We have Matt and Connie to thank for these reminders about proper communication with bridge tenders.

Just a reminder: be sure to call the bridge-tender for an opening (or that you need the opening too), even if another boat has already done so. Once you’ve passed through, if you do call the bridge with a thank you or we’re clear or whatever, please be sure to ID your vessel so they don’t close the bridge on someone behind coming through the other direction.
We just took our boat to Fort Myers from Hernando Beach (48 nm N of Tampa) and at Venice (N. of inlet) we called for a bridge opening, but the Hinckley Picnic Boat going NB did not. Result, radar, satellite dome, mast etc., cleared from the picnic boat and a very costly picnic indeed. Going into Gasparilla Sound we very nearly had the same thing happen to us when the boat ahead radioed “thanks bridge-master, we’re clear.” Mrs. Mattson quickly straightened that out though.
Matt & Connie aboard “Mischief” Prairie 29