Hillsborough County Commissioners today agreed to a slight delay in tearing down the Friendship Trail Bridge. A proposal to spend $4.2 million to raze the structure was before the board, but after several bridge advocates begged for more time, commissioners agreed to a slight delay — allowing them 30 days to provide information to county administrator Mike Merrill, who will then return to the commission with his assessment of their plans.
Commissioner Mark Sharpe said he continues to receive phone calls asking commissioners to hold off on razing the structure, and asked county staff how much longer would they be okay with a delay. He was told no longer than 90 days. He called for a two-week delay, but Commissioner Victor Crist then suggested a full month's delay.
