We’ve compiled in this post the bridge clearances between low and high tides for the bridges surrounding Longboat Key and Sarasota County. We hope our experience as long-time local Longboat Key waterfront realtors will help you become more familiar with Longboat Key Waterfront Real Estate.
John Ringling Causeway Bridge
The Ringling Causeway Bridge connects Sarasota and St. Armands Circle. This bridge has a vertical clearance of 65 ft and a 100 ft horizontal clearance. This bridge is a fixed-span bridge.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, for Longboat Key, the mean high tide level is 1.69, the mean low tide level is 0.42, and the mean tide level is 1.03. On average, the clearance during high tide for Ringling Causeway Bridge is 63 ft, and during low tide, it is 65 ft.
New Pass Bridge
The New Pass Bridge on Longboat Key (SR 789) has a 90 ft horizontal clearance and a 23 ft vertical clearance. This type of bridge is a bascule bridge, which opens up every 20 and 40 minutes from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. If going through this bridge from the times of 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., you must give at least a 3-hour notice to the draw tender, and it will open on signal.
When it is high tide, the New Pass Bridge’s approximate vertical clearance is 21 ft, and in low tide, the clearance is 23 ft.
Longboat Pass Bridge
The Longboat Pass Bridge is located on SR 789, connecting Longboat Key and Bradenton Beach. This bridge has a 17 ft vertical clearance and a 45 ft horizontal clearance. It is a Bascule bridge that opens on signal.
When high tide occurs, the approximate clearance is 15 ft., and when it is low tide, the vertical clearance is around 17 ft.
Cortez Bridge
Cortez Bride, located on SR 684, is a bascule bridge with a vertical clearance of 22 ft. and a horizontal clearance of 90.00 ft. The bridge opens daily every 20 and 40 minutes from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Anytime after that, the bridge opens on signal.
During high tide, the bridge’s approximate vertical clearance is 20 ft., and during low tide, the clearance is 22 ft.
Anna Maria Bridge
Anna Maria Bridge, Manatee Ave West (SR 64), is a bascule bridge. This bridge opens from the first quarter hour, and three-quarter hour from 6 A.M. to 7 P.M. Other than that, the bridge also opens on signal.
The bridge’s vertical clearance is 24 ft, and the horizontal clearance is 90 ft. During high tide, the approximate clearance is 22 ft., and during low tide, the bridge’s clearance is 24 ft.
Siesta Drive Bridge
Siesta Drive Bridge, south of Longboat Key, has a vertical clearance of 25.00 ft and a horizontal clearance of 90 ft. During high tide, the approximate clearance is 23 ft., and during low tide, the clearance is 25 ft.
This bridge is a bascule bridge. The bridge opens every 30 minutes from 6 A.M. to 7 P.M. At any other time, the bridge opens on signal.
Stickney Point Bridge
Stickney Point Bridge, located on SR 72, is a bascule bridge. This bridge opens up between the hours of 6 A.M. and 7 P.M. every 30 minutes. Any other time, the bridge will open on signal.
The vertical clearance on this bridge is 18 ft., and the horizontal clearance is 90 ft. The approximate high tide clearance for the Stickney Point Bridge is 16 ft, and during low tide, it is 18 ft.
VHF Radio Communication with the Bridge Tender:
Alert the bridge operator on the VHF that you need an opening for the bridge in your area. Let them know the location and description of your boat so they can spot you on the water. If in a group, each boat should call in and make a request. If the Bridge tender does not pick up your call, continue to call.
If they still don’t reply, you can use a horn to sound one prolonged blast followed within three seconds by one short blast. The bridge tender should be acknowledged with the same signal. If he responds with five short blasts, there’s a problem. You should respond with five short blasts to indicate your understanding that you cannot proceed.
The bridge tender will signal one long and one short blast that they’re opening. Don’t proceed until you see that their opening is complete. Also, be aware of any boats on the other side with a current pushing them toward the bridge; they have the right of way. Advise the bridge tender once it is clear.
Walter Group Real Estate
As luxury realtors with 20 years of experience serving Longboat Key and its surrounding areas, Steve and Janet of the Walter Group Real Estate specialize in representing buyers and sellers. We are committed to guiding you through the latest luxury listings and helping you find your dream home in paradise.
Start your search with us today, and let us assist you in achieving your dream of owning a luxurious property in one of Florida’s most beautiful coastal communities.
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