Update: Howard Frankland Bridge reopens following Idalia

Aug 24, 2023

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4:00 p.m. update: The Howard Frankland Bridge and the eastbound lanes of the Courtney Campbell Causeway have reopened. Bridges to the barrier islands in Pinellas County are expected to reopen Wednesday evening, according to an afternoon announcement.

The major bridges connecting Tampa Bay's cities are either fully or partially closed amid Hurricane Idalia.

The Howard Frankland Bridge and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge are completely shut down as of early Wednesday, while the Courtney Campbell Causeway's eastbound lanes are closed.

In Tampa, Bayshore Boulevard, West Shore Boulevard and downtown's Ashley Drive have experienced major flooding beyond what a typical storm would bring and are not passable, according to the city's flooding map. Access to Davis Islands is also closed.

Hillsborough County's road closures can be viewed here.

Front door view from Bayshore Boulevard in #Tampa. Bayshore is known for flooding, but this is excessive. #Idalia pic.twitter.com/zmv5GlGxI2

Along the beaches, Gulf Boulevard was severely impacted with most of the road closed as of early Wednesday. Access to the barrier islands has been closed to all citizens, according to a morning advisory from Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Clearwater Beach access is also closed.

The Florida Highway Patrol has also issued a cautionary warning for the southbound Interstate 275 in Pinellas, with flooding reported from Roosevelt to Gandy.

The St. Pete Pier in downtown St. Petersburg is closed with Bayshore Drive NE flooded, according to St. Pete Police.

"It’s not safe, please stay home," the police department said.