Experience downtown Tampa after dark through the Lights on Tampa bridge lighting initiative. Sponsored in part by Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas and Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority, Tampa’s bridges have been artistically and architecturally illuminated to provide a safe and fun atmosphere.
Five bridges in the heart of downtown were initially lit in 2012 by artist Tracey Dear, and most recently, the Fortune Taylor Bridge (formerly Laurel Street Bridge) received permanent lighting by local artist, Chris Jones. The structure of the bridge allowed for a different creative approach; color kinetic light fixtures programmed by Jones cycle through a broad spectrum of color palettes and designs.
When to go:
The bridges are illuminated nightly from dusk until dawn.
Where to go:
After dark, the bridges can be viewed by foot along the Tampa Riverwalk or by boat along the Hillsborough River. To date, six of the nine downtown bridges, have been illuminated: Platt Street Bridge, Brorein Street Bridge, Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority overpass, Kennedy Boulevard Bridge, the CSX Railroad Bridge, and most recently, Fortune Taylor Bridge (formerly Laurel Street Bridge)
View this Map of Downtown to plan your trip.
By foot:
Start at one end of the Riverwalk and count your steps! From Armature Works to Sparkman Wharf is almost 3 miles, however, you can hop in at any part of the Riverwalk. You may also want to consider starting at the new Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park and walking over the newly-lit Fortune Taylor Bridge.
By boat:
There are several public parks along the Riverwalk with access to docks and boat slips Waterworks Park, Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa Convention Center, and Cotanchobee/Ft. Brooke Park.
For more information on the Riverwalk, dining in the area, family fun, and a tour of other Public Art along the Riverwalk visit: thetampariverwalk.com