Venice, Florida: Manatee Causeway Closed After Swimmer in DistressVenice, Florida: Manatee Causeway Closed After Swimmer in Distress The Manatee Causeway, a popular bridge connecting mainland Florida to the barrier island of Casey Key, was closed on Thursday afternoon after a swimmer was reported to be in distress. According to the Venice Police Department, the incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. Witnesses reported that a swimmer was struggling against the strong current and appeared to be going under. Emergency crews from multiple agencies, including the Venice Fire Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Coast Guard, responded to the scene. The causeway was closed in both directions while search and rescue operations were underway. Divers entered the water and searched for the missing swimmer. However, as of 6:00 p.m., the swimmer had not yet been located. The Manatee Causeway is a vital transportation link for residents of Venice and Casey Key. The closure caused significant traffic delays in the area. Motorists were advised to seek alternate routes. The search for the swimmer is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Venice Police Department. Update (8:30 p.m.): The missing swimmer has been identified as a 54-year-old Venice resident. The search is now considered a recovery operation. The causeway remains closed, and the Venice Police Department is investigating the incident.