 The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge often referred to as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge or simply the Skyway, is a cable-stayed bridge spanning the Lower Tampa Bay.
The current Sunshine Skyway opened in 1987 and is the second bridge of that name on the site. It is considered a symbol of Florida.
It is a four-lane bridge and a toll road. It is 4.14 miles in length.
The original bridge opened in 1954 and was the site of two major maritime disasters within a few months of each other. In January 1980, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn collided with the tanker Capricorn near the bridge, resulting in the sinking of the cutter and the loss of 23 crew members.
In May 1980, the freighter MV Summit Venture collided with a bridge support during a sudden squall, resulting in the structural collapse of the southbound span and the deaths of 35 people when vehicles plunged into Tampa Bay.
Within a few years, the damaged span was demolished, the surviving span was partially demolished and converted into a long fishing pier and the current bridge was built.
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Below: Karen Duquette put a dragonfly on her RV window
