Public officials and residents are demanding answers about years of deferred maintenance and the future of the George Crady Bridge, saying the condition of the historic fishing bridge has left Duval County residents without access while raising broader questions about government accountability.
The issue took center stage during a recent Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting, where commissioners and citizens called for a detailed accounting of maintenance funding, inspection reports and a clear plan to restore the Duval County portion of the nearly mile-long pedestrian fishing bridge spanning Nassau Sound.
The Nassau side of the bridge remains open to visitors, while the Duval County side has been closed because of safety concerns.
Residents questioned whether state or federal funding, including possible Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance following storm damage, had been sought or received for repairs and why improvements appear to have favored the Nassau County side.
“We just want to find out if they applied for FEMA money — did they receive monies? Did they not use the money there for the road?” resident and fisherwoman Leatrice Bell told commissioners. Bell also questioned whether funding used to improve a Nassau County boat ramp came at the expense of promised fishing access and amenities on the Duval side.
Jacksonville City Council member Mike Gay, whose District 2 includes the area, said Jacksonville contributes $35,000 annually under an interlocal agreement that requires the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to maintain the bridge. He said the city has met its obligations but expressed concern that the state’s responsibilities have not been fulfilled.
The discussion highlights growing frustration over the future of one of Northeast Florida’s most recognizable fishing landmarks. Built in 1948 after the opening of the adjacent vehicular bridge, the Crady Bridge has served generations of enthusiasts while providing one of the region’s most accessible public fishing destinations. Years of saltwater exposure, hurricanes and aging infrastructure have accelerated its decline, leaving many residents concerned about continued delays to the historic structure.
Commissioners said they will continue working with state officials to obtain maintenance records, review funding history and identify options for restoring public access to portions of the bridge deemed safe.