JOHN SINGLETARY BRIDGE

The first bridge on this site was built along with the original Fort Meade in the mid-1800s. The crossing was in constant need of repair and reconstruction to serve military and civilians along the Peace River. The county began construction of what would become the John Singletary Bridge in 1927. The new structure was a reinforced concrete T-Beam bridge built to carry US 98 traffic over the Peace River. John Owen Singletary (1884 - 1931) had recently been elected to serve on the Polk County Commission, and he was an outspoken advocate for improving road conditions. When the bridge opened in 1928, it was one of the most modern in the county, an excellent example of artistic and construction trends that emphasized beauty and harmony with the natural surroundings. Decorative details included lampposts and pre-cast concrete post-and-lintel railings with pierced six-point stars and triangular-shaped openings. In 1931, the bridge was dedicated in honor of Singletary with a plaque placed on the southwest bridge post. The bridge was one of only four concrete bridges built in Polk County between 1926 and 1938. It was replaced in 2023 and the railings were relocated to the Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area.