Hurricane Idalia: Skyway Bridge, Barrier Islands bridges reopen

Aug 28, 2023

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ST. PETERSBURG - Several key bridges and roadways around the Tampa Bay area closed Wednesday morning due to winds or flooding as Hurricane Idalia makes landfall to our north.

For a list of road closures in Hillsborough County, click here.

The Howard Frankland Bridge across Tampa Bay has reopened as of Wednesday afternoon, according to troopers.

The eastbound lanes of the Courtney Campbell Causeway also reopened Wednesday afternoon, as well as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Florida Highway Patrol announced later in the day.

A vehicle drives through flood waters caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Bayshore Boulevard in South Tampa is closed.

There was some traffic on Bayshore Boulevard this morning, just not the usual kind. With the waterfront road flooded by Hurricane Idalia, this paddleboarder made his way through. Video by FOX 13's Matthew McClellan.

Bridges to the barrier islands in Pinellas County reopened at 5 p.m.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office reports "much of" Gulf Boulevard is closed due to flooding. FDOT crews are actively working to clear sections of Gulf Boulevard where the floodwaters began subsiding.

Gandy Blvd. is closed, but the flyover and bridge has been opened, according to TPD dispatch.

The Cortez Bridge in Manatee County is closed.

All access to Clearwater Beach is also closed -- even with barrier access permits. The city says residents can leave the beach, but people cannot get there via Memorial Causeway or Sand Key. Fire rescue crews say they are seeing flooding in beach areas and elsewhere in the city.

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office and Hernando County Emergency Management has ordered no access to all residential areas weft of US 19 because of the rapidly rising storm surge. Emergency vehicles are also unable to access the area. Officials urge anyone stranded and in need of rescue to call 911.

In Citrus County, a large portion of US HWY 19 from CR 488 (West Dunnellon Road) to West Venable Street in Crystal River is closed. In addition, the portion of roadway from West Gulf to Lake HWY (SR 44) to US HWY 19 is closed, according to officials. More road closures can be expected as officials monitor the rising water levels and the impacts of high tide around 4 p.m. Residents in these areas will not be permitted back through due to increased safety concerns. The Citizen Information Lines are open to the public for any questions or concerns, call 352-249-2775. Residents should call 911 for emergencies only, according to officials.

The Ringling Causeway Bridge and the Siesta Bridge (Siesta Dr) remain closed. There are officers blocking the entrances to each bridge, according to officials.

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Hurricane Idalia may not have made a direct hit on the Bay Area, but it did cause damage as it passed by on the west coast.

Stay with FOX 13 for updates.

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