The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge — which spans Tampa Bay from Bradenton to St. Petersburg — was shut down in both directions on Wednesday after authorities discovered a suspicious package, according to St. Petersburg police.
Investigators said a person left the package on the bridge shortly before 11 a.m. and then jumped into the water. The bomb squad was called to examine the item as a precaution.
Southbound traffic is being diverted at 54th Avenue South, while northbound drivers are being redirected at I-75 and I-275, the Florida Highway Patrol reported.
This a developing story.
Melissa Pérez-Carrillo covers breaking news and public safety for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Reach out at mperezcarrillo@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida’s famous Skyway Bridge closed after suspicious package prompts bomb squad call
Reporting by Melissa Pérez-Carrillo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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