Well, the bridge operators can certainly call it the “Circus Bridge,” and, since they do, this is how you should refer to the span when calling the bridge, BUT in the Federal Register, its the “South Venice Bridge.” Oh well, who reads the “Federal Register?”

This bridge is called the `Circus bridge’ and the tenders will correct you, if referred to otherwise. They are a bit touchy I guess.
Rick Perry

Claiborne – we travel this route often and for several years now (probably back to 2005-6) the bridge has been known as “Circus Bridge”. The Florida Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Bridge Schedule (this is a website item) now calls it the Tamiami Trail Bridge. We were last thru this bridge in late May of this year and it was Circus Bridge at that time. The current web page appears to be as of September 2010. Perhaps someone from the area will be able to provide up to date info. How about contacting the city of Venice or the County Offices??
John N. Cover
Hudson, Florida

It was over 5 years ago that we hailed that bridge by the name in your cruising guide and were told that we should use `circus bridge’ or risk not being answered. I marked our chart accordingly. Apparently the confusion still reigns.
Duane Ising, IT

Have been cruising through the area for over 30 years and have never heard of Circus Bridge, always was South Venice Bridge.
Captain Walt Wagner

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Bridge Directory Listing For the “Circus Bridge”