FDOT Expands Bridge Light Rules, Limiting Colors to Patriotic Displays

FDOT's New Bridge Lighting Policy

• 🌉 The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has implemented a new policy restricting the lighting colors on state-owned bridges, including the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
• ⚠️ Previously, bridges were lit in various colors to honor different causes and communities, such as rainbow colors for Pride Week or Ukraine's flag colors.

Shift to Patriotic Colors

• 🇺🇸 Starting last year, FDOT mandated that state bridges display red, white, and blue lights from Memorial Day through Labor Day as part of a "Freedom Summer" initiative.
• 🗓️ This policy has now been expanded, with FDOT Secretary Jared Purdue announcing that patriotic colors will be displayed through 2026.
• 🚫 The new policy permits lighting only for federal holidays on any state bridge.

Reasoning and Support for the Change

• 🗣️ Manatee County Commissioner Mike Ran supports the FDOT's decision, stating that requests for bridge lighting had become "ridiculous" and that bridges should only be lit for national holidays.

Opposition and Concerns

• 🏳️‍🌈 St. Pete Pride organizers express disappointment, questioning how this change aligns with welcoming diverse communities and making people feel seen, heard, and supported by their government.
• 📣 They argue that using bridge lights to highlight communities facing tough times or to signal welcome is a valuable practice that is now being lost.

Scope of the Policy

• 📍 It is important to note that this FDOT mandate applies only to state-owned bridges and does not affect bridges within individual cities.
• 🌉 The Sunshine Skyway Bridge will continue to be lit in red, white, and blue until 2026.