UPDATE: Cortez Bridge reopens

TRAFFIC UPDATE: Cortez Bridge reopened at approximately 2 p.m. Longboat Key residents and motorists are still urged to avoid the area.

The Cortez Bridge, which connects Bradenton to Anna Maria Island, was closed for approximately four hours this morning while the Mantee County Sheriff's Office investigates a multiple car crash and stolen vehicle incident that occurred in west Bradenton and ended on the bridge. 

The suspect was apprehended on the bridge and was involved in several crashes while being chased by deputies in Bradenton. No major injuries have been reported as a result of the incidents.

Longboat Key motorists are still being advised to avoid the area and use the Anna Maria Bridge to the north of the Cortez Bridge if they must head north to Bradenton while traffic congestion clears. 

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].