Sunshine Skyway Bridge

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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Carol

I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Florida for many years. Love my small home in the Tampa Bay area and its developing garden. My decorating style is eclectic - some vintage, some cottage, all with a modern flair. Pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Spent many years in social services but am happily retired.

27 thoughts to “Sunshine Skyway Bridge”

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  4. 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!

  5. 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.

    1. 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.

  6. 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!)

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