End of an era
Once upon a time this coastal Florida community was a sleepy little gem tucked away amidst an array of riverine systems and lagoons. Access to the barrier island and central peninsulas was by boat or, by the 1920s, a series of rickety wooden bridges with revolving sections that allowed boat traffic to pass.
It was an age of bridge tender families that lived in little houses on the spans. By the 1960s, the four main bridges were replaced with concrete spans that featured drawbridge centers and bridge tender towers. This was done after the 1949 hurricane showed that much stronger structures were needed.
Midway across the wide Indian River were segmented causeways and spoil islands, areas where the bridges were anchored that provided picnic areas, boat launches, beaches, and shallow water swimming for families. The following years saw drawbridge maintenance and repair costs skyrocket so in the 1990s, replacement bridges were designed that would eliminate the need for drawbridges. These spans were long, soaring monstrosities that towered 60 to 65 feet above the surrounding communities - significant and conspicuous when you consider that we have a four-story building height limit (about 45 feet).
Today marks the grand opening of the last replacement bridge. The mile-long span reaches 65 feet in height and connects Jensen Beach to Hutchinson Island. There will be a 5K run, Young Angler fishing tournament, ribbon cutting ceremony, and an antique car and marching band parade. It will be a cool but sunny day and should be fun for those that attend.
I know that the solid spans will mean smoother hurricane evacuation, but it also means that the days of fishing off the old, low-slung bridges are now relegated to memories. The spoil islands have lost their sense of intimacy and coziness; they are colder, more detached and somehow isolated. Little Martin is growing to the bursting point, but I guess that's what they call progress.