tropical storms. As you pass over the water it looks like the ocean with blue-green colors. I often wish I could take photos of this beautiful bridge, but all the places where you can stop before the bridge or on the off fishing pier, do not give you a good view. You need to be up in the air like in a plane or huge ship, and let’s face it, I’m just an amateur photographer. Today I’m sharing photos from several local photographers of the gorgeous Skyway Bridge. Pic Smith Photograhy takes gorgeous photos using a drone.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge at night by Jon Signor
Winter is fog time here in central Florida next to the Gulf of Mexico. It was particularly heavy the middle of last week. I personally wouldn’t have driven over the Skyway that morning. I am surprised the bridge wasn’t closed. A professioal photographer shared his photos on Facebook. Pic Smiths Photography, Tampa You’d love all his photographs on the Pic Smiths Facebook page. He just asks for credit when the photos are shared. Thank you – you are amazing!
Photo Pic Smiths Photography, Tampa
Photo Pic Smiths Photography, Tampa
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How interesting learning about the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and what amazing professional photos! Not sure I fancy being ina shaking car whilst on a bridge!
Bridges — long, tall ones — really creep me out. That fog would do me in.
oh I couldn’t drive in it – It would scare me to death.
Absolutely magnificent pictures. And you are right. It is scary. I’m always amazed at this suspension bridge holding up. I try not to travel that way too often, but it is a sight to see.
Gorgeous shots of the bridge. It’s a beauty!
Great.
Thanks for sharing the bridge. And oh my goodness the shot of the bridge through the fog is breathtaking. You are so talented. Thanks for sharing at #aclwcc. Pinned and tweeted.
It’s a beautiful bridge!! I guess that it is reasonable that it shakes when the wind blows hard. The office buildng in downtown Tulsa used to sway in high winds.
It’s not the bridge that shakes in high winds I think but MY CAR!!
The 3th one is freeking awesome! It´s not a photograph, it´s art.
I am not very fond of bridges. They scare me, but these photos are amazing!! Thanks so much for sharing.
-Soma
The bridge is beautiful but even better when it’s foggy.
Cruisin Paul
thanks for dropping by = take care!
I went to the photography Facebook page and yes, Pic Smiths is an amazing photographer. My husband and I have been on that bridge several times but certainly never in fog. Thank you for sharing. Alana ramblinwitham
That looks like quite a bridge, especially lit up at night!
Carol – when I was 8, we moved from Ohio to St. Pete, and lived there for three years. I will never forget the first time we drove over the Skyway – us kids loved it and my Mom kept her eyes firmly closed! The pictures in the fog are surreal! Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday, and Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Angie!
What incredible photos! I’ve been on the bridge and it can make you nervous! I’ve never seen photos of it like these though. WOW! Happy holidays!
Wow… there are fantastisc captures.
Merry Christmas – I hope your days are blessed.
thanks Heidrun – Merry Christmas to you!
Fantastic photos
Happy Mosaic Monday and Happy Holidays. I am #11 on the linky today
Much💜love
Merry Christmas Gillena
What a delight those photos of your wonderful bridge are – I love the moody one through the mist, though like you I doubt I’d have driven at all that day!
Merry Christmas Carol!
Wren x
Wowee Carol. I’d love to drive that bridge and take pictures. But i don’t think I could better those you’ve shown today. Just brilliant.
I didn’t take any of the bridge photos – credit is given on each one. I love the bridge but it’s hard to photograph.
It really is quite an experience! I’m not usually afraid on bridges and I wasn’t on this one really, but I sure could see how some people might be when we got a bit of shake! (I’m still having fun catching up here- obviously!)
thanks Sallie