Sunshine Skyway lit in blue and white in honor of Israel, on DeSantis’ orders

The Sunshine Skyway bridge is being bathed in blue and white lights this week after Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered a tribute to “all of those affected by the terrorist attacks in Israel.”

DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Transportation to illuminate the iconic span in the colors of Israel’s flag, saying in a news release that “the terrorist attacks carried out on Israel over the past few days are horrific and as Americans and as Floridians, we stand with the people of Israel in this trying time.”

DeSantis has expressed strong support for Israel amid the latest war between Israel and Hamas, which already has claimed thousands of lives. On Thursday, the governor — who is running for president — declared a state of emergency over the war and directed the state to deliver supplies and charter flights for Florida residents stranded in Israel.

“St. Petersburg is home to the Florida Holocaust Museum, and we are all aware of the pernicious rise of anti-Semitism across the globe,” state Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, wrote in the news release. “Let the illuminating of the Skyway Bridge signify our unwavering support for Israel and our continuing fight against this kind of violent, senseless hate.”