Investigators Seek Dashcam Footage from Howard Frankland Bridge

Authorities are requesting assistance from motorists who may have dashcam footage recorded on the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa between 1 a.m. And 5 a.m. On April 24, 2026. The request is related to an ongoing investigation involving missing University of South Florida (USF) students.

Investigation into Missing USF Students

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) investigated police activity on the northbound lanes of the Howard Frankland Bridge on April 24, 2026, which led to the closure of two inside lanes during the morning rush hour. The lane closures caused significant delays, stretching back to 4th Street in St. Petersburg. Bay News 9 reported on the incident.

The investigation is connected to the disappearance of two USF students who have been missing since April 16, 2026. Evidence linked to the missing students was discovered on the bridge and transported to a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office location for processing. FOX 13 Tampa Bay confirmed this connection.

Howard Frankland Bridge Construction Project

The investigation occurred as a major construction project on the Howard Frankland Bridge continues. The project, which began in Spring 2020, aims to expand the bridge to eight lanes – four general-use lanes and four express lanes (two in each direction). A shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists is also being constructed alongside the bridge. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is overseeing the $973.4 million project, with an estimated completion date in Summer 2026.

In July 2025, the older southbound Howard Frankland Bridge was repurposed as the new northbound bridge. The original 1960s northbound bridge has since been removed. As of April 2026, the new southbound bridge is nearing completion, with crews finalizing railing installation and aesthetic painting. Construction of the express lanes is ongoing, and the shared-use path on the Pinellas County side is also nearing completion.

Request for Dashcam Footage

Investigators are specifically seeking dashcam footage from vehicles that traveled on the Howard Frankland Bridge between 1 a.m. And 5 a.m. On April 24, 2026. Anyone with potentially relevant footage is urged to contact the authorities. Details on how to submit footage have not been publicly released as of April 29, 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Police activity related to the missing USF students caused lane closures on the Howard Frankland Bridge on April 24, 2026.
• Investigators are seeking dashcam footage from motorists who traveled on the bridge between 1 a.m. And 5 a.m. That day.
• A major construction project to expand the Howard Frankland Bridge is expected to be completed in Summer 2026.