Spirits of the Skyway
May 9, 2026. The anniversary of the 1980 disaster. One night only. 13 guests.
On May 9, 1980, the freighter MV Summit Venture struck the Sunshine Skyway Bridge during a sudden storm, collapsing a section of the bridge and sending 35 people to their deaths. It remains one of the worst bridge disasters in American history. Every year on the anniversary, Silent Slayer Ghost Tours returns to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Rest Area in St. Petersburg to conduct a structured, respectful paranormal investigation at a site that has never stopped carrying the weight of that day.
The evening begins with the publicly available Coast Guard transmission recorded in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. The chaotic, real-time audio of authorities realizing the scale of what had just happened. Every guest who has heard it says the same thing. It sets the tone for everything that follows.
Silent Slayer founder Cynthia Dominick has heard Robert Raiola speak in person. Raiola and his partner Mike Betz were underwater bridge inspectors for FDOT and among the first divers on the scene on May 9, 1980. They recovered victims from submerged vehicles, including a Greyhound bus. His firsthand account of that day informs how Silent Slayer approaches this investigation with the gravity, respect, and seriousness it deserves.
Since 2022 Silent Slayer has conducted this annual investigation at the Rest Area. A black orb captured on camera is visible on Silent Slayer's YouTube channel. Spirit box responses have, on separate occasions, included names consistent with the list of victims. Rest area staff have shared firsthand accounts of a young boy seen near the restrooms, believed to be looking for his mother. These are not claims made lightly. They are documented, reported by credible sources, and presented without embellishment.
This is a 3-hour outdoor paranormal investigation using Spirit Boxes, REM-Pods, EMF Meters, EVP Recorders, and more. The evening includes a guided Estes Method session and a Portal session for advanced spirit communication.
This is not a theatrical attraction. It is a structured investigation at one of Florida's most significant paranormal locations. Locals across Tampa Bay have documented their own experiences at this site. A feature documentary about the 1980 disaster is available at skywaybridgedisaster.com for guests who want to understand the full history before attending.
Group size is strictly limited to 13 guests. This event is held once a year, on the anniversary. A few spots remain for May 9, 2026.
Location: Sunshine Skyway Bridge Rest Area, St. Petersburg, FL
Date: May 9, 2026 / Duration: 3 hours
Ages 18+ / Limited to 13 guests / One night only
$129 per person
