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Letter to the editor

Air Bayway concerns tonight

By NICK JOHNSON, Times Staff Writer
Published November 28, 2007

ST. PETE BEACH - The Florida Department of Transportation is holding an informational meeting tonight about the ailing bridges that make up the Pinellas Bayway system.

The bottom line: The bridges need to be replaced, and tolls need to be increased to help fund the construction.

Marked by malfunctions and increased maintenance costs, the two drawbridges that connect Isla Del Sol to Tierra Verde and St. Pete Beach are scheduled to be replaced within the next several years.

According to the proposed finance plan, the 50 cent tolls that have been in place for more than 20 years along the east and west portions of the Bayway will be increased to $1.25. The tolls to the south leading to Fort De Soto Park will go from 35 cents to $2.50.

"This is what's needed to fund these bridges, and by doing this we will be able to start construction," Don Skelton, the DOT District 7 secretary, said.

The meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the St. Pete Beach Community Center. There will be an opportunity for public comment, but the meeting will be aimed at addressing concerns rather than gathering community opinions.

"I don't think there's much you can say. They're going to build it anyway," Commissioner Harry Metz of St. Pete Beach said.

Metz represents residents of the Pass-a-Grille neighborhood, many of whom rely heavily on the Pinellas Bayway Bridge when coming to and going from the island.

"When the bridge was brand-new and the toll was started, they told us it was to build a new one when the bridge deteriorated. Now it's time and they've spent all the money," he said.

That is a common misconception, Skelton said. That money from the Bayway's trust fund has not been squandered on other projects around the county, he said.

"No Bayway funds have been spent on any projects other than the widening of Blind Pass Road, and that was directed by the Legislature in the early '90s," Skelton said.

The money has gone to maintain and operate the bridges, an endeavor that is becoming more expensive.

If the bridges are not replaced, they will need significant rehabilitation within the next five years.Skelton estimates that cost at $40-million.

Instead, the DOT plans to move forward with the new construction. The two bridges and additional improvements will cost almost $180-million. The Bayway trust fund will cover about $36-million.

"It's making a prudent decision to use your money wisely," Skelton said.

But some are worried about the impact on people who work and live in the area. The cost of an annual pass would go from $50 to $125.

Connie Langhorst of Friends of Tierra Verde said she wants to see a new bridge built but doesn't think people who live and work on the island should have to shoulder the burden.

"The audacity of the county to say they are going to raise the tolls to the residents is ridiculous," Langhorst said. "We spend a lot of taxes already and we don't see them being spent here."

Others think the benefits will outweigh the cost.

"Personally I don't see any problem, if we want new bridges and safe bridges," James Dean, owner of Tierra Verde Hardware, said.

"If you want to come and enjoy a beautiful place, then you should be able to afford the extra 75 cents. I don't think that's going to break anybody," Dean said.

The state plans to start receiving bids on the Pinellas Bayway bridgenext year and award a contract to design and build the Tierra Verde bridge in 2009.

Both are to be replaced by taller fixed spans and would stay open during the new construction.

Nick Johnson can be reached at nickjohnson@sptimes.com or 727 893-8361.

If you go

Meeting tonight

Where: St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive

When: 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

[Last modified November 27, 2007, 20:54:25]