// Risk Intelligence
| Risk Score | 8 / 10 High |
| Facility Type | 🌉 Bridge / Critical Crossing |
| Operator / Branch | Florida Department of Transportation |
| Host County | Hillsborough County FL |
| Nearest City | Washington DC |
| Primary Risk Radius | 5 miles |
| Secondary Risk Radius | 50 miles |
// Strategic Significance
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge crosses Tampa Bay carrying I-275 between St. Petersburg and Manatee County. A freighter struck the original bridge in 1980 killing 35 people and causing a section to collapse. The current bridge was built with protective barriers and fenders but remains vulnerable to ship strike. The bridge is the primary evacuation route south from St. Petersburg during Tampa Bay hurricanes.
// Civilian Impact Assessment
Tampa Bay metro with 3.2 million residents depends on the Skyway as the primary southbound evacuation route. The 1980 collapse killed 35 people. A hurricane simultaneously requiring evacuation and causing bridge damage would be catastrophic for Tampa Bay evacuation.
// Evacuation & Shelter Guidance
I-275, US-19, Bayway Boulevard. Hillsborough County Emergency Management coordinates hurricane evacuation and bridge closure protocols.