Perhaps, the most remarkable thing about the Licata Bridge is its other name. It is also known as the Causeway Boulevard Bridges. The Licata Bridge connects Ybor City with southeastern Hillsborough County.
Daniel Woodrum captured the essence of the Licata Bridge in his photograph. It was uploaded on July 5th, 2017. The photograph is simply titled “Licata Bridges in Tampa”. Woodrum’s lens beautifully portrays this structure.
He is a talented artist. He chose photography as his medium to express the beauty. Woodrum’s photograph encapsulates the spirit of the Licata Bridge.
Daniel Woodrum notes venturing down here means meeting interesting people. He thinks the view from the Licata Bridge is worth it. Maybe, he says.
The Licata Bridge offers more than just a way to get from place to place. It provides an experience. It connects communities. It offers a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape. It is a landmark.
Many bridges connect Tampa to other places. The Gandy Bridge is the southernmost bridge spanning Old Tampa Bay. It goes from St. Petersburg to Tampa. The Howard Frankland Bridge also connects Hillsborough County and Pinellas County. The Courtney Campbell Causeway is another option.
The original Gandy Bridge opened in 1924. It dramatically shortened the distance between Tampa and St. Petersburg. It reduced the trip from 43 miles to just 19 miles.
The Gandy Bridge played a role in aviation history. Its location enabled travel by auto along the route of the world’s first scheduled airline flight. This airline operated between Tampa and Saint Petersburg for six months in 1914.
The Gandy Bridge has seen many changes over the years. A second bridge was added in 1956. A third span opened in 1975. A fourth span was completed in 1996. Each new span reflected the changing needs of the community.
One of the older spans became the Friendship Trail Bridge. It was a popular spot for non-motorized traffic. Sadly, it was demolished in 2016 due to hazardous conditions.
There is a plan to construct a fifth span. It will eventually replace the aging third span. The new span is slated to be constructed along the north side of the fourth span.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is another significant bridge in the Tampa Bay area. It connects Pinellas County to Manatee County. The current Sunshine Skyway opened in 1987.
The original Sunshine Skyway Bridge had a tragic history. In 1980, a freighter collided with a support pier. This caused a catastrophic failure. Thirty-five people died. The current bridge has numerous safety features. These protect the structure from ship collisions.
The Licata Bridge and these other bridges tell a story. These are stories of connection. These are stories of progress. Each bridge serves as a vital link. It brings people together.