Sticks of Fire reader Jason contacted us with a Question for Ask-a-Tampan:
I have heard of a rumored bridge from Ballast point to the Apollo beach area that was tossed around as an idea for a few years back in the early part of the 20th century. Ultimately it was never built because the Port Authority would not approved another bridge blocking the port. At least that is the story that I have heard. Does anybody have any other information on a bridge from Tampa to Apollo Beach?
Although a google search provided plenty of information on the new Sunshine Skyway, the old Sunshine Skyway, the Howard Frankland, and the Courtney Campbell Causeway, we found nothing on a proposed road bridging Apollo Beach with Ballast Point. However, it does sound familiar, or perhaps I’m thinking of suggestions of direct links between Ruskin and St. Petersburg.
Anyway, I’m hoping Sticks’ readers may remember something about this? If you do, let us know in the comments.
Rick
1 year ago
i know it was tossed around a LOOOOONG time ago, but it would need to be another Skyway type bridge due to the Port….I may have suggested a tunnel now and then to extend Gandy straight across the Hillsborough Bay into 41 near the East Bay speed way, it would be alot quicker to get to my aunt and uncles in Riverview
Joenomics
1 year ago
I’m not sure if this would have had anything to do with it but according to a bit of trivia Creative Loafing picked up last year (http://tampa.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A316777) in 1971 they were planning something called the “Belt-Loop Corridor” that would have cut through the middle of Pinellas, connecting to I-275 around I-175/I-375.
Looking at the map it seems like they could have then cut across the bay to connect St. Pete to Ruskin or Apollo Beach, though I’m guessing the investment wouldn’t have been worth it.
Tim Fasano
1 year ago
It would have to be very high…I have been driving a cab for 14 years in Tampa and have never heard of it. You may not know this…Cruise ships can only be of medium and small size to come into Tampa Bay. The mega ships will not fit under the Skyway, even in low tide!
jason
1 year ago
Yeah Tim the story was it was the Port Authority that refused to permit it.