Florida’s famous Skyway Bridge closed after suspicious package prompts bomb squad call

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: Tampa Bay’s Skyway Bridge shut down after suspicious package found