Florida Roadside Attractions & Abandoned Places - Haunted Hillman Bridge - Ray Charles Ghost Town

Welcome to Florida Roadside Attractions & Abandoned Places where in this episode we will visit the Hillman bridge that crosses the Suwannee River in Highway 90 near the Suwannee River State Park. Let’s walk across this rustic old Florida together and talk about it’s haunted folklore. Also we will travel down Highway 90 to see some other Ghost towns and the childhood hometown of Ray Charles. There is much ahead.
Tampa Jay on Instagram @tampajay
#roadsideattractions #abandoned #haunted #florida #ghosts #travel #oldflorida #roadsidexploration

[@jennifergrabowski9794]

I’m from St. Pete...obsessed with these old Florida towns. My fathers’s best friend (RIP to both of them) had property on the Suwannee River and we spent many a weekend there. Love it up there.

[@TampaJay]

Jennifer Grabowski that’s awesome glad you found the video my friend

[@hellohuman2701]

I was born and raised in Largo/Seminole area, but now I live in Lake City!

[@deborahchesser7375]

@@TampaJay I wish I knew how a guy could get some kind of job involving driving around recording and mapping these places and area’s. Maybe for a surveying company or the state/counties/cities. Utility companies maybe, it’s so peaceful and warm down there I love it. I build motorcycles too so that’s another big plus as far as weather. I need to get moving

[@jessehudson1611]

brings back some old memories, home sweet home, Suwannee Co.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Sounded like Adam in the intro! What a view with that bridge! Nice to have a place to yourself. Way down upon the Suwannee River. Far, far away.

[@AGhostintheHouse]

Adam The Woo? If so, I was thinking the same thing!

[@MP72792]

I’m pretty sure it is, it just looks like he shaved

[@bradforddillman7671]

There’s definitely some weird Woo vibes here. Which is fine with me because I love his (their) style

[@kristinwood8884]

He sure did!

[@Duzer0072]

Nothing I like more than listening to a river flow by. Don’t get to hear it very often. Thanks for that.

[@janslifejourney2296]

Absolutely beautiful!! Love those old towns! Thank you so much

[@TampaJay]

Thank you Jan : )

[@MoviemaniaNick]

Awesome Jay! I like seeing you get out there and visiting all these roadside attractions and abandoned places. I'm going to hit the road myself sometime and visit different places around me soon.

[@curtandoscar]

Your videos are like a dream come true and a total respite and joy in the middle of the misery that is 2020. I have dug old abandoned rustic/rusty bridges and structures and roadside kitsch since I was young. Back in the mid 80s when I was 21, I drove from the U.S. east coast to the west coast and back. We would always stop and check out abandoned farms in Texas and Louisiana and such - old dead windmills and rotting dustbowl places, country stores, etc. The best parts of those trips were getting off the superhighways and taking side roads and old routes. What you show on here is exactly what we did. I honestly didn't realize this stuff could have a youtube following, but I'm tickled it does! Good on you. And, thanks for the steady camerawork! And more, Bella, please! :)

[@Jeannified]

I love all of your videos. I appreciate how you pay respect to these great old places, by bringing us along for the adventure. This is the kind of adventure I would go on, myself. Fantastic! These videos are especially comforting during these times. Paying tribute to the past. Good job!

[@TampaJay]

Jeannified thanks so much my friend these are my favorite types to make

[@xandersadventures7527]

That was a fun adventure. I love that old bridge. I think the drizzly weather really added to the ambiance of this adventure. Greyt work as always! 👍

[@sarahmoller9716]

Really enjoyed this video. Gonna start watching and catching up with older videos. Stay safe Tampa Jay

[@kathyinwonderlandl.a.8934]

Loved this one! This river is the song, it’s a classic.. I love old places with ivy growing and greenery . Loved all the time you took to explain things 🥰

[@kevinsunderman4432]

Beautiful Spanish Moss Hanging from that Live Oak over the River, as you stood on that Picnic Table ! beautiful JAy, Excellent Video! :)

[@CathyHazelAdams_Quantum_Spirit]

I stumbled upon your channel and I love it. I so enjoy the easy, laid back, real life pace and feel of these videos vs the hyper processed videos that are so prevalent now. Its fun to see all these places along with you - thank you!

[@TampaJay]

Thank you Cathy. It means so much to me to hear you are watching and enjoying the videos. I have a fun time making them and I’m so grateful for the positive feedback. I appreciate you a ton!

[@GaryNik5374]

Fading away into the forest... What a great line. Loved the sound of the rain on the umbrella. Great video.

[@lady0fdarkness]

Proud Floridian here! and I love your channel.

[@MikeRuh01]

That's a pretty cool bridge. I'd hang out all night looking for the Hitchhiker Ghost. Besides seeing only 1 other Vehicle in Lee, I thought you were in an abandoned town.

[@MorningMary67]

Hi Jay! Love the video and love the music! It's amazing the places you seem to find. I've lived in FL all my life and you continue to show me new places. It's a shame about all the old practically abandoned towns. I wish they could be revitalized somehow. Such cool old buildings, I can just imagine what could be done with them. I would definitely not want to be on that bridge at night!!!! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@TampaJay]

Thanks so much! I wish too that we could repurpose all of these old buildings. It’s sad to see them disappear. I’m happy you enjoyed the video thank you !

[@vincentappleby9521]

Awesome JAY. Love the creepy old bridge although I’d hate to be there alone at night. Great video Jay. 👻🙂👍

[@marypettyfer4640]

That bridge looks very spooky fantastic bridge 👍😘

[@mjbodybuilding]

that ray Charles video was great. thanks for the historical memories.. I am going to sub bro

[@vwsandvettes3253]

Thanks for sharing! I gotta say how much I dislike rain, but I appreciate you being willing to trudge through it to show us your travels.

[@TampaJay]

Thank you so much Ted. It was just bearable enough that I could enjoy a walk and make a video evaded up being Simone really good fun out there

[@voyager0156]

pretty cool! living in the tampa bay area, i love hearing about small and forgotten florida

[@triplejay61]

There is another bridge near Suwannee Springs. The old US 129 bridge. On the Suwannee/Hamilton county line.

[@j_l_b6599]

Good Job Tampa Jay! I have visited all these spots! Love the video!

[@arinasan247]

I used to visit that park when I was in my teens and twenties. That was a long time ago back in the 80s, 90s. I can't believe that old side bridge is still there. Looks exactly like it did way back then.

[@robertsilva8097]

Thank you for sharing this Great video

[@xolauraxo]

Great content, love seeing these old towns.

[@TampaJay]

Thank you Laura

[@gusty2477]

Like your blog very interesting places

[@marypettyfer4640]

Cool Ray Charles 👍

[@DisDutch]

Hey Jay!! Thank you for this video!! Here in Europe Halloween is not something that gets us excited so we are thrilled when we see you making more of this kind of videos! Florida hidden jams!! Can be anything! Beautiful part of the world! We come there every year!! This corona is gonna force is miss Florida upcoming year!!

[@TampaJay]

DisDutch you’re so welcome thanks so much for running I’m glad to learn you enjoyed it

[@ItsJoeysworld]

So are those the same Hitchhiking Ghosts at the Haunted Mansion, be careful one might just follow you home!

[@TampaJay]

I was thinking the same thing haha

[@beewalsh1603]

#100 Thumbs Up. 👍🏾 Cool bridge, I know Ive seen it in movies

[@DeanSchumacher]

When I was younger we use to camp out there also jump off tht bridge in the hot summer lot of fun I think 2 or 3 ppl have died jumping off tht bridge nice video

[@myahayes3905]

im from Tallahassee Fl and im glad you are show different parts of florida that i didn't know were hunted

[@minutemark]

That "R.C." Robinson statue is awesome. So much movement in it! Thanks, Jay! Very cool video!

[@TampaJay]

Mark Langenkamp thank you buddy

[@kevinsandells9933]

Another awesome video. Thanks for taking the time to do them. Stay safe

[@TampaJay]

Kevin Sandells thank you Kevin

[@johnroot4886]

Definitely be careful of hitchhiking ghosts, amazing how these places just get taken back by Mother Nature, really love the roadside stuff, thanks for another great video, your stuff just gets better and better. Thank you for all you do and for keeping us all entertained and informed.

[@TampaJay]

John Root thank you buddy

[@Richardretirer]

What a trooper, recording in the rain!

[@jamesscrivner6755]

Good memories. Lived in Live Oak for a few years in the mid 1950's. There is a similar abandoned bridge on hwy 129 at Suwannee Springs, a few miles North of Live Oak. Spent many hours hunting, camping and swimming 'back in my day'.

[@saha4969]

I live in the other side of live oak, in jasper fl. the old bridge is still standing. Spirit of Suwannee is on the live oak side. Big time famous music groups play there.

[@jamesscrivner6755]

@@saha4969 Do you happen to know Don Rudser?

[@saha4969]

@@jamesscrivner6755 yes, he was a lawyer in jasper,has retired so don't see him around town anymore.

[@sherryosborn5583]

Wow! I never knew Ray Charles was from Florida??!! Love all your vidz luv scary sherry

[@golddustwoman4993]

This was so good. Those little towns are so neat.

[@TampaJay]

Gold Dust Woman thank you love the small town Americana stuff

[@robertsilva8097]

Keep up the Great work

[@PrinceofMacedonVlogs]

you're hitting up all the real haunts

[@TReaperMusic]

Props !! those are some wild spots. I need to check them out

[@KtaraBlue]

happy to find a local guide! great info and beautiful sights

[@TampaJay]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it thank you Jen

[@thecrankster4162]

Awesome video, and RIP to Ray Charles may you give talent and hope for those who cross your statue,,,,,,

[@TampaJay]

Thank you!

[@1SeanBond]

A excellent veiw TJ the bridge i sure enjoyed that! I also like that you are steady with the Camera, it sure let's us see things realy clear, appreciate your efforts and quality work, keep well bud! Cheers 🍻

[@filmcopstv7971]

Loved it

[@beewalsh1603]

Very awesome places Tampa Jay. 😎

[@TampaJay]

bee walsh thank you bee

[@suzannedupree3345]

Thnx for the adventure, enjoyed it!

[@TampaJay]

Thanks for joining the journey I’m glad you enjoyed it :)

[@sBabysKid-nk8eh]

Thank you! XX

[@johnnycopus211]

Yeah great picnic spot

[@TampaJay]

Yogi Bear would agree !

[@EdgarJurgen]

Nice! 👍🏻

[@jenna4678]

New sub here! Very cool video!!! As a younger female, I’m hesitant to visit these places, especially on my own. So thanks for sharing these awesome places. Feels like I’m there!

[@classicamusementparks]

Never knew that about Ray Charles...seems like I should have picked that up before now.

[@zachariahcouch394]

My dad had a place not far from that bridge. I have been on that bridge a few times. Hope you had a great time.

[@pistolpaulie4871]

While you where standing on the railroad at Lee Florida. The background and town reminded me of the movie “Fried Green tomatoes”

[@NatureRecycleFlorida]

Cool

[@ExploringWithBonnie13]

New subscriber here from Ohio. This was awesome. I love these kind of videos nature always takes things back. Beautiful trees and captivating bridge, town. I have a KZbin. channel myself so I'm here to support.

[@normanbarney1568]

Great video!!!!! Headed to Cedar Key this weekend and thinking about taking a day trip from there. Hillman might be an option!!

[@TampaJay]

Norman Barney thAnks buddy have fun out there

[@laurafolsom2048]

I lived in Chiefland for a couple years near Manatee springs and the Suwannee in the early 1970’s.

[@michaeldesilvio2060]

I noticed that every episode of Scooby doo had a villain that was trying to scare people off the land. 👻

[@greg33770]

Nice history Jay, Hey, did ya start singing Way Down Upon The Suwannee River ?...that looks so peaceful...i just saw a video Florida Trailblazer did on this....sad, all these little towns, i bet they were great in the day, i wish Florida was like it was back then....

[@nicholash1691]

Couldn’t agree more this is also how I feel about Kissimmee

[@BlisterHiker]

14:28 - that road would've been an amazing spooky night ride :-)

[@7389ma]

The old bridge is something you don’t see very much. The Two towns are very sleepy, I’m so glad you did not get stuck in the mud

[@tonytone9508]

Man, I wish we could get some of those Florida RAIN in my state. It’s been bone dry here since July. Ugh!

[@TampaJay]

Tony Tone praying you get some rain brother

[@tonysantiago255]

I just found your channel (KZbin is vast) and I've been enjoying your off the beaten path excursions around the Real Florida. I grew up in South Florida, but live in Massachusetts now. Where are you from Jay? "Foil lige?" I had a girlfriend from New Hampshire who used to pronounce it that way. Say it with me: "Foh(hard O)-lee-edge." On the other side of the coin, she couldn't pronounce "Linoleum" either. Ah, tongue twisters. Or the New England educational system. You decide. Keep on trekin'.

[@holleyb7861]

That old almond colored 1970s refrigerator. 😁

[@Coopdog-dp5eq]

Grew up in Gainesville, now I live in Jax. That was cool!

[@TampaJay]

Coopdog 10000 thank you !

[@loftyskies123]

hi from England just watched your Crystal lake video ,really enjoyed it so have now subbed to you , youre a lot like Adam the Woo if you dont mind me saying .looking forward to watching and catching up on the videos .

[@Cat-nq1ez]

The Bridge looks like a location from The Walking Dead :-) We loves these old and giant trees, the forgotten buildings makes me sad, before a long time it was a good company and now everything is over :-( And another rainy day for you..............., I now what you mean with a car which need not so much fuel.... But a 4X4 SUV was really great for some of your trips.

[@TampaJay]

Oliver Sch thank you Oliver I hope to go off-road someday

[@live_free_or_die7260]

My brother and I went camping with some friends and we found this bridge and dusk. It was cold, rainy and spooky as hell.

[@Jeannified]

P.S. I love hearing the rain hit the roof!

[@jwiheath1928]

Is definitely is sad history behind the story of that bridge

[@masoncraig6231]

dang bro so close to monticello, if you ever come back up to north florida you have to come to monticello you would love you

[@marypettyfer4640]

Thankyou soooooo much 😘

[@TampaJay]

Thank you Mary!

[@zakkmon123]

👍🏻

[@deanvoss7098]

Jay... a little Subaru with all-wheel drive would suit you good😊

[@antoniosanders4521]

Found yourself a new subscriber!

[@marykaycampos1589]

This is my 1st time watching you and where did you get that voice, wow it's so relaxing, do you speak for a living other than here. I like how you narrate.

[@lionisraelion2234]

Thank you.

[@TampaJay]

Lion Israelion thank you

[@marypettyfer4640]

Just what the doctor ordered Tampa Jay video. You WILL get your gas gusler should be happening quicker though 😊❤

[@foxman2091]

There is an abandon town right there called Ellaville that is walking distance from the abandoned bridge. Should go check it out. Alot of creepy areas that you can tell people had lived there once and now the earth has reclaimed the town.

[@PFAM5]

New Subscriber here. Enjoyed this video.

[@TampaJay]

PFAM5 thanks son much for tagging along glad to hear you enjoyed it : )

[@KLEARSKITHEKREEPER]

😎👍🎃

[@Poordirtfarmer]

👀👀👀 i live near there.👍

[@TH3GIFT3D]

I went there and walked all threw the woods past the bridge and did hear weird sounds out there it was creepy.

[@JNEXPLORATIONS]

hey bro I'm in Florida too would love to go with you on adventures

[@foxman2091]

That place is literally 30 mins from my house. We live in Live Oak, Fl...

[@davemesker9600]

You should check out trails end road in floral city.

[@kennethmatthew9638]

That town looks pretty, if I had the money, I'd fix it up and rent it, old school America

[@andyokus5735]

Ray Charles' probably paid for the little statue of him I'm in St. Augustine. You know one could probably buy any of that land or old deserted properties for a little back taxes from any of those counties. I'm surprised there aren't any hermits living there with lots of money. Thanks. Used to swim and hang out at the Swannee river as a kid in Bell Florida back in the 60's. Great memories. Hey, who knows what the future holds? Always look up!

[@hunterwayne5623]

Alyssa loves everyone

[@garfixit]

I want to go there

[@garfixit]

👀👍👻👻👻👻👻👻👻

[@scottcamp7385]

I saw an old phone booth icon on the pole outside the restaurant.....

[@TampaJay]

Scott Camp Saw that too thought it was awesome the phone was long gone. I love that stuff. Thanks for watching

[@bruceharvey733]

That bridge looks like the one from “A quiet place”

[@Techmonies92]

It’s not the bridge on the show is in NY

[@grrriallen7192]

TheHillman Bridge is known locally to Floridians as The Bridge to Nowhere

[@cynthiahughes5504]

Sing way down apond the swanee river .

[@arymm2]

very nice video. I love to watch your videos just to ADMIRE YOU. because you a very handsome and mAKE INTERESTING THING FOR US