TAMPA, Fla. — As crews start to assess damage from Hurricane Milton across the Tampa Bay region, bridges are starting to open back up.
Message boards on Florida roadways will display messages stating whether or not bridges are open.
"The public is NOT allowed to cross the bridges once they are closed and should NOT cross the bridges, even if there are no physical barriers or officers there," FDOT said.
At a Thursday morning news conference, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced two major bridges were back open.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Open
The bridge reopened as of 9:55 a.m. Thursday.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge closes when sustained wind speeds exceed 45 mph.
Howard Frankland Bridge
Open
The Howard Frankland Bridge closed in both directions shortly after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, but has reopened as of 8:45 a.m Thursday.
Gandy Bridge
Open
The bridge closed for the storm but has reopened as of 8:45 a.m. Thursday.
Courtney Campbell Causeway
Open
FDOT worked with Tampa and Clearwater police to close the Courtney Campbell Causeway when water levels rose and it became unsafe for travel but it has since reopened as of noon Thursday.
"Following landfall of Hurricane Milton, and proper safety inspections, Tampa Bay area bridges will be reopened as soon as possible," FDOT wrote.
This story will be updated.
