News Summary
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge has reopened after a tragic incident involving a suspicious vehicle and a bomb threat investigation that led to the closure of I-275. Authorities responded quickly to reports of a vehicle parked on the bridge, but unfortunately, the driver was found deceased after jumping from the bridge. A bomb squad examined a suspicious box inside the vehicle, which was later deemed safe. Traffic was affected for several hours before lanes were restored, highlighting the importance of public safety and immediate law enforcement responses.
Sarasota, Florida – The Sunshine Skyway Bridge has reopened following a tragic incident and subsequent bomb threat investigation that led to the closure of both the northbound and southbound lanes of I-275 for several hours on Wednesday morning.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a suspicious vehicle parked on the southbound span of the bridge at approximately 9:48 a.m. Upon arrival, deputies observed the vehicle and soon discovered that the driver had jumped from the bridge. A search was conducted, and the deceased driver was later found. The name of the driver has not been released, as notification of next of kin is still pending, confirmed sheriff’s office spokeswoman Casey Minuto.
As part of the investigation, a bomb squad was called to the scene to examine a suspicious box inside the vehicle. Using bomb detection robots, investigators assessed the contents of the box, which were subsequently determined to pose no threat. To ensure public safety throughout the investigation, authorities exercised caution by diverting motorists from the area.
The closure affected traffic significantly, with southbound traffic on I-275 being diverted at 54th Avenue South and northbound traffic rerouted at the intersection of I-75 and I-275. After an extensive review, all lanes of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge were reopened by 12:30 p.m., restoring normal traffic flow to the vital infrastructure.
Authorities emphasized the importance of handling the situation with great caution due to the circumstances involved. The incident has raised concerns about mental health and the need for support, and individuals experiencing a crisis are encouraged to reach out to resources such as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at 211.
This incident is a reminder of the critical importance of immediate law enforcement responses to suspicious activities, especially in high-traffic areas like the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which is a significant transportation artery connecting the Tampa Bay Area.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, known for its sweeping views and iconic design, serves as a vital connection for commuters and travelers alike in the region. Typically, it experiences heavy traffic, particularly during rush hours, making the swift response to this incident all the more crucial to public safety and the flow of transportation.
As investigations continue, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is expected to release additional details as they become available. The community is urged to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activities while also being mindful of the mental health resources available for those in need.
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Additional Resources
- WTSP: Skyway Bridge Shut Down
- Wikipedia: Sunshine Skyway Bridge
- MySuncoast: Skyway Bridge Closed
- Google Search: Sunshine Skyway Bridge incident
- WFLA: Sunshine Skyway Bridge Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
