The most iconic bridge in Florida is also the most deadly.

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In 1980, a freighter collided with support column during a storm, sending over 1,200 feet of the bridge plummeting into Tampa Bay. The collision caused six cars, a truck, and a Greyhound bus to fall 150 feet into the water, killing 35 people.

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What I find very eerie about this is that the remaining spans of the original bridge remain alongside the current bridge and serve as both a popular fishing pier and a reminder of the accident. 

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The bridge collapse is not the only deadly accident to occur in the waters surrounding the bridge. Also in 1980, before the collapse, The USCGC Blackthorn traveling out of Tampa Bay at the same time a tanker called the Capricorn was headed in. As the Blackthorn approached the bridge, a cruise ship was passing by and was so brightly lit that it hindered the view of the Blackthorn crew. The Blackthorn maneuvered the ship to move away from the cruise ship but also into the direct path of the dimly lit Capricorn. The ships collided and resulted in the deaths of an 23 crew members of both ships.

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If that is not enough dark history for you, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is also one of the most popular places in Florida to commit suicide. More than 200 people have jumped to their deaths from the bridge since it was built. 

 

Due to the unfortunate accidents and suicides that have occurred at the bridge, there seems to be a high level of paranormal activity and unusual stories about the bridge.

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One of the most common stories is that travelers see young woman at the top of the bridge and even go as far as reporting her to law enforcement and upon checking they find that no one there.

Ghostly hitchhikers, Phantom Vessels and their passengers; including that of a Ghoulish Greyhound Bus that crashed into the waters below during the collapse have; all been seen along the bridge.

 

Note that it is illegal to stop anywhere on the bridge (lots of vehicle traffic, high speeds and prevalence of suicides.) If you do stop you will be approached by law enforcement.

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