Whereas the Pensacola Bay Bridge was destroyed by construction barges ripped from their anchors during Hurricane Sally, September 16, 2020 (source: Florida Department of Transportation).

Whereas the Pensacola Bay Bridge is the single-most important connection of US-98 between Pensacola and the communities to the east, including Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and even as far east as Panama City.

Whereas the primary detour route (State Road 281, Garcon Point Bridge) for Gulf Breeze and Pensacola residents is a single lane in both directions as opposed to the four-lane divided highway of US‑98.

Whereas the design of the primary detour route was not designed to accommodate the resultant traffic increase, leading to tie-ups and accidents.

Whereas the primary detour route becomes so impassible that many pay out-of-pocket to live in Pensacola during the week, then return home to Gulf Breeze and Navarre on weekends.

Whereas we perceive had a bridge of this importance been destroyed in Central or South Florida, repairs would have received immensely greater attention and resources.

Hence, we the residents and businesses of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay Counties find the current situation utterly unacceptable and respectfully request the governor of the State of Florida – with the strongest sense of urgency – compel, allocate, reallocate, and divert all available resources to quickly expedite repair and completion of the new Pensacola Bay Bridge.

Reference: https://ssrnews.com/pensacola-bay-bridge-repairs-hit-snag-bridge-will-not-reopen-to-any-traffic-in-march/