Ringling Causeway Bridge

John Ringling Causeway a.k.a. Ringling Bridge a.k.a. Gil Waters Bridge extends from Sarasota to Lido Key. The original bridge was constructed in 1925 by John Ringling and like the two bridges since which are man-​made structures meaning they have a limited life and won’t last forever, if you build or refurbish a monument it doesn’t give one the right to rename it. The Washington Monument was dedicated in 1885 and has under gone many renovations over the years, it’s not likely with its latest renovation complete it will be rename the «Obama Monument». The controversy started when the new bridge’s name was changed to the «Gil Waters» Bridge. I say shame on those of you who question the legacy of John Ringling who was, the most well-​known of the seven Ringling brothers, who merged the Barnum & Bailey Circus with his own Ringling Brothers Circus to create «The Greatest Show on Earth». For decades the name John Ringling Causeway Bridge has been a part of Sarasota’s history. Since moving the circus headquarters here in 1927 John Ringling’s vision, money and effort’s is what has made Sarasota what it is today. Designating the John Ringling Causeway bridge the Gil Waters Bridge was supposed to be a touching gesture commemorating a more modern Sarasotan which is ridiculous and reactive and it was done without notifying the citizens of Sarasota so it retches of scandal and self serving interest. Hey I’m all for recognizing one of the largest developers and businessmen of the modern age but why was it necessary to rename something that has been an iconic symbol of Sarasota for decades. No disrespect to Mr. Waters, I’m for building something to honor one of Sarasota’s elite but renaming a piece of history is a little much…

John Ringling Causeway Bridge is a bridge and landmark that extends from mainland Sarasota to Bird Key. Extending about 65 feet high off the bay, the John Ringling Causeway Bridge has lanes for cars as well as bikers, walkers, and runners.
Why add the John Ringling Causeway Bridge? It’s all part of the Unilocal experience and this is a historical part of Sarasota. If you can check into the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa, you should be able to check into this bridge as well.
Finished in 2003, this bridge is expected to last at least 75 years. The cost was around $ 68 million.