A quick note before I start this feautre:
For those reading this article who may be dealing with issues themselves, or know someone in crisis, understand that you are not alone. There are programs and services out there to help you and the ones you love.
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Call 2-1-1 or dial 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255). The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has a full list of warning signs and symptoms. I’m also always here to listen to anyone who needs to talk.
For years, area residents have asked officials to add some sort of barrier to prevent/deter people from jumping off the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. On January 9, the Florida Department of Transportation announced that it would add a vertical net to stop suicide attempts on the bridge.
Construction of the net is expected to begin early this summer and take several months to complete. The project will be funded through the bridge’s toll system.
In previous years, the FDOT has attempted to implement other methods of suicide prevention. Those methods include installing cameras on the bridge and adding suicide hotline phones along the bridge.
Nearly one dozen people die each year from jumping off the bridge, according to Florida state records.
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