Expert says Blackburn Point Bridge in Osprey is worth rehabilitating

OSPREY, Fla. (WWSB) - An expert brought in by the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation said the Blackburn Point Swing Bridge in Osprey is worth rehabilitating after he surveyed the structure.The bridge, built in 1926, crosses the Intracoastal Waterway. It is one of the few remaining swing bridges in Florida and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Sarasota County Register of Historic Places.The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation is a local organization that prioritizes historic properties to save.The expert said the 100-year-old bridge is “worthy of rehab.”“There’s very few of them left,” he said. “It doesn’t seem justifiable to put some big monstrosity on this little island that’s got a one-lane road.”PREVIOUS COVERAGE | New Review Says Blackburn Point Swing Bridge Could Be Rehabilitated for LessThe issue of saving or rehabilitating the bridge is set to be on the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners agenda in mid-December.Sarasota Coun